2 Peter 2:19 “They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.”
As we’ve discussed before, there were many false teachers infiltrating the first century churches. This verse makes me think of the times we are living in where some preachers are referred to as “feel good preachers”. Their message is basically that Jesus is more of a friend who accepts all they do without any consequences for their actions. Their message is focused on what the individual wants rather than focusing on God. So, if you think about it, those first century false teachers were the original “feel good preachers/teachers” who promised a type of freedom to pursue your own pleasures without the need for accountability. But their promise of freedom was something they were unable to deliver on, only God has the ability to deliver true freedom. We all make choices and the choices we make either enslave us or free us. Paul chose to obey Christ and carry the Gospel throughout the nations, and this led to his imprisonment. Even though Paul was surrounded by walls that were meant to hold him captive, he was actually free and found joy in serving the Lord. Those who focus on doing what makes them feel good at the moment becomes slaves to their own sin and their sin controls them. Whether it is money, sex, drugs or whatever else you can think of, they are trading a relationship with God to satisfy their own pleasures. Christ provided a way for us to be free from sin and death. Not in the sense that we will never again sin or never die but in the sense that we have been redeemed and we are forgiven. And even though our physical bodies will experience death, we will experience eternal live because of His grace and mercy. It is through our faith in Christ that the chains of slavery have been broken. If we refuse to follow God then we are following Satan, those are the two options we have. We cannot follow our own desires and say we are following God. We cannot be controlled or enslaved by our selfish ways and still have any degree of true freedom. Freedom is found in the spirit of God and while some may tell you following God is restrictive, it is because they have never tasted the freedom He offers. They have never been empowered by the Holy Spirit. Until next time may God bless you and bring peace to your heart.