We can join the Apostle Paul in giving thanks for God’s grace and use the famous words of Dr. Martin Luther King, as he quoted the old spiritual song: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!” Becoming a Christian means that we are freed from law-keeping as the basis of our salvation. Now God is living inside us and empowering us through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps us know God’s will and then live it out (1 Corinthians 2:10-13; Galatians 5:22-23). Through the power of the Spirit, we can do what no law can make us do: live up to God’s standards of righteousness by the power of the Spirit (Romans 8:1-4). We are free from law-keeping – not just Old Testament law, but any law (Galatians 3:21-22) – and empowered to become like Jesus, free from the destructive power of the law, sin, shame, and death (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
Gracious Father, thank you for all your gifts to me. Today, I especially want to thank you for freeing me from law-keeping and empowering me with your Spirit to a higher level: Christlikeness. Please, O God, fill and empower me with Your Spirit today as I commit to living my life for You and following the way of Jesus. In my name and with my authority God And Savior, I pray. Amen.
