Living On Purpose In Christ | Boundaries, Devotions, Positive Affirmations, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Life Balance

54 | The Freedom Formula: How Spiritual Freedom Unleashes Your True Potential

• Paula Behrens | Certified Aroma Freedom (AFT) Practitioner, Pastor, Christian Coach • Season 2

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Have you ever achieved everything society says should make you happy, yet still felt an inexplicable emptiness? That was my reality—a beautiful home, loving family, successful career—and a persistent void that nothing could fill.

From being dropped off at church as a child to dropping off my own children years later, I believed adults should be self-sufficient, creating happiness through hard work and material success. That all changed one day at my desk when, feeling that familiar emptiness, I uttered a genuine prayer: "God, if you are really out there..." What followed was a heart transformation so profound I couldn't deny something beyond myself had occurred—my first real evidence that God existed.

The Freedom Formula explores how freedom in Christ liberates us from sin's bondage, legalism's constraints, and fear's paralysis. Through scriptural foundations like Galatians 5:1 and Romans 8:1, we discover that spiritual freedom isn't merely intellectual but carries profound implications for daily life—from approaching God without condemnation to loving others selflessly. We examine how embracing the mind of Christ develops character traits including love, compassion, humility, and servant leadership that reflect His nature in our lives.

My journey from church drop-off kid to ordained pastor took 12½ years, but God remained present throughout, strengthening and carrying me when necessary. True fulfillment comes not from external achievements but from alignment with our Creator. Ready to discover how filling that God-shaped void in your heart can transform everything? Download our resources at faithbuildingclub.com and join us on this journey to authentic spiritual freedom.

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Speaker 1:

Are you truly walking in the freedom that grace and truth offer, or are old beliefs still holding you back? Imagine breaking free from the restraint of old habits that no longer benefit you. What could you accomplish if you fully embrace spiritual freedom? If you wish for a life where your true potential is unleashed through the transformative power of God's grace, then this episode the Freedom Formula, is for you. Are you feeling a bit swamped with your weekly Bible study prep, wondering how to make your lessons both engaging and impactful, searching for fresh insights to inspire and spiritually nourish your group? Well, you are in the right place. Our sound wisdom Bible study lessons are here to make your preparation easier, revive your teaching and profoundly enrich your group's faith journey. Let's embark on this adventure together, but first let me tell you about my faith building club. You'll find over eight months of printable resources crafted just for Christians. These include everything from prayer and devotional journals to detailed Bible study lessons and reading plans, all designed to deepen your connection with the Word and bring fresh perspectives to your weekly studies. For more details and to join, check out the link in the show notes. Hi, I'm Paula, a follower of Jesus, a grandma of six and a retired pastor with a heart for empowering believers, ready to get started, grab your Bibles, your printable resources and prepare your heart for insights from God.

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A young girl dropped off at church by her parents grew up thinking church was only for children. As an adult, she mirrored her parents' actions, attending church only to drop off her own kids. She believed adults should be self-sufficient, working hard to achieve happiness through material success. Despite acquiring a nice house, a faithful husband and three beautiful children, she felt an inexplicable emptiness, a God-shaped hole in her heart. She later realized this void stemmed from a separation from God, a human condition tracing back to the beginning of time. Well, guess what? That little girl was me. You see, I had chosen the path, the wide path that taught this life is all there is and you are in charge of making it good. I truly believed that this life was my only chance for happiness and in my misguided understanding, I assumed that after this earthly life, a person just simply ceased to exist. And because of my childhood experience as a church drop-off kid, I really didn't even believe there was a God. And, of course, if I didn't believe there was a God, why in the world would I believe there was a heaven, or even a hell? It just didn't make sense to me, and so, when you think about all of that, well, it's really not surprising that I didn't come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ as a child, or even as a young adult.

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The most amazing thing, though, is this God waited patiently for my heart to be ready for the miraculous change that he had in store for his little girl. I remember it well I was sitting at the desk in the game room of our 4,200 square foot home, and I was feeling that empty feeling in my heart, and I began to pray, really pray. For the first time in my life, I begin to pray as though there just might be someone out there to hear me. I begin praying and saying God, if you are really out there, and at that moment, God brought back to my memory a verse of scripture that I had learned as a child. It was the verse in Matthew, where Jesus says come to me all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. And I said, God, if it is really true that I can have that rest, if I can have that peace that Jesus says I can have. I want him in my heart, I want to give my life to him, and at that moment my heart was changed.

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The way that I saw God, the world around me, other people and myself was completely different. And as I sat there thinking, I said to myself now, I didn't bargain for that. I didn't even know that my heart could be changed or needed to be changed like that. And then a light bulb went off in my mind. As the logical thinking person that I am, I realized that I didn't change my heart, but that my heart was definitely changed, and so I had to ask the question well, who did that? If it wasn't me who changed my heart, who did that? Then I realized that it was something outside of myself that had changed my heart, and at that moment I finally believed that God was real. I began to experience a joy and peace and contentment like I had never experienced before. I was filled with an unquenchable desire to read the Bible, and would do so two and a half times in the next four months. I also began to feel a tug on my heart to serve as a pastor in God's church. Now I can't say that it was easy. In fact, it was quite the opposite. It was a 12 and a half year journey from call to ordination, but amazingly, God was there for me the whole way, strengthening me, encouraging me and carrying me when need be. Join me now as we explore how aligning with our Creator, God, can truly lead to fulfillment and purpose in life.

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The concept of freedom in Christ is grounded in the transformative power of God's grace. It signifies liberation from the power of sin, legalism and the constraints of the old self. John 1:17 lets us know that the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. As Christians, our understanding of freedom is closely tied to our relationship with Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Let's begin with the foundational scripture that speaks to the essence of freedom in Christ. Galatians 5, verse 1, says For freedom, Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. This verse serves as a cornerstone for this lesson. It emphasizes the idea that Christ has set believers free and encourages them not to return to the bondage of legalism or (the Law) and sin.

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What are we freed from? Well, first of all, we have freedom from sin. Romans 6, verses 6 through 7, says we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. One of the primary aspects of freedom in Christ is the deliverance from the bondage of sin. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, makes it abundantly clear that believers are no longer slaves to sin. Through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, we have been set free from the power and dominion of sin. This freedom empowers us to live righteous lives, breaking the destructive cycles of our past and embracing a new way of living in accordance with God's will. Romans 6, verse 14, says For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under the law but under grace. This verse underscores the shift that occurs when a person becomes a believer Instead of being under the dominion of sin, they come under the liberating influence of grace. As a result, sin no longer holds sway over our lives and we are set free to live in accordance with God's righteous standards.

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In Romans 8, verse 2, we hear, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ, Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. In this verse we see the contrast between the law of sin and death and the law of the spirit of life in Christ. Believers are no longer subject to the condemning power of sin, but are made free through the work of the Holy Spirit, allowing us to live victoriously. In 1 John 3, verse 9, we hear those who have been born of God do not sin because God's seed abides in them. They cannot sin because they have been born of God. This verse speaks to the new nature of a believer. Being born of God means that believers are fundamentally transformed and sin no longer dominates our lives. We are free from the pattern of habitual sin and empowered to live righteously.

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And then there's freedom from the law or legalism. Galatians 5, verse 1, says For freedom, Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. The freedom in Christ is not merely a release from the bondage of sin, but also from the burdens of legalism. Paul's words in Galatians highlight that believers are called to live in the freedom that Christ offers, rather than reverting to a mindset of strict adherence to the law. This freedom allows believers to serve God out of love and gratitude rather than fear of punishment or legalistic regulations.

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In Romans 7, verse 6, we hear but now we are discharged from the law, dead to that which held us captive, so that we are slaves, not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit. This passage lets us know that believers have been delivered from the law. We are no longer bound by its strict requirements, but are called to serve God in the newness of the Spirit. This new way of serving is characterized by the heart's inclination towards God's will and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 2, verse 16, says we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Jesus Christ so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. Paul's teachings in Galatians emphasize the point that justification comes not through adherence to the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a pivotal aspect of freedom in Christ, as believers no longer need to strive to earn their salvation through their own efforts.

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And then there's freedom to love and serve. Galatians, 5, verse 13 tells us For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but, through love, become slaves to one another. In other words, freedom in Christ is not a license for self-indulgence or the pursuit of our own desires. Instead, it empowers believers to serve one another in love. The liberty found in Christ encourages selfless actions and expressions of love toward all people.

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1 Peter, 2, verse 16 admonishes us, As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. Peter's exhortation reinforces the idea that freedom in Christ should not be misused for selfish purposes or to engage in sinful behavior. Instead, it is a freedom to serve God and others with a heart characterized by love and selflessness. And then there's freedom from fear. 2 Timothy, chapter 1, verse 7, says For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Freedom in Christ is accompanied by a sense of boldness and courage. Believers are assured that fear does not come from God. Instead, we are empowered by the Spirit to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with us.

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Next, freedom to approach God. Hebrews 4, verse 16 says Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. One of the remarkable aspects of freedom in Christ is the unhindered access it provides to God. Believers are encouraged to approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that we will find mercy and grace when we are in need. This direct access to God is a privilege of our freedom in Christ. Here are a few practical implications.

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Understanding the concept of freedom in Christ is not merely an intellectual exercise. It carries huge implications for our daily lives as believers. Let's explore how this freedom plays out practically. Romans 8, verse 1, assures us there is therefore no condemnation in those who are in Christ Jesus. Freedom in Christ means that the guilt and condemnation that often burden our hearts are removed. We are not judged based on our past sins, but are regarded as righteous in God's sight. This freedom from guilt and condemnation has a transformative effect on our relationship with God. It allows us to approach him with confidence, knowing that his love and forgiveness are available to us. We no longer need to live in the shadow of our past mistakes, but instead we can focus on growing in our faith and relationship with God.

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As mentioned earlier, freedom in Christ empowers us to love and serve others. Galatians 5:13 admonishes believers to, through love, become slaves to one another. This freedom liberates us from self-centeredness and encourages us to love our neighbors, care for the needy and be instruments of God's grace in the world. This love is not limited to mere sentiment, but is expressed through actions that benefit others. It prompts us to seek opportunities to show kindness, compassion and empathy. In doing so, we become channels through which God's love is made manifest in the lives of those we encounter.

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Freedom in Christ is not just a release from the power of sin, but also an empowerment to overcome it. Romans 6, verse 14 declares For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under the law but under grace. This verse emphasizes that believers are no longer under the dominion of sin and sin does not have the final say in their lives. The practical implication of this truth is that believers can break free from the destructive cycles of sin that once bound them. We can actively resist temptation, rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance and adopt new godly habits. This process of sanctification, which occurs through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, allows us to grow and to become more like Christ.

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The Apostle Paul beautifully articulates the idea that the believer's life is now lived in Christ, saying it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. This passage highlights the transformation that takes place in the life of a believer. We no longer live according to our flesh and our own desires, but for God's will. This freedom to pursue God's will means that decisions, choices and actions are guided by a desire to align with God's purposes. The practical implications of this freedom include seeking God's guidance in major life decisions, serving in the church and community and striving to live in accordance with biblical principles. It involves a conscious effort to discern and follow God's will in our daily life. 2 Peter, chapter 3, verse 18, says but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever, amen. Let's dive a little deeper into knowing the mind of Christ given to Christians. If we have the mind of Christ. It should be evident to those around us. So let's talk about the character traits that Christ longs to pass on to those who love and follow him.

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Love Jesus is often described as the embodiment of love. He not only preached love, but demonstrated it through his actions, including healing the sick, feeding the hungry and even sacrificing his life on the cross for the redemption of humanity. His command to love one another is central to his teachings. Compassion Christ showed deep compassion for people, especially those who were suffering or marginalized. He had empathy for the sick, the poor and the outcast, and he frequently reached out to them, healing their physical and spiritual wounds.

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Humility Though Jesus was God manifested in the flesh, he exhibited humility by taking on human form, being born in a humble manger and associating with outcasts. He also demonstrated humility in numerous other ways, such as washing his disciples' feet, a symbolic act of service. Servant leadership Jesus is the ultimate example of servant leadership. He taught that to be great in God's kingdom is to serve others. He emphasized that leaders should be like servants, not seeking power or prestige, but serving with humility. Forgiveness Christ exemplified forgiveness throughout his life, even forgiving those who crucified him. He taught the importance of forgiving others and emphasized that forgiveness is a key aspect of God's grace.

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Truth and integrity. Jesus is described as the truth John 14, verse 6, and he consistently spoke the truth. He was unwavering in his integrity and his teachings emphasized honesty, transparency and moral uprightness. Grace and mercy. Christ's ministry was marked by his offering of grace and mercy to sinners. He forgave those who came to him seeking redemption and offered the gift of eternal life through faith in him. Holiness as the sinless Son of God, Jesus exemplified holiness. He called his followers to strive for holiness and purity of heart, teaching that those who are pure in heart would see God.

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Teaching and Wisdom. Christ's teaching was characterized by profound wisdom. He used parables and stories to convey deep spiritual truths. His teachings continue to provide guidance and insight for Christian living. Courage and faith. Jesus displayed immense courage and faith throughout his life. He faced opposition, persecution and, ultimately, the crucifixion, but he remained steadfast in his mission and trust in God, the Father. Healer. Christ is often referred to as the great physician for his miraculous healing of physical and spiritual ailments. His ability to heal the sick and raise the dead demonstrated his divine nature. Friend of sinners, Jesus was criticized by religious leaders for associating with sinners and tax collectors. He reached out to those who were considered outcasts, emphasizing his desire for all to come to repentance.

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Patience. Christ exhibited patience, especially with his disciples, who often struggled to understand his teachings. He gently guided them and explained what his parables meant so they could grow in their faith. Gentleness and kindness, Jesus interacted with people with gentleness and kindness, providing a safe space for them to come to him with their burdens and questions. Obedience to God Above all. Jesus' characteristic of obedience to God, the Father, is paramount. He willingly submitted to God's plan for salvation, even when faced with the prospect of crucifixion.

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Okay, now it's your turn. Download your resource, get out your pen and paper or your stylus and respond to the deeper reflection questions found there. I hope today's discussion brought you inspiration and insight. If you found it valuable, could you spare just 30 seconds to share my Faith Building Club with another study group that might benefit from these resources? That's faithbuildingclub. com, no spaces. Your support means so much and helps us spread the word. Also, if you have a moment, please leave a review, share it with a friend and follow now. It truly warms my heart to know our sessions are making a difference. I can't wait to join you again next week. Until then, keep your Bibles open and your coffee mugs ready. Adding a little fuel makes our scripture journey even more delightful. Looking forward to seeing you next week for another episode of Sound Wisdom. See you then.