Doubt & Devotion

1 Peter 2:16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

Freedom was a social and legal status in Greco-Roman society. It was a privilege tied to citizenship and social hierarchy and was never an inherent human right. While the degree of freedom varied, a free individual was a master of himself. Yet, how easily for such freedom to be misused. In Peter’s time, some so-called believers were accused of using their freedom as a cover up for illicit activities.

While we cannot easily lose our freedom nowadays the same way early Christians did, we should be careful not to use it to do as we please. There is a peril in every privilege, and our freedom is no exception. Being a peculiar people, we live continually under the watchful eyes of society. The world holds us to an exacting standard, eager to catch us at the smallest fault.

Therefore, let us live not only as free people in the civil sense, but as a people freed from the bondage of sin. Before Christ came to set us free, we were bound in the chains of our own sinfulness, not having the power to break free from our lusts and addictions. But when Christ came, He has not only broken our chains but also given us the power to walk in newness of life, no longer under the mercies of our taskmasters but able to stand upright as slaves of righteousness.

God’s will is for us to avoid the misuse of our freedom and walk as children of the One who created us. He has ransomed us and given us new life. We may be free people both physically and spiritually, but we are ultimately bound by the will of God. After all, to obey Him is freedom itself. To quote Philo of Alexandria, “For in truth he who has God alone for his leader, he alone is free.”

Heavenly Father, help me recognize the privilege of my freedom, using it not to indulge in sin, but to honor You in all I do. Strengthen me to walk in newness of life, faithfully serving as Your devoted servant. Amen.

Eric James Estante

Eric has a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. He holds a degree in Theology from Central Philippine University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He served as an associate pastor in his local church in Iloilo City for four years. Eric currently volunteers with his wife, Joey, teaching biblical marriage principles at their church in Alabang. They have one son.