Freedom Of Constraint
Ephesians 5:1-5
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
What does it mean to be a man?
Is it to conquer nations and bend others to your will? To have your name etched on hospital wings and history books? Is it to pile up enough money so that you can do what you want, when you want, and answer to no one?
The world, through movies and culture, preaches that manhood is this: dominate, consume, and indulge. Yet this world, and all of its desires, is passing away, and whoever does the will of God lives forever.
While the world tells us to walk in the stubborn determination of our own will—imposing it on others, not to give but to take—God calls men to “walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us,” laying down strength in sacrifice instead of using it for selfish gain.
Jesus calls men to “deny themselves, give up their own ways, pick up a cross and follow Him”.
If we are to reach the end of our lives and truly say that we have obtained victory, we must look to God to define what success looks like.
God-Given Drives
Man was created in the image of God, and the desires we feel to conquer and overcome, to strive, build, and succeed, all stem from that source. God’s charge to men is not that they stifle these drives, but that they direct them in the proper way. He does not command that we be weak but rather that we be meek—controlling the strength He has given us, aiming it at what is good, instead of letting it drag us toward our own destruction and the harm of others.
We are told in Proverbs that “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
We see the perfect example of this man in Jesus, who:
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
So we see that it is not God’s will that we be brought low forever, for who has had more impact on the world than Jesus? Has Alexander conquered more nations than the one to whom every knee will bow? Has Solomon amassed more wealth than the one who owns it all? While He desires that we reign in our self-will and place ourselves in submission to Him, it is so that He can lift us to a place of true honor and glory, the type of which we would never be able to obtain apart from Him.
Do Not Be Decived
So don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.
Though the men who follow the ways of the world may have a reason to boast in the moment, they store up for themselves wrath, which will be poured out on the day of the Lord. In the blink of an eye, everything they built will come crashing down, and they will stand, naked, in front of their Creator, who is not a respecter of men. This God, who created the sun, moon, and stars, will not be impressed with buildings made of stone.
We know that only those structures built on the foundation of Jesus will be left standing on that day and that his is the true work which pleases God.
And we know that “the work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
What It Means to Believe
To believe in Jesus does not simply mean to believe that He exists. Satan himself believes that Jesus exists, and it does him no good! Genuine faith in Jesus means trusting His identity, His promises, and the certainty of all He has declared.
To believe in Jesus means to set your sails to the wind of His word and Spirit. For Jesus said, “If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”
Christ in You
What's more, this Jesus lives in you, and the same power that raised Him from the dead is available right now!
Even if you were to direct your pursuits toward the fancy car and the expensive beach vacations, do you believe that these things would ultimately fulfill you?
Even the world will tell you that money can not buy happiness and fulfillment. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord, for this light within you produces only what is good and right and true, and be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
The thrill of being caught up in the presence of the Lord far exceeds anything this world can offer you. Taste and see for yourself! For it is those whom the light of Christ shines on that can say:
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
While the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, to those who are being saved, it is the power of God.
Men whose portion is this life truly can say “let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die,” But to those men, Jesus says “woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation… Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.”
But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!