via TJC
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1 NIV
This week has brought us through some challenging issues with some real wrestling, even amongst our via TJC authors. Trying to understand the complexities of an issue like critical race theory and the real life responsibilities we have in raising our children as Kingdom men is not easy.
But the topic today is slavery. When we consider slavery from an historical perspective, particularly here in the United States, it isn’t complicated at all. If asked as a Kingdom Man if we reject human slavery, the slavery of Africans in our country’s early history or the slavery of human trafficking today, there is a clear answer. One of our authors would answer such an obvious question with a resounding “DUH!!” To be very clear, the Joshua Commission is against any kind of slavery that puts one human being unwillingly under the control of another. We seek to understand the repercussions of the slavery in our country’s past and to fight against modern forms of slavery that are occurring in alarming numbers.
These obvious forms of slavery are not the only ones we oppose though. Because of what Christ has done for us we must recognize and reject all the forms of slavery that came with our old sinful nature. These include slavery to sexual impurity (pornography has enslaved 7 out of 10 men in the church according to the most recent survey); to debt, which is at an all time high in our country (“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 NIV); or to fear (the pandemic has created unprecedented levels of anxiety). As Kingdom men we must reject these forms of slavery that impact us personally, today, right now. I know that I have struggled with all of these forms of slavery.
“Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.”
Romans 7:25 NLT
Good news. As Kingdom men we DO NOT have to live under a yoke of slavery. When we recognize - daily - the gift of salvation we get from Christ we can reject slavery in every worldly form and live in freedom. This even includes being free from the slavery to all the rules of religion. We are free in Christ.
“Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.”
Galatians 4:7 NLT
There is only one kind of slavery we do not reject.
“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.”
1 Peter 2:16 NIV
Daily Battle Order:
Continue to take a stand against the obvious sin of human slavery, including the repercussions that follow it. More importantly, in your position as a Kingdom man, reject all the forms of slavery with which sin still seeks to bind you. Seek the answer - Jesus Christ - every day. He came to set the captives free and he has and will do it for you. Choose to be God’s slave and reject every other form.
“Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.” Romans 6:14 NLT
Pagan worldview:
Freedom equals zero subjection
Christian worldview:
Freedom equals total subjection to Christ