How to Have Liberty in the Spirit

2 Corinthians 3:17-18: Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

It is a great privilege to live in America and to enjoy a freedom that few nations have ever known. But it is a far greater privilege to be “born again” and to enjoy the spiritual freedom available only in Jesus Christ. This freedom is given through the ministry of the Holy Spirit of God, enabling us to know and to do the will of God as revealed in the Scriptures. Note three things from our text which will help us to understand and appreciate the wonderful liberty we have in the Spirit of God.

First, note the POTENTIAL of our liberty in the Spirit. Every believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit from the moment of conversion. Thus, the potential of true liberty is found in the words “where the spirit of the Lord is” (v. 17b). Believers are not told to seek the Holy Spirit for He already dwells within. But we are told to yield to the Holy Spirit and when we do, the potential of liberty in the Spirit becomes a reality. One of the greatest deceptions of our day is the use of psychology and “brainwashing” techniques to help us supposedly discover our “hidden potential.” While these methods claim to give “liberty“ they will enslave us, for only through the ministry of the Holy Spirit can any believer reach his full potential and enjoy full freedom.

Second, note the POSITION of our liberty in the Spirit. Our position before God is perfect for we stand in the righteousness of Jesus Christ’s imputed righteousness, we are able to come boldly and confidently to the Throne of Grace for help in any time of need.

Third, note the POSSESSION of our liberty in the Spirit. Every believer has been sealed by the Spirit of God until the day of redemption. We may grieve the Holy Spirit but He cannot be “grieved away” as some mistakenly teach. The work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God’s children is a continuous work. We may hinder or delay that work and fail to enjoy the liberty God wants us to have, but that work never ceases, that liberty never ends.

Every believer should earnestly desire to be more like Christ with every passing day. And, as we keep our eyes upon the Christ of the Scriptures, we will be “changed into the same image” (v. 18). How thankful we all should be for the glorious liberty of the children of God. I pray that you will walk in that liberty today and live a victorious Christian life.