Episode 152: True Freedom vs. Immoral Freedom

A message from Natalie out of the Epistle of 2nd Peter which
challenges ideas that many Christians have about "freedom". In
the name of "being free", many are actually getting hardened,
saying yes to sin, and actually getting deceived.

Here is the key Scriptural passage - 2 Peter
1:1-15

1 Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle
(special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus
Christ,


To those who have received and possess [by God’s will] a precious
faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God
and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace
[that special sense of spiritual well-being] be multiplied to you
in the [true, intimate] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
3 For His divine power has bestowed on us
[absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life
and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who
called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For
by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent
promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape
from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of
disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature.
5 For this very reason, applying your diligence
[to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your
faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence,
knowledge (insight, understanding), 6 and in
your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control,
steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness,
7 and in your godliness, brotherly affection,
and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that
is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do
things for their benefit]. 8 For as these
qualities are yours and are increasing [in you as you grow toward
spiritual maturity], they will keep you from being useless and
unproductive in regard to the true knowledge and greater
understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For
whoever lacks these qualities is blind—shortsighted [closing his
spiritual eyes to the truth], having become oblivious to the fact
that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10
Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain
about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior
reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing
these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never
stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads
others away from sin]; 11 for in this way entry
into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will
be abundantly provided to you. 12 Therefore, I
will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though
you already know them and are established in the truth which is
held firmly in your grasp. 13 I think it right,
as long as I am in this earthly tent, to inspire you by reminding
you, 14 knowing that the laying aside of this
earthly tent of mine is imminent, as our Lord Jesus Christ has
made clear to me. 15 Moreover, I will diligently
endeavor [to see to it] that even after my departure you will be
able, at all times, to call these things to mind.