Obedience: The Freedom of Yielding to Christ
True freedom is not found in self-effort but in yielding to Christ, the One who has already set us free.
"You are slaves of the one you obey." — Romans 6:16
Oswald Chambers directs our attention to the sobering truth that our obedience determines our spiritual reality. If we yield to sin, it will master us. If we yield to Christ, He will be our freedom. The habits and desires we indulge—whether small or significant—do not remain neutral. They either reinforce our dependence on Christ or deepen our slavery to self.
Chambers warns that sin’s dominion over us is not accidental. It is the fruit of choices made over time—moments of giving in, believing the lie that we can quit whenever we choose. But sin is deceptive; it binds us more tightly than we expect. No human effort can break these chains. Even the willpower to “do better” only strengthens our reliance on self rather than on the finished work of Christ.
True freedom is not in striving to overcome sin but in surrendering to the One who already overcame it. When we yield fully to Christ, He lives His life through us, replacing self-effort with His supernatural power. Only by giving up control can we experience the liberty He has already secured for us.
Personalized Journal Entry — The Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
You are not bound to sin. The chains that once held you were broken at the cross. You were buried with Christ, and now you live in the power of His resurrection. Sin no longer reigns over you, for you are under grace, not law. Why then would you offer yourself to the very thing from which you have been set free? Do not present your body to sin as an instrument of unrighteousness, but yield yourself to Me as one who has been brought from death to life.
I have made you a new creation. Old things have passed away. The flesh will call, whispering its demands, but it holds no authority over you. When temptation knocks, do not battle in your own strength. Look to Me. I am your life. I am the power that sustains you. I will not ask you to resist in your own effort; I will be your strength, your sufficiency, your victory.
Sin once enslaved you, but now you belong to righteousness. Walk as one who is free. Not by striving, but by resting. Not by trying harder, but by yielding. Do not let sin reign where Christ is enthroned. Present yourself to Me, and I will live through you.
(Scriptural Flow: Romans 6:6-14, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:13)
Prayer of Confidence
Father, You have set me free. I no longer bow to the demands of sin, for Christ is my life. I rest in the truth that I am Yours, and no power of sin or habit has authority over me. I reject the lie that I must battle in my own strength. Instead, I yield to You, trusting that as I abide in You, Your life will be expressed through me. Thank You for breaking every chain and for calling me to live in the fullness of Your grace. Amen.
Ideal Photo:
An image of a prisoner walking free from an open cell door into the light, symbolizing the reality of our freedom in Christ.
Credits:
Devotional insights from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.
Photo credit: Unsplash.