Well, hello there July! And congratulations America on your 244th Birthday! This weekend we celebrate our freedom. But is there really freedom for all?
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Let’s think Paul’s declaration through. Look at the words “The Lord is the Spirit.” We know that to mean that God exists in the Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. There is one Godhead who exists in three different persons. So the “Lord is the Spirit.” Now take a look at the words “Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is.” We believe God’s Spirit is omnipresent meaning He’s everywhere at all times. David states, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). And he answers his own question by saying nowhere! God’s Spirit is everywhere at all times.
So, Paul is stating in 2 Corinthians that God’s Spirit is everywhere, therefore freedom is everywhere because “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” But is freedom really everywhere? I would argue, no. Think about brothels, prisons, and hospitals. Or I’m sure you’ve visited neighborhoods, schools, homes, and even churches where there is no freedom. So what is Paul declaring here? I suggest this is a more accurate translation:
Wherever the Spirit is Lord, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17, my paraphrase)
The Greek word Lord is kyrios. It is defined as “supreme in authority” (The Holy Spirit, John Bevere). So the question is this: “If the Holy Spirit is everywhere, and if the Holy Spirit is Lord, and if Lord means supreme in authority, is The Holy Spirit given supreme authority everywhere? Go ahead, read that again. The Holy Spirit is not permitted to be in authority in most brothels and prisons or in some homes and churches. Only where God’s Spirit is welcomed as supreme in authority, is where you will find freedom and justice for all.
Is the Holy Spirit given supreme authority in your life?
Ryan
Take note, due to the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Aldersgate Church will have only one worship experience on July 5th at 10:00 AM. We will gather in-person and, of course, online.
.svg)