Free To be you

"Let me be clear, the Anointed One has set us free—not partially, but completely and wonderfully free! We must always cherish this truth and stubbornly refuse to go back into the bondage of our past."
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Ephesians 5:1 Passion Translation

​Christ has set you free: - Free from being without
 - Free from lack
 - Free from being mistaken
 - Free from missing the mark

Being without and missing the mark is living according to the "Sarx" or the flesh.  The Sarx means substance, flesh and bears an animal nature - This is who we think we are before Christ. It's developed by our surroundings, our parents, neighbors, friends, our environment.  All of these things have a positive and negative impact on how we see ourselves. The choices we make also have a huge affect on how we see ourselves as well. Those positive and negative consequences based on our choices  can have a  huge impact on identity.  So Paul tells us in verse 16 of Ephesians 5 to yield freely and fully to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit and we will abandon the cravings of the flesh (the sarx) - who we think we are based on outside voices.

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"I conclude: let the Spirit be the dominate influence in your daily walk and see how it defeats the cravings of the flesh"
Ephesians 5:16 Mirror Translation

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The difference between  a Sarx mindset and a Spirit Mindset

Paul pits these two mindsets against each other

Sarx Mindset
Who you think you are
Tree of Knowledge
D.I.Y.
Guilt performance based on obligation and will power
It bears this fruit:
Sexual immorality
Lustful thoughts
Pornogrophy
Chasing after things
Manipulating others
Hatred of those who get in your way
Senseless arguments
Resentment when others are favored
Temper tantrums
Angry quarels
Only thinking of yourself
Being in love with your own opinions
Being envious of the blessings of others
Murder
Uncontrolled Addictions
Wild parties

​A continued Life bound to the Law

Spirit Mindset
Who the Father says you are
Tree of Life
​Spirit led
Joy that overflows
Peace that subdues
Patience that endures
Kindness in action
A life full of virtue
Faith that prevails
Gentleness of  heart
Strength of spirit
Free from the Law
​(Soaring above it)

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Legalism, the law - the mindset of the sarx, can neither match nor contradict the mindset of the spirit. It cannot create the same outcome because there is no law against LOVE. If you understand that your right standing is in Christ and that it does not come as a reward from your ability to keep some set of rules, you will see that your sarx has been co-crucified with Christ.

So heres the deal - Jesus defines who we really are - not the flesh - not who we think we are. We now take our lead from the Holy Spirit. There is now authority in the steps we take in life because we have found out who we are in him. The Christ life is now the most dominate lifestyle in the universe - The Lifestyle of Agape!

"So if the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free!"  John 8:36 Passion Translation

You have been set free to be a true son and daughter so take his word to its complete conclusion about you! You find real freedom in that truth. The fruit of the Spirit (Tree of Life mindset) now resides inside of you not the fruit of the sarx. Wake up everyday determined to live from the spirit.