Without Fear
Posted by Karah
Pause
What do you think of when you hear the word rescue? What images or words come to mind? Sketch or list a few of them below.
Now, read Luke 1:67-80 in your Bible. These verses are Zechariah’s prophecy after the birth his son, John the Baptist. Focus on verses 73-75.
“He has given us the privilege, since we have been rescued from our enemies’ clutches, to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness in His presence all our days.”
—Luke 1:73b-75
Underline the word rescued in the verses above. What did Jesus rescue us from? Draw a circle around your answer.
The Jews pictured salvation as rescue from political enemies, but God’s salvation is about being free to serve Him without hindrance or fear.
How does sin create hindrances and fear in serving God? Explain.
When sin reigns in our lives, we cannot pursue any kind of holiness or righteousness. How do you know this to be true?
Mull over verses 76-77. Why is it important to understand that God’s salvation is centered on the forgiveness of sin? Explain.
Respond
Without Jesus, you are a slave to sin. But in Jesus, He has given you the power to not sin! You won’t be perfect, but sin doesn’t have power over you.
Evaluate your life. Against what sins do you feel powerless? Have you asked Christ to help? Do so right now.
Thank Jesus for what He has done to free you from sin and allow you to serve God without hindrance. Record your prayer in the comments below or in your journal.
When we are mired in sin, we sometimes become afraid of how God will react if we’re honest with Him about that sin. He already knows. Be honest, confess your sin, and seek His forgiveness.
For further study about the life of righteousness, read Romans 6:15-23.
Behind the Story
Luke 1:67-79 is Zechariah’s prophecy regarding his son, John the Baptist, and the coming Messiah. It is traditionally called the “Benedictus,” which is taken from the first word of the passage in Latin. Verses 71-75 clearly state that the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus fulfill God’s covenant with David (Luke 1:69; 2 Sam. 7:12-16) as well as the oath God swore to Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3).
The Point
Jesus rescues us from slavery of sin so we can serve Him without fear or hindrance.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions