True Freedom
Day 186: God-Breathed Living
Pastor Victor Montalvo
Part of God-Breathed Living—A One-Year Devotional Journey Through The Bible
July 4, 2025

God-Breathed Living

Day 186: True Freedom

Today’s Reading:
2 Kings 10–12, Psalm 6, Proverbs 4, 2 Corinthians 7

Today’s Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT)

“Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.”

Devotional:

Today, across America, fireworks will light the sky and flags will wave. It’s Independence Day—a day that shouts freedom.

But Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 7 that freedom is deeper than political liberty. True freedom isn’t merely external—it’s internal. It’s freedom from sin’s grip. Freedom to walk in holiness. Freedom to live as sons and daughters of God without shame or fear.

Jehu, in 2 Kings 10, wiped out idol worship in Israel. Yet even he failed to follow God fully. Outward reforms are important—but they can’t replace inward transformation.

The freedom Christ offers is thorough. He doesn’t just change our behavior. He cleanses our hearts.

Psalm 6 shows David crying out in anguish, longing for deliverance not just from enemies but from inner torment. Proverbs 4 urges us to guard our hearts above all else.

So today, enjoy the fireworks. Celebrate freedom. But remember—the greatest freedom is the one Christ purchased with His blood. A freedom that sets you free from sin’s chains to walk in holiness and joy.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What areas of your life still feel enslaved, even though you know Christ has set you free?

  2. How can you pursue holiness as an expression of your freedom in Christ?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the gift of freedom—both in my nation and in my soul. Help me remember that true freedom is found in surrender to You. Cleanse my heart from anything that keeps me bound. Let my life reflect the holiness and joy You died to give me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Digging Deeper:

In 2 Kings 10–12, Jehu zealously destroys Baal worship, but he stops short of fully turning Israel back to God. Even good intentions can fall short without wholehearted devotion.

Psalm 6 captures David’s raw plea for mercy, reminding us that true freedom often comes through honest confession and dependence on God. Proverbs 4 challenges us to guard our hearts, the wellspring of life.

2 Corinthians 7 emphasizes repentance as the pathway to deeper freedom. Godly sorrow isn’t condemnation—it’s the catalyst for lasting change.

On Independence Day, it’s fitting to remember that spiritual freedom runs deeper than any earthly liberty. Jesus didn’t die just to make us free citizens—but free sons and daughters of God.