Welcome, dear listeners, to another episode of “A Word from the Vine.” I’m Pastor Loren Christensen of Danish Countryside Chapel in Exira, Iowa, and today we begin a special series in honor of Reformation Sunday. Over the next few episodes, we will explore some profound truths that Martin Luther brought to light during the Reformation. Today, we start with the concept of the “Bondage of the Will.”
Martin Luther, one of the key figures of the Reformation, wrote extensively about the human will and its bondage to sin. In his work “The Bondage of the Will,” Luther argued that our will is not free in the sense that we can choose righteousness on our own. Instead, our will is bound—either to sin or to God. He used a vivid metaphor to illustrate this: “Man’s will is like a beast standing between two riders. If God rides, it wills and goes where God wills… If Satan rides, it wills and goes where Satan wills.”
This imagery helps us understand that our will is not autonomous. Just as a horse does not choose its rider, we do not choose our master. Without God’s intervention, we are naturally inclined towards sin. This is a humbling realization, but it is also a crucial one. It underscores our absolute need for God’s grace.
Jesus’ words in John 8:34 resonate deeply with Luther’s teaching: “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.” This statement is both a diagnosis and a declaration. It diagnoses our condition apart from Christ—we are slaves to sin, unable to break free by our own efforts. It also declares the reality of our bondage, highlighting the futility of trying to achieve righteousness through our own strength.
Consider the example of a person struggling with addiction. No matter how strong their resolve, without help, they often find themselves falling back into the same patterns. Similarly, our spiritual condition is one of bondage. We may desire to do good, but without Christ, we are powerless to overcome the sin that enslaves us.
This brings us to the heart of the matter: without Christ, we are bound by sin and unable to free ourselves. Our will is not free to choose righteousness because it is enslaved by sin. But the good news—the great news—is that Christ came to set us free. As Jesus says in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
This freedom is not just a theoretical concept; it is a transformative reality. When we accept Christ, we are no longer bound by sin. We are given a new nature, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in righteousness. This is the essence of Christian freedom—freedom not to do as we please, but to do what pleases God.
So, how does this understanding of the bondage of the will and the freedom we have in Christ apply to our daily lives? Let’s consider a few practical examples:
Recognizing Our Need for Christ: Just as a person struggling with addiction needs help, we need Christ to break the chains of sin in our lives. Acknowledge your need for Him daily and seek His strength to overcome sin.
Living in Humility: Understanding that our will is bound by sin apart from Christ should humble us. It reminds us that we cannot boast in our own righteousness but must rely entirely on God’s grace.
Seeking God’s Guidance: Since our will is naturally inclined towards sin, we must continually seek God’s guidance through prayer and His Word. Ask Him to direct your steps and help you live in a way that honors Him.
In summary, we have explored the concept of the bondage of the will, as taught by Martin Luther. We have seen how our will is bound by sin and how Christ sets us free. This freedom is not for self-indulgence but empowers us to live for God and others.
I invite you to reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you are still trying to break free from sin on your own? Turn to Christ and let Him set you free. Embrace the freedom He offers and live out your faith with humility and dependence on His grace.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible gift of freedom through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We are grateful that through His sacrifice, we are no longer bound by sin but are free to live as Your children. Help us to recognize our need for You daily and to seek Your strength to overcome sin. Guide us in our daily lives to live out our faith with humility and dependence on Your grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today on “A Word from the Vine.” May you go forth in the freedom and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, living out your faith with joy and love. God bless you all.
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