Welcome to the Paul Tripp podcast, where pastor and best-selling author Paul David Tripp connects the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.

On the first day of each month, we release grace and knowledge, a more in-depth article from Paul that allows him to expand on biblical truths beyond his weekly Wednesday's word.

Our prayer is that this resource helps you grow in the grace and knowledge

of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

To him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity.

Amen.

2. Peter 318.

In this month's grace and knowledge,

Paul reflects on Independence Day

and reminds us that real freedom

is not found in self-reliance,

but in joyful dependence on our creator.

On July 4th, every year, the United States of America celebrates its independence.

Many countries observe a similar holiday commemorating their freedom from another country and the establishment of their own sovereign rule.

It makes sense why a nation would pursue independence and then celebrate an Independence Day for the rest of its history.

But for a follower of Christ, there's no such thing as personal independence, freedom, and sovereignty.

It's all a delusion, and that's a very good thing. Created to be dependent.

You see it in toddlers who resist when their parents tell them to eat their vegetables. You see it in

younger kids who slap the hand away that's trying to help them tie their shoes. You see it in the

rebellion of teenagers who fight against the rules and curfews their parents have in place to protect them.

You see it in the resistance of a husband or a wife when their spouse is lovingly confronting them.

You see it in an older person refusing to accept the limits of their aging and pushing away loved ones who are trying to assist them.

...