Spiritual Freedom

Spiritual Freedom

Acts 5:12-42                  July 2, 2000

Introduction:

Illustration: Pastor Im, Korea, 1950's

S. Rom. 1:21-32

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,  to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." (Luke 4:18-19 NIVUS)

 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  They answered him, "We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"  Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.  Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.  So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:31-36 NIVUS)

 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death— that is, the devil—  and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15 NIVUS)

Big Question:

What are the characteristics of the spiritual freedom we have in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit?

          Our spiritual freedom has benefits that are far greater than the costs. 12-16

          Our spiritual freedom prompts the jealousy of those who are not truly free. 17-18

          Our spiritual freedom transcends earthly limitations to proclaim the message of spiritual freedom to others. 19-24

          Our spiritual freedom prompts fear, denial, and defensiveness in the hearts of those enslaved by falsehood. 25-28

          Our spiritual freedom to obey God rather than men comes from the gift of the Holy Spirit. 29-32

          Our spiritual freedom rings truth even in the hearts of our enemies – it often raises up sympathizers in unlikely places. 33-39

          Our spiritual freedom gives us joy and conviction even through persecution – it cannot be silenced. 40-42

I.       Cycle One

          A.      Narrative

          B.      Implication

          C.      Illustration

          D.      Application

II.      Cycle Two

          A.      Narrative

          B.      Implication

          C.      Illustration

          D.      Application

III.    Cycle Three

          A.      Narrative

          B.      Implication

          C.      Illustration

          D.      Application

Conclusion:

Big Answer:

Timeless Truth:

Spiritual freedom happens when we trust and obey Holy Spirit power.