Delighting in God’s Freedom

On July 4th, we celebrated the birth of our nation and the precious gift of freedom.

In 1776, our founders bravely declared independence from British tyranny, rejecting oppression and unjust rule.

They envisioned a land where all people could pursue life, liberty, and happiness - ideals that continue to shape our nation today.

We've been freed from religious persecution, allowing us to worship without fear in our churches.

We've cast off the chains of taxation without representation, giving us a voice in our local and national governance.

We've broken free from the rigid class systems of old, opening doors of opportunity for people of all backgrounds to achieve their dreams.

Our journey has led us from a fledgling collection of colonies to a global superpower.

As we reflect on these hard-won liberties, we're reminded of an even greater freedom - one that transcends national borders and earthly governments.

Just as brave men and women sacrificed for our country's freedom, we have been granted the ultimate liberty through the greatest sacrifice of all.

Jesus Christ - the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Creator God Himself - laid down His life so that we, His creation, might be truly free.

This freedom that is offered to us surpasses all worldly liberty, breaking the chains of sin and death forever in our lives.

Through His sacrifice on the cross, we are offered a freedom that no earthly nation can provide - a freedom that lasts for all eternity. A freedom that can never be taken away or dimensioned

Today I want us to Delight in GOD’s Freedom

the freedom we have because a loving God chose to pay our debt in full and set us free.

This mornings sermon will not fall into our normal style where we look at one text and break it down together, instead I want us to take this holiday weekend to remember 10 freedoms we have been given through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ-

I want us to remember all of the freedom we have been granted as citizens of Heaven.

So to stay with in our summer theme in Psalms Our starting point today is Psalm 119:45

New Living Translation Psalm 119

45 I will walk in freedom,

for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

The word freedom in this verse is literally translated as Wide open places. - Meaning that when we live our lives according to Gods Word - We have so much freedom to enjoy the world around us.

Think about it this way-

My dog has boundaries- at night He sleeps in his kennel- others enough room for him to stand up lay down, and move around in circles,

During the day- We let him out of the kennel and he has the freedom to wonder around the house-

But the real freedom comes when we let him outside in the back yard- Here is where he has room to run and play. There are still boundaries, but inside those lines there is so much freedom fo my dog to run and play!!

Its in the yard with its freedom that Steko (My dog) loves to be.

Christian when we are in Christ, when we live our lives the way that God intends us to live - We live in wide open Freedom-

Too many time I think we tend to view our Christianity as being restrictive and not that much fun, But the reality is that this idea couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Church it’s because of Jesus that we can delight in the freedom we have been given from God!

This morning I believe that as we look at these 10 freedoms we have been given through Christ- that it will cause us to delight in the one who has given us such freedom

So I guess you could say that todays sermon is a refresher course on why it is so liberating to be a born again follower of Jesus

LETS JUMP INTO God’s Word

John 3:16 gives us a glimpse into our first to freedoms we have as Believer's

John 3:16 (ESV)

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

the first freedom God has given us as His followers is

1. Freedom from Eternal Death

Scripture: John 3:16

John 3:16 (ESV)

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Christian, Dont ever lose sight of the fact that you were once condemned to Die an eternal death in the lake of Fire because of your sin,

Romans 3:23 & Romans 6:23

It was only because of Gods great love for you that He sent jesus to pay your debt in full offering you freedom from that eternal punishment that you deserved!

We can delight in God Because its is Through faith in Christ, that we have been freed from the eternal consequences of our sin.

This freedom isn't just about avoiding punishment, but about entering into eternal life with the God who loves us more than life itself.

and whats even more amazing about this eternal life that Jesus paid for is that it is secured in the same finished work of Christ on that Cross… this means that we are also free from having to be good enough to keep our salvation from falling away.

2 Freedom to Know Our Eternity is Secure (in Christ) (Freedom From eternal Doubt)

NOT only did God do all the work in saving us from eternal punishment He he also does all the work in secure our eternity in heaven.

Listen to John 10:28–29

John 10:28–29 (ESV)

28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

brothers and sisters : We can live with confidence, knowing our eternal destiny is secure in Christ’s Perfection Not in our ability to be good enough to keep it.

This is freedom you dont have to doubt the security of your salvation- because it is all about Christ’s perfection and not your ability to be good enough.

Its this eternal security that gives us freedom from fearing death in our lives. and in this truth, we can delight in our God.

#3 Because of what Jesus did for us we are no longer the recipients of Gods Wrath

3 Freedom from God's Wrath

To appreciate our freedom from God's wrath, we must understand God's attitude toward sin. Romans 1:18-19

Romans 1:18–19 (ESV)

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.

These verses reveal that God's wrath against sin is real and severe.

In His perfect holiness, God cannot tolerate sin.

And Because of this His wrath is poured out on the sinner

But as those who have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we have been granted freedom from the wrath of God.

listen to what paul tells the church in

1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 (ESV)

9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.

What a remarkable contrast!

While we were once objects of God's wrath due to our sin, we are now recipients of His salvation poured out into out lives because of His love for us.

This freedom isn't something we've earned, but is entirely due to Christ's sacrifice on the cross. understand that this freedom from God’s wrath was paid for with the life of Christ!

When Jesus died, He took upon Himself the full force of God's wrath against sin.

He became our substitute, bearing the punishment we deserved.

Because of this sacrificial act, those who put their faith in Christ are no longer appointed to suffer God's wrath but to receive salvation to go from Wrath to great love..

and in this freedom We can find our delight in our loving God.

Not only are we freed from God’s wrath but we are Freed from the Bondage of Sin over our lives.

4. Freedom from Bondage to Sin

One of the most profound freedoms we have in Christ is liberation from sin's enslaving power. Jesus said in John 8:34

John 8:34 (ESV)

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

This verse reveals sin's true nature - it’s not just bad choices that we make, sin is a power that enslaves us.

Brothers and sisters- understand that before Salvation You were completely ensalved by your sin,

Every part of your life was completely saturated with sin

every thought every emotion every action every word that came from your life was completly and fully sinful.

Romans 3:10–12 (ESV)

10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

every thought every emotion every action every word that came from your life was completely and fully sinful

Meaning you were a slave to sin- and the only thing you could do a slave to to sin is sin

But in Christ, we' we have bee set free from this bondage.

Romans 6:14 Declares…

Romans 6:14 (ESV)

14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

What does this freedom from the slavery of sin look like?

WELL, BECAUSE OF CHRIST WE NOW HAVE THE

Power to resist temptation

Why/ because we have the Holy Spirit God Himself now dwelling in our lives- Leading us, convicting us and sanctifying us to become more and more like Christ

Because of Christ we now have ….

A new nature as a "new creation" in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

WHEN WE ACCEPT CHRIST We are given a new nature and its this new nature that has the…

Because of Christ we now have the

Ability to break habitual sins

Think about before Jesus all you could ever do was sin!!! but now that you are in Christ- you have the power and ability to break those chains of habitual sin that have enslaved your life!

Ive seen it often that when people come to Jesus and He radically changes their life and makes them all new - they turn from the life of sin and walk a completely different path never wanting to return.

this doesnt mean we will not be tempted to sin, We will still face much temptation and occasionally fall, but the point is this ,sin is no longer our master. We no longer have to let it rule over our lives.

As John 8:36 promises, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Our freedom from sin's bondage is a daily reason to delight in God, whose grace not only forgives our sins but empowers us to live in true freedom from the bondage of a life of sin.

Not only are we free from the bondage of sin

but because Jesus paid our debt in full we now have freedom from the Guilt and shame from our sins

think about how precious this truth is

5. Freedom from Guilt

Guilt is a powerful emotion that can weigh heavily on our hearts and minds.

It's that nagging feeling that we've done something wrong, failed to meet a standard, or hurt someone.

Left unchecked, guilt can lead to shame, anxiety, and even depression. It can paralyze us, keeping us from moving forward in our lives and in our relationship with God.

But as believers in Christ, we have been granted an incredible freedom - freedom from guilt.

This doesn't mean we never feel guilty as one who has done wrong, but rather that we have a way to deal with guilt that leads to healing and restoration rather than condemnation.

Remember what

Romans 8:1 (ESV)

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

This verse is a powerful declaration of our freedom from guilt.

In Christ, we are no longer condemned for our sins.

The guilt that once plagued us has been removed through Christ, allowing us to live without the burden of past mistakes.

Friends if you are in Christ that sin from your past has already been paid for in Full. and this means that There is no reason for guilt to continue in your heart for a sin that Jesus paid for with his life!!!

This freedom doesn't make us callous to sin, but it allows us to deal with it from a position of security in God's love.

Not only are we freed from Guilt but we are freed from Shame

6. Freedom from Shame

In Christ, we are liberated from the crushing weight of shame.

Shame goes beyond guilt, attacking our very identity and worth, making us feel unlovable and unworthy.

But the gospel declares that in Christ, we are fully accepted and beloved by God.

Romans 10:11 (ESV)

11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Christian, This means that you are no longer defined by your past failures and sins!!!!!

Illustration: When I became a pastor there were a few people that came up to me and said “I never would have guessed you would be pastor! “

They were defining me by my past mistakes!

My story is not about me and my mistakes its about God and his grace and mercy that he has poured out into my life.

Brothers and sisters Your life as a beleiver is not about your past sins and mistakes its about How God takes broken people and radically changes them making them brand new!

it’s this freedom from shame that allows us to be vulnerable, authentic, and open in our relationships with God and with others.

Too often I believe its our own shame that keeps us from truly stepping into other peoples lives the way that God wants us to be.

Think about it. When we hide our past sins its really still about us and what other people might think- But the reality is that your story should be less about hiding what you did and more about how far God’s grace reached into you life to redeem you from that sin,

my point is this We all know you are a sinner- You all know I screw up even as pastor at times.

But dont let your desire to hide your sin keep you from sharing the forgiveness and Grace God offered you despite those sins.

Plain and simple - Christian, you have been given the freedom to use your story about your sin and Gods Grace to import spiritual good into other peoples lives.

# 7 We have been given

7. Freedom from Fear

Fear is such a paralyzing agent in peoples lives.

think about it…the

the Fear of Failure: Keeps people from pursuing their dreams and goals.

the Fear of Rejection: Prevents individuals from forming deep and meaningful relationships, leading to loneliness and isolation.

the Fear of the Unknown: Stops people from exploring new opportunities and experiences, limiting their potential and enjoyment of life.

the Fear of Criticism: Discourages people from expressing their true thoughts and talents, stifling creativity and innovation.

the Fear of Change: Keeps people stuck in unhealthy or unfulfilling situations, keeping them from becoming who God wants them to be.

This world is full of fear

But in Christ We have been given freedom from Fear.

1 John 4:18 (ESV)

18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

meaning - it is because of The perfect love of God, demonstrated through Jesus, that he has cast out all our fears.

This freedom allows us to live boldly and confidently, knowing that we are secure in God's love.

The point is this- God’s Love assures us that we are forgiven, accepted, and cherished by Him.

I love the truth of Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 (ESV)

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Friends we have freedom from Fear because God is still on the throne and He does all things for our good and for His glory

As we delight in God's perfect love, we are liberated from the bondage of fear because we know that God is in control of all things and He is doing all things for our Good.

……#8 because of Jesus we have been freed from Legalsim

8 Freedom from Legalism

The simple definition of legalism is “man trying to Gain favor with God “

Church do you understand that when Christ saved you- God poured out His complete grace into your life.

Grace is God bathing your life in blessings and love when you deserved his wrath,

I love the words of John 1:16

John 1:16 (ESV)

16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Johns point is that Gods bucket of Grace is greater than all of the sin that we could and will ever commit against our perfect God.

This means that Christ has set us free from the burden of legalism, the futile attempt to earn God's favor through rigid rule-keeping.

Galatians 5:1 declares,

Galatians 5:1 (ESV)

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

This freedom We have been give through Christ means we no longer relate to God based on our performance, but on His grace.

This means that we are no longer like the world who will be judged by their actions against a holy righteous God, But we will stand before His Holy throne Bathed in the righteousness of Christ’s Perfection that was poured out completly into our lives through Grace at the moment of salvation

and friends this is a freedom because we have been liberated from the exhausting cycle of trying to prove our worth to God through our works

Instead, we're free to serve God out of love and gratitude, motivated by His acceptance rather than fear of rejection.

In this freedom, we find rest for our souls and joy in our relationship with God and in this We can delight!!

Moving on! Because Christ made us brand New we now have a

9 Freedom to Approach God as His child

In Christ, we have the astounding privilege of approaching God as our loving Father. Galatians 4:7 simply says…

Galatians 4:7 (ESV)

7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

This means we can come to God with the confidence and intimacy of a beloved child.

We're free from the need to approach God as distant subjects or fearful servants.

Instead, Romans 8:15 tells us that we can cry out to Him "Abba, Father" , using the intimate term a child would use for their dad.

This freedom transforms our prayer life, allowing us to bring all our needs, joys, and concerns to our heavenly Father.

It assures us of God's constant love and care, freeing us from anxiety and loneliness.

As God's children, we can Delight in the Freedom we have- knowing that our heavenly father will always provide and Guide our lives, knowing He always acts in our best interest.

Finally

Look with me at Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

10 Freedom to Live Out God's Purposes

….in our lives

Because of Jesus- We no longer live without Purpose

Im reminded often of the hopelessness of this life.

Just look at the world and the fame and fortune so many people have , and yet they are still searching for more.

But in In Christ, we're set free from this hopeless way of thinking, We have been givne a purpose, a purpose that God hass planned for our life!!!e you going to do now. The football star looked at the reporter with tears in his eyes and said I dont know, Football was all I had and now its Gone, Im not sure what my purpose in life now is.

Friends this world always leaves us unfulfilled, it always leaves us longing for more, it always leaves us thinking that cant be all there is to this life!!!

But in In Christ, we're set free from this hopeless way of thinking, We have been given a purpose, a purpose that God has planned for our life!!!

This freedom liberates us from aimlessness and the pressure to find our own path and happiness in life.

This freedom allows us to serve joyfully, knowing that even our smallest acts of work done in faith have eternal significance.

I dont know about you, But I find great comfort in the fact that God is sovereign over every aspect of my life and He has a plan for me.

Lets bring it home

we are FREED from eternal death, and in its place given eternal security through Christ

Brothers and sisters, as we reflect on these incredible freedoms we have in Christ, how can our hearts not overflow with delight in our God?

We've seen that in Christ,

we are FREED from eternal death, and in its place given eternal security through CHrist

we are FREED from God's wrath, and can now come to him as his own child

we are FREED from guilt, and shame.

We're no longer enslaved by fear or the bondage of sin,

we have been liberated from the crushing weight of legalism trying to earn Gods favor

and We have been placed into the sovereign plan of God with a new purpose that he has planned for our lives.

Each of these freedoms is a testament to God's overwhelming love and grace.

They reveal a God who not only saves us from something, but saves us for something far greater – an intimate, joyful relationship with Him.

Think about it:

the God of the universe has removed every barrier that stood between you and Him.

He's not only wiped our slate clean but has given us a new nature, a new identity, and a new purpose.

He's adopted us as His children and invites us to participate in His grand plan for creation.

as Zephaniah 3:17 says “This is no distant deity, no impersonal force. This is a God who delights in setting His people free, who rejoices over us with singing.”

How can we not, in turn, delight in Him?

So I challenge you church : let these freedoms fuel your joy in God.

Let them ignite your worship, energize your obedience, and deepen your love for the God who loved you enough to save your soul.

And let this delight in God overflow into every area of your life.

For in Christ, we are free indeed – free to love, free to serve, and free to delight in our God forevermore.

May our lives be a constant expression of that delight, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.

Lets Pray