"Free to Love"

July 14, 2024

FBC Baxley

am service

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Welcome radio and online guests…

*It’s ok if you’re broken, unfaithful, lost, we are too and we are here seeking God’s will and way and plan.

We are all prodigals here…

Some rescued….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

Sermon Title: “Free to Love”

Scripture Passage: Galatians 5:7-15

7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.

11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.

12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

PRAY

Three Points:

1. Run with Resolve

2. Reject the Yoke of Legalism

3. Radiate Love through Service

Introduction: Question: Free From…..Free To….

Illus.

How many of you enjoy running? How many of us need to??

I’m no runner. I’ve never really had a desire to run unless it was sport related. It’s more like punishment.

Have you ever watched 1st graders run?

They all sprint from the starting line, but a few hundred yards later, they fizzle.

First graders are sort of like the Galatians. Paul illustrates their failure to keep running till the end by saying:

You were running well. What hindered you from obeying the truth?

Now, If you ever see me running… You better run to, or shoot what is chasing me!!

1. Run with Resolve (Galatians 5:7-9)

Verse 7: "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?"

Verse 8: "That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."

Verse 9: "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."

Explanation: Encourage the congregation to stay focused and steadfast in their faith, avoiding distractions and false teachings.

2. Reject the Yoke of Legalism (Galatians 5:10-12)

Verse 10: "I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty."

Verse 11: "Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished."

Verse 12: "As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!" (make weaker….deprive)

Explanation: Emphasize the importance of rejecting legalistic practices that distract from the true message of the gospel, which is freedom in Christ.

3. Radiate Love through Service (Galatians 5:13-15)

Verse 13: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

Verse 14: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Verse 15: "If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."

Explanation: Highlight the call to use our freedom not for selfish desires but to serve others in love, fulfilling the law of Christ through our actions.

Life Applications:

Life Application 1: Discernment in Influences

Application: Be cautious of influences that lead you away from the truth and purpose God has set for you.

–”Stay away from people who claim to be a victim to a problem they created.”

Paul warns the Galatians about those who are persuading them away from the truth, comparing it to yeast working through dough.

In our lives, it's crucial to recognize and guard against influences—whether they come from media, peers, or even internal doubts—that can disrupt our spiritual journey.

Practical Steps:

Regularly assess the sources of your information and guidance.

Surround yourself with a community that supports and encourages your faith.

Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize and reject misleading influences.

Life Application 2: Freedom and Responsibility

Application:

Embrace the freedom you have in Christ, but use it responsibly.

Paul emphasizes that Christian freedom is not a license for self-indulgence but an opportunity to serve others in love.

In today's world, freedom is often misunderstood as the right to do anything, but true freedom involves making choices that honor God and benefit others.

Practical Steps:

Reflect on areas where you might be using your freedom selfishly and seek to make changes.

Look for ways to serve others in your daily life, whether through acts of kindness, support, or encouragement.

Cultivate a habit of gratitude, acknowledging the freedom Christ has given you and using it to uplift those around you.

Life Application 3: Love and Unity

Application: Foster a spirit of love and unity within your community.

Paul reminds the Galatians that the entire law is fulfilled in the command to love your neighbor as yourself.

He warns against divisiveness and conflict, which can destroy relationships and communities.

In a world often marked by division, living out this principle can transform our interactions and relationships.

Practical Steps:

Make a conscious effort to practice empathy and understanding in your interactions.

Address conflicts directly and lovingly, seeking reconciliation and peace.

Engage in community-building activities that promote unity and mutual support, such as volunteering, participating in group events, or simply being there for those in need.

These applications can help us navigate our daily lives with a focus on faith, responsibility, and love, fostering a stronger and more united community.

PRAY

Invitation

“Are you born again?”

Is your name written in the Lambs Book of Life?

“Have you surrendered/repented to Jesus?