Stand Firm in Freedom: Religious Liberty Sunday

Good morning, church.

Today, as we celebrate Religious Liberty Sunday, we are reminded of a precious gift—the freedom to worship without fear.

We can gather here without the threat of persecution. We can open our Bibles without worry. We can speak the name of Jesus boldly.

But even more precious than political liberty is the freedom that only Jesus Christ gives us—a freedom from sin, shame, guilt, and spiritual death.

Galatians 5:1

Galatians 5:1 NIV

1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Let’s talk about that freedom today—not just the kind that governments protect, but the kind that only Jesus can give.

Freedom Is a Gift from Christ

Paul begins: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” That’s a powerful sentence. But what does he mean?

Freedom from what?

In the context of Galatians, Paul is speaking against legalism—specifically those who were saying you had to follow all the Jewish laws, like circumcision, to be saved.

Paul says, No. You’re not saved by works. You’re saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

And that grace brings freedom:

Freedom from guilt and condemnation

Freedom from the crushing weight of performance-based religion

Freedom from sin’s power over your life

Freedom from death itself!

Illustration:

Imagine a prisoner being released from jail. The warden hands him his paperwork and says, “You’re free.” But the prisoner says, “No thanks. I think I’ll stay in my cell.” That sounds ridiculous—but spiritually, that’s what we do when we go back to sin or religious legalism.

Christ didn’t set us free so we could go back to chains.

Romans 8:1–2 NIV

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Let’s not take that lightly. Christ died to give us that freedom. It came at a great cost. Salvation is not a free gift. It is a paid for offering. Paid by Jesus Christ

Stand Firm in That Freedom

The Yoke of slavery in Jewish tradition, the image of the yoke was often used to describe the law’s role of guiding people in righteousness. Paul redirects this imagery to clarify the law’s effect now that Christ has come: It does not lead or teach people anymore, but instead enslaves them.

Paul continues: “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Why does he say “stand firm”? Because freedom must be guarded, other wise it errodes

Spiritual Drift Is Real

Just like we drift from good habits—exercise, eating well, rest—we can drift spiritually:

Drift into legalism—thinking God loves me more when I perform well

Drift into license—thinking freedom means doing whatever I want

Drift into apathy—taking grace for granted

Paul warns: don’t go back to the old way. Don’t pick up the chains Christ broke off.

Application:

This isn’t just about ancient Galatia. It’s about us.

Are you living as someone who is free in Christ?

Or are you still carrying shame, guilt, fear, or performance?

Hebrews 10:22 NIV

22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.”

We stand firm not by our strength, but by standing on the truth of the gospel.

Eroding Freedoms in the Western World

Church, let’s take a moment to acknowledge something sobering: While we are gathered today in a free and public worship service, religious liberty is slowly eroding—even in Western democracies like ours.

🇺🇸 In the U.S.:

Business owners and ministries are increasingly being taken to court over biblical convictions about marriage, gender, and life.

Students and teachers have been challenged or silenced for bringing faith-based perspectives into public schools.

Pastors have even faced threats for preaching biblical truth on controversial cultural issues.

🇨🇦 In Canada:

Some provinces have passed laws that restrict Christian counseling and preaching on sexuality and gender identity—even in churches.

There have been cases where pastors were arrested or fined for holding worship services during times of governmental restriction—even when other public gatherings were permitted.

🇬🇧 In the U.K.:

Street preachers have been detained for quoting Scripture in public.

Individuals have been investigated for simply praying silently near abortion clinics.

According to Pewresearch countries where Government harassment of religious groups, interference in worship has risen since 2007

These examples aren’t meant to stir fear—they’re meant to stir awareness. Because here’s the truth:

Religious freedom is not guaranteed to last forever. And unless we steward it wisely—spiritually, courageously, and publicly—we may wake up to find it gone.

Spiritual Drift + Cultural Pressure = A Dangerous Mix

When the church drifts into apathy at the same time society drifts into hostility, freedom fades fast. So Paul’s words ring louder than ever:

“Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

We cannot afford to be silent. We cannot afford to be soft. Not when truth is called hate… and conviction is called bigotry.

But we also can’t afford to be bitter. We stand firm in love, not in fear. We stand for Christ, not just for comfort.

Use Your Freedom to Serve in Love

A few verses later, Paul gives the balance:

Galatians 5:13–14 NIV

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. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“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.”

Freedom isn’t a license to sin—it’s an invitation to love.

We Are Free to Serve

You’re not just free from something—you’re free for something:

Free to worship

Free to forgive

Free to speak boldly for Christ

Free to care for the poor, the hurting, the lost

Next Steps

Let me ask you this: What are we doing with the freedom we have?

We have Bibles in every format imaginable, sermons online, the ability to share Christ publicly—yet so many believers live like they’re still imprisoned. Let’s not waste the freedom others around the world long for.

Global Reminder:

Right now, in many countries, our brothers and sisters:

Meet underground

Risk prison for owning a Bible

Cannot legally share their faith And yet they do—because their hope is in Christ, not comfort.

Let’s honor their example and our freedom by standing firm and serving boldly.

Conclusion: Live Free and Faithfully

Christ has set us free. That’s not just a slogan—it’s a new reality.

So today, I urge you:

Stand firm in that freedom—don’t go back to sin or fear

Live faithfully—don’t waste your liberty on comfort

Use your freedom—to serve others, share the gospel, and build the kingdom

John 8:36 NIV

36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Let’s be a church that lives that out.

🙏 PRAYER:

“Lord, thank You for the freedom we have in Christ. Thank You that You’ve broken the chains of sin and death. Help us to stand firm, to walk in grace, and to use our freedom to serve. And we pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who long for the freedom we sometimes take for granted. Fill us with boldness and joy as we follow You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Bibliography

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2024/03/05/globally-government-restrictions-on-religion-reached-peak-levels-in-2021-while-social-hostilities-went-down/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Barry, John D., Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

Barry, John D., Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

George, Timothy. Galatians. Vol. 30 of The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994.

Notes

Absolutely! Here's a printable sermon notes page for your congregation to follow along with during “Stand Firm in Freedom” on Religious Liberty Sunday (July 6). It includes fill-in-the-blanks, reflection questions, and Scripture references to help them stay engaged and reflect further.

🕊️ Sermon Notes

Title: Stand Firm in Freedom Text: Galatians 5:1 Date: July 6, 2025 — Religious Liberty Sunday Preacher: Pastor Ryan

✝️ Galatians 5:1

“It is for _________ that Christ has ______ us ______. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of ________.”

1. Freedom Is a Gift from Christ

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free...”

Freedom in Christ means being released from:

The power of _______

The burden of ________

The fear of ________

🧠 Reflection: Have I truly received and embraced the freedom Christ offers me? What “chains” am I tempted to pick back up?

2. Stand Firm in That Freedom

“Stand firm, then...”

Paul reminds us that spiritual freedom requires:

________ in truth

Resistance against spiritual _______

Awareness of ________ pressures

⚠️ Warning: Spiritual drift happens when we grow complacent or begin to compromise. Circle one area where you feel most tempted to drift: Legalism / License / Apathy

3. Eroding Freedoms in the Western World

“Do not let yourselves be burdened again...”

📉 Did You Know?

In some Western nations, public Christian speech is increasingly labeled as __________.

Religious convictions in business or education are sometimes met with __________ or cancellation.

🧭 Application: How can I wisely use my voice, vote, and witness to protect gospel freedom—with love?

4. Use Your Freedom to Serve in Love

“Serve one another humbly in love.” — Galatians 5:13

Freedom in Christ isn’t for selfishness—it’s for _______.

We are called to be _______ with our liberty.

True freedom finds purpose in _______ others.

🧤 Challenge: List one way you can serve someone this week because of the freedom you have in Christ:

📖 Closing Reflection & Prayer

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36

🙏 What’s one area of your life where you need to stand firm?

🛐 Take a moment to pray and thank God for the freedom you have—both earthly and eternal.

Youtube

Here’s a YouTube description for your sermon “Stand Firm in Freedom” for Religious Liberty Sunday (July 6):

🎥 Sermon Title: Stand Firm in Freedom 📅 Date: July 6, 2025 — Religious Liberty Sunday 📖 Scripture: Galatians 5:1

🕊️ Description: In a world where religious freedoms are increasingly threatened—even in the West—how should the church respond? On this Religious Liberty Sunday, Pastor Ryan brings a timely and powerful message from Galatians 5:1:

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then…”

This sermon explores the true nature of gospel freedom, the dangers of spiritual drift, and how Christians are called to stand firm—not just politically, but spiritually. With real-world examples of eroding freedoms in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., this message will challenge you to live boldly, love deeply, and serve faithfully.

✅ Freedom in Christ is not just a privilege—it’s a calling.

🔔 Subscribe to stay encouraged by the truth of God’s Word. 📲 Visit laughlinchurch.com for more sermons, resources, and ways to get connected.

Biblestudy

Here’s a 3-day Bible study to accompany your sermon “Stand Firm in Freedom” (Galatians 5:1). It includes daily Scripture readings, reflections, Greek word studies, and practical applications—all aimed at helping your congregation live out the message of gospel freedom in a world where that freedom is increasingly challenged.

📖 Bible Study: Living Free in Christ

Based on Galatians 5:1 To accompany the sermon “Stand Firm in Freedom”

📅 Day 1: The Nature of Gospel Freedom

Read: Galatians 5:1; John 8:31–36; Romans 6:15–23

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…” — Galatians 5:1

🔍 Word Study – “Freedom” (Greek: ἐλευθερία / eleutheria)

This word refers to the state of being released from servitude or constraint. In the New Testament, eleutheria often refers to freedom from sin, death, and the law, as made possible by Christ.

Not a political or civil freedom, but a spiritual liberation.

We are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness (Rom. 6:18).

💭 Reflection Questions

How does the biblical idea of freedom differ from how our culture defines it?

In what areas of your life do you live as if you are still in bondage—even though Christ has set you free?

✍️ Life Application

Write a short prayer thanking God for the freedom you have in Christ. Ask Him to help you walk in that freedom daily.

📅 Day 2: Standing Firm in a Shifting Culture

Read: Galatians 5:1 again; 1 Peter 5:8–10; Ephesians 6:10–13

“…stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

🔍 Word Study – “Stand firm” (Greek: στήκω / stēkō)

Stēkō means “to persist, to be firmly committed, to hold one’s ground.” It is a military term describing a soldier holding a position in battle.

The idea is spiritual resistance—not running away, not compromising.

We don’t just resist sin—we stand firm in grace, truth, and love.

💭 Reflection Questions

What spiritual “ground” are you tempted to give up in today’s culture?

Where is God calling you to stand firm—with grace and courage?

✍️ Life Application

Identify one area in your life (at work, online, in family) where you're called to stand firm in your convictions. Write out one truth from Scripture you can cling to in that area.

📅 Day 3: Freedom to Serve in Love

Read: Galatians 5:13–14; 1 Corinthians 9:19–23; James 1:22–27

“Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

🔍 Word Study – “Serve” (Greek: δουλεύω / douleuō)

Ironically, this word means “to serve as a slave.” Paul uses the paradox: in Christ, we are set free—and now we willingly become servants to others out of love.

Christian freedom is not self-serving—it is other-serving.

This turns freedom from license into loving mission.

💭 Reflection Questions

Who has God placed in your life that you are called to serve this week?

How does serving others help you live out true freedom?

✍️ Life Application

Write down one concrete way you will serve someone this week: a family member, a neighbor, a church ministry, or even someone who doesn’t believe as you do.

🛐 Closing Prayer for the Week

“Father, thank You for setting me free in Christ. Help me to live in that freedom, stand firm in truth, and serve others in love. Make me bold, humble, and faithful in a world that is watching. In Jesus’ name, amen.”