Freedom in Christ
Notes
Transcript
Turn your bibles to Galatians 5
This Past week we got to celebrate the 4th of July .
To be able to celebrate the freedoms the 4th of July represents.
I was in Rhode Island with my grandkids but we had gone downtown on the 4th of July
and heard the Declaration of Independence being spoken
and it was cool to remind us all the freedoms we have in America but that’s nothing like the freedom we have in Christ .
that’s why even people who are saved in prison are still in prison but they’re freer than they were ever before . so we’re going to talk about tonight the freedom in Christ .
Freedom in Christ is a core biblical concept
that centers on the freeing believers received through a relationship with Jesus.
This freedom is not simply the ability to do whatever one desires, but rather a release:
from the bondage of sin,
the demands of the Old Testament law,
and the need to earn God's acceptance through works.
Stand as we read God word: Galatians 5:1,16-17, 22-25
Let’s pray
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.
What Are We Freed From?
Sin and Its Penalty:
Through Christ, believers are freed from the power and penalty of sin
no longer a slave guilt, shame, or spiritual death
the lusts of the flesh
The Law:
The Old Testament - yearly sacrifices
Jesus' sacrificial death fulfilled the requirements of the law,
releasing believers from its burdensome demands and from trying to achieve righteousness through their own efforts
Self-Justification
In Christ, there is no need to justify oneself or strive for acceptance through works
What Are We Freed For?
To Serve and Love:
Freedom in Christ is not a license for self-indulgence.
Instead, it empowers believers to serve one another in love
For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another.
For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”
To Walk in the Spirit:
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom
This freedom enables believers to live in obedience, righteousness, and joy, guided by the Holy Spirit
To Live by Grace:
Salvation and daily living are rooted in grace, not works.
This grace brings purpose, joy, and a new identity as children of God
John 8:36“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” True freedom is found in Jesus
The bondage that some are still under...… not wanting to let go of somethings in our life - be it friends, music, choice we make
Practical Application
Embrace God’s Grace:
Understand that salvation is a gift, not earned by works.
Serve Others:
Use your freedom to love and serve, not to indulge selfish desires
Walk in Obedience:
Let freedom lead to a life aligned with God’s will, empowered by the Holy Spirit
Goodbye Yesterday - lyrics
Goodbye yesterday
I'm living in the light of a new day
I won't waste another minute in my old ways
Praise the Lord, I've been born again
