The Gift of Freedom

Sermon Discussion Questions: December 21, 2025 The Five Gifts of Christmas: The Gift of Freedom Advent Candle Lighting: Luke 1:46-56 – Love 1. Elizabeth and her unborn baby were filled with joy upon seeing Mary. “Elizabeth's grasp of the situation was extraordinary...” (John MacArthur) How do you think Elizabeth gained such a clear understanding of a situation that most misunderstood? Sermon: 1 John 3:4-10, Hebrews 2:14-18 I. Freedom from the Practice of Sin – 1 John 3:4-6 1. In verses 4 and 8, What two missions of Jesus are specified? 2. The Nativity scene is generally portrayed as serene, and that is likely accurate. However, it was the initiation of a momentous and violent act – the invasion of the creation by the creator. a. Give another scriptural example of an event that, at the time it occurred, seemed of low import, but had major effects upon history. b. Give a personal example of some event that seemed minor when it occurred, but had a significant effect upon your life. 3. When angels communicate with men, they often begin with: 'Do not be afraid.” This was true when one appeared to the shepherds. Why do you think that angels are usually scary? 4. Based on this passage, if you offended someone, why is this often a bad way to initiate reconciliation? “I made a mistake.” 5. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Verse 6. Uh oh. Is Joe Saccaro doomed to hell? 6. At the Fall, in what sense did God lose the creation to Satan? II. Freedom from the Power of Satan – 1 John 3:7-10 7. How does verse 9 relate back to the Genesis creation story? 8. With what frequency do you engage in the kind of confession described in 1 John 1:9? Hourly, daily, weekly? 9. Pastor Paul said that Jesus took on the consequences of sin, without sin affecting His nature. State a verse that supports this assertion. a. Old Testament prophesy. b. New Testament history or epistle. 10. What is the problem with asking yourself: How much sin can I incorporate into my life without getting into trouble? 11. Prior to, and after, our salvation, we experience sinful desires or impulses. Before our conversion, we sometimes resisted them. After our conversion, we sometimes still yield to them. In what way have we changed? 12. How do we reconcile Romans 6:6-7 with our post-salvation continued sinning? 13. Satan initiated his temptation with: Did God really say? How would you describe his strategy, and how does he continue to apply this strategy today? III. Freedom from the Power of Satan (Continued) – Hebrews 2:14-18 14. God created two beings, Angels and Men, with the capacity to obey or disobey Him. Why did he extend salvation only to disobedient men? 15. This passage seems to state that the incarnation was necessary for our salvation. State whether you agree with that interpretation, and if so, try to explain the connection between the incarnation and the atonement. 16. AI Question 🤖: Let’s briefly navigate the meaning of verse 14; “... that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is the devil.” Prayer Points: • Pray for Abiding Power (Freedom from Sin's Practice): Ask God to help you surrender self-rule and "abide" in Him so deeply that the internal patterns of habitual sin are broken by His presence rather than just your willpower. • Pray for Spiritual Victory (Freedom from Satan's Power): Thank Jesus for His "militant" mission to dismantle the enemy's works, and ask Him to actively dissolve any lies, shame, or accusations the devil is using to hold you captive. • Pray for Family Resemblance (Freedom of Identity): Pray that because "God's seed" is in you, your life would tangibly reflect your true Father this Christmas through acts of righteousness and love for your spiritual siblings.