Freedom in Christ: Week 3 Freedom to Follow (TableTalk)

Announcements:

Offering box is on the back wall near the coffee

2. Bible reading plan is on the church website.

3. MCS ready Now Clay County will be meeting at the community center on Tuesday from 6PM-7PM. This is open to everyone who is actively in addiction or in recovery.

4. We will be having our monthly prayer before service next Sunday morning August 2nd from 10-10:20AM in the student ministries room. This may be something we will do every week instead of once a month.

Series Statement (repeat together)

"The door has been opened. The chains have been removed. The question is: What will you do with your freedom?"

WELCOME

Leader says:

For the past two weeks we've discovered something important.

Freedom in Christ isn't simply about being forgiven.

It's about learning to live differently.

Many Christians have experienced salvation...

...but never really stepped into the freedom Jesus purchased.

Tonight isn't another sermon.

Tonight is about talking honestly.

About celebrating victories.

Admitting struggles.

And asking one important question:

"Am I actually living like someone who's been set free?"

TABLE GUIDELINES

Encourage everyone to participate.

Share as you feel comfortable.

No one has to answer every question.

Listen more than you speak.

Keep conversations confidential.

SERIES REVIEW:

WEEK ONE: Free Indeed

John 8:31–36 CSB

31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 “We are descendants of Abraham,” they answered him, “and we have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus responded, “Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.

Big Idea

Jesus doesn't improve prisoners.

He releases them.

Discussion:

• Before Christ, what "chains" controlled your life?

Possible answers:

Fear

Addiction

Pride

Bitterness

People-pleasing

Shame

Religion

Performance

• What does “knowing Jesus has completely forgiven you” change about your identity?

WEEK TWO: Freedom to Serve

Galatians 5:13–15 CSB

13 For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

Big Idea

Freedom isn't permission to do whatever we want.

Freedom gives us the ability to love others.

Discussion:

What is the difference between freedom and selfishness?

How have you experienced someone serving you with Christ-like love?

Who has God been prompting you to serve lately?

TRANSITION:

Leader says:

Freedom starts with Jesus opening the prison door.

Then we discover freedom isn't about ourselves...

it's about serving others.

But there is one final step.

Freedom requires daily decisions.

Jesus invites us not merely to be free and free to serve others…

but to follow Him.

Read Scripture:

Matthew 16:24–25 CSB

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.

DISCUSSION ONE:

What Does It Mean To Follow Jesus?

What words stand out to you?

Why do you think Jesus mentions denying ourselves before following Him?

Deny = reject or deny with repudiation (absolute rejection)

Take = choose to pick up

Follow = go after

Is denying yourself something you've found difficult?

Leader Thought

Following Jesus isn't losing freedom.

It's discovering what freedom was actually meant for.

DISCUSSION TWO:

What Still Wants To Pull You Back?

Leader says:

Even after prison doors open...

many people still hear the voices from inside.

Discussion:

What temptations keep trying to pull you back?

What lies do you still battle?

Examples

"I'm still who I used to be."

"I'll never change."

"I have to earn God's love."

"No one understands."

"I can handle this by myself."

"What practical habits help you stay free?"

Possible answers

Scripture

Prayer

Church

Accountability

Recovery groups

Serving

Honesty

DISCUSSION THREE:

Walking In Freedom

Which spiritual habit has helped you grow most?

What habit would you like to become more consistent in?

What obstacle usually gets in the way?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Give everyone about two quiet minutes.

Ask them to answer privately.

Where am I still living like a prisoner?

What step of obedience is Jesus asking me to take?

Who can help hold me accountable?

GROUP PRAYER

Invite everyone to pray over one another.

Specifically pray for:

Victory over temptation

Renewed minds

Boldness

Consistency

Healthy accountability

Joy

FINAL CHALLENGE

Leader says:

Freedom isn't an event.

It's a lifestyle.

Every morning we decide whether we'll walk back into the prison...

or continue following Jesus.

The prison door is still open.

Jesus is still calling.

Follow Him.

SERIES RECAP:

Week One: Free Indeed

Jesus set us free from sin.

Week Two: Freedom to Serve

Freedom changes how we love others.

Week Three: Freedom to Follow

Freedom becomes a daily lifestyle.

Weekly Challenge:

Ask everyone to complete these three things this week:

Read Matthew 16 every day.

Intentionally serve one person without expecting anything in return.

Share with one trusted believer the area where you need accountability.

Closing Prayer