Stand in Your Liberty

In March 1775 the colonies were struggling against the heavy hand of King George. Some wanted to go along with taxation, but Patrick Henry challenged the Virginia Convention to pass legislation that would lead to the Declaration of Independence.

“If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable²and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

Do you want to live by the promise of faith or the penalty of the law?

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace²but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

Do you want to live by the blessing of relationship or the bondage of ritual?

How do we stand fast in the liberty of Christ?

Now he contrasts the Freedom of the New Covenant with the Bondage of Old.

Stand Upon the New Covenant (21-27)

It is better because it grants freedom, not bondage. (v. 22)

It is better because it is by God’s promise, not our effort. (v. 23)

You can not receive God’s blessings by human effort.

It is better because it eternal, not temporal. (vv. 24-26)

It is better because it is by faith, not by status. (v.27)

Understand the Source of Conflict (28-31)

The flesh will always be at war with the Spirit. It will either try to pull us into sin or pull us into legalism.

Know whose child you are!

Stand In the Finished Work of Christ (5:1-6)

Christ has granted us liberty from the curse of sin and the futility of self-effort by his blood.

Christ has given us the hope of righteousness by faith.

Christ works through us by faith.