He Gives Freedom

Some call this chapter the “inner sanctuary” of all of Scripture. The climax of Paul’s theology. One of the greatest words in all of the New Testament, apart from Jesus’ own words.

What is freedom?

As we engage in this Memorial Day weekend it is natural to ask and reflect on this question.

We live in the shadows of rejection.

It seems that our world thrives on rejecting something and people. Even if we are okay we see the effects of rejection all around us.

The main point: the Holy Spirit gives true freedom.

As Christians who are Americans we must remember this. No government can grant true freedom. Nor should we look to any earthly system to do so.

Dare I say some Christians in more repressive and “un-free” nations are more free than some of us in this country, which is the hallmark of freedom.

But how?!

This is the question which naturally comes from wondering about the Spirit giving true freedom. Paul lays out ways the Spirit provides true freedom. It is my goal this morning this message will encourage, comfort but also convict us in our understanding of what freedom is as a Christ follower.

Freedom is about life.

Some of us just exist. Yes at times this may be how we persevere but we were meant to do more than just take up space and breath. We were meant to live. The Spirit gives live.

The Spirit frees us from condemnation.

The Spirit changes our mindset.

There is a difference in thinking when we become a Christian. Verses 5-11 bring this to light. We no longer live and think like we used to. This is a process and is not always at instantaneous. This is part, I believe what Paul tries to set up in chapter 7

The Spirit enables us.

We are able to please God because of the Holy Spirit which is in us. We are able to “kill” the desires of the natural/flesh/sinful nature because of the Spirit. We partner with the Spirit to do this. We cannot do this on our own.

The Spirit provides intimate relationships.

Jesus described God as “Abba, Father” and the early church did as well. This may not have been customary for the Jews to use but the Spirit puts into an intimate relationship, true intimacy, sacred intimacy, with God that allows us the personal nature.

The Spirit secures our future.

This is explicit in verses 18-21. We will not be rejected by God because of the Spirit. As we learned in our study in Ephesians, the Spirit is a downpayment, a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. We can suffer in this world because we know this world is not the end. Our mindset has changed.

The Spirit intercedes in prayer for us.

Not only are we enabled but the Spirit also continually prays for us and with us in ways I do not fully understand at this time.

God’s plan is guaranteed!

We can sin and mess up but ultimately we have freedom because the Spirit reminds us whose we are and who really is in control. God works things to the ultimate goal, heaven.

Now, what does this mean for me?

This is the question of application.

Submit to the Spirit.

Freedom isn’t without a cost. We are reminded of this truth on this weekend.

Rest in the security of salvation.

The two points are not opposites but necessary in a full view of salvation.

True freedom is found only in Jesus. Know him today!

“Security without responsibility breeds passivity, but responsibility without security leads to anxiety.”

-Douglas Moo in The NIV Application Commentary: Romans page 258