Freedom

Guiding Others to Freedom

I have a question for you, but I don’t want you to answer it out loud, I want you to reflect and really be honest with yourself and God. OK…you ready?

Who or what were you a slave to this week (Rom. 6:16)?

Read Romans 6:15-23

What does it mean in Rom. 6:17 that we have become “obedient from the heart”?

What is righteousness (Rom. 6:19)?

The act of doing what God requires.

What does God requires us to do?

Believe

Abraham - Romans 4:3, 9, 22 (also Gen 15:6, Gal 3:6 and James 2:23).

Rom. 10:10 Justified - δικαιοσύνη {dee-kai-o-see-nae} - This is the same Greek word translated righteousness in Chapter 6.

I believe the translators used justified in this instance to try and communicate the emphasis on God’s action not mans.

What is sanctification?

Activities that reflect that a person is dedicated to the Lord and set apart for Him. The process of becoming more Christ-like. The more we die to ourselves, the more Christ can live through us.

How does righteousness lead to sanctification (Rom. 6:19)?

Answer (Rom. 6:22)

What is the full extent of Sanctification? Romans 6:22 (τέλος)

Explain Eternal Life It is so much more than living forever in heaven! Quantitative and Qualitative.

What contrasts do you see in Rom. 6:23?

wages vs. a gift

sin vs. God

death vs. eternal life

my efforts vs. Jesus’ efforts

Recap

Being made Righteous (justified) deals with the problem of our sin.

Sanctification is the process of living our lives (daily activities) dedicated to the Lord. We are set apart for His use and in the process of becoming more like Christ though the fruit that is produced.

Glorification is the end result - Eternal Life experiencing God’s quality of life.

Truths regarding Freedom

Galatians 5:1 ESV

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Romans 6:7 ESV

For one who has died has been set free from sin.

Romans 8:2 ESV

For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

John 8:32 ESV

and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:36 ESV

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Why do Christians find it necessary to impose restrictions on other believers?

It’s risky and could lead to abuse of liberty.

A genuine concern or intention to help people live a godly life (Legalism or Pharisaical).

How about, lack of faith in God! Ouch! Romans 14:4

Optional Read: Romans 14:1-12

Do not judge! Matthew 7:1-2

How can we tell the difference between sin and legitimate liberty?

Ask yourself 3 questions - If I do this (or do not) will I be

Loving God with all my being?

Loving my brother or sister in Christ?

Loving myself appropriately? (What does that mean).

If you can answer YES to all three of these questions then your headed in the right direction.

How do we guide others to freedom?

We must understand freedom for ourselves before we can help someone else.

We must not pass judgement on a brother or sister, he/she is the Lord’s servant and he can take care of it! HAVE FAITH!

Discipleship - Get involved in someones life. Teach them how to study the scriptures.