Made Alive: Freedom
Dear Friends,
God has made us alive for a purpose. Freedom is a popular word. When we think of freedom we don’t always think about anything to do with religion.
Yet Jesus said:
John 8:31-32 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Jesus was talking about true freedom. A lot of religious types make Christianity look like a list of rules. Others treat following Jesus so selectively that it seems like it has no impact on their daily lives. We are saved to be the freest people on earth.
John 8:36 “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
The problem with freedom is sin and how we approach it
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.
We have to learn how to live in Christ power so we are free.
Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Sundays teaching will be on the three things that steal freedom. I am praying you will make coming a part of your plan.
Blessings,
Joe
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
- PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AND FOR THE SERVICES
- PLAN TO ATTEND IN PERSON AND INVITE SOMEONE TO SIT WITH YOU
- CONSIDER THE SCRIPTURES AND QUESTIONS
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- How does our culture define freedom?
- How do you define freedom?
- What do think Jesus meant by freedom?
Joh 8:31-36 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 “The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.
- What is legalism?
- Why do we mix our prejudices, preferences and politics into the gospel so easily?
Gal 3:1-3 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
- Please share an example of how legalism has affected you?
- How can legalism become a toxic powerless religious bondage?
Col 2:20-23 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use) –in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? 23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.
- Why do people tend to go from legalism into license?
Rom 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?
1 Peter 2:16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.
Gal 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
- What is the difference between actions and lust?
- What is the only way to really live freely?
Gal 5:16-18 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
- Why does God make you alive?
Gal 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another
