1.Memorial Day is a special holiday for American citizens. 2.Each year at this time we pay tribute to those who have given their lives so we can enjoy freedom and liberty. 3.Civil freedom and liberty are great blessings that we enjoy; however, "spiritual freedom and liberty" are even more special. 4.In our lesson we are concentrating on a number of passages from the Bible that deal with spiritual freedom and liberty. 5.Let us begin our study by pointing out that . . .
Discussion:
I.CHRISTISTHESOURCEOFSPIRITUALFREEDOMANDLIBERTY
A.Galatians 5:1 mentions "the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." B.This great principle is declared in many other passages. 1.(Luke 4:18) As Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1-2 in the synagogue, He showed that He came "to preach deliverance to the captives" and "to set at liberty them that are bruised." 2.(John 8:36) Jesus said, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." C.(John 8:31-32) Jesus gave some guidelines for receiving the freedom and liberty that He provides. D.This should prompt us to ask 2 questions. 1.#1 - What is the Lord's Word? a.The Lord's Word is the New Testament. b.(Hebrews 9:15) "He is the mediator of the new testament." 2.#2 - What is involved in continuing in the Lord's Word? a.Continue: to abide in, to dwell in, to remain in b.See Colossians 3:16a; James 1:25. E.We have seen from these passages that: 1.Christ is the source of spiritual freedom and liberty 2.we must continue in the Lord's Word to receive the freedom and liberty that He provides.
A.We certainly want to continue in the Lord's Word to know the truth on this matter. B.(Romans 6:17-18) The Lord makes us free from sin when we obey from the heart the doctrine revealed in the Bible. C.(Romans 6:3-7) He makes us free from sin when we are baptized into Him. D.After we are made free, . . .
III.CHRISTWANTSUSTOREMAINFREE
A.Galatians 5:1 says that we are to "stand fast" in the liberty that Christ provides. B.Instructions that relate to this principle are given in: 1.Galatians 5:1b -- "Be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." a.We are no longer under the Law of Moses (Galatians 3:24-25). b.We must not seek to be justified by the Law of Moses (Galatians 5:4). 2.Galatians 5:13 -- The liberty provided by Christ does not allow us to serve the flesh. a.Many "works of the flesh" are listed in vs.19-21. b.See Galatians 5:24.
Conclusion:
1.Have you allowed the Lord to make you free? 2.If you have, are you remaining free?
