Core 52 Week 41 - Freedom In Christ Series

Core 52 Week 41 - Freedom in Christ

You can listen to the audio of this sermon on my podcast at:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/697261/6000628

Q: How can I experience freedom?

• Experiencing national burnout.

• But the Christian doesn’t have to be subject to the same oppression as the rest of the world because we live under grace. we are free in Christ.

• It can be very difficult to accept God’s grace. We have an easier time identifying with

Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

• And even though we may understand on some level that God forgives us, forgiving ourselves is difficult.

• 8th chapter of Romans helps us to move beyond the burden of judgment to the freedom of grace.

The Declaration of Freedom

Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

• This is a life-changing reality.

• We already know that we’ve violated God’s law. There are clear consequences for our sins. And yet, in Christ, all of that is released.

• We are not denying that God’s law is valid and that there are clearly right and wrong. But we must move beyond the law’s limitations.

• The law can point out our failures but it cannot build our character.

• In fact, the law increases the potential for violations.

o We’re reminded of our own desire to rebel and “go our own way” when the law tells what NOT to do.

o Don’t lust, don’t steal, don’t covet, don’t lie.

o All of a sudden, we’re finding ourselves lusting, stealing, coveting and lying.

o When the law says, “NO!” We immediately want to say, “YES!”

• The good news (literally) is that Jesus freed us from this eternal cycle.

Romans 8:2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

• When we live in step with the Spirit, we are walking a true, holy path.

• then the penalty of the law is removed and the appeal of sin is diminished.

• For the Christian, the law only has whatever power we give it.

2 Corinthians 3:17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

The Spirit of Freedom

• this all begins when God forgives our sins.

• Jesus said, “it is finished” on the cross.

John 19:30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

• Now we must take the opportunity to “crucify ourselves.”

• As odd as this sounds what it means is to consistently choose to live in step with the Spirit rather by our own instincts.

Romans 8:12–13 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.

• Why is this so hard to do?

• Our identity plays a big part in this.

• We believe our deeds and desires determine our identity.

• We sinned, so we must be sinners. This is a terrible lie from the devil.

• Our identity is in our created nature. NOT our fallen nature.

• We bear the image of God. We were created by God. We are his children.

• We are redeemed by Christ Jesus. Result: We belong to God. We are filled with His Spirit. We are the hagios. Saints. Called out, beloved and considered holy by God.

• When we change our perspective on our identity, we are better able to live according to God’s will.

• Paul reminds us when we walk with the Spirit...

Romans 8:15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”

• So how does this work out in life?

• Two areas where our freedom in Christ have great advantage.

• One: Prayer

• Jesus promised that every prayer/request we bring that aligns with his mission will be granted.

Luke 11:9–13 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

• Two: Jesus has confirmed our hope for eternity. We’ll share everything in heaven because we, along with Jesus, are God’s children.