Introduction

Welcome! Today, we recognize the 4th of July holiday, or Independence Day, whichever you prefer. How many of you here today know what we celebrate on this national holiday? And if your immediate thought was, “hot dogs, parades, and pool parties,” you might really want to pay attention for the next 45 minutes or so…

“From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues…It began on July 2nd, 1776, when the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Britain, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.”

To say it very plainly, the fourth of July is a time Americans remember and recognize independence from the rule and oversight of Britain. Americans broke free, created a new democratic government, and the rest they say, is history.

The hot dogs, parades, fireworks, and pool parties all point to something bigger and more important, they point to freedom. And freedom is something that we as followers of Christ can celebrate any day of the week, in any season, and on any continent. For us, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1) So today, as we remember this American holiday of independence, we look to Christ and his teachings to gain a greater understanding of the true meaning of freedom found in the Kingdom of God.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Main Teaching

To frame our time today I will be referencing a specific passage from scripture where Paul talks passionately about the freedom we have in Christ. Let’s read over the entire passage together as we get started;

Wow, lots of amazing points here, but there are 3 specific commands that Paul gives that we need to pay attention to as we think about freedom in the kingdom of God.

Stand Firm (5:1)

Do not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (5:1)

Serve one another in love (5:13)

For many of us, we think about freedom in terms of things we’re allowed to do because there are laws in place that grant us freedom. As Americans, we even have a constitution and amendments in place that guarantee us certain freedoms and rights in our lives. And yes, it’s worth celebrating these freedoms as we are very fortunate to live where we live and to experience life in America.

And yet, as a follower of Christ, I’m called to experience a higher freedom. I’m free from a life of sin and bondage, and free to live my days in faithful response to the reality of the risen Christ.

I must learn, and we must learn, first of all, to stand firm in Christ.

Stand Firm

This is the first command that Paul gives from our Galatians passage and it is a consistent theme throughout his other letters and writings as well.

In this passage from Ephesians Paul elaborates on the spiritual component of our battle with sin, death, and the enemy ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium