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Freedom
Contributed by Shawn Rose on Nov 28, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: The apostle Paul expounds upon a Christians freedom in his epistle to the Galatians.
Four basic observations concerning the Christian’s freedom:
1. You’ve been set free -- don’t turn back. (Galatians 5:1)
a. Paul’s readers were freed from the bondage of the law. (Galatians 5:2-4)
b. As Christians we are freed from the bondage of sin. (Romans 8:1-4)
c. We are saved by faith, not works (law). (Ephesians 2:8,9)
d. God will not lead us back into the bondage of sin. (Galatians 5:7,8)
2. Don’t use your freedom as a license to sin. (Galatians 5:13)
a. There should be a change after salvation. (Romans 6:1-4)
b. Use your freedom to love and serve others. (Galatians 5:13,14)
c. Use your freedom to serve God.
3. Walking after the flesh brings us into bondage again. (Galatians 5:16,17)
a. It would be foolish to let the flesh bring us into bondage again. (Proverbs 26:11)
b. It is evident in our behavior. (Galatians 5:19-21)
c. It can take the form of bad attitudes. (Matthew 5:21,22,27,28)
4. Being led by the Spirit brings freedom. (Galatians 5:18)
a. It is manifested in our behavior and attitudes. (Galatians 5:22,23)
b. We must make a conscious effort to walk in the spirit. (Romans 7:21-23)
Closing: (John 8:34,36)
a. You may be a Christian that has allowed sin back into your life. (hate, envy, lust, addiction)
b. You may be unsaved and still under the bondage to sin.
c. Jesus can and will set you free.