Introduction Song by Beth out of communion: Love came for me from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8tjqtJA_xU
Thoughts from Shannon Wexelberg on her song “Love came for me!”
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…
Have you ever wondered how the cast of Heaven reacted to the news? We don’t have any indication as to how much information the Father shared with them about the “plan” before He made the announcement. But can you imagine the moment when Heaven became aware that the Son Jesus, who had spent eternity at His Father’s side, was suddenly stepping off His throne and heading on a radical mission of redemption to planet earth? Seriously? It had to seem outlandish, extreme and rather unnecessary.
But isn’t that exactly what God’s love is for us? It makes no sense why the God who formed everything we see and beyond would stoop down to us, not out of pity, but because of great and compelling love. It’s true. God’s decision to send Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb was entrenched, doused and permeated by pure love.
Love came for me…
But what if He hadn’t? What if God had decided we weren’t worth the time and we were just too far gone? A hopeless case. What would my life look like today? It’s hard to say what decisions I would have made or where my path would’ve led without knowing this Love, or without having the mind of Christ, the Spirit of God and the hand of the Father leading and guiding me. What would my marriage look like? My family? My reaction to tragedy, death and unexplainable detours? My daily struggles? My eternity? My sense of peace? What if I wasn’t able to fall into the soft arms of grace when I fail or immerse myself in the amazing Love that cannot and will not fail me? It’s impossible to determine, but this I do know. My life has been changed because of this Love – this love that culminated upon a cross with a bloodied Savior hanging and beaten for MY sin.
The Lyrics of the song: Love came for me…
If You had not come
Tender baby King
And humbly left Your throne
To reach someone like me
If You had not walked
Upon this broken ground
Where on earth would I be now?
If You had not come
If You had not come
To seek the sick and lame
To set the captive free
To break the prisoners chains
I’d still be in the dark
Grappling for the door
Longing for some way, somehow (but…)
Love came for me
Love rescued me
Love called my name
Love took my place
Sweet Lamb of God
I’m bowing down
My eyes have seen
I’m finally free
Love came for me
If You had not come
Willing, spotless Lamb
My sin would be too much
For You to take me as I am
But, oh, the blood of Christ
That washes over me
Flowing from Your hands and feet
Don’t have to worry where I’d be
Love came for me
Love rescued me
Love called my name
Love took my place
Sweet Lamb of God
I’m bowing down
My eyes have seen
I’m finally free
Love came for me
This manger King
My everything
Love came for me
See also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmUXtzn7vy0 her performing it live!
T.S. – I really believe the Holy Spirit is in this theme “Love came for me” for December. Why? Because the Lord helped me to find this song after we had chosen our title and theme for this month. I still find it amazing how it summarizes what we want to speak about this last month of 2016 about Jesus and Love.
Series: Love came for me!
Thesis: “Love is God” says 1 John 4:8 or to reverse this thought “Love is God” God minted and defined what Love is. John 1:1 tells us Jesus and God are one which also implies that Jesus is love.
Introduction Series:
This brings us to our series today “Love came for me” John 3:16, 1 John all point to this historical fact about Jesus. Jesus “Love” came for each and everyone one of us! Is that not amazing to ponder -meditate on and realize?
Over this next month we will be rediscovering – or for some discovering how Love came for you and me! Over 2,000 years ago!
Love came to do very specific things in our life according to Jesus -- let’s recall some scripture references to help us see this fact:
In the Old Testament has a prophetic passage which is found in the book of Isaiah which speaks of what the Savior will do when He comes:
Let’s read Isa 61:1-3: The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor and release from darkness for the prisoners…
This prophetic word was spoken about 650 - 700 hundred years before Jesus was born! But it was announcing and paving the way for the divine pinnacle moment of Jesus’ life and ministry:
Let’s read Luke 4:18-21: – Jesus fulfilled and proclaimed why He “Love” came to this earth from heaven – He explained by quoting the above verse in the following scenario around 30AD!
18“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Could you imagine this scene in the synagogue? He announced He was the fulfillment of this Scripture – He was the Messiah – I can only imagine the intial comments “Did he just say he fulfilled this?” “Is he claiming to be the Savior?” Then their realization and reaction “He is!” He is Joseph’s son – a nobody – no Savior – no deliverer – and they became furious with Jesus!
But Jesus introduced all of us as to the reason why He love came for us in this moment in time in Nazareth – His home time. Let’s look at some the reasons He came from heaven to Earth:
Why did love come? Jesus gave the following reasons when He used this prophetic Word:
1. To set us free!
a. To set free the brokenhearted free, to release the prisoners from their cells of bondage, to set the captives free and to deliver the oppressed.
i. Let’s say this truth together “Jesus came to set me free!”
ii. We will talk more about this point in a moment!
2. To help us see!
a. Jesus came to give sight to those who are blind!
i. You may think you can see but He is talking spiritual here – to give spiritual sight to the spiritually blind.
1. Reference Pereti’s books and how he painted a clear picture of the spiritual realm most of us do not see!
b. We need to see that we do not have to mourn anymore!
c. We need to see that we do not need to grieve anymore!
d. We need to see the favor of the Lord!
e. We need to see Him and receive His amazing love.
3. To bring us peace!
a. It seems as if every Miss America or Universe wish for world peace – a common wish for I think a lot of people.
i. In the world we live in though this seems impossible – But Jesus came down to bring us peace and at Christmas time this sense of peace rises up more than other times of the year!
b. Jesus gives us peace which helps us to be glad and not sad.
c. He gives us peace to help us praise Him for the gift of mercy and love.
d. Peace is attainable in this life but it is only found in Jesus!
4. To help us display His glory!
a. Jesus came to this earth and to you and me so that others could see the splendor of the Lord in our lives!
i. Why did he do this so that we could pass it on to others!
ii. We are not to hoard Jesus but pass Him on to others!
iii. Jesus want everyone free, to see, and to have peace in His Love.
1. Christmas Eve – displaying His splendor (His glory) – the light of Christmas – story of It’s a Wonderful Life.
2. Christmas Day – display His splendor (His glory) – by loving others – story of Scrooge.
T.S. - So let’s look at how love came to set us free – both you and me!
Scripture:
2 Cor 3:17: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Galatians 5:1: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:13: You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
To be free – pause a moment – to be free what does that me for you? What do you need to be free from?
I did a little research on the internet and discovered that people were freed from the following:
1. Alcohol and Drugs!
2. The effects of Rape!
3. Sexual abuse from family members, fathers or step-fathers!
4. Anger and rage!
5. Un-forgiveness!
6. Fear!
7. From post tramatic effects of abortion!
8. Financial bondage!
9. Divorce!
10. Health issues!
11. Lust – porn!
12. Depression!
I read numerous stories of people set free and you know how they became free? The common denominator in their stories was Jesus! Yes, Jesus!
Share the story from Naomi’s funeral about her being free and the poem read at her funeral!
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life's been full, I savoured much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch,
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Naomi went home to be with the Lord a few weeks ago and in the transition from here to eternity she was completely set free. No more pain, no more sorrow, no more loneliness, no more struggle to make ends meet. She was freed by Jesus years earlier but the total fulfillment of the promise of Jesus to be free came to it’s pinnacle in her death.
But remember Jesus can set us free today from so many different bondages if we ask Him. Yes, we also can be free here in this life by the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our life. We can be set free by listening and following God’s Word! We can be set free by following and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Are you free – no really are you free?
Many people would tell you today that they are free in this country and many other countries as well but are they really free?
Question: How free are we really? Here are some scenarios of false freedom! I really would like you to think about these scenarios for a moment.
The following thoughts from sermon https://www.crcna.org/resources/church-resources/reading-sermons/truth-will-set-you-free
Leroy was 16 years old and got a summer job as a landscape helper. He saved up enough money and bought a pick-up truck, but with insurance, payments, repairs, gas — all his earnings went to that vehicle. In August he told his parents that he was quitting school. His parents pleaded with him, “Son, please think about what you are doing, your whole future may be at stake. You have a good mind and by at least finishing high school, many more opportunities will be at your disposal!” He listened, but finally said, “This is a free country, and I have the freedom to do what I want!”. Was he really free, or had he become a slave to that vehicle?
Jill was 16 and was experiencing some troubles at home. She got involved on the internet and met this seemingly neat guy in a chat room. She left home, moved in with this guy in New York and was provided with drugs that made her feel so good. He turned out to be a pimp and soon she was selling her body on the busy street corners of USA’s largest city. Parents and friends pleaded for her to come back home so they could all make a new start. But, she too shot back, “look, this is a free country — I can do what I want”. Was she really free or had she become a slave to a pimp and to drugs?
Barry was a 40 year old guy — married for 17 years, 3 kids. He found a secretary in the office who really understood him. She was young, vivacious and seemed to be so interested in his jokes, ideas, and activities. You probably know the rest of the story — he left his wife to move in with the new love of his life. Among many others, the pastor tried to talk some sense into him. His response was, “Look, I am free to do what I want”. Was he really free or had he become a slave to lust? Was he exercising his freedom or his bondage?
Chuck was a farmer — expanding his quota, his herd, his land possessions. His contribution to church and charity were poor. He was visited by one of the members of the church and encouraged to give and contribute as he had been blessed. He was offended and told his visitor to take a hike with these words, “Look I am free to give what and when I want. It is my choice!” Was he free, or was he really a slave to his possessions?
T.S. - I have a question this morning from our different scenarios: “Do we know what real freedom is? Do you think many of us have traded one type of slavery for another in this life?” Have you experienced real freedom?
I. He who the Son sets free is free! A promise of Jesus and the power of His love!
a. How does freedom come into our life? The Bible says it’s because of the truth – the power of His truth is really what sets people free!
i. Scripture John 8:12-59: The Validity of Jesus’ Testimony:
1. 12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” 14Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. 18I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” 19Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come. 21Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.” 22This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?” 23But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am ‹the one I claim to be›, you will indeed die in your sins.” 25“Who are you?” they asked. “Just what I have been claiming all along,” Jesus replied. 26“I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.” 27They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am ‹the one I claim to be› and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” 30Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 34Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37I know you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you do what you have heard from your father.” 39“Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do the things Abraham did. 40As it is, you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41You are doing the things your own father does.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” 42Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” 48The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon–possessed?” 49“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” 52At this the Jews exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon–possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. 53Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” 54Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” 57“You are not yet fifty years old,” the Jews said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” 58“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
ii. I read this passage of Scripture and discovered that Satan’s most effective strategy is to make people think they are free when in reality they are chained in the bondage of sin. They live within the grips of sin and think they are free. Yet, they actually are slaves to their sin and they even believe their sin is what makes then free.
1. Many people today paint the picture that it’s the church which enslaves people – it’s the Christian religion which traps them into bondage.
a. Quote from one pastor who stated, “This should really cause us to sit up and take notice for we live in a society that idolizes our “freedom to choose”. But, could it be that we are choosing to be children of Satan and not even know it?”
i. I think this is a valid question to really ask ourselves this morning. “Am I really free or just deceived?”
1. Share man at Dunkin Donuts and his comment wrestling tournament and kids.
2. Share from quote in Concussion “God use to own Sundays now it is owned by the NFL!”
2. In our text the religious leaders were so deceived by Satan they could not see that they were slaves to their sin and false beliefs about God.
a. Jesus even calls them out as “Liars” “Children of lies” “Listening to the Father of lies” – by the way this makes them really angry to the point they want to kill Jesus.
i. Jesus really does tell the ones who thought they knew God that they are slaves!
1. Notice Jesus is not out to impress them or get people to like Him – He is out to set them free with the truth!
2. One pastor also stated: “As soon as it was insinuated that they were not free, they got angry. “We are children of Abraham” they claimed. “Our status is one of being free.” They might have been slaves in body, but never in soul. This has proven to be very true in history. Yes, they were at this very time enslaved to the Romans, and yet, as many a ruler would attest, it was well nigh impossible to get these people to succumb to the Roman way of life. In Egypt too they were slaves, yet their souls and spirits could not be harnessed. Thus many prisoners in the gulags of Siberia or in the concentration camps of Germany testify to a fundamental freedom even when incarcerated. Thus the Jews claim, as children of Abraham they are free.”
3. Jesus point blankly and with conviction looks at them and says “You are not free!” “You are slaves” “You are deceived and promoting lies.”
a. Try doing this with some Christians today and you have a war on your hands! Try doing this with people who are deep in their sin and they become outraged!
b. But the truth is they are not free --- really they are slaves to sin!
i. Sin is always a nightmare of bondage!
c. Important point to understand in our passage is these were the so-called God followers – but in their self-made religion of works they became slaves to the lies they created about God, about freedom, about holiness and sinned in the process!
i. We really need to look at our hearts to see if we are really free?
ii. One way to gauge the freedom meter is by looking at how and what you get angry about!
1. One pastor put it this way: How angry do we get when someone confronts us about our habits, our practices, our speech, our ideas, or our plans. Remember, here are people who “believed in Jesus”, but were not aware that they were really Satan’s children because they refused to be set free by Jesus. They, like many others, believed that they did not really need to be changed, transformed - they thought that on their own they could make good and right decisions.”
a. By the way you cannot make right and good decisions without wisdom and wisdom only comes from God.
4. Jesus says, “Everyone who sins, and keeps on sinning, is a slave to sin.”
a. Please, take that to heart. But, also believe this: The Son has come to set you and me free through love!
b. Remember Jesus said “It is the truth which sets us free.”
c. You might ask the question: “But, what is truth?”
i. Truth means something that is not a lie or that which is false.
1. But it goes much deeper that just that. It refers to Jesus who says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life”. In our scripture passage, vs. 36, Jesus and “the truth” are rendered one and the same: “if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed.”
2. So you cannot be free without Jesus and His love!
ii. Truth is also equated with genuineness and or trustworthiness
iii. Truth also knows right from wrong!
1. For example: Truth knows what loves looks like and acts like – love is not found in pornography. Pornography is sin and lust not love! The same goes for other sexual sins the Bible defines what is truth! Anything outside the guidelines of God is not in freedom but slavery and bondage!
2. For example: Truth is able to discern what is materialism and what are blessings from God.
3. For example: Truth is able to distinguish between selfish pleasure and joy in the Lord.
4. One author uses this example: Think of the rich man and Lazarus. (Luke 16: 19ff) The rich man could enjoy all the luxuries of life. In many ways his life could be considered the ideal. That is the one most of us would opt for. Lazarus on the other hand was a beggar, he was enslaved to his poverty; hopefully a few crumbs would be thrown his way. But, when we know the rest of the story; as we hear the “rich man” begging for a drop of water and “see” Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom — who is the one who is ultimately and totally free?
T.S. – We can think we are free but if the way we live and act does not align with God’s truth then we are enslaved to sin and not free – even though we think we are free! The way to be free is to live by the Spirit because it’s God’s Spirit which brings true freedom in this life.
II. Paul said “Be free and live by the Spirit!”
a. Some of Paul’s thoughts on freedom:
i. 2 Cor 3:17: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
1. Wherever God’s Spirit is there is freedom!
ii. Galatians 5:1: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
iii. Galatians 5:13: You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
iv. In Galatians 5: Paul tells the Galatia church to be free, to remember the one thing which sets them free which is “faith expressing itself through love” and this action will help them to live by the Spirit and keep in step with the Spirit of God and be free!
1. In Galatians if you read this book of the Bible you will discover that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to get into Heaven (ultimate freedom).
2. Human effort driven by a works religious mindset will not get you into Heaven instead it will put you into bondage and steal away your joy and trap you in bondage.
a. In Galatians: Paul has been confronting the false teaching of the Judaizers and re-convincing the Galatian Churches to return to the true Gospel. He has stressed that it is more important to please God rather than to please others. He has told them if you quit serving God and pleasing Him than the sacrifice of Jesus means nothing. He challenges them about their actions by asking, “Do you really want to negate Christ’s death and resurrection?”
i. Paul frequently has referred to his former way of life when he too was trapped into a works related religious mindset. He convincingly relates to them how he too at one point thought that he could earn his way to heaven. But that all changed when he had a divine encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road. He actually discovered that his religious mindset and works driven religious mindset actually put him in opposition to the Lord. The deceived mindset of the religious actually does not draw them closer to the Lord but further away and in opposition to His message of “grace.”
ii. He also reminded the Galatian church that Abraham became saved and a friend of God not because he followed the Law but because he believed by faith.
3. Galatians 5:1- 26:1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. 2Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. 7You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? 8That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9“A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. 11Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
a. Illustration: Calvin’s story- from Brooklyn Tabernacle reveals what it means to be free. Listen to Calvin’s story and watch how he communicates what it means to be free. Calvin’s testimony and songs should help us understand what the apostle Paul means when he says, “Stand Firm … be free!”
4. So we need to choose to “Be free!”
a. Galatians 5:1,13: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery... 13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”
b. Paul shares another text on freedom in 2 Corinthians. Listen to what he says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Cor. 3:17 NIV
i. What does it mean for me to be free? What am I free from?
1. Does it mean I am foot loose and fancy free? I can do whatever I want when I want? I can party hardy and be the life of the party and still be free in morning?
2. Does it mean breathe easy? I can breathe easier and not be stressed because I have free air. Since I am free and can breathe in free air I don’t have to worry about who gave me the free air? Because it’s free!
3. Does it mean I get off Scott free? Does it mean I am off the hook when I should not have been? Does it mean that yes I got a way with it and now I’m Scot free?
4. Does it mean I am freed from paying taxes? Free from money concerns and therefore I don’t have be a good steward of my money? Am I free to go on a spending spree? Does it mean free from being in need? Am I free because I don’t have to worry about my needs?
5. Does my freedom mean I am carefree so don’t bother me about meeting my families basic needs. Remember I’m free from responsibility. Does it mean free to come and go?
6. Does it mean I can go anywhere in this world because I’m free? I can go stay or just melt away because I’m free.
7. Does it mean I get freebies? Does it mean I get free stuff? Free means free right, so I take what I think should be free. Even when it is not mine!
8. Does it mean free will? Is it all about having the freedom to choose my own destiny? Does it mean I’m free to be me?
ii. So what does Paul mean when he says “We are free!” Well to understand freedom let’s explore the meaning of the word first.
1. Free: adj 1: able to act at will; not hampered; not under compulsion or restraint; …3: costing nothing...6: not held in servitude; "after the Civil War he was a free man" n : people who are free; "the home of the free and the brave" … adv : without restraint; "cows in India are running loose" …6: free from obligations or duties 7: free or remove obstruction from; "free a path across the cluttered floor" 8: let off the hook; "I absolve you from this responsibility"
2. To remove obstructions or entanglements from; clear: free a path through the jungle. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
a. Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
iii. We are free then means we are delivered from the bondage of this world and from sin. This is what it means to be free!
1. Paul reminds us then to not take our freedom for granted. He says, “Stand firm in your freedom because that is why Jesus gave it to us!”
2. In Christ we have freedom from the law – from sin – from eternal punishment – from a religious works mindset. This is what it means to be set free! It means to stay free and not return to slavery!
3. Don’t throw away your freedom for a works related religious mindset. Hang on to the freedom that is found in faith!
4. Paul does give us a balance to the being free by faith. He tell us remember that you are not to use your new found freedom to indulge the sinful nature.
5. Faith is not to be misused as a get out of Hell free pass so you can keep on sinning!
6. Should we use our freedom to sin freely and then think because I am free I am not compelled to do right- remember Pastor Mike you said it is all about “Grace” – something I can never earn or attain so why try?
a. So I’m free to sin and then free to repent the next morning!
b. So we sin and think I’m still free because God has to let me be free!
i. Many think: He has to forgive me right is He not bound by the words of the Bible!
ii. Key point: The truth is our freedom should drive us to live by faith and act in love and avoid the sinful nature which loves to rob us of our freedom.
1. True love does not indulge the sinful nature it repels it!
Conclusion:
Our freedom in Christ should draw us to love and not to sin and therefore when we are drawn to love by faith then we are to practice the one thing that is most important faith and love.
Paul tells us that we need to decide, to commit to living by the Spirit then we will not get trapped into living by our fleshly evil desires. He says, “We will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature!”
Choosing to live by the Spirit means we choose to not live by the sinful nature. We choose to be free in Jesus and the Spirit. We are to choose the path of the Spirit not the path of the flesh (sin).
Hands illustration. Which is your dominant hand? The Spirit? Or the Sinful nature?
* Who is winning the war in your heart and mind? The Spirit? The sinful nature?
Remember they do not like each other and they will not live at peace within your heart because these two do not go together!
a. They are like Sonny and Cher
b. They are like Jihad and forgiveness
c. They are like fire and water
d. They are like pretty and ugly
e. They are like sharks and dolphins
f. They are like liver and onions
g. They are like Jumbo and shrimp
h. They are like cheap gas
i. They are like Democrat and Republican
j. They are like Ford and Chevy
k. They are like MTV and Hallmark
l. They are like cops and robbers
m. They are like light and darkness
p. They are like Dolly Pardon and Mick Jager
q. They are like Mother Theresa and Saddam Hussein
r. They are like good and evil
So Are you really free? Love came to set us free by following and listening to His truth – but we have to choose to be free and stay free!
