Series: Biblical Cities- Jerusalem [#27]
JERUSALEM- FREEDOM
Matthew 23:37
Introduction:
We are continuing in our Series about the most mentioned City in the Bible- Jerusalem.
Matthew 23:37
While Jesus was still in Jerusalem, He once again taught the people things that were very controversial. In our text, Jesus taught about true freedom. We live in a Nation that boasts about its freedoms- Freedom of speech; freedom of religion; freedom to choose an occupation; and freedom where to live.
People in the United States have taken these freedoms for granted; and because of this, we are losing these freedoms. There are people all over the World that are told what to believe, where to work, where to live, and what they can say. So, what is freedom? The Bible tells us that only through Jesus Christ can we be set free. I would like to take this word FREEDOM and form an acrostic as we look at each of its letters.
John 8:31-38
1. Faith.
Regardless of where you live, true freedom comes from faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said to those that had believed in Him, that they were to hold to His Words and they would be His disciples. We are to believe in who Jesus is; the price that He has paid for us; and that He is the living Word. Only Jesus can free us from the bondage of sin. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
2. Responsibility.
Each person is responsible to God for their life. There will be a day in which you will stand before God and be accountable for your life. As we studied last week, there will be some who are judged at the Great White Throne Judgment- This judgment is for those who died without Jesus as Savior. There will also be a judgment for Christians- The Refiner’s Fire Judgment.
3. Empathy.
“Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.” What is empathy? Empathy is walking in another’s shoes, putting yourself in their place. Are you concerned for others freedom from sin? I am not saying that a saved person does not sin, because we do; but a saved person will spend eternity in Heaven, the lost will not. We must be concerned for those who will live in Hell for all eternity if they don’t accept Jesus.
4. Enlightenment.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” How are you made free? Through the Son. This freedom is offered to any who will accept. Jesus died for all. It is our choice to make. The Holy Spirit convicts people that they are a sinner in need of salvation. The Holy Spirit enlightens us to the freedom that comes from Jesus.
5. Devotion.
“Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” Do you allow your sins to rule you? Your Christianity is not your ticket to sin. Who are you devoted to, the World or Christ?
6. Obligation.
John the Baptist was obligated to tell others about Jesus. He fulfilled his obligation. Jesus told them the truth about who He was and about the Father. Have you considered that as a believer you have committed yourself to God’s service? Christians are obligated to sharing the truth about God.
7. Morality.
“I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word.” God knows your heart. You may be able to “trick” your Pastor and Church; but you can’t “trick” God. Do you live like a Christian- A person with freedom through Christ or do you live like a convict- One rightfully condemned for his rejection of Christ? Are you salt and light for Christ or not?
Conclusion:
What does freedom mean to you? Are you really free? Only if you are a believer.
