Series: Unlocking The Doors To Freedom [#6]
THE DOOR OF SELF
Galatians 4:8-20
Introduction:
I’m not a fan of people who like to criticize me. In fact, I don’t know anyone that likes to criticized. The interesting thing about that is, I’m my biggest critic. I’m my biggest problem. I’m the reason that I don’t enjoy my salvation sometimes. How do we get out of our own way so that we can be what God has called us to be?
Galatians 4:8-20 (NIV)
“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God--or rather are known by God--how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you. I plead with you, brothers, become like me, for I became like you. You have done me no wrong. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you [from us], so that you may be zealous for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!”
Key #1: What I was.
Before I was saved I was a slave to sin. I was a slave to the world’s rules and ideas. I tried to figure out how to fix it myself.
Key #2: What I should be.
I should be joyful in my salvation. I should be strong in the Lord. I should be a hearer and doer of the Truth even when I don’t like it.
Key #3: What I tend to be.
Sinful- Following people not God. Sinful- Concerned and zealous about the wrong things. Sinful- Perplexing to those around me because of my “wishy-washiness”.
Conclusion:
How do I get to where I should be? Follow God 100% in all I do. Do you want to enjoy your freedom you have in Christ?
Luke 9:23 (NIV)
“Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
