Freedom Follows Following: A Life of Freedom
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Sermon Notes
The first life that masquerades as freedom is the Legalistic Life.
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.
Freedom is the Goal: “It is for freedom”
Christ is the mode to freedom: “that Christ has set us free”
Set Free is a finished work: “Stand firm, then”
Why do people add to the Gospel and why do people fall for it?
Rules allow us to measure ourselves.
Rules allow us to measure others.
Rules make living with others easier.
Legalism Limitations
Legalism makes my freedom dependent on me.
My legalism makes everyone else’s freedom dependent on my standard.
Legalism is a moving target.
The second life that masquerades as freedom is the License Life.
Galatians 5:13-18
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Path of the Life of Freedom
Galatians 5:19-21 – Not the Path
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21 and 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.
Galatians 5:22-23 – The Path
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
How do I live free in freedom?
Action Step #1
Leave Your Sin Nailed to the Cross
Galatians 5:24-25
24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Repentance is ownership – I am going in the wrong direction. This is on me.
Repentance is surrender – I can’t fix me. Jesus I am asking for your forgiveness and giving myself to you.
Repentance is an action – I am turning around 180 degrees.
Action Step # 2
Put On the Correct Clothes
Romans 13:14
14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Action Step #3
Allow the Spirit to Change your Mind
Romans 8:5
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
Action Step #4
Sow Consistently in the Freedom Field
Galatians 6:8-9
8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.