Freedom
Standing in grace, leads to walking in freedom
admitting we are all in process but not giving the enemy a foothold or create comfortable mess with things that will lead you astray
Luke 4:18 “set free those who are oppressed”
freedom is more than fireworks
a lot of people think freedom is doing whatever you want
is there ever a situation where you can do whatever you want?
No
under the constitution
under your parents authority
biblically
free from death and consequence of sin
but you still aren’t in charge
You are not good enough, powerful enough, strong enough wise enough
let God be God
humble yourself
freedom is slavery
to a God who loves and cares
away from an enemy who destroys
the writer of Psalm 199 got it:
Psalm 119:45
power to choose him
we still battle sin
bitterness, control, anxiety, immorality, pride
Galatians 5:1
The enemy wants to take away our ministry and potential to impact others
there are battle lines, stronghold, difficult struggles
how do we battle for freedom?
freedom only comes in the nearness of Jesus
1) Christ’s work
Freedom only comes through nearness to Christ
in God is light, John 1
Light: illuminates and purifies
Know the Truth then practice the truth
Knowing about God vs Knowing God
2) know what he has done
in Christ, your slavery to sin has ended
in Christ you are free to chose Him
to walk in His ways
to treat people with Grace
to be different
some of you have never tried it
Hot Kool Aid
3) stand firm > temptation to move, to fail, to shrink back, lose faith
John Newton
4) understand what’s at stake
unforced error
the old ways remains - never dealt with
the old ways return - season of carelessness
the old ways have to be exposed and dealt with
there may be a day coming up when you really struggle with faith, I see stories
in these foundational years, missed opportunities to build good habits
the truth has to trickle down to our heart
sin grows and thrives on the darkness
the enemy wants you to hide
Romans 13:11-14