Freedom is liberation
– Jesus came to free us physically and spiritually from sin Gal 5:1
– Satan weighs us down with our burdens. Jesus came to take those burdens off. Matt 11:28-30
Legalism – adherence to unnecessary rules – it robs us of what Jesus came to give us
– Tradition (man-made) vs Doctrine (God-made)
You are given the freedom to fight for your freedom. Paul says to stand up and fight against the slavery of legalism
How to fight against legalism Col 2:16-23
– Let no one pass judgement on you. Judgement belongs to God. There is a divine accountability with you and Jesus
– Let no one disqualify you or say you don’t belong. We are all screwed up and trying to get better
– Assertive vs Hedonism – virtue is in the middle
– Do not submit to man-made rules. Scrutinize it and take it scripture
Why not just tolerate legalism
– The gospel depends on it
– Legalism undermines the power of the gospel. It stunts Christian growth and takes the joy out of it
– Legalism encompasses the credibility of the gospel. It makes the Christian life dull and boring and it looks like a list of rules
Martin Luther said God’s bondservant is the freest man of all
Live boldly and courageous. Be free in Christ! Peace, hope, life and freedom!
Freedom is not what about what your free to, but what you are free from
Where you go the Spirit goes and there is freedom 2 Cor 3:17
How can you be a servant of God and be the freest person on the earth?
Freedom is not a license
– Not an opportunity for the flesh. We have a battle with our sin nature going on.
Freedom is what you are free from
– living under the law
– free from sin
Freedom is liberation from the wrong kind of rules (man-made rules)
One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control Gal 5:22
– The Holy Spirit is our teacher and we learn from him
Maturity doesn’t come with age but with acceptance of responsiblity
Live in freedom in holiness and honor 1 Thess 4:3-6
You don’t need a list of do’s and dont’s, just ask the Holy Spirit what is right
Freedom is not your right, it is a privilege Gal 5:14
Serve one another
– Take care if this ‘right’ of your and don’t cause your brother to stumble 1 Cor 8:9-13
– If we sin against a brother/sister, you are sinning against Christ. Jesus looks out for us
Law of the love. Love your neighbor as yourself. Make choices on how it affects others Matt 22-37-38
Put others needs above your own Phil 2:3-4
What are you willing to give up in your freedom for your brothers and sisters?
– Paul was willing to give up his salvation Romans 9:3
We tend to fend for ourselves because others don’t take care of us. We need to see this in the church Romans 14:21
Ask yourself if this is profitable for the body of Christ. Look out for your brothers and sisters
If you are free, live responsibly. Live as a servant of God and others 1 Peter 2:16
Do you have irrational fears (ex:death)? Rational fears are justified
Know the truth (Jesus) and it will set you free John 8:31-32
– Jesus said I am the truth John 14:6
– Jesus frees us from punishment and condemnation Romans 8:1-2
– Sin and death Romans 5:12; 6:23
We will be free from fear and be free to live everyday John 8:36
Is it possible to be free but not live free? We are conditioned from the chains of our past. We say we are free yet we stay in captivity. We need to step out in faith and live free to move forward by the power of the Spirit in Christ
Not to survive, but to thrive
Jesus wants us to have an abundant life and have nothing to fear anymore John 10:10
Fear has to do with punishment. If we are perfected in love, we don’t have to fear anything 1 John 4:18
– Are you perfected in love?
We get abundant life through Christ John 14:6
Start believing the things you believe. That means no more fear of the things that weigh you down.
– My notes from sermon from Kent DelHousaye
Living a life that Matters 
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