Freedom in Jesus Christ

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Our nation has just celebrated its 227th year of freedom. There are those individuals who are extremely thankful for this nation’s freedom and those who do not give it a second thought.

B.        Regarding subjects with much more importance, one must consider the matter of spiritual freedom from sin.

1.         Without this freedom, a person will spend eternity in Hell.

2.         With this freedom from sin, a person will spend eternity in Heaven.

C.        It is the purpose of this lesson to show that freedom from sin is possible, how to become free from sin, and how to stay free.

I.         ARE YOU STILL UNDER BONDAGE?

            A.        Who is under bondage to sin?

                        1.         Those who are still serving sin. (Romans 6:16; John 8:34)

                        2.         Those who allow sin to reign in their bodies. (Romans 6:12)

            B.        In other words, if you have not turned away from sin, then you are still under bondage to sin.

II.       IT IS POSSIBLE TO BE SET FREE FROM SIN!

            A.        The apostle Paul taught that freedom from sin is possible. (Romans 6:18,22)

            B.        Turn to Jesus Christ and He will set you free. (Galatians 5:1)

            C.        Obey from the heart the Truth of the Gospel.

                        1.         John 8:31-36

                        2.         Romans 6:17-18

            D.        Put to death that old man of sin through obedience to God’s word.

                        1.         Believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God. (John 3:16; 8:24)

                        2.         Repent of your sins. (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38)

                        3.         Confess you belief in Jesus. (Romans 10:9,10)

                        4.         Obey Jesus’ command to be baptized. (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-11)

            E.        Walk according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-2)

            F.        When one is set free, he is set free from his bondage to and guilt of sin. (Romans 6:7,14,18,22)

            G.        Continue to live a faithful life to God and avoid entering again into sin. “. . . For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.” (Romans 6:19, NKJV)

III.      THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS TO ENTER AGAIN INTO BONDAGE!

            A.        There are times when Christians will be tempted to develop an attitude of indifference regarding their freedom. A lack of study and growth will definitely bring on this type of attitude. (2 Peter 1:5-11, esp. v 9)

            B.        Consider the following warnings against being led into bondage.

                        1.         Galatians 2:1-5 - Paul and Titus did not submit.

                        2.         Galatians 4:8-11 - The brethren were in danger of returning to the state they lived in before becoming Christians.

                        3.         Galatians 5:1 - Do not be entangled in sin.

            C.        When a Christian ceases to grow, he loses his ability to recognize the difference between right and wrong. (Hebrews 5:12-14)

                        1.         He is unable to tell the difference between truth and error, being unable to rightly divide the word of truth.

                        2.         This problem is solved by returning to studying daily God’s word. (2 Timothy 2:15)

            D.        Avoid the false teachers and remain righteous. (2 Peter 2:1-3,9,10)

            E.        In 2 Peter 2:19-20, Peter warned against being led back into the “pollutions of the world.” Consider some examples of wicked deeds to be left behind. (Galatians 5:19-21; Colossians 3:5-11)

            F.        Avoid any and all influences that might lead you back into sin.

IV.      HOW DO WE MAINTAIN THIS FREEDOM?

            A.        You can maintain this freedom by standing fast in the liberty. (Galatians 5:1a)

                        1.         You have this liberty because of Jesus Christ and His Truth. You should always be standing in this Truth. (Ephesians 6:10,13-14)

                        2.         If you are standing fast in the liberty, then you will uphold and keep the commands taught in the Word of God. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

            B.        You can maintain this freedom by not being entangled in sin. (Galatians 5:1b)

CONCLUSION.

A.        You and I have two choices. We must choose one or the other. We must choose to either be enslaved to sin or be a slave to God.

1.         Remember, the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23)

2.         However, if you will serve God, then you will receive the gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:23)

B.        Do you want to be free from sin, thereby receiving eternal life with God in Heaven? If so, then completely and unconditionally obey God today.

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Freedom in Jesus Christ -- July 6, 2003 -- File # 964

by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK