Slave to Free, Week 2: Freedom

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. Galatians 5:1 (NIV) “…I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV)  “I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV) “I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…”  Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV) The Cup of Sanctification = “I will bring you out” The cup of Deliverance = “I will free you” The Cup of Redemption = “I will redeem you” The Cup of Praise = “I will take you as my own people” “I will bring you out” = Salvation “I will free you” = Freedom “I will redeem you” = Redemption “I will take you as my own people” = Fulfillment For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.  Luke 19:10 (NLT) The beauty of Christianity is not that we can follow God, but that God wants to walk with us. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7-8 (NIV) I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:7-8 (NIV) “…I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:6 (NIV)  “I will free you from being slaves to them…” Exodus 6:6 (NIV) SALVATION is removing you from a life a slavery… FREEDOM is removing a life of slavery from you. There is a process after being SAVED… where we have to learn how to be FREE. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate… I want to do what is right, but I can’t.  I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.  But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. Romans 7:15-25 (NLT) I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.  I love God’s law with all my heart.  But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Romans 7:15-25 (NLT)  Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Romans 7:15-25 (NLT) Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:15-25 (NLT) Salvation… is instant. Freedom… is a process. …Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT)   The goal is never behavior modification, but always life transformation.   His SPIRIT   Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. Titus 3:3-5 (NLT) But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:3-5 (NLT) He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:3-5 (NLT) The Holy Spirit’s job is to teach us AND empower us to live out our NEW LIFE or FREEDOM. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you… John 16:7-13 (NIV) “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.  But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” John 16:7-13 (NIV) The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again… Romans 8:15 (NIV) …rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 (NIV) Not only did God provide a way OUT of our old life… He provided a guide INTO our new life. His WORD Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 (NIV) The bible is the instruction book for your new life. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV) God’s WORD teaches us a new normal… that God’s SPIRIT helps us live out. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) …in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) His PEOPLE If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV) As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:2 (NLT) We live for the other Person’s Good. His Spirit guides us… as His Word teaches us… as we process it out with His people.