Slave to Free, Week 4: Fulfillment

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” When we allow God to walk us through His process… the result is a life of fulfillment! The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV) “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 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV) He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners… Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV) …to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God… Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV)  …to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty  instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV) They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.  Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV) They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Isaiah 61:1-4 (NIV) Our journey from slave to free is about God using our lives to move more people from slave to free. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.” Luke 4:16-21 (NLT) He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Luke 4:16-21 (NLT) Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Luke 4:16-21 (NLT) Dream Big No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagine what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT) But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT) Vision = what you see but haven’t reached GIFT + FEAR + PAIN x VISION = A GOD SIZED DREAM There is an unlived life in front of you… don’t settle for the life you have always known. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead… Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) …I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT) Find a Team “I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God…”  Exodus 6:6-7 (NIV) The life of fulfillment you want can never be found alone… it is only found within a group of people.   Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2-6 (NLT) Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Romans 12:2-6 (NLT) Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:2-6 (NLT) In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Romans 12:2-6 (NLT) A huge piece to the puzzle of your life is realizing the greater picture you are a part of. We are all looking for a team where we can find 3 things: Contribution Community Celebration …Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:18 (NLT) Make a Difference God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) Ultimate fulfillment comes when we live beyond ourselves and pour our passion into the service; when we do that, we change the world. – Chris Hodges “One Child Matters” Video “Could God really ___________?” “YES!” Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Ephesians 3:20 (TLB) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) “I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) “Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)