Discretion...Proceed with Caution

 

MATTHEW 7:13-20

Theme: When we reject a fake righteousness, it will enable us to reject a false system of judgment also.

Relevance: The Lord wants us to exercise wise judgment regarding ourselves, other people, and the Lord himself.

Introduction: Discretion is the quality of being discreet; using good judgment; care in speech or action; wise caution. Unfortunately, many people rushed into things because they are popular and gratifying; however, the disciple must show discretion—we must look beyond the appearance of things and note what is really happening. 

There is also a need to be determined in the matter of using discretion throughout the course of life and discipleship. After presenting the true way of access into His anticipated kingdom, Jesus gave a warning about false prophets. Since there are false prophets in the world, we must always be careful of deception.

Message:

I.               Discretion: Stay on the Straight and Narrow Because It Is the Path of Life (Matt. 7:13-20).

But the greatest danger is self-deception. The scribes and Pharisees had fooled themselves into believing that they were righteous and others were sinful. It is possible for people to know the right language, believe intellectually the right doctrines, obey the right rules, and still not be saved. Jesus gives us reliable advice to help us judge ourselves and others righteously.

a.    Determine to Stay With The Narrow Way Because it is the Right Way (Matt.. 7:13-14).

These verses have a wonderful application to the gospel by depicting the two roads and destinies of the human race. The wide gate and broad way lead to destruction (Prov. 16:25). The strait gate and narrow way lead to life. Jesus is both the gate (John 10:9) and the way (John 14:6).

But while this is a valid application of the passage, the interpretation is for believers. The two ways mentioned here are not the way to heaven and the way to hell, but the way of discipleship contrasted with a wasted life.

                                                    i.     From the Beginning: We Must Choose the Strait Gate and Avoid the Wide Gate.

a.      The Lord warns that the gate to Christian discipleship is strait [small, narrow, and difficult to enter] and the road way is narrow and difficult also. 

                                                                                                                i.     But those who faithfully follow His teachings find the abundant life he promised (John 10:10).

                                                                                                              ii.     Jesus presented the clear way of access into a righteousness lifestyle. The righteousness He demanded (Matt. 5:20) comes through adherence to His teachings alone which emphasize internal transformation and not mere external requirements. 

b.     On the other hand, there is the wide gate—the life of self-indulgence and pleasure.

                                                                                                                i.     Jesus was comparing the wide gate and the broad roadway to the outward righteousness and external requirements of the Pharisees.

                                                                                                              ii.     If people followed the Pharisees’ teachings, their path would lead to certain ruin. The end of such a life is destruction. This is not referring to losing one’s soul, but of a failure to live out a truly righteous life--- the purpose of one’s existence as a disciple.

                                                  ii.     During the Journey: We Must Choose the Narrow Way and Avoid the Broad Way.

a.      Jesus is saying that to follow Him would require faith, discipline, and endurance. But this challenging life is the only life worth living.

                                                                                                                i.     The reason is not difficult to discover: The way of life is narrow, lonely, and costly; it is marked with sufferings, troubles, and afflictions.

                                                                                                              ii.     We can walk on the broad way and keep our “baggage” of sin and worldliness. But if we enter the narrow way, we must give up those things. 

b.     Here, then, is the first test: Did your profession of faith in Christ cost you anything?

                                                                                                                i.     If not, then it was not a true profession. Many people who “trust” Jesus Christ never leave the broad road with its appetites and associations. They have an easy Christianity that makes no demands on them.

                                                                                                              ii.     Yet Jesus said that the narrow way was hard. We cannot walk on two roads, in two different directions, at the same time.

                                                iii.     Despite Conditions: We Must Choose the Life Few Leads and Avoid the Life the Majority Lead.

a.      True discipleship is a minority position, a matter of deliberately opting out from the mainstream, but it is a matter of life and death.

                                                                                                                i.     If you choose the easy way, you will have plenty of company, but you will miss God’s best for you.

                                                                                                              ii.     The broad way is the easy way; it is the popular way. But we must not judge spiritual profession by statistics; the majority is not always right. The fact that “everybody does it” is no proof that what they are doing is right. 

b.     Quite the contrary is true: God’s people have always been a remnant, a small minority in this world.

b.    Determine To Stay Away from the Influence of False Prophets Because they Will Lead You Astray (Matt. 7:15-20).

Wherever the stern demands of true discipleship are taught, there are false prophets who advocate the wide gate and easy way. They water down the truth until, as C. H. Spurgeon said, “There is not enough left to make soup for a sick grasshopper.”

                                                    i.     Realize they are Wolves and Only Appear to be Sheep (Matt. 7:15).

a.      These men who profess to be speaking for God come in sheep’s clothing, giving the appearance of being true believers.

                                                                                                                i.     They present themselves as insiders, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

                                                                                                              ii.     Their intention is destructive; they are vicious unbelievers who prey on the immature, the unstable, and the gullible.   

b.     So not all alleged preaching, teaching, Christian books, music, and videos are to be taken at face value; it must be tested (1Jn. 4:1-6).

                                                                                                                i.     How can one determine the character of false teachers? The test is not the prophets’ profession but their fruit. We need only look at the fruit they produce. Are they influencing people regarding true inner righteousness of the heart?

                                                                                                              ii.     The meaning of fruit usually indicates behavior which is genuinely pleasing to God (Matt. 3:8–10; 12:33–37; 21:43). 

                                                  ii.     Recognize that Good Fruit Comes from Good Trees (Matt. 7:16-18).

a.      This is God’s detection system for the false prophets: ye shall know them by their fruits. Their licentious lives and destructive teachings betray them.

b.     A tree or plant produces fruit according to its character.

                                                                                                                i.     Thorn cannot bear grapes; thistles do not bear figs. A good tree bears good fruit and a corrupt tree bears evil fruit.

                                                                                                              ii.     This principle is true in the natural world and in the spiritual world. The life and teaching of those who claim to speak for God should be tested by the Word of God: “If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20).

                                                                                                            iii.     The Savior gives the correct test of their character.

1.     Generally we do not judge a fruit tree by its leaves, or bark, or flowers, but by the fruit it bears. The flowers may be beautiful and fragrant, the foliage thick and green; but these are merely extras. It is the “fruit” that is of primary benefit to people; and we form our opinion of the nature and value of the tree by that fruit.

2.     The same is true about those who pretend to have saving faith and to engage in Christian service. Their claims may be clear; but the “conduct”-the fruit-is the determining factor about the true nature of the person.

3.     Those religious leaders, who seemed to be good men, who taught spiritual truths about Messiah and His kingdom were exposed by the Lord. Jesus made it clear they were not good for they were leading others astray. 

c.      The two trees show that true faith in Christ changes the life and produces fruit for God’s glory.

                                                                                                                i.     Everything in nature reproduces after its kind, and this is also true in the spiritual realm. Good fruit comes from a good tree, but bad fruit comes from a bad tree.

                                                                                                              ii.     The second test is this: Did my decision for Christ change my life?

1.     False prophets who teach false doctrine can produce only a false righteousness (see Acts 20:29). Their fruit (the results of their ministry) is false and cannot last.

2.     The prophets themselves are false; the closer we get to them, the more we see the falsity of their lives and doctrines. They magnify themselves, not Jesus Christ; and their purpose is to exploit people, not to edify them.

3.     The person who believes false doctrine, or who follows a false prophet, will never experience a changed life. Unfortunately, some people do not realize this until it is too late. 

                                                iii.     Remember the End for False Preachers is the Fire (Matt 7:19-20).

a.     The destiny of the false prophets is to be cast into the fire. The doom of false teachers and prophets is “swift destruction” (2 Pet. 2:1). Like the tree that produces rotten fruit they too will be cut down and thrown into the fire. If they do not fulfill their purpose for existence, they should be removed.

b.     They can be known by their fruits. “Wherefore, by their fruits you shall know them” (Matt. 7:20).

 

Conclusion:

When we reject phony righteousness, we become able to eliminate false systems or sanctimonious standards of judgment also. Our Lord invites us to exercise wise, loving, sensitive, compassionate discernment towards ourselves and other people. Will you accept his generous invitation?

1.  How shall we test our profession of faith? By popularity? No, for there are many on the broad road to destruction. And there are many who are depending on words, saying “Lord, Lord”—but this is no assurance of salvation. Even religious activities in a church organization are no assurance.

2. How then shall we judge ourselves and others who profess Christ as Savior?

The two ways tell us to examine the cost of our profession. Have we paid a price to profess faith in Christ?

The two trees tell us to investigate whether our lives have really changed. Are there godly fruits from our lives?

 

Breaking Free of Temptations

 

Matt. 4:10-11; Luke 4:13

 

Subject: FREEDOM IN CHRIST

Theme:  If You Ever Feel Trapped by Temptations, God wants You to Live in Freedom.

Relevance: God offers each believer an inner freedom that allows us to live above our present circumstances. This form of spiritual freedom is extremely important to the child of God who feels trapped in the bondage of addictions, depression, abusive relationships, and other oppressive situations. The truth is that any person who feels as if he or she is in the clutches of something sinful, negative, or evil, can be set free in Christ! The fact that you and I can be free is a great encouragement!

Introduction:

The freedom we experience from the “law of sin and death” comes through victory over recurring temptations. Such freedom may be experienced in different times and situations, but you can have freedom from evil’s clutches.

Message:

FREEDOM FROM NAGGING TEMPTATIONS….

Matthew 4:10-11, Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. [11] Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Luke 4:13, And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

No person is ever entirely free from temptation, but we can experience a release from a “season” or a siege of temptation.  There are some basic things we can do to limit the period of satanic and demonic temptation.

   1.  Use the Word Skillfully.

Notice the phrase “it is written” mentioned in verses Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.   Jesus was a master at halting temptations with the power of the Word.

ILLUSTRATION:  We see this in the life of Jesus when He was in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. The tempter came to Jesus with three rounds of temptation, and each time, Jesus refuted him with the Word of God. In the final round, Jesus commanded the devil, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matt. 4:10). At that, the Bible tells us, “the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matt. 4:11). There was a definitive end to this “season” of temptation in Jesus' life.

        A.  This Does Not Mean That Jesus Was Never Tempted Again.

Rather, it means that Jesus functioned in full freedom as He conducted His ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing for this period. The issue of His loyalty to God alone had been settled in a definitive way, and Jesus could never again be tempted on that point.

       B.  Each of Us Has a Propensity to Sin in Certain Ways.

1 Kings 11:1-2, But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; [2] Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.

Temptation often hits hardest in our areas of weakness. For all his wisdom, Solomon had some weak spots. He could not say no to compromise or to lustful desires. Whether he married to strengthen political alliances or to gain personal pleasure, these foreign wives led him into idolatry.  He failed to identify his weaknesses and to prepare himself against these related temptations.    

APPLICATION:  You and I may have strong faith, but we also have weak spots -- and that is where temptation usually strikes hardest. Choose ahead of time to strengthen and protect your weaker areas, because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. If Solomon, the wisest man, could fall, so can you and I. The devil knows that, and it is at our weakest point that he comes to tempt us—sometimes in a way that seems unrelenting. How can we experience freedom from his steady barrage of temptation? By using the same method that Jesus used: We can speak the Word of God every time the tempter whispers his lies to us. We defeat temptation by understanding and acting upon the Word.  For example:

1.  When the devil tells us that we are weak, we can declare, “God says I am strong” (Joel 3:10).

Joel 3:10, Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.

2.  When the devil says that we are doomed to failure, we can declare, “God says that I am more than a conqueror” (Rom. 8:37).

Romans 8:37, Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

3.  When the devil says that we can never change, we can declare, “God says that I am a new creature in Christ Jesus” (2 Cor. 5:17).

2 Cor. 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

4.  When the devil says that we are not worthy of God's love, we can declare, “God says that He loved me so much He sent Jesus to die for my sins so that I might live with God forever!” (John 3:16).

John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

APPLICATION:  Regardless of what temptation to sin you may experience, God has provided a passage of His Word that declares such a temptation to be a lie of Satan intended for your harm.  Find the portion of God's Word that applies to your specific circumstance and use it as the “sword of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17).   This is an outstanding plan for resisting temptation. To further strengthen ourselves against temptation, we can memorize and meditate on portions of Scripture that combat our specific weaknesses. Also understand that at the root of most temptation is a real need or desire that God can fill, but we must trust in his timing. In addition to using the Word personally, find another believer with whom you can openly share your struggles, and call this person for help when temptation strikes.  This should be someone who believes the Bible and can pray with you and remind you of God’s power to help resist the temptation.

Ephes. 6:17, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

   2.  Know The Role of Prayer.

We are not only to speak God's Word to the tempter, but to ask God for strength not to yield to the devil's temptations.

        A.  Resort to Prayer When You Feel Tempted.

We should also know the value of prayer to resisting temptation.  Be quick to ask God in earnest prayer to help you stay away from people, places, and situations that may tempt you.

               1.  We have a Model Prayer.     

Matthew 6:13, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

               2.  We have a Clear Command.

Matthew 26:41, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

               3.  We have a Sure Promise.

2 Peter 2:9, The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

        B.  Ask the Lord for the Strength to Resist the Temptation.    

When faced with recurring temptation, we must also ask for the help of Christ and the Holy Spirit in withstanding the temptation.

             1.  Ask God to Help You Stir Clear of Temptation.

Jesus said that when we pray, we are to pray, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”—in other words, do not allow us to get into situations in which we are subject to the devil's tempting (Matt. 6:13). 

             2.  Maintain a Constant Watchful & Alert Attitude for Temptations.

On the night in which Jesus was betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He had said to His disciples, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. ” (Matt. 26:41).  When we maintain alert, we can see the enticements coming and prepare ourselves against them. 

APPLICATION: This is good advice for when you’re working with or around someone that is immoral or given over to sinful ways and perverted shady practices.  Also, there is the ‘sand paper person’ who frequently rubs us the wrong way, that we must be on guard against their friction, and thereby avert open conflict.  This can also be applied to certain ‘high pressure situations’ and major events that seem to put a great squeeze on our strengths, skills, time, and energy to ensure that we do not take out our frustrations on those we love the most.  If we learn to expect Satan to tempt us, he will not be able to catch us off guard or overtake us by surprise.  Being constantly watchful will deliver us from Satan’s surprise ambush.                                                                                                    

        C.  Use Prayer as a Means of Countering and Enduring Temptation.

Mark 14:32, And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray.

This experience in Gethsemane with the Lord Jesus and the three disciples portrays the varied purposes of prayer in relation to temptation. Jesus literally resisted temptation by using the same tools He encourages us to use.  For Jesus, prayer was not a means of escape, but respite; not a way to avoid difficulty, but a way to endure it. We know that Jesus humbly submitted to the Father's will. Luke tells us that Jesus' sweat resembled drops of blood. No doubt His prayer was filled with extreme emotion. Jesus was in terrible agony, but he did not give up or give in. He went ahead with the mission for which he had come. He knew that prayer would help him endure this extremely painful period. 

APPLICATION:  We miss the opportunity of communion and fellowship with God if we treat prayer as merely telling God what we want him to know.  Jesus knew that prayer was a stronghold for enduring through a period of trial and temptation.

APPLICATION: Sometimes we forget how fully human Jesus, Son of God, Savior, really was. Here we see it. His agony fills the garden.  Agonies consume us, too. To face the imminent death of a loved one or the accidental death of a child or our own approaching demise -- these agonies can tear at our souls.

Do we have a Savior who knows how heavily we tremble, how deeply we groan? Yes, we do. Can we come to this Savior in prayer and find a friend? Yes, we can. Jesus is with you; he's been there; he knows the feeling. He will help you come through the temptation as you turn to Him.  The Lord reassures of this blessing when he said, in Hebrews 4:15, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

He knows firsthand what we are experiencing, and he is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When tempted, turn to God for strength by a short prayer– or even linger in His presence, communion, and fellowship, or find a quiet place to pull out your Bible and read a psalm all the while trusting God to help.   

Conclusion:

Many are trapped in lethal sinful lifestyles! There is a freedom that is relevant to us no matter the sinful patterns and destructive behaviors. For those stuck in the bondage of addictions and sinful habit patterns…. For those struggling regularly with thoughts of depression and deep dark despair….

For those living daily in abusive relationships longing for positive change and contemplating running away…. Even others experiencing oppressive situations, which have their root in satanic influences.

God roundly offers freedom through Christ to you and me! To experience this freedom Christ prayed:

John 17:14-17, I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. [16] they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Christ prayed earnestly that we would not become enslaved and influenced by the evil present in the world system, but instead become versed and capable with the “Word of Truth” as the “Sword of the Spirit.” To be more set apart for God’s glory, usage, purposes, and practices—“sanctified.” Belove, sanctify yourself unto God through embracing the Word more.

Remember 1 John 4:18 and embrace the truth that God’s perfect love removes all kinds of fears. We need to learn to accept the reality of His love for us, so that our fears do not control us. If you're afraid of facing a person, a situation, or a temptation in your life, God's love can help you put your fears to rest. Don’t be afraid to trust the Lord with even your greatest fears to make this vital commitment to the Truth.

 

This is Freedom

 

COL. 1:13-14; ROM. 6:16-19 

Subject: FREEDOM IN CHRIST

Theme: God Wants You to Know that You Can Live in Freedom in Christ.

Relevance: God offers each believer an inner freedom that allows us to live above our present circumstances. This form of spiritual freedom is extremely important to the child of God who feels trapped in the bondage of addictions, depression, abusive relationships, and other oppressive situations. The truth is that any person who feels as if he or she is in the clutches of something sinful, negative, or evil, can be set free in Christ! The fact that you and I can be free is a great encouragement!               

Introduction:

1.  Freedom! What a wonderful idea; we all treasure freedom greatly. We delight in being free. We long to live in freedom always.

2.  One of the most encouraging and recurring themes in the New Testament is that Christians are free in Christ Jesus. This especially was good news to the Christians who first received this teaching from the apostles since many of the first believers throughout the Roman Empire were officially classified as slaves. The freedom that the apostles spoke about, however, was not a political freedom but, rather, a spiritual one. They spoke of an inner freedom that allows a person to live above his present circumstances instead of being stretched out under them.

Our freedom in Christ is directly related to two main concepts in the Bible:

      *    Redemption —we have been redeemed by Christ Jesus with His blood.

      *    Service —we each are destined as human beings to serve one of two masters.

Message:

I.  The Basis of Our Freedom is Redemption.

Col. 1:13-14, Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

God, in His great love for us, does not leave us in the dominion of darkness. He has rescued us and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, in whom we have redemption, and the forgiveness of sins.

The choice to receive Christ brings about our redemption and puts us into the service of God. A failure to receive Christ keeps a person from experiencing redemption and keeps the person enslaved to the “law of sin and death.”

A.  THE FOUNDATION OF OUR REDEMPTION.

   1.  Redemption in the New Testament Times and Culture Meant Freedom.

      A.  Redemption Was for Freedom.  The word “redemption” in the Greek and Roman culture literally referred to the purchase of a slave from the marketplace, with the purpose of giving the slave his freedom.

      B.  Redemption Required a Price. “Redemption” means “to buy back” or “to save from captivity by paying a ransom.” One way to buy back a slave was to offer an equivalent or superior slave in exchange. That is the way God chose to buy sinful people back -- he offered his Son in exchange for us.

   2.  Redemption in the New Testament Teaching Emphasize the Price of Freedom.

1 Peter 1:18-19, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

        A.  Christ’s Blood Was the Redemption Price.

In spiritual terms, the word means that the blood of Jesus paid the “ransom” that was required for each of us to be set free from enslavement to our sinful nature and experience the fullness of God's forgiveness. God provided a total means of redemption through the bloodshed and death of Jesus on the cross.

Rev. 5:9, And they sung a new song, saying, Thou [Jesus Christ] art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; [Both his Death and Bloodshed were essential for our salvation].

        B.  Redemption Was Christ’s Stated Goal and Purpose.

             1.  Jesus taught His disciples that His very purpose was to provide redemption. He said,

Matthew 20:28, Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. 

Mark 10:45, For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

             2.  Paul also referred to the redemptive purpose of Jesus when he wrote,

1 Tim. 2:5-6, For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; [6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

   3.  Redemption in the Whole Bible and Plan of God is the Exchange of Life for Freedom.

Redemption is not a concept limited to the New Testament.

       A.  Remember When God Redeemed Israel from Egyptian Enslavement?

The word "redemption" has a rich Old Testament meaning and goes back, once again, to the analogy of Israel's escape from Egypt.

             1.  The last plague and disaster God sent upon the Egyptians was the death of the children (Ex 12:29-30).

             2.  Every firstborn son of the Egyptians died, but the Israelite children were spared because the Israelites placed the blood of a lamb on their doorframes (Ex 12:22-23). This is just one place where the concept of "redemption" is vividly illustrated in the Bible.

                   * The Price of Bloodshed and Death.

                   * The Exchange of Life for Freedom.

        B.  The Message of Redemption Can Be Seen from Cover to Cover in the Bible.

            1.  God planned for our redemption (Gen. 1–3)

            2.  God required redemption (Gen. 3:21)

            3.  God prepared the way for redemption (Gen. 12–Mal.)

            4.  God instituted His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ (the Gospels)

            5.  News of God's redemptive plan was spread (Acts)

            6.  The redemptive plan was explained (the Epistles)

            7.  The redemption of man will be consummated (Rev.)

The entire Bible is the story of God's redeeming love.

APPLICATION: Our spiritual freedom was purchased for us by God through His Son Jesus Christ. Just as no slave could redeem himself, so no person can redeem himself spiritually. We are indebted forever to the One who paid the price for our freedom, since there is no means by which we can pay Him back for what He has done for us.

Therefore, although we are free from sin, we are not really free to do solely as we please. We have a great debt of gratitude; indeed, we “owe” our eternal lives to Christ Jesus, who purchased our freedom for us.

B. BEING REDEEMED, WE ARE FREE!

God offers every believer an inner freedom that enables us to live above our present circumstances. This spiritual freedom is extremely important to us who feels trapped in the bondage of addictions, depression, abusive relationships, and other oppressive situations. Clearly, the world is filled with all kinds of sin and vice, but we are invited to experience the freedom that Christ offers so that we can live in this wicked world, yet not be worldly, sensual, devilish, or sinful. Beloved, if you feel like you are in the controls of something sinful, negative, or evil, you can be set free in Christ!   

II. The Reason for Freedom is Service.

Romans 6:16-19, Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? [17] But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. [18] Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. [19] I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

We do this when we surrender our will to God to serve Him! We are to consider ourselves as slaves of God seeking to be obedient from the heart. Again, this requires our surrender to Him.

So then, a second important concept related to our freedom is this that we will serve one of two masters.

   A.  THE TWO POSSIBLE AREAS OF SERVICE.  

1.     We Either Will Serve God and His System of Righteousness or

Romans 6:18, Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

2.     We Will Serve the Devil and His System of Sin and Evil.

Romans 6:16, Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

 

3.     We Cannot Serve Two Masters.

Jesus said that no man can serve two masters simultaneously. We will serve either one or the other.

Matthew 6:24, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

   B. THE NATURE OF OUR FREEDOM DEMAND RIGHTEOUS SERVICE.

Romans 6:18, Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Christians are freed from sin and that sin no longer has power over us. Instead, Christians are now slaves to righteousness. Paul uses the Greek word doulos, which means "bond-servant", to describe this commitment to serve God's righteousness.

APPLICATION:  When we put these two concepts together, we conclude that while we have been set free from the bondage of sin and death, we are set free to serve God in righteousness. Our freedom is not unlimited, unbridled freedom. Salvation is never a license to sin. Rather, our freedom is the freedom that allows us the great privilege to live above the world's systems and the law of sin and death. We no longer are enslaved to sinful passions, lusts, and desires. Instead, we are the bondservants of Christ.

Col. 3:23-24, And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Conclusion:

MANY ARE TRAPPED IN LETHAL SINFUL LIFESTYLES

This is a freedom that is no less important in our world today, when many people feel trapped in sinful patterns and destructive behaviors.

   * Some are stuck in the bondage of addictions and sinful habit patterns.

   * Some struggle regularly with thoughts of depression and deep dark despair.

   * Some live daily in abusive relationships longing for positive change and contemplating running away.

   * And others experience oppressive situations, which have their root in satanic influences.

Scripture clearly states how sin can literally fill a person’s life to the extremes of enslavement, constant control and spiritual bondage.

Romans 1:29-32, Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: [32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

[Being filled] These things which Paul specifies were commonly practiced among them.  This whole pattern of evil becomes the lifestyle of people who continue to do (continuing or habitual action) these very things in open defiance of God.  

[Being filled] is a very strong phrase, and has the idea of an engrossing process; that these things were so often practiced that it could be said they were full of them.              

       *We have some phrases like this still, when we say of one that he is ‘ full of mischief,’ ‘full of deceit,’ and ‘full of the devil’  etc. 

       *They were full of these sins not just an occasional dabbler in them. The idea is of one who is trained and controlled by certain sins. 

Such extremes of human rebellion against God fully deserve God’s condemnation and judgment. These words “Being Filled” are the same words used in Eph. 5:18 where the Believer is commanded to “be filled with the Spirit.”

STILL GOD OFFERS FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST

The world in which we live is not a godly world, but we each must experience the freedom that Christ offers to us so that we can live in this world, yet not be “of” this world.

John 17:14-17, I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Christ prayed earnestly that we would not become enslaved and influenced by the evil present in the world system that we all are familiar with. 

QUOTE: “... sin is bad because it destroys the sinner. All sin boomerangs and strikes a lethal blow to the very one who throws it. In Proverbs 14:1 we read, “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” She does not pull it down purposely; she does not want to pull down the house. But she insists on her foolishness, and the house collapses as a consequence. Sin boomerangs.

Again, in Proverbs we read, “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.” (Prov. 6:32). The person does not want to destroy his own soul. He just wants to commit adultery. But with the adultery comes the destruction of his soul. Sin boomerangs.

The adulterer destroys his home, the homosexual contracts AIDS, the thief is arrested, the angry person loses his job, the lazy person cannot make ends meet, the materialistic person files bankruptcy, the hypocritical person loses the respect of his children, the alcoholic dies of liver disease, and on and on it goes. Sin boomerangs. Sin damages and eventually destroys the sinner.”  — Max Anders

YOU CAN BE FREE OF SIN’S CLUTCHES TODAY

To any person who feels as if he or she is in the clutches of something sinful, negative, or evil, the encouraging word is, “You can be free!”

Romans 6:18, Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Romans 6:22, But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

This is the spiritual freedom that every child of God needs to become well acquainted with in everyday living.

1.  People Who Haven't Received God's Forgiveness Are in Pain.

There is a festering wound in the soul. There is a wall in the spirit that keeps them imprisoned. They may not recognize that they are in a state of unforgiveness. But in many cases, people who feel frustrated, upset, burdened, impatient, out of control, angry, jealous, bitter, agitated, uptight, in turmoil, are victims of unforgiveness. 

2. Forgiveness Brings Freedom.

It brings with it the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance (Gal. 5:22–23). 

3.  Forgiveness Is God's Desire for You.

Explore what it means to be forgiven, and experience God's complete forgiveness in your life. 

GOD’S FORGIVENESS IS YOURS WHEN YOU ASK AND RECEIVE IT!

Ephes. 1:7, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Have you decided to accept and receive Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord? To “accept and receive”—that's all that's required for you to be forgiven by God, regardless of the nature, magnitude, or deep entrenchment of your sins.

To “accept” is to believe with your mind that what the Bible says about Jesus and His death on the cross is true—that Jesus died for your sins, and He rose again to give you and me new life in Him. To “receive” is to say, “I don't merely accept what Jesus did on the cross as a fact of history or as a statement of sound theology, but I accept His sacrificial death on the cross as being for me personally and individually—his sacrifice was made for my sins. I invite Christ to indwell me, to cleanse me of all my past transgressions, iniquities, evil, and sin, and to make me a new person in God's eyes. I receive the work of the Holy Spirit in me that gives me a completely restored relationship with my heavenly Father.”

Titus 3:5-7, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; [7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

GOD DESIRES TO FORGIVE YOU TODAY.

Have you taken Him up on His offer? If not, will you accept and receive Jesus Christ today? Will you receive God's forgiveness?