Freedom in Jesus: Faith is Fundamental to Freedom (1 John 5:1-5)

Series: Freedom in Jesus

Sermon: Faith is Fundamental to Freedom

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-5

Date: October 14, 2018

 

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him.  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.  For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.  And His commandments are not burdensome.  For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?  (1 John 5:1-5)

Invite Jesus into your stronghold.  "Lord, this is the lie that I've been believing.  Can you show me where this started?"

Repent and close the door to the agreement.

Remember how much God loves me.

The more you invite God's love into your life, believe it, accept it, and receive it, the less fear you will have.

Remember God has a good plan for your life.

Pray for freedom.

"God, I bring these things that have imprisoned me, and I give them to you.  You are the door of freedom, and I come to you through Jesus.  I'm walking through the door to freedom - as best I can.  I give my life to you, Lord Jesus, and I want to live with, for, and through You.  I want to walk through the doors of opportunity You have for me.  Take my life."

Faith is fundamental to freedom.

Truths, techniques and prayer will not set us free.  Only Jesus will set us free.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.  This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.  In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands.  And his commands are not burdensome.  (1 John 5:1-3, NIV)

For everyone born of God overcomes the world.  This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.  Who is it that overcomes the world?  Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.  (1 John 5:4-5)

How do you get freedom from worldly stuff like:

• materialism
• popularity
• comparison
• compromising to fit in
• gossip
• dressing immodestly

So, what is essential to being set free by faith?  At least, these two essentials:

1. We believe what God says is true
   • Do we truly believe what God says when He says things like:
     • It's better to give than to receive
     • The way to living is by dying
     • Seeking first the kingdom is better than seeking first money
     • Contentment with godliness is great gain
     • Love God and love others like ourselves
     • We are servants of each other
     • Love and pray for your enemies
   • Gen Z: born between 2002-2015
   • Millennials: born between 1984-2001
   • Busters/Gen-Xers: born between 1965-1983
   • Boomers: born between 1946-1964
   • Elders: born between 1945-earlier
   • ENGAGED CHRISTIANS identify as Christian, have attended church within the past six months and strongly agree with each of the following:
     • The Bible is the inspired word of God and contains truth about the world.
     • I have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in my life today.
     • I engage with my church in more ways than just attending services.
     • I believe that Jesus Christ was crucified and raised from the dead to conquer sin and death.
   • CHURCHED CHRISTIANS identify as Christian and have attended church within the past six months, but do not qualify as engaged according to the previous definition
   • "Following Jesus makes your life better and makes you better at life."  -Andy Stanley
2. We act like what God says is true
   • And being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.  (Romans 4:21)
   • "We don't believe something by merely saying we believe it, or even when we believe that we believe it.  We believe something when we act as if it were true." -Dallas Willard
   • If you say you believe God loves you but don't act like it...
   • If you say you believe there is no condemnation in Christ but don't act like it...
   • If you say you believe God's plan is too good to miss but don't act like it...
   • If you say you believe God answers prayer but don't act like it...
   • If you say you believe God loves a holy life but don't act like it...
   • If you say you believe God's commands are for our good but don't act like it...
   • If you say you believe Jesus sets you free but don't act like it...