Freedom in Jesus: Free to Live (John 8:36)

Series: Freedom in Jesus

Sermon Title: Free to Live

Scripture: John 8:36

Date: August 12, 2018

 

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.  (John 8:36)

 

1st Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

We live in a free country, but too often we don't live free.

 

Here are some freedoms Jesus has already given us and what it means to live in His freedom:

1. Jesus set me free to live with a clear conscience
   • You can't feel guilty and happy at the same time.
   • You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away.  Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave (some?)* all our sins.  He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.  (Colossians 2:13-14, NLT)
   • He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.  He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.  (Ephesians 1:7, NLT)
2. Jesus set me free to have personal access to God
   • Talk to Him
   • Cry to Him
   • Praise Him
   • Tell Him a joke
   • Complain to Him
   • Confide in Him
   • Request from Him
   • You have an all-access pass to God when you were saved.
   • Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may recieve mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  (Hebrews 4:16, NIV)
3. Jesus set me free to have the power to do what is right
   • "If you play, you can't stay."  -Barry's dorm friends
   • "God's laws are not to make you miserable but meaningful."  -Rick Warren
   • Freedom is the power to say yes and no.
   • Freedom is the power to do the right thing and to stop doing the self-destructive things.
   • His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  (2 Peter 1:3-4, NIV)
   • No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV)
4. Jesus set me free to live with meaning and purpose
   • Our lives are not meant to just be day-to-day existing.
   • For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.  (1 Peter 1:18-19, NIV)
   • You don't have to fit in with everybody else to find happiness.
5. Jesus set me free to live with no fear of death or the devil
   • God did not put you here on this planet to live forever.
   • For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  (Philippians 1:21)
   • "Satan can only control areas where I believe his lies."  -Rick Warren

 

*Emphasis added by pastor.