Free to Live Right

This is the time of year when Americans celebrate their independence. There is a lot of talk going around about freedom, but much pain, chaos, and confusion has been caused in the name of freedom. Why? The reason is, freedom cannot be demanded or legislated. The problem is the lack of the understanding of true freedom. Whenever you don’t understand the purpose you are prone to abuse it. Today we will talk about being free to live right. Thank God you don’t need a government, army or country to ensure your freedom!

1. When we come to Christ, we find freedom. The gospel of John 8:31, 32 tells us the truth shall deliver us, guaranteed. We find freedom when we come to Christ – but notice I didn’t say we’d be free.
Galatians 5:1 -- a more literal translation from Greek is this: for freedom, Christ has made us free. Fight to stay in the freedom Christ has given you.

There are two types of freedom:
False = doing whatever you like is false freedom. The reality of this is the highest and worst form of bondage – you are your worst taskmaster!
Galatians 5: 19 – lists the myriad ways you can be enticed to slavery of the flesh. Bondage to pleasure, strife, or anger leads to sin. There is no greater pleasure than being “drunk” with the Holy Spirit.

True = the ability to do what’s right. It’s freedom from the Law and freedom to please and live in the inheritance of God. True freedom is less about what you’re free to do, and more about what you’re free not to do. Believers are in an environment of slaves who don’t know they’re in bondage. You can release a career criminal from prison, but that doesn’t mean they know how to live free.

2. The key to truly being free is choosing whom you’ll serve.
Romans 6:16 – it is a principle that you’re always going to serve someone. You are not in righteousness if you are in Christ and still serving sin. Anything the Father acquires belongs to the son (note: the Covenant of David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel). We are the children of God by adoption through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 11:28, 29 – you must take the yoke upon yourself – God can’t make you do it!

3. You know that you’re truly free when you’re: not a stumbling block to others (Romans 14:13-19), and you build others up (Romans 15:1-3). Christ did not please Himself and was able to love all by serving One (the Father). We are to serve one another thorough God’s love (agape). Serve God and trust His life in you to serve others. Do not use your liberty to do what you want. Do not go back again into the yoke of bondage. Follow Christ’s example. Do everything unto the Lord and not to men (Colossians 3:23).
Today you are free to do what previously was impossible: live selflessly following Christ’s example.