Galatians 3:23-29
“Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
26 “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (NIV)
Hopefully, all of us have given thanks to God this week for the privilege of living in the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”
Americans take some time to celebrate freedom every 4th of July. We take time to remember the high cost of freedom.
The New Testament Is Never Confused about the Real Meaning of Freedom. v. 23
1. The biblical view is that freedom consists of knowing that we are the children of God and then living joyfully in that knowledge. v. 25
2. It is foolish to return to slavery once you have been set free in the Son. v.26
“‘. . .Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”
Luke 15:22-24
Having Real Freedom Does Not Mean Complete Freedom. vv.27-28
1. It means living freely in every circumstance of life.
2. It means accepting the limitations of our lives and not feeling hampered by them.
Real Freedom- Our Freedom in Christ- Is Not the Freedom to Do Anything We Choose to Do. v.28
Real freedom is. . .
1. the freedom of forgiveness and restoration .
2. the freedom of acceptance and renewal .
3. the freedom to be who we are in joy and peace and love.
“My Faith Looks up to Thee”
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray;
take all my guilt away.
O, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!
– Ray Palmer
