Liberty in Christ

Galatians 2:1-5

Introduction

Importance of liberty– Lot of misunderstanding– Not an absence of restraint

Definition

Webster says that freedom is “… the state of being free…”– Who is free?– Free from what?

Freedom in Christ

“In Christ,” not outside of Christ– Baptized into Christ

(Romans 6:3, 4; Galatians 3:26, 27)– All spiritual blessings in Christ

(Ephesians 1:3)

Came to Liberate Us

Christ came to give liberty– In bondage (Romans 3:10, 23; 6:23)– Liberty by submitting

(Romans 16:17, 18; James 1:25)– Some refuse

(John 8:31-36; Romans 8:1, 2)

Bondage

Different types– Law of Moses

(Luke 4:18, 19; Galatians 4:24)– Traditions of men (1 Peter 1:18, 19)– Lusts (2 Peter 1:4; 2:19)

Liberty

Freedom from guilt– Forgiveness of sins– Free to be righteous (Romans 6:17-22)– Free to worship God acceptably

Not License To Sin

Not free to …– Lust (Galatians 5:13-21; 1 Peter 2:16)– Bind or loose where God has not

(Matthew 16:19; 18:18-20)– Work outside the Word

(2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 John 9-11)– Ignore the need for authority

(Colossians 3:17)

Citizenship

Responsibility– Forgotten by many in our country– Demand for “personal rights”

Christian

Obligations– Fight to remain free

(Acts 15:1, 15, 24; Galatians 1:5-10)

– Stand and resist (Galatians 5:1-7)

Things To Remember

Facts– Law of Moses not in effect

(Romans 7:1-4; 10:1-4)– Tradition has always been “vain”

(Matthew 15:9; Colossians 2:8)– Lust is deceitful (2 Peter 2:18, 19)

Value of Liberty

Gives peace and hope– Peace of mind (Romans 5:1)– Incentive to serve (1 Thessalonians 1:9)– Hope for eternity (1 Thessalonians 1:10)

Empowers Us

Overcome evil– Be a vessel for honor

(2 Timothy 2:21-26)– Strong through His power

(Ephesians 3:16, 20, 21)

Conclusion

Obeyed from the heart?Why not now?Stand fast