Freedom

By Valerie Cartier

Freedom is found in Christ, and Christ alone

2) Why do we need freedom?

One might say : I am not in bondage, why would I need to be set free? (John 8:33)
👉 Because of Adam, every human being is naturally born into bondage which is sin, born into the “wrong kingdom” in a sense.
Romans 5:12 (NLT) – When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
Romans 3:23 – for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
👉Slave market: we are born into a slave market! And there is only one door out… Jesus Christ
That’s why the Gospel shall be preached – to set the captives free…

3) How can we be set free, experience that freedom and remain free?

Gal 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage
👉 When you receive Jesus, you receive the freedom He paid for at the Cross.
2 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 
But do you know that you can hold this freedom captive?
Do we experience this freedom in our daily life? Is it instantly done and automatic?

a) Freedom by renewing our mind to the truth

John 8:31-32 – Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free

Jesus is the way, the life and the Truth. His Word is truth.
👉Therefore, freedom is found in knowing Jesus. And continuing in His Word.

Romans 12:2 – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The more you spend time in the Word, the more you’ll experience this freedom.
👉Example God gave me: you have to brush your teeth every day. You cannot decide one day “my teeth are nice and clean, I can now stop brushing my teeth”. Your teeth will rot! In the same way we have to spend time in God’s word daily to keep our minds healthy.
Freedom is found in knowing the truth: therefore, true freedom can only be found in Christ alone.

b) Freedom in submission (to God, to my husband, to my leaders)

👉Freedom is a product of the trust and confidence you put in God, then your husband, then your leaders.
Trusting in others and submitting under then, lifts up burdens you are not supposed to carry.
Jesus said it this way in Matthew 11:28 – Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
And Peter in 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

c) Freedom is found within establishing boundaries

Your freedom might bother people around you (and obviously the devil).

Establish boundaries that protect your freedom.
Be intentional.
Freedom does not mean doing everything I want to
1 Peter 2:16-17 – Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil
Even not doing anything that has the appearance of evil.
Don’t even give it a chance.
What boundaries? GOD’S LOVE
👉Never been so free caught in your love for me” (House of Fire)