Choosing Life: Freedom Through Relationship with God

Sep 11, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Freedom from the Law—Invited into Relationship

God’s original intent was not a rules-based religion, but a relationship with His people, as seen in the story of the two trees in the Garden of Eden. The tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil represent daily choices: to live in life-giving relationship with God or to try to define good and evil for ourselves, which leads to shame and hiding. Yet, even in our failure, God moves toward us, inviting us out of hiding and into freedom through Jesus, who took our place on the cross—the “third tree” that brings true life. [02:38]

Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17 (ESV)
And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. … The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you find yourself hiding from God out of shame or fear, and how might you respond to His invitation to step out and receive His nearness today?

Day 2: Jesus, the Tree That Brings Life

The cross is described as the “third tree”—the fulfillment of God’s plan to bring us back to life and relationship with Him. Jesus’ sacrifice frees us from the death that comes from trying to earn God’s love or keep the law perfectly. Instead, we are invited to live from the tree of life, empowered by the Spirit, because Jesus was “hung on a tree” for us, taking our place and making a way for us to experience true freedom and intimacy with God. [07:38]

Acts 5:30 (ESV)
The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus took your place on the “tree” of the cross change the way you approach God today—do you come striving, or do you come resting in His finished work?

Day 3: Life-Giving Obedience Flows from Love, Not Performance

Obedience to God is not about earning His love or checking off religious boxes, but about responding to His love for us. When we know we are loved as the Father loves the Son, our obedience becomes a joyful response rather than a burdensome duty. Living from the “tree of life” means our actions are fueled by love, not by fear or the need to prove ourselves, and we become people who give life to others rather than draining them with condemnation or performance-based expectations. [22:58]

John 14:15, 21 (ESV)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. … Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to obey God out of fear or duty rather than love, and how can you shift your motivation to love today?

Day 4: Walking in the Spirit—Freedom from Being the Judge

We are invited to walk in the Spirit, trusting God as the true Judge rather than taking that role ourselves. The tendency to want clear rules or to judge right and wrong for ourselves is strong, but true freedom comes from childlike faith and ongoing dialogue with God. Instead of living under the weight of the law or our own judgments, we are called to trust the Lord’s leadership, seeking His voice for today, our future, and even our past, and letting Him shape our responses to others. [29:44]

Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Reflection: Where are you tempted to take the role of judge in your life or relationships, and what would it look like to release that to God and trust His leadership today?

Day 5: Confession, Repentance, and the Harder Way of Relationship

Rather than blaming others or hiding behind excuses, we are called to own our shortcomings, confess, and repent—trusting that Jesus’ work makes us right with God. This way of honest dialogue with the Lord is actually harder than following a set of rules, but it leads to deeper relationship and transformation. God desires us to come to Him with our failures, to listen for His voice about those who have hurt us, and to let Him be the Judge, shaping us through His Spirit and community. [29:44]

1 John 1:9 (ESV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Reflection: Is there an area where you’ve been blaming others or making excuses instead of confessing and repenting before God? What step can you take today to bring this honestly to Him in prayer?

Sermon Summary

Freedom is not found in a rules-based religion, but in a living relationship with God. From the very beginning, God’s intention was not to bind us to a set of laws we could never keep, but to invite us into intimacy with Him. In the garden, the two trees—the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil—represent two ways of living. The tree of life is the way of trust, relationship, and dependence on God, while the tree of knowledge is the way of self-reliance, judgment, and ultimately, death. Our daily choices reflect which tree we are living from: are we seeking life in God, or are we trying to be our own judge, determining good and evil for ourselves?

The cross, often called the “third tree,” is where Jesus made a way for us to return to the tree of life. Through His sacrifice, we are set free from the law that brings death and are invited into a relationship that brings life. Even when Adam and Eve failed and hid in shame, God moved toward them in their weakness. This is a powerful reminder that God’s love is not earned by our performance or obedience, but is given freely, even in our brokenness.

We often gravitate toward rules because they give us a sense of control and clarity. Like Israel longing for the familiarity of Egypt, we sometimes prefer the captivity of law over the uncertainty of relationship. But true freedom is found in walking with the Spirit, engaging in ongoing dialogue with God, and trusting Him to lead us. This is not the easier path; it requires vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to let God be the judge rather than ourselves.

Obedience flows from love, not the other way around. When we know how deeply we are loved by God, our response is to love Him in return, and from that place, to obey. The Christian life is a long obedience in the same direction—a daily journey of choosing relationship over rules, life over death, and trust over self-reliance. In every moment, we are invited to live from the tree of life, to be people who give life rather than take it, and to let God’s love shape our hearts and actions.

Key Takeaways

1. The Two Trees: Daily Choices of Life or Death The trees in the garden are not just ancient symbols, but daily realities. Every day, we choose between living from the tree of life—trusting God, receiving His love, and walking in relationship—or the tree of knowledge, where we try to be our own judge and live by our own standards. This choice shapes our worldview and the kind of people we become. [02:38]
2. God Moves Toward Us in Our Weakness Even in our moments of failure and shame, God does not withdraw; He draws near. The story of Adam and Eve hiding is a picture of how we often respond to our own sin, but God’s response is always to seek us out, offering love and restoration rather than condemnation. Our weakness can become the very place where we most deeply experience His nearness. [04:10]
3. Freedom Is Found in Relationship, Not Rules The longing for clear rules is a human tendency, but God’s invitation is to something deeper: a living, ongoing relationship. True freedom is not about having a checklist of do’s and don’ts, but about walking with the Spirit, engaging in honest dialogue with God, and letting Him lead us day by day. This is a harder, but far richer, way to live. [12:46]
4. Obedience Flows from Love, Not Obligation The call to obey is not a demand to prove our love, but a natural response to knowing we are loved. When we live from the assurance of God’s love, obedience becomes a joyful act of trust rather than a burdensome duty. We are called to live by God’s standards, but always from a place of love, not to earn love. [22:58]
5. Letting God Be the Judge Sets Us Free One of the greatest challenges is to relinquish our desire to judge ourselves and others. True freedom comes when we allow God to be the judge, trusting His wisdom and mercy. This requires humility, confession, and a willingness to let go of blame, but it opens the door to healing and genuine transformation.

** [29:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to the Series: Set Free
[02:38] - The Two Trees in the Garden
[04:10] - God’s Response to Our Weakness
[06:00] - The Third Tree: Jesus and the Cross
[07:38] - Long Obedience and Discipleship
[09:20] - Rules vs. Relationship
[12:46] - Freedom from the Law
[15:05] - Israel’s Longing for Captivity
[17:30] - Walking in the Spirit
[19:45] - Childlike Faith and Trust
[22:58] - Life-Giving vs. Life-Sucking Culture
[25:15] - Obedience from Love
[27:40] - Confession and Personal Responsibility
[29:44] - Dialogue with the Lord: The Harder Way

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Set Free – Living from the Tree of Life

Bible Reading

Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17 (ESV)
> And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. ... The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Romans 5:8 (ESV)
> But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
> For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Observation Questions

In Genesis 2, what are the two trees mentioned, and what does God say about them?
According to Romans 5:8, when did Christ die for us, and what does that say about God’s love?
In Galatians 5:1, what does Paul say we have been set free from, and what warning does he give?
The sermon described the two trees as representing two ways of living. What are those two ways? [[02:38]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God placed both the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the garden? What might these trees symbolize in our daily lives? [[02:38]]
The sermon says that even in our weakness and failure, God moves toward us instead of away. How does this challenge the way we think about God’s response to our sin? [[04:10]]
Why do people often prefer rules and clear boundaries over a relationship with God, even though rules can feel restrictive? [[12:46]]
The sermon says, “Obedience flows from love, not obligation.” What does it look like to obey God out of love rather than duty? [[22:58]]

Application Questions

The sermon says that every day we choose which “tree” we live from—trusting God or relying on ourselves. Think about a recent decision you made. Which tree did you live from in that moment? How did it affect you or others? [[02:38]]
When you experience failure or shame, do you tend to hide from God or let Him move toward you? What would it look like to let God meet you in your weakness this week? [[04:10]]
Are there areas in your life where you are clinging to rules or routines for a sense of control, rather than trusting God in relationship? What is one step you could take to invite God into that area? [[12:46]]
The sermon mentions that Israel longed for the familiarity of Egypt, even though it meant captivity. Is there a “familiar captivity” in your life that you keep returning to instead of stepping into freedom with God? What would it take to leave it behind? [[15:05]]
The idea of “letting God be the judge” can be hard. Is there a situation or relationship where you are acting as the judge—of yourself or someone else? What would it look like to release that to God? [[29:44]]
The sermon says, “Obedience flows from love, not obligation.” Can you think of a time when you obeyed God out of love? How was that different from obeying out of duty or fear? [[22:58]]
The Christian life is described as “a long obedience in the same direction.” What is one practical way you can keep choosing relationship with God over rules this week, even when it feels harder? [[07:38]]

Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for courage to trust God, to receive His love in weakness, and to walk in daily relationship with Him rather than relying on rules.

Sermon Clips

“just as we, over the next three weeks, begin a series on freedom, called Set Free. And specifically, this first week, was about the idea of being free from the law that Paul talks about brings death. And that the law that we cannot keep. We try, but we can't. And that's why we needed Jesus. And that we are free from, essentially, a rules -based religion. And that we have been invited into. And even from the beginning, the plan was relationship.”

“ultimately, the point is that we're only...able to live in the tree of life relationship with god uh because of that third tree of jesus on the cross uh where luke and acts over and over again talks about jesus being hung on the tree and uh peter writes about jesus being on the tree so that's the tree that brings us life so that's that's what we talked about”

“they became the judge that's kind of the point right they stepped into god is supposed to be the judge uh but they stepped into trying to and seeing what's good and what's bad and they judged themselves which brought shame uh and then that they then hid from god and god was the one that moved towards them”

“so often we talk about in a holiness concept that a perfect god cannot be near sin and i understand that but the picture here was that god moved towards them in their weakness towards them in their sin and that they put themselves in the box they were hiding behind the trees uh and um but god was asked god was leaning in and so even in our weakness this is you know where in when we were still sinners that's when christ died for us”

“It's actually maybe, maybe that's one of the greatest moments where we can feel God's love and nearness, not because we've earned it. And that's really the big point, I think. We talked a lot about performance and earning, and we could go all over, but it's not because we've earned it. It's simply”

“when we put in the routine in order to become like Jesus, ultimately, the goal is not those things. And so, Jesus is the goal. Even more than, I don't know, even more than becoming like Jesus, getting him is the goal.”

“think of uh eugene peterson who wrote a long obedience in the same direction and i just think even that phrase as the description of what eric's talking about of the christian life uh it's the things that stand out to me one to the young person this is a long obedience yeah this isn't just in the moment this wasn't just a one -time thing it says every day taking up your cross and following jesus and so but the second piece of obedience and it's following jesus and uh and so to the young person to anyone what is jesus saying what does the word say what let's go back you know and having that dialogue and relationship uh and yes let's fuel that like fervor um but there will be peaks and valleys and so recognizing that the aim is uh to keep with the long obedience”

“we all have a tendency to want rules we want to have what do i have to do yes and so yeah and so so even in the context of galatians it was the law and what what do i have to follow and what and i you know and so i think we see israel we see the people of god who when he leads them out of captivity into the desert and then it's not quite what they thought and they said wasn't it better back in egypt we all have this like we want to go back to the captivity back to the law back to the and the thing we're invited into is dialogue and relationship and life because of jesus because of the cross uh that we wouldn't be under that law anymore”

“i think that the crux of all of this is this invitation to walk in the spirit to have dialogue with the lord for today for my future about my past uh and that we can be free from the knowledge of good and evil me being the judge me being the one that says what's right and what's wrong and being that childlike faith where i trust the lord”

“I think that, I mean, just all of these, essentially, tree of life are all the things that we know of Jesus. And that we want to be in love and hope and joy and peace. And these life -giving things. Or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

“But even as people, we can be life -giving people or life -sucking people. And in the, are we bringing the culture that is adding to people, that is speaking life, that is...That is fueling them, or is it pulling away from and bringing condemnation, saying go to the penalty box, and kind of that the machine.”

“this idea where we've talked a lot about the rules versus relationship, and just even saying if you love me, obey me. And kind of the idea of the tone of it is that finger -shaking, if you love me, you'll obey me, which is, I think, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This performance, this rules, I have to obey him to prove I love him, rather than the, if you love me, you will obey me. You will do what I command. You will follow me. And the way to love him is to be with him and know his love for us.”

“knowing his love for us compels us to love him and not live on this rules -based finger -shaking, finger -wagging, but rather this, hey, you can live into – there are things in Scripture we're to live by. There are standards that we live as believers, but we do so out of love, from the place of love, not to gain love.”

“i would even say in that conversation adam was right eve did bring him the fruit and god did give him eve and the serpent did come to eve those things did happen um but he wasn't owning it where he regardless of what happened you around him and to him what did he do and so i think that's where it's like okay but if we confess with our mouth believe in our hearts we will be saved like i where where did i come up short because of jesus i can confess it i can repent of it and i'm not pointing fingers at other people and trying to get away with because of somebody else's you know what they did to me”

“I think dialogue with the Lord. I think one of the things I said yesterday is that this is actually the harder way. It may seem like the easier way to not have rules based, but it's actually the harder way to come to the Lord and have conversation about what is, what do you want me to do and what are you saying about this person that hurt me? And how do you feel? I don't want to be the judge.”

“But God, I want you to be the judge that I need through your word, through your spirit, through the people that you put around me, would you speak to me? And so just being aware of his leadership in our lives day to day.”

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