Embracing Freedom: Living in the Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Colton Community Church! Today, we delve into a message that aims to make you feel a bit uncomfortable, but in a way that encourages spiritual growth and reflection. We explore the themes of freedom in Christ and the traps of the flesh, drawing from Galatians 5 and Acts 15. The Apostle Paul warns the Galatians about false teachings that add unnecessary burdens to the gospel, emphasizing that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. This freedom, however, comes with responsibilities and warnings against indulging in the flesh.
We begin by discussing the nature of scams and how they parallel the spiritual deceptions that can infiltrate the church. Just as phishing scams seek to steal your identity, false teachings aim to rob you of your spiritual freedom. Paul’s letter to the Galatians addresses the confusion caused by those who insisted that Gentile believers must adhere to Jewish laws, such as circumcision, to be saved. This teaching undermines the gospel of grace, which declares that we are justified by faith alone.
The sermon then transitions to the practical implications of living in the flesh versus living in the Spirit. The flesh is a trap that leads to various sins, including sexual immorality, idolatry, and relational discord. These acts of the flesh are contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Living in the Spirit means embracing these virtues and rejecting the destructive behaviors of the flesh.
We are reminded that we are justified and declared righteous through Christ, not by our works but by His grace. This justification should lead us to live in a way that honors God, avoiding the pitfalls of legalism and the indulgence of the flesh. The message concludes with a call to repentance and a celebration of the freedom we have in Christ, encouraging us to walk in the Spirit and experience the fullness of God's promises.
### Key Takeaways
1. Freedom in Christ: Christ has set us free from the burdens of the law and the traps of the flesh. This freedom is not a license to sin but an invitation to live a life that honors God. Embrace this freedom and reject any teaching that adds unnecessary burdens to the gospel. [36:48]
2. The Trap of the Flesh: The flesh is a constant threat to our spiritual well-being, leading us into various sins such as sexual immorality, idolatry, and relational discord. Recognize these traps and actively choose to live by the Spirit, displaying the fruit of the Spirit in your life. [34:00]
3. Justification by Faith: We are justified and declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our works. This justification should lead us to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ, avoiding the pitfalls of legalism and the indulgence of the flesh. [45:06]
4. Living in the Spirit: The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be evident in our lives. These virtues are the markers of a life lived in the Spirit, contrasting sharply with the destructive behaviors of the flesh. [01:06:10]
5. Repentance and Renewal: If you find yourself trapped in the sins of the flesh, repent and return to God. Embrace the freedom and forgiveness that Christ offers, and allow the Holy Spirit to renew and transform you. This leads to a life of peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. [01:13:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:07] - Introduction and Purpose
[11:48] - Greeting Online Viewers
[12:30] - Supporting the Church
[13:11] - Scripture References
[32:02] - The Nature of Scams
[32:39] - Spiritual Deceptions
[33:18] - The Trap of the Flesh
[34:00] - The Weakness of the Flesh
[35:13] - Confusion in the Church
[36:01] - Making You Uncomfortable
[36:48] - Freedom in Christ
[37:05] - Context from Acts
[38:19] - Conflict in Jerusalem
[39:24] - The Authority of Headquarters
[41:07] - The Journey to Jerusalem
[42:07] - Reporting God's Work
[43:06] - The Pharisees' Argument
[44:08] - Justification by Faith
[45:06] - What Does Justified Mean?
[46:09] - The Courtroom Scene
[47:08] - The Debt Metaphor
[48:00] - New Identity in Christ
[49:17] - Freedom from Guilt
[50:42] - Warnings Against Indulgence
[52:25] - Stand Firm in Freedom
[53:07] - Signs of Living in the Flesh
[54:09] - Relational Discord
[55:04] - Personal Reflection
[57:56] - The Acts of the Flesh
[59:38] - Sexual Sins
[01:01:31] - Religious Sins
[01:03:28] - Relational Sins
[01:04:39] - Sins of Excess
[01:06:10] - The Fruit of the Spirit
[01:09:44] - Final Thoughts
[01:12:03] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:1 - "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
2. Galatians 5:19-23 - "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
3. Acts 15:1-2 - "Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: 'Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.' This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free"? ([36:48])
2. What are some of the acts of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21? How do they contrast with the fruit of the Spirit in verses 22-23? ([59:38])
3. What was the main issue causing confusion in the church at Galatia according to Acts 15:1-2? ([35:13])
4. How does Paul describe the process of justification in his letter to the Galatians? ([45:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of standing firm in the freedom Christ provides? What are the potential consequences of not doing so? ([52:25])
2. How do the acts of the flesh disrupt personal and communal relationships? Provide examples from the sermon. ([54:09])
3. What does it mean to live by the Spirit, and how can one cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in their daily life? ([01:06:10])
4. How does the concept of justification by faith alone challenge the teachings that were causing confusion in the Galatian church? ([45:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any teachings or beliefs you hold that might be adding unnecessary burdens to the gospel? How can you align more closely with the freedom Christ offers? ([36:48])
2. Identify one act of the flesh that you struggle with. What steps can you take this week to actively choose to live by the Spirit instead? ([59:38])
3. Think about a time when you felt justified by your works rather than by faith. How did that impact your relationship with God and others? ([45:06])
4. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family or friends? ([01:06:10])
5. Have you ever experienced confusion or conflict in your faith community similar to what the Galatians faced? How was it resolved, and what did you learn from that experience? ([35:13])
6. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt trapped by guilt or shame. How can embracing the freedom and forgiveness that Christ offers change your perspective and actions? ([51:58])
7. How can you support others in your small group or church community to live by the Spirit and avoid the traps of the flesh? What practical steps can you take together? ([01:06:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace True Freedom in Christ
Description: Christ has set us free from the burdens of the law and the traps of the flesh. This freedom is not a license to sin but an invitation to live a life that honors God. Embrace this freedom and reject any teaching that adds unnecessary burdens to the gospel. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free, and this freedom should lead us to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ. We are called to stand firm in this freedom and not let ourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. [36:48]
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: What teachings or beliefs in your life might be adding unnecessary burdens to your walk with Christ? How can you actively embrace the freedom that Christ offers you today?
Day 2: Recognize and Avoid the Trap of the Flesh
Description: The flesh is a constant threat to our spiritual well-being, leading us into various sins such as sexual immorality, idolatry, and relational discord. Recognize these traps and actively choose to live by the Spirit, displaying the fruit of the Spirit in your life. The acts of the flesh are destructive and lead to a life that is far from the peace and joy that God intends for us. By living in the Spirit, we can overcome these temptations and live a life that is pleasing to God. [34:00]
Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV): "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you struggle with the works of the flesh. What steps can you take today to choose to live by the Spirit instead?
Day 3: Justification by Faith Alone
Description: We are justified and declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our works. This justification should lead us to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ, avoiding the pitfalls of legalism and the indulgence of the flesh. Justification by faith means that we are made right with God through our belief in Jesus, not by adhering to the law or performing good works. This truth should transform our lives, leading us to live in gratitude and obedience to God. [45:06]
Romans 3:28 (ESV): "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."
Reflection: How does understanding that you are justified by faith alone change the way you view your relationship with God? What actions can you take to live out this truth in your daily life?
Day 4: Living in the Spirit
Description: The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be evident in our lives. These virtues are the markers of a life lived in the Spirit, contrasting sharply with the destructive behaviors of the flesh. Living in the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and transform us, producing these fruits in our lives. This leads to a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to those around us. [01:06:10]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit in your life? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you grow in this area today?
Day 5: Repentance and Renewal
Description: If you find yourself trapped in the sins of the flesh, repent and return to God. Embrace the freedom and forgiveness that Christ offers, and allow the Holy Spirit to renew and transform you. This leads to a life of peace, joy, and spiritual fulfillment. Repentance is a crucial step in our spiritual journey, allowing us to turn away from sin and towards God. Through repentance, we can experience the renewal and transformation that the Holy Spirit brings, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful life in Christ. [01:13:07]
Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Reflection: Is there a specific sin or area of your life where you need to repent and seek God's forgiveness? What steps can you take today to embrace the renewal and transformation that the Holy Spirit offers?
Quotes
1. "This message is for you. And for others of you, you know, there are issues in your life that you've got to deal with that you haven't dealt with before. And you need to talk about, to God with them. And so this is going to be a great message for you to think and for you to ponder and for you to listen to the Holy Spirit just whisper in your ear. As he calls your name, he tells you that he loves you." [11:48] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The other thing you can do is just be a faithful giver to God. That's to demonstrate to God that you heard him. And that money is not your God, but that the Lord Jesus is your God. And you do that through being faithful and giving. There's a great way to do it. You can just link on the bottom of this page and it will lead you there." [12:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The trap for every believer that Paul's writing to is the flesh. The flesh. It is a trap for every believer. It is the weakness of the flesh. If we go all the way back to the garden, all the way back to where the serpent was tempting Eve, all he did was say, Hey look at that fruit. And then he implanted a thought. And then she saw, Oh it looks good. Oh it looks good to eat. Oh it will give me some insight that I didn't have before. The flesh." [33:40] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Part of my goal this morning is to help you become uncomfortable. I'm going to, as I preach, as Paul, as the word comes out, there's going to be people who are uncomfortable this morning. They're going to be the religious people, people who have been religious and they think you've got to have all these rules. You're going to be uncomfortable with the text and the message. And that's okay. Maybe the uncomfortable will get us to think." [36:01] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are free. You have been set free by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He set you free. So let's go into it from Galatians. Why is Paul writing, For freedom you have been set free? Well we need to move back. Let's put it in context of what it is. In the book of Acts, the book of Acts, if you don't know, if you're new to the faith, is written by a guy named Luke." [37:05] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "What is the requirement to be saved? Is it Jesus plus anything else? That's what you've got to answer. Is it that? How are you made right with God? That's huge. If it's not Jesus plus everything else, how are you made right? Is it by faith alone that you're made right with God? Or is it faith in Jesus plus what we do? You've got to answer that question." [43:51] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You are justified. You are declared righteous. Thank you. You are. Even though we have all of those sins of the flesh, and there's a whole bunch more we could list, if you've accepted Jesus Christ, you are declared righteous. So if you're righteous, why are you living like that? Doesn't that make sense? If you are righteous, and if you are holy, is that a place a holy person should be?" [01:09:44] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You have everything in the world to rejoice over, Church. Right? Are you being punished for your sin and your guilt? No. You've been free. You've been released. You've been bought with a price. Jesus paid the price for you. Jesus gave his life for you. Jesus did everything for you. You have everything to rejoice in. And then you can walk in the Spirit and it's far better to walk in the Spirit than it is to be afraid of touching that electric fence." [01:11:27] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Paul's final words to them was this. It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm then and do not let yourself be burdened again by the yoke of sin. I'm gonna pray for us. Some of you today, your shackles have fallen off. Or the realization is that you shackled yourself to the wrong thing and those shackles are dying. Rejoice." [01:12:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Thank you, Jesus, for this freedom that you've given me. Thank you for the freedom that you've given this church. I pray, Lord, that if anything that you spoke to them today about the sins of the flesh that they're engaging in, they're indulging in, they're known for, Lord, that they would repent. They would return to you. And they would experience, Lord, beyond anything they could ask, think, or imagine your peace, your presence in their life." [01:13:07] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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