Embracing Freedom: The New Covenant in Christ

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound implications of the new covenant in Jesus Christ, as articulated by Paul in his letter to the Galatians. This covenant offers us freedom, a stark contrast to the enslavement of the law and the worship of multiple deities that characterized the ancient world. Paul uses vivid analogies to illustrate this freedom, likening it to the experience of upgrading from a basic car to a luxurious one or moving from coach to first class on a flight. These comparisons highlight the superior nature of life in Christ compared to the old ways of the law and idolatry.

Paul's message is not about feelings or emotions but about the logical and intellectual understanding of our freedom in Christ. He challenges the Galatians to embrace this freedom and not revert to the old ways of the law or the worship of other gods. The new covenant is about living in the knowledge of God's presence and power, which sustains us through life's challenges, from mundane daily struggles to the profound trials of faith.

The story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael serves as a powerful illustration of the difference between human efforts and divine promise. Isaac, the child of promise, represents the believer's life in the Spirit, born of God's power and bringing joy. In contrast, Ishmael, born of human effort, symbolizes the futility of trying to achieve God's promises through our own means. This narrative underscores the importance of relying on God's promises and timing rather than our own understanding.

Paul's message to the Galatians is a call to remain steadfast in the true gospel of Jesus Christ, free from the additional requirements imposed by others. This freedom is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that should influence every aspect of our lives. As believers, we are called to live as heirs of God's promises, embracing our identity as sons and daughters of God, and rejecting the world's system of performance-based acceptance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Freedom in Christ: The new covenant in Jesus Christ offers us true freedom, liberating us from the bondage of the law and idolatry. This freedom is not about feelings but about the reality of living in the knowledge of God's presence and power, which sustains us through life's challenges. [09:09]

2. Divine Promise vs. Human Effort: The story of Isaac and Ishmael illustrates the difference between relying on God's promises and trying to achieve them through human effort. Isaac, the child of promise, represents the believer's life in the Spirit, born of God's power and bringing joy. [20:17]

3. Persecution and Faith: As believers, we may face persecution and challenges, but these trials are part of our journey in faith. Our identity in Christ and the knowledge of God's presence should sustain us through these difficulties, reminding us of our eternal inheritance. [24:55]

4. The Unchanging Gospel: Paul emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in the true gospel of Jesus Christ, free from additional requirements. Our faith should be grounded in the finished work of Christ, not in human traditions or performance-based acceptance. [28:10]

5. Identity as Heirs: In Christ, we are adopted as sons and daughters, co-heirs of God's promises. This identity is radical and inclusive, offering us a place in God's family and access to all His blessings. We are called to live in this truth, rejecting the world's system of performance and embracing God's unconditional love. [33:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:29] - The Freedom of the New Covenant
- [06:23] - The Illusion of Returning to Enslavement
- [07:18] - Guardianship and Coming of Age
- [08:33] - Logical Understanding of Freedom
- [09:09] - Rejecting Idolatry and Embracing One God
- [10:24] - Living in the Knowledge of God
- [11:39] - Sustained by God's Presence
- [14:41] - Paul's Physical Ailment and Perseverance
- [15:56] - Abraham's Sons: Freedom vs. Enslavement
- [17:43] - The Promise of Isaac
- [20:17] - Isaac: Born of God's Power
- [21:13] - Joy in God's Promises
- [22:15] - Growth and Sanctification
- [24:55] - Persecution and Faith
- [28:10] - The Unchanging Gospel
- [33:01] - Identity as Heirs in Christ

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Galatians 4:1-7
- Genesis 21:1-7
- Genesis 16:1-4

#### Observation Questions
1. What analogy does Paul use to describe the transition from living under the law to living in the freedom of Christ? How does this relate to the concept of guardianship and coming of age? [07:18]
2. How does Paul describe the difference between the worship of multiple deities and the worship of one God in Christ? [10:24]
3. What is the significance of the story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael in illustrating the difference between human effort and divine promise? [15:56]
4. How does Paul address the issue of persecution and challenges faced by believers in their journey of faith? [24:55]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of upgrading from a basic car to a luxurious one help us understand the freedom offered in Christ compared to the old ways of the law? [05:29]
2. In what ways does the story of Isaac and Ishmael illustrate the futility of trying to achieve God's promises through human effort? [20:17]
3. How does Paul’s emphasis on the unchanging gospel challenge the Galatians to remain steadfast in their faith? [28:10]
4. What does it mean to be adopted as sons and daughters of God, and how does this identity impact our daily lives? [33:01]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt enslaved by rules or expectations. How can embracing the freedom in Christ change your perspective and actions in similar situations? [06:23]
2. Consider the areas in your life where you might be relying on human effort rather than trusting in God's promises. What steps can you take to shift your reliance to God’s timing and power? [17:43]
3. How can the knowledge of God’s presence and power sustain you through your current challenges or trials? Identify one specific challenge and discuss how you can apply this knowledge. [11:39]
4. In what ways can you remain steadfast in the true gospel of Jesus Christ amidst societal pressures to conform to additional requirements or traditions? [28:10]
5. How does understanding your identity as an heir of God’s promises influence your interactions with others and your approach to life’s challenges? [33:01]
6. Identify a situation where you might face persecution or challenges because of your faith. How can you prepare yourself to respond in a way that reflects your identity in Christ? [24:55]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to live out the freedom and joy that comes from being a child of God, especially in areas where you feel restricted or burdened? [21:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing True Freedom in Christ
The new covenant in Jesus Christ offers believers a profound freedom that liberates them from the bondage of the law and idolatry. This freedom is not based on fleeting emotions but on the reality of living in the knowledge of God's presence and power. It is a freedom that sustains believers through life's challenges, providing a stark contrast to the enslavement of the law and the worship of multiple deities that characterized the ancient world. Paul uses vivid analogies to illustrate this freedom, likening it to upgrading from a basic car to a luxurious one or moving from coach to first class on a flight. These comparisons highlight the superior nature of life in Christ compared to the old ways. Believers are encouraged to embrace this freedom and not revert to the old ways of the law or the worship of other gods. [09:09]

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: In what areas of your life are you still living as though you are bound by the law or other forms of spiritual enslavement? How can you actively embrace the freedom that Christ offers you today?


Day 2: Trusting in Divine Promises Over Human Efforts
The story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael serves as a powerful illustration of the difference between human efforts and divine promise. Isaac, the child of promise, represents the believer's life in the Spirit, born of God's power and bringing joy. In contrast, Ishmael, born of human effort, symbolizes the futility of trying to achieve God's promises through our own means. This narrative underscores the importance of relying on God's promises and timing rather than our own understanding. Believers are called to trust in God's promises, knowing that His plans are far superior to anything they could achieve through their own efforts. [20:17]

Hebrews 11:11-12 (ESV): "By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore."

Reflection: Is there a promise from God that you are trying to fulfill through your own efforts? How can you shift your focus to trust in His timing and power instead?


Day 3: Persevering Through Persecution and Challenges
As believers, facing persecution and challenges is an inevitable part of the journey of faith. These trials are not meant to break us but to strengthen our identity in Christ and remind us of our eternal inheritance. The knowledge of God's presence should sustain us through these difficulties, providing comfort and assurance that we are not alone. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that their trials are temporary and that their ultimate reward is eternal. [24:55]

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."

Reflection: What current challenge or persecution are you facing that you need to view through the lens of your eternal inheritance in Christ? How can you allow God's presence to sustain you through it?


Day 4: Holding Fast to the Unchanging Gospel
Paul emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in the true gospel of Jesus Christ, free from additional requirements imposed by others. The gospel is not about human traditions or performance-based acceptance but is grounded in the finished work of Christ. Believers are called to hold fast to this unchanging gospel, ensuring that their faith is rooted in the truth of Christ's sacrifice and not in the shifting sands of human expectations. This steadfastness in the gospel is crucial for living a life that is pleasing to God and reflective of His grace. [28:10]

Galatians 1:8-9 (ESV): "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."

Reflection: Are there any additional requirements or traditions that you have allowed to overshadow the true gospel in your life? How can you refocus on the finished work of Christ today?


Day 5: Living as Heirs of God's Promises
In Christ, believers are adopted as sons and daughters, co-heirs of God's promises. This identity is radical and inclusive, offering a place in God's family and access to all His blessings. Believers are called to live in this truth, rejecting the world's system of performance and embracing God's unconditional love. This identity as heirs should influence every aspect of their lives, providing a foundation of security and purpose. By embracing their identity in Christ, believers can live with confidence and joy, knowing that they are loved and accepted by God. [33:01]

Ephesians 1:11-14 (ESV): "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Reflection: How does your identity as an heir of God's promises impact the way you live your daily life? What changes can you make to fully embrace this identity and reject the world's system of performance-based acceptance?

Quotes

"As mentioned, this is a large passage, and you're wondering, what is going on, right? What is Paul talking about? There's so many parts in there that we could break down, but I want to concentrate more on the final message that Paul wants the people in Galatia to understand, and that is the new covenant in Jesus Christ. Now, what is the covenant in Jesus Christ that gives them freedom? Is freedom better than enslavement? Absolutely, right? And we all know what is better than what is not better." [00:04:39] (34 seconds)


"And Paul's message in this entire book, and specifically this chapter, what he's saying now is, listen, you guys are now free. Why in the world do you want to be enslaved again? He starts off. He starts off this chapter by saying the whole guardianship, right? You were a child. Now you were under a tutor. You were being supervised until you become of age." [00:06:37] (25 seconds)


"So Paul starts off by saying, listen, this is how it is. While you were still under the law, you were a child. You were under the tutorship of that until Jesus Christ now came. And now you became of age, meaning that now you have the liberty and the freedom that it is to serve Christ Jesus. Why would you want to go back? It doesn't make sense." [00:08:08] (25 seconds)


"And this newfound freedom that you now have, you ought to live in it, believe in it, you ought to apply it in your daily lives. This is not something that I feel, and so many times talking to people, oh when I come to church I feel so good, but then Monday morning I feel awful, or Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday or Friday, how come I can't have that same feeling on Sunday throughout the week?" [00:10:49] (26 seconds)


"So when I visit you in your hospital bed or retirement bed and you're 99 years old, you can still say, yeah, I know that God is with me. I know that He has sustained me all this time. Yeah, things may not have gone my way, things may have gone astray or a time has gone by, but I know that God is with me. I know that He has sustained me all this time." [00:11:53] (20 seconds)


"And many times when we see this, we look at this and we go, wait, but God promised it. And what I find beautiful about God's promises is that God doesn't say, okay, you did this on your own. I'm out of here. Deal with it. Oh, no. His promise still stood. He still said, I'm still going to do it. Right? Even though you guys took matters into your own hands, that's okay." [00:19:48] (26 seconds)


"The God's power, when you and I accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, when we are brought into the family, when we submit and surrender ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, this means that we are in. In the family of God. And this is a move of the power of God. You may be sitting here thinking, you know what? I did that on my own. Yeah, you responded on your own. No doubt." [00:20:54] (26 seconds)


"So many times I hear people say that if you're a believer, everything's going to go good. Everything's going to work out perfectly, right? That promotion, oh, you're going to get a much better one. That house that you're praying for, you're looking at the wrong side of town because there's a mansion with your name on the other side of town. Right? That scratch thing that you do instead of, what is it, 50,000 bucks or something? Oh, that's nothing. You've got to pay 649, right? Now we're talking." [00:25:15] (31 seconds)


"There is this wrongful idea that if you are a believer, nothing will harm you, nothing will get in your way. We know that while we are on earth, it's cold out there for everyone. Traffic is bad for everyone. Colds, flus, scratches in your throat affects us all. So many times we must know and realize that we will be persecuted one way or another, and these are just the natural elements." [00:25:54] (35 seconds)


"And I like these two quotes, and I'm going to finish with them. And that is, Paul did not ask the Galatians to be loyal to him, but rather to the unchanging message of Christ, Christ alone, that he had preached to them. You do not know how much honor I am bestowed upon to be preaching from this pulpit. This church exists now for over 55 years." [00:28:10] (31 seconds)


"Because men come and go. Denominations come and go. Churches come and go. Since I've been here in Calgary now for 16 years, and I reach out to a lot of pastors in other churches, so many churches have started up, and so many churches have closed down in these 16 years. So many. And you think, what happened? Where did the... Where did the people go?" [00:29:19] (24 seconds)


"And when we have this knowledge, and when we fail, and when we relapse, and when we sin, we can know that God is in control and he's saying, you, my son, you, my daughter, you are part of the promise. I sent my son, Jesus Christ, to die for you. Not for your neighbor, for your mom, dad, for somebody. What else? No, no, no. I sent him to die for you. Accept this love. Accept this unconditional love." [00:33:22] (32 seconds)


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Transcript
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