Embracing Freedom Through Relationship with Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Creating a Welcoming Environment

Description: Jesus' invitation to "come and see" (John 1:35-39) teaches us the importance of creating a church environment where people feel comfortable exploring their faith. This approach helps first-time visitors and long-time members alike to grow in their relationship with Christ without feeling judged or out of place. A welcoming environment is not just about physical space but also about the attitudes and behaviors of the congregation. When we create a space where people feel safe to ask questions and express doubts, we foster genuine spiritual growth and community.

In our daily lives, we can extend this welcoming attitude beyond the church walls. Whether at work, school, or in our neighborhoods, we can be ambassadors of Christ's love by being approachable and open-hearted. This means listening without judgment, offering support, and being a friend to those who may feel isolated or out of place. By doing so, we reflect the inclusive love of Jesus and invite others to experience the freedom that comes from knowing Him. [34:51]

John 1:35-39 (ESV): "The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God!' The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, 'What are you seeking?' And they said to him, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where are you staying?' He said to them, 'Come and you will see.' So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel out of place or judged. How can you create a welcoming environment for them today, both in your actions and words?

Day 2: Honesty Over Masks

Description: Many of us wear masks to church, pretending to have it all together. True freedom comes from being honest about our struggles and seeking help. The story of the leper (Mark 1:40-45) shows that Jesus meets us in our brokenness and offers healing and freedom when we come to Him as we are. The leper's willingness to risk everything to approach Jesus is a powerful example of the kind of faith and desperation we should have in seeking our own freedom.

In our spiritual journey, it is crucial to drop the facade and be authentic about our struggles. This honesty not only helps us but also encourages others to be open about their own challenges. When we are transparent, we create a community of support and healing. Jesus does not require us to be perfect; He asks us to come as we are, with all our flaws and brokenness, so that He can work in us and through us. [37:57]

Mark 1:40-45 (ESV): "And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, 'If you will, you can make me clean.' Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, 'I will; be clean.' And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, and said to him, 'See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.' But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are wearing a mask? How can you take a step towards honesty and seek help or support today?

Day 3: Two Trees, Two Approaches

Description: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represent two different approaches to God. One is based on a loving relationship, and the other on rule-following. Our spiritual lives are transformed when we obey God out of delight rather than duty. The Tree of Life symbolizes a relationship with God that is life-giving and rooted in love, while the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represents a legalistic approach that focuses on rules and regulations.

When we choose to follow God out of love and delight, our obedience becomes a natural response to His love for us. This transforms our spiritual journey from a burdensome task to a joyful experience. It is essential to examine our motivations and ensure that our actions are driven by a genuine desire to grow closer to God, rather than merely fulfilling religious obligations. [52:56]

Genesis 2:9 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God. Are there areas where you are following rules out of obligation rather than love? How can you shift your focus to delight in your relationship with Him?

Day 4: Responding to Sin with Life

Description: Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11) teaches us to respond to sin with grace and a desire to restore, not condemn. God's posture towards sin is one of compassion and a desire to help us get free, rather than simply punishing us. When we encounter sin, either in ourselves or others, our response should mirror Jesus' approach—offering grace, understanding, and a path to restoration.

Condemnation and judgment only serve to push people further away from God. Instead, we should aim to create an environment where people feel safe to confess and seek help. By responding with grace, we open the door for healing and transformation. This approach not only aligns with Jesus' teachings but also fosters a community of support and growth. [01:07:56]

John 8:3-11 (ESV): "The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, 'Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?' This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, 'Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.' And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?' She said, 'No one, Lord.' And Jesus said, 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.'"

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you encountered sin in yourself or others. How can you respond with grace and a desire to restore, rather than condemn?

Day 5: Guarding Our Hearts

Description: The story of the prodigal son reminds us that no matter how far we've strayed, God is always waiting for us with open arms. We must guard our hearts from going back to old ways and live in the freedom that Christ offers, knowing that our righteousness comes from Him. The prodigal son's return to his father symbolizes our journey back to God, who is always ready to forgive and restore us.

Guarding our hearts involves being vigilant about the influences and temptations that can lead us away from God. It requires a conscious effort to stay rooted in His love and grace, and to continually seek His guidance in our lives. By doing so, we can live in the freedom that Christ offers and avoid falling back into old patterns of sin and separation from God. [01:13:58]

Luke 15:20-24 (ESV): "And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate."

Reflection: What are some old ways or habits that you need to guard your heart against? How can you actively seek to live in the freedom that Christ offers today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Greetings, Impact Detroit! It's wonderful to be back home. Today, we embark on a new teaching series titled "Be Free." Our mission at Impact Church is to equip all people to grow fully in Christ. We aim to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable to explore their faith and grow deeper in their relationship with God. This series is designed to help us understand the freedom that comes from a genuine relationship with Jesus, rather than merely following religious rules.

We began by examining John 1:35-39, where Jesus invites His followers to "come and see." This invitation is about creating a welcoming environment where people can explore their faith without feeling judged. We also looked at Mark 1:40-45, where Jesus heals a leper. This story illustrates how Jesus meets us in our brokenness and offers us healing and freedom. The leper's willingness to risk everything to approach Jesus is a powerful example of the kind of faith and desperation we should have in seeking our own freedom.

We discussed the importance of not hiding behind masks or screens, whether literal or figurative. Many of us come to church pretending to have it all together, but true freedom comes from being honest about our struggles. We explored the concept of the two trees in the Garden of Eden—the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. These trees represent two different approaches to God: one based on a loving relationship and the other on mere rule-following.

We emphasized that our relationship with God should be driven by love, not duty. Obeying God out of delight rather than obligation transforms our spiritual lives. We also touched on the importance of responding to sin with life and grace, rather than condemnation. Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11) serves as a model for how we should approach sin—with compassion and a desire to restore, not condemn.

Finally, we discussed the need to guard our hearts from going back to old ways and to live in the freedom that Christ offers. The story of the prodigal son reminds us that no matter how far we've strayed, God is always waiting for us with open arms, ready to welcome us back and set us free.

###

Key Takeaways

1. 39) teaches us the importance of creating a church environment where people feel comfortable exploring their faith. This approach helps first-time visitors and long-time members alike to grow in their relationship with Christ without feeling judged or out of place. [34:51]
2. Honesty Over Masks: Many of us wear masks to church, pretending to have it all together. True freedom comes from being honest about our struggles and seeking help. The story of the leper (Mark 1:40-45) shows that Jesus meets us in our brokenness and offers healing and freedom when we come to Him as we are.

3. Two Trees, Two Approaches: The Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represent two different approaches to God. One is based on a loving relationship, and the other on rule-following. Our spiritual lives are transformed when we obey God out of delight rather than duty.

4. Responding to Sin with Life: Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11) teaches us to respond to sin with grace and a desire to restore, not condemn. God's posture towards sin is one of compassion and a desire to help us get free, rather than simply punishing us.

5. Guarding Our Hearts: The story of the prodigal son reminds us that no matter how far we've strayed, God is always waiting for us with open arms. We must guard our hearts from going back to old ways and live in the freedom that Christ offers, knowing that our righteousness comes from Him.

### [34:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:04] - Announcements and Greetings
[33:59] - Introduction to "Be Free" Series
[34:51] - Creating a Welcoming Environment
[35:41] - Jesus' Invitation to "Come and See"
[37:01] - The Struggle with Masks in Church
[37:57] - The Story of the Leper
[39:14] - Known by Our Issues
[40:11] - Over-Identifying with Issues
[41:34] - The Pain of Isolation
[43:06] - The Advantage of Visible Issues
[44:29] - Secret Spots and Hidden Struggles
[46:01] - Intimacy with the Father
[47:30] - It's Okay to Not Be Okay
[48:52] - The Dilemma of Seeking Freedom
[50:12] - Relationship Over Rules
[51:39] - The Two Trees in the Garden
[52:56] - Obeying God Out of Delight
[54:30] - Falling in Love with Jesus
[55:56] - The New Covenant
[57:30] - The Approach to Both Trees
[59:06] - Allowing Yourself to Be Loved
[60:45] - Serving God Through Relationship
[62:09] - Finding Jesus in the Scriptures
[63:39] - Life-Giving Relationships
[65:09] - The Nature of Sin
[66:25] - Responding to Sin with Life
[67:56] - The Story of the Adulterous Woman
[69:14] - Hiding the Evidence of Sin
[70:38] - Guarding Our Hearts
[72:29] - Righteousness in Christ
[73:58] - The Prodigal Son
[75:26] - Invitation to Freedom
[76:32] - Prayer and Commitment

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Jesus' response to the two disciples who followed Him in John 1:35-39? How did He create a welcoming environment? [34:51]
In Mark 1:40-45, what did the leper do to seek healing from Jesus, and how did Jesus respond? [37:57]
How did Jesus handle the situation with the woman caught in adultery in John 8:3-11? What was His final instruction to her? [01:07:56]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus invited the disciples to "come and see" rather than giving them a set of rules to follow? How does this reflect on the church's mission to create a welcoming environment? [34:51]
What does the leper's willingness to risk everything to approach Jesus teach us about the kind of faith and desperation we should have in seeking our own freedom? [37:57]
How does Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in adultery illustrate the difference between responding to sin with condemnation versus responding with grace and a desire to restore? [01:07:56]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own church experience. Do you feel that your church creates a welcoming environment for newcomers to explore their faith? What can you do to help foster such an environment? [34:51]
Are there any "masks" you wear when you come to church, pretending to have it all together? What steps can you take to be more honest about your struggles and seek help? [37:01]
Think about the two trees in the Garden of Eden. Do you find yourself approaching God more from a place of rule-following or from a loving relationship? How can you shift your mindset to obey God out of delight rather than duty? [52:56]
How do you typically respond to sin, either in your own life or in the lives of others? What can you learn from Jesus' example with the woman caught in adultery to respond with more grace and a desire to restore? [01:07:56]
The story of the prodigal son shows that no matter how far we've strayed, God is always ready to welcome us back. Is there an area in your life where you need to return to God and embrace the freedom He offers? What steps will you take this week to do so? [01:13:58]
How can you guard your heart from going back to old ways and live in the freedom that Christ offers? Are there specific practices or habits you need to adopt or avoid to maintain this freedom? [01:12:29]
Jesus' invitation to "come and see" was an open invitation to explore faith without judgment. How can you extend a similar invitation to someone in your life who may be curious about faith but hesitant to explore it? [34:51]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We created a space for individuals that may just want to come and check out Jesus to feel comfortable here at our church as well. You know, there's a lot of churches around and people, first-time visitors come in and they're not comfortable. You know, they feel weird. They're spooky. They're crazy at that church. But we created an environment where people could come here and then they can just check out Jesus for themselves." [34:51] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So our goal is to get everyone on this cyclical journey to know God, to find freedom, to discover yourself. To make a purpose and to make a difference. So we are all on this journey to know God deeper each and every day. Like everyone in this room where you should be on a journey that today you should know God more than you did yesterday. Tomorrow you should know God more than you did the previous day." [36:31] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Aren't you glad that when you come to Impact Church that we don't check for your issue at the door and then seat you accordingly? Come on, man. That's what happened here. This man had to, he came in, he had to let everybody know he had leprosy and they seated him accordingly. Aren't you glad that when you come that we don't sit the liars? You a liar? You got to sit over there. Come on, man. Like you a cheater? Like the cheaters, y'all sit over here." [43:06] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "God is saying, look, man, I love you regardless. And all I want you to do is love me back. That's it. But look, in Jeremiah chapter 31, verse 33, it says the new covenant. You see, the old covenant was based on strict obedience and a long set of rules. That's what the Old Testament was. But here he's saying the new covenant, that I will make with the people of Israel will be this. I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people." [55:56] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Allowing yourself to be loved is more effective than forcing yourself to behave. Allowing yourself to be loved is more effective than forcing yourself to behave. You should want to do right. Amen? The second thing that we have here is serve God through relationship. Not rules. Serve God through relationship, not rules." [59:06] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "You see, the thing about secret spots is that you could come to church, but you hide behind a screen or a mask. You hide behind it. You hide behind this mask, and then you act like you have it all together, where in all actuality, you have a lot of issues going on on the inside that you don't want nobody else to know about. How many guys want to get free today?" [44:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Religion trained us all to act like we had it all together. Religion has trained us to act like we never struggled, act like we were never tempted, and act like we never made a wrong decision. But it also has taught us to look crazy at those who did. Religion has taught us to be judgy, right? Where we act like we got it all together, and act like we never sinned, act like we never did anything, and the moment that we find out that such and such had a baby out of wedlock, we're looking at them like, hmm, shame on you." [46:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The goal isn't just reading the scriptures. The goal is finding Jesus in the scriptures. That's the goal, man. The goal is not to say I read all of Mark today. Okay. And? No, I read all of Mark today. And then watch, this is what God spoke to me in Mark. This is what I learned in Mark. This is what God showed me. This is, I fell more in love by reading God's letters than just reading the book." [01:02:09] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Christ wants to help us get free from sin instead of getting better at hiding sin. Come on, man. God wants us to get free from sin instead of better at hiding it. And I remember when I was about nine or ten years old, you know, I loved dessert. So, you know, you remember those, they still got them, but those red, you know, Chips Ahoy, the chewy cookies, you know, where they're soft, they're chewy. You put them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds, and they come out even softer." [01:07:56] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Even when the Word of God declares our behavior to be wrong, God still declares our character righteous in Christ Jesus. Even when our behavior is wrong, God still declares our character righteous in Christ Jesus. Even when our behavior is wrong, God still calls you righteous. Our behavior could be wrong, but God still calls you His child. Your behavior is wrong, man, but He still loves you exactly how you are." [01:12:29] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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