Embracing Our Freedom in Christ Through the Holy Spirit
Summary
In our journey through life, we often encounter moments that remind us of our freedom in Christ. This evening, I shared a personal experience that led me to reflect on the profound freedom we have through Jesus. While on a routine trip, I was captivated by a little girl's dance, which symbolized a dance of joy and freedom. This moment connected me to the Old Testament story in Leviticus 16, where two goats were presented before the Lord—one as a sin offering and the other as a scapegoat set free. This imagery of freedom resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the freedom we have in Christ.
Before Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, the Day of Atonement was a significant event for the Jews, symbolizing the forgiveness of sins through a blood sacrifice. This Old Testament practice foreshadowed the New Testament story of Jesus and Barabbas, where Jesus, the Son of God, was chosen to be crucified while Barabbas, whose name also means "son of the father," was set free. This parallel highlights the freedom Jesus offers us through His sacrifice.
Jesus' death and resurrection set us free, not just in a physical sense but spiritually. He promised the Holy Spirit, our helper and comforter, to be with us forever. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a testament to our freedom, empowering us to live as God intended. However, the battle for freedom often takes place in our minds. We must be vigilant against the chains of past habits and offenses that can bind us.
Galatians 5:1 reminds us to stand firm in our freedom and not submit again to a yoke of slavery. We cannot serve two masters, and God calls us to embrace the freedom He has given us through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This freedom is not just for moments of joy but also in the midst of life's storms. It is a call to go deeper in our relationship with God, to listen to the Holy Spirit, and to live out our faith actively.
As we reflect on our freedom, let us ask ourselves: What have we done with our freedom? Are we living as God intended, or are we still trapped in cages of our own making? The Holy Spirit is waiting for us to realize our freedom and to step into the life God has planned for us. Together, let us surrender to the Holy Spirit and embrace the freedom that is ours in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Freedom in Christ: The story of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16 and the parallel with Jesus and Barabbas remind us of the profound freedom we have in Christ. Jesus' sacrifice set us free from sin, and we are called to live in that freedom, not bound by past chains. [07:27]
2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our helper and comforter. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives empowers us to live as God intended, providing guidance and strength in our spiritual journey. [12:54]
3. The Battle of the Mind: Our freedom is often challenged by the battle within our minds. We must be vigilant against offenses and past habits that can bind us, recognizing that true freedom begins with a transformed mind. [15:31]
4. Living with One Master: Galatians 5:1 calls us to stand firm in our freedom and not submit to a yoke of slavery. We cannot serve two masters, and God calls us to embrace the freedom He has given us through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. [18:16]
5. Embracing Our Freedom: We are encouraged to reflect on our freedom and ask ourselves if we are living as God intended. The Holy Spirit is waiting for us to realize our freedom and to step into the life God has planned for us, even in the midst of life's storms. [23:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:30] - The Dance of Joy
- [07:27] - Old Testament Prophecy
- [09:56] - Jesus and Barabbas
- [12:54] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
- [15:31] - The Battle of the Mind
- [18:16] - Living with One Master
- [20:45] - Practicing the Presence
- [23:03] - Embracing Our Freedom
- [25:13] - Surrender to the Holy Spirit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Leviticus 16:7-10
2. Galatians 5:1
3. John 14:16; John 15:26; John 16:7
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Observation Questions:
1. In Leviticus 16:7-10, what was the significance of the two goats presented before the Lord, and how does this relate to the concept of freedom in the sermon? [04:30]
2. How does the story of Jesus and Barabbas in the New Testament parallel the Old Testament practice of the scapegoat, and what does this reveal about the nature of Jesus' sacrifice? [07:27]
3. According to Galatians 5:1, what does it mean to "stand firm" in the freedom Christ has given us, and why is it important not to submit again to a yoke of slavery? [15:31]
4. How does the promise of the Holy Spirit as a helper and comforter, as mentioned in John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7, empower believers to live as God intended? [12:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the imagery of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16 teach us about the nature of atonement and freedom in Christ? How does this imagery deepen our understanding of Jesus' role as our ultimate sacrifice? [04:30]
2. In what ways does the story of Jesus and Barabbas challenge our understanding of justice and mercy? How does this story illustrate the freedom offered through Jesus' sacrifice? [07:27]
3. How can believers practically "stand firm" in their freedom according to Galatians 5:1, especially when faced with the temptation to return to old habits or mindsets? [15:31]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping believers overcome the "battle of the mind," and how can this understanding transform one's spiritual journey? [12:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually free. What circumstances or actions contributed to that feeling, and how can you recreate those conditions in your current life? [23:03]
2. The sermon mentioned the battle for freedom often takes place in our minds. Identify a specific thought pattern or habit that has been a mental chain for you. What steps can you take to break free from it? [15:31]
3. How can you actively listen to the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What practices can you implement to ensure you are open to His guidance and comfort? [20:45]
4. Consider the concept of living with one master as mentioned in Galatians 5:1. Are there areas in your life where you are trying to serve two masters? How can you realign your priorities to fully embrace the freedom in Christ? [18:16]
5. The sermon encourages us to reflect on our freedom and ask if we are living as God intended. What specific changes can you make in your life to align more closely with God's plan for you? [23:03]
6. How can you support others in your community who may feel trapped in their own "cages"? What role can you play in helping them realize and embrace their freedom in Christ? [25:13]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of going deeper in our relationship with God. What does "going deeper" look like for you, and how can you pursue this in the coming weeks? [23:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Freedom Through Sacrifice
In the Old Testament, the Day of Atonement was a significant event where two goats were presented before the Lord—one as a sin offering and the other as a scapegoat set free. This imagery foreshadows the New Testament story of Jesus and Barabbas, where Jesus was chosen to be crucified while Barabbas was set free. This parallel highlights the profound freedom we have in Christ through His sacrifice. Jesus' death and resurrection set us free from sin, calling us to live in that freedom and not be bound by past chains. [07:27]
"For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2, ESV)
Reflection: What past chains or sins do you find yourself still bound by, and how can you actively embrace the freedom Jesus offers you today?
Day 2: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as our helper and comforter, empowering us to live as God intended. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives provides guidance and strength in our spiritual journey. This empowerment is not just for moments of joy but also in the midst of life's storms. The Holy Spirit is a testament to our freedom, helping us to live out our faith actively and to go deeper in our relationship with God. [12:54]
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength today, and how can you invite Him to empower you?
Day 3: The Mind's Battle for Freedom
Our freedom in Christ is often challenged by the battle within our minds. We must be vigilant against offenses and past habits that can bind us, recognizing that true freedom begins with a transformed mind. The battle for freedom is not just external but internal, requiring us to renew our minds and align our thoughts with God's truth. This transformation is essential for living in the freedom that Christ has given us. [15:31]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What negative thoughts or habits are hindering your freedom, and how can you begin to renew your mind with God's truth today?
Day 4: Serving One Master
Galatians 5:1 calls us to stand firm in our freedom and not submit to a yoke of slavery. We cannot serve two masters, and God calls us to embrace the freedom He has given us through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This freedom requires us to choose whom we will serve, as we cannot be divided in our allegiance. Living with one master means fully committing to God and His purposes for our lives. [18:16]
"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." (Matthew 6:24, ESV)
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are trying to serve two masters, and what steps can you take to fully commit to serving God alone?
Day 5: Embracing Our Freedom
We are encouraged to reflect on our freedom and ask ourselves if we are living as God intended. The Holy Spirit is waiting for us to realize our freedom and to step into the life God has planned for us, even in the midst of life's storms. Embracing our freedom means surrendering to the Holy Spirit and actively living out our faith, trusting in God's plan for our lives. [23:03]
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively embrace the freedom you have in Christ today, and what steps can you take to live out the life God has planned for you?
Quotes
"I wasn't feeling particularly good and I got to go to Russell's Hall Hospital to collect some equipment for Mick and living in the house we're in, we've been there a very long time. I used to use the rabbit run from where we lived through Dudley to Russell's Hall Hospital and this particular trip holds lots of bad memories." [00:01:17] (26 seconds)
"And I'd just got to, I think it's Springfield and the traffic lights went to red and as I was pulling up I could see there's a convenience store there and I could see this woman and there seems to be a number of children. It's as though they'd all gone in the shop and this lady had been left looking after the children and there was a little girl the size of Millie or Maddie and my eyes were just drawn to her." [00:01:49] (29 seconds)
"But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement upon it and to let it go as the scapegoat into the wilderness. And my heart went, I'm the scapegoat, I'm free, I'm free. And I knew what the dance of joy was, that that little girl was dancing. And I couldn't get up and dance the rain, but in my soul I was, I am free." [00:03:55] (35 seconds)
"You see, before Jesus came as the final sacrifice, the Jews had to offer up a blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. And this particular festival we're looking at, because I've been getting quite interested in Jewish history, was the festival of Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement." [00:06:04] (23 seconds)
"So, let's take this into the New Testament now. Now, I'm not going to read the whole passage, because of time, but I'm going to look at the story of Jesus and Barabbas. So, in Leviticus, we see the prophetic forerunner of what would happen here with Jesus. None of the Old Testament is wasted. He's telling us something that's going to happen." [00:07:06] (28 seconds)
"Now, Barabbas, what does his name mean? It comes from two Hebrew words. Bar means son, and Abba means father. So, Barabbas' name meant the Son of the Father. So, we had two sons of the Father. And they awaited. I think Pilate was shocked, because he thought, the crowd will go for Jesus. They'll get me out of this mess. I won't have to send an innocent man to be crucified." [00:08:27] (36 seconds)
"So Jesus died and rose again, and he set every one of us free, every one of us, not us, just us in here, everybody out there, the whole world. They just don't know it. Now, while Jesus was with the disciples, he gave them some important information, so it wasn't the end of the story." [00:10:57] (31 seconds)
"And then you go to John 16, verse 7, and he says, It is to your advantage that I go away, because then I can send the helper to you. The Holy Spirit will come, the helper. Now, Katina isn't here tonight, but I think I'm going the word right. The Greek word paraclete is hard to translate into English. You've heard that here before." [00:12:08] (32 seconds)
"Watching animal programs and things like that, I've heard many accounts of animals where they're chained up for a long period of time. Dan, the other week, was talking about elephants, if I remember rightly. And when the chain's removed, they don't run away because they're so used to be chained up that they think they're chained up." [00:13:39] (21 seconds)
"For freedom, Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. We can't have two masters. And, you know, from talking to people, I think that's one of the biggest reasons that people walk away. Because they're trying to have two masters. You can't sit on the fence with your foot in one field and the other foot in another field." [00:15:58] (50 seconds)
"And the word says that if you invite Holy Spirit into your life, he will come. He doesn't say maybe. Maybe, when you've got a lot better, when you've earned it, it says ask and I'll come and live in you. It's a promise. Now, often when you speak, you can give people information, but you don't say, well, how do you get it?" [00:17:30] (33 seconds)
"So it's listening to the Holy Spirit, who gives us wisdom and supports us. Jesus knew the disciples would need someone after he'd gone. And he knew we would too. I don't know about the words you've been having on a Tuesday evening. But one that came to me when I was preparing was, it's time to go deeper." [00:21:33] (35 seconds)
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