Embracing True Freedom: Leaving Sin Behind for Jesus
Summary
Forgiveness is a beautiful gift, but true freedom is even more profound. This week, we witnessed an incredible moment where 65 sixth graders stood up to surrender their lives to Jesus. Yet, the story that stands out is of a sixth grader who didn't stand but pointed to his friend, saying, "That's my one." This young boy understood the burden of bringing someone closer to God, and he saw his friend transformed by Jesus. This is a powerful reminder that our students are not just the future of the church; they are the church right now, leading the way in embracing the new life Jesus offers.
The song "Goodbye Yesterday" encapsulates the essence of this new life, where old habits and sins are left behind, and we embrace the new creation we become in Christ. However, many of us struggle with feeling truly new. We find ourselves trapped in a cycle of sin and forgiveness, wondering if this is the new life promised to us. The truth is, while forgiveness opens the door, freedom is stepping out of the jail cell of sin.
Romans chapters 5 and 6 illustrate this beautifully. Sin is like a jail cell, a place where we are trapped by our disobedience to God. But Jesus, in His love, took our place, opening the door to freedom. Yet, many of us remain in the cell, comfortable in our old ways. Paul challenges us to see sin for what it truly is—a destructive force that ruins our lives—and to run from it.
To experience true freedom, we must not only flee from sin but also run to Jesus, the source of our satisfaction and new life. Sin promises fulfillment but only leads to regret and shame. Jesus, on the other hand, offers life to the fullest. The goal is not merely to rid ourselves of sin but to draw closer to Jesus, who satisfies our deepest longings.
Today, I invite you to leave your jail cell behind. Whether you've been following Jesus for years or are just beginning, it's time to embrace the freedom He offers. Come forward, confess your struggles, and commit to following Jesus, leaving your old life behind.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of the sixth grader who pointed to his friend as "his one" reminds us that we all have someone near to us but far from God. Our role is to pray and hope for their transformation, understanding that we are the church now, leading others to new life in Jesus. [06:46]
- While forgiveness is the open door, true freedom is stepping out of the jail cell of sin. Many of us remain trapped in old habits, but Jesus offers us a new life, free from the patterns that hold us back. [11:35]
- Sin is a destructive force that ruins our lives, relationships, and self-worth. We must see it as the jail cell it is and take drastic measures to flee from it, understanding that freedom is not just possible but normal for followers of Jesus. [19:04]
- Running from sin is not enough; we must run to Jesus, the only one who can truly satisfy us. Without this focus, we risk moving from one jail cell to another, never experiencing the fullness of life Jesus offers. [35:17]
- The goal is not merely to eliminate sin but to draw closer to Jesus, who provides true joy and satisfaction. By following Him, we leave our old life behind and embrace the new life He has for us. [38:07]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[06:46] - The Story of a Sixth Grader's "One"
[09:06] - New Life in Christ
[10:24] - The Cycle of Sin and Forgiveness
[11:35] - What Does New Life Look Like?
[13:39] - Sin as a Jail Cell
[16:29] - Jesus Opens the Door to Freedom
[17:55] - The Absurdity of Staying in the Jail Cell
[19:04] - Freedom is Normal for Believers
[20:24] - Seeing Sin Correctly
[22:45] - The Destructive Nature of Sin
[25:03] - Labels on Our Jail Cell
[27:49] - Running from Sin
[29:11] - Taking Drastic Measures
[31:39] - Confession and Accountability
[33:11] - Freedom Groups and Practical Steps
[35:17] - Running to Jesus
[38:07] - The Goal: Closeness to Jesus
[39:02] - The World Behind, the Cross Before
[40:41] - Invitation to Leave the Jail Cell Behind
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 5:8
- Romans 6:1-2
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
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Observation Questions:
1. In the sermon, a sixth grader pointed to his friend and said, "That's my one." What does this story illustrate about the role of young people in the church today? [06:46]
2. The sermon mentions a parody song called "Hello Yesterday." How does this parody reflect the struggle many Christians face with old habits and sin? [10:24]
3. According to Romans 6:1-2, what is Paul's response to the idea of continuing in sin so that grace may increase? How does this relate to the concept of freedom discussed in the sermon? [19:04]
4. The sermon uses the metaphor of a jail cell to describe sin. How does this metaphor help us understand the nature of sin and its impact on our lives? [13:39]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes that forgiveness is the open door, but true freedom is stepping out of the jail cell of sin. How does this distinction affect one's understanding of the Christian life? [25:03]
2. In Romans 5:8, Paul talks about God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. How does this act of love challenge the belief that one's sins are too great to be forgiven? [16:29]
3. The sermon suggests that many Christians remain in their "jail cells" despite the open door. What might be some reasons people choose to stay in their old ways rather than embracing the freedom offered by Jesus? [17:55]
4. The sermon encourages running to Jesus as the source of true satisfaction. How does this focus shift the goal from merely avoiding sin to pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ? [35:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the story of the sixth grader who identified his friend as "his one." Who is someone in your life that you feel called to bring closer to God, and what steps can you take to support their spiritual journey? [06:46]
2. The sermon discusses the cycle of sin and forgiveness. Can you identify a recurring sin in your life that you need to address? What practical steps can you take to break this cycle? [10:24]
3. Consider the metaphor of sin as a jail cell. What are some "labels" you would put on your own jail cell, and how can you begin to leave these behind? [25:03]
4. The sermon encourages taking drastic measures to flee from sin. What is one specific action you can take this week to distance yourself from a particular sin or temptation? [29:11]
5. Running to Jesus is highlighted as essential for experiencing true freedom. What are some ways you can intentionally draw closer to Jesus in your daily life? [35:17]
6. The sermon invites individuals to leave their jail cells behind. Is there a specific area of your life where you feel trapped? How can you seek support and accountability to move towards freedom? [40:41]
7. Reflect on the idea of living a new life in Christ. What changes do you need to make in your thoughts, actions, or relationships to fully embrace this new life? [38:07]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Influence in Faith
The story of the sixth grader who pointed to his friend as "his one" is a profound illustration of the influence we can have in leading others to Christ. This young boy recognized the importance of bringing someone closer to God and witnessed the transformation in his friend's life. It serves as a reminder that we all have people in our lives who are near to us but far from God. Our role is to pray for them, hope for their transformation, and understand that we are the church now, actively leading others to the new life Jesus offers. This is not just a future responsibility but a present calling. [06:46]
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: Who is "your one"—someone in your life who needs to experience the love and transformation of Jesus? How can you intentionally pray for and influence them this week?
Day 2: Stepping Out of the Cycle of Sin
While forgiveness is the open door, true freedom is stepping out of the jail cell of sin. Many of us find ourselves trapped in old habits, wondering if this is the new life promised to us. The truth is, Jesus offers us a new life, free from the patterns that hold us back. Sin is a destructive force that ruins our lives, relationships, and self-worth. We must see it as the jail cell it is and take drastic measures to flee from it. Freedom is not just possible but normal for followers of Jesus. [11:35]
"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: What is one habit or pattern in your life that feels like a jail cell? What steps can you take today to begin stepping out of it and into the freedom Jesus offers?
Day 3: Recognizing the Destructive Nature of Sin
Sin is not just a minor issue; it is a destructive force that ruins our lives, relationships, and self-worth. We must see it for what it truly is—a jail cell that keeps us from experiencing the fullness of life Jesus offers. Paul challenges us to take drastic measures to flee from sin, understanding that freedom is not just possible but normal for believers. This requires a shift in perspective, seeing sin as something to be actively avoided rather than passively accepted. [19:04]
"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV)
Reflection: How do you currently view sin in your life? What practical steps can you take to see it as the destructive force it is and actively flee from it?
Day 4: Running to Jesus for True Satisfaction
Running from sin is not enough; we must run to Jesus, the only one who can truly satisfy us. Without this focus, we risk moving from one jail cell to another, never experiencing the fullness of life Jesus offers. Sin promises fulfillment but only leads to regret and shame. Jesus, on the other hand, offers life to the fullest. The goal is not merely to rid ourselves of sin but to draw closer to Jesus, who satisfies our deepest longings. [35:17]
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking satisfaction outside of Jesus? How can you intentionally run to Him this week to find true fulfillment?
Day 5: Embracing New Life in Christ
The goal is not merely to eliminate sin but to draw closer to Jesus, who provides true joy and satisfaction. By following Him, we leave our old life behind and embrace the new life He has for us. This involves a daily commitment to pursue Jesus, allowing Him to transform us into new creations. It is an invitation to leave the past behind and step into the fullness of life that Jesus offers, experiencing the joy and satisfaction that comes from a close relationship with Him. [38:07]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What does embracing new life in Christ look like for you today? How can you commit to drawing closer to Jesus and leaving your old life behind?
Quotes
"Forgiveness is good, but freedom is better. Hey, can we celebrate the God that gives us a new life? Come on. It's your songs about. And real quick, can we celebrate our students one more time, students? All right, y 'all can take a seat. Y 'all can take a seat. My goodness. What an incredible week. What an amazing week. And listen, there are so many stories. I'm just going to tell you one. Okay, because this week was just incredible. So it's actually about a sixth grader." [00:00:00]
"And here's what that sixth grader understood. He knew what it meant to have a burden for his one. He invited his one to camp, and he watched as God transformed the life of his one. And this was a sixth grader that was doing that. So students, listen, we've said this before. I just want to say it again. Again, students, you are not just the future of the church. You are the church right now. And we, as your church family, are so proud of you because you because honestly, what we saw this week is students. You are leading the way in what we just sang about, about the new life that we have in Jesus." [00:06:59]
"See, this song is really answering the question. What does a new life? Life look like because you know this when you're when you follow after Jesus, you get a new life like your old life is gone. You've got a new life. In fact, this idea is all over scripture. Here's one of the most famous places. You probably remember this verse. Second Corinthians 517 says, therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. Somebody say new creation. Yeah, the new creation has come. The old is gone. In other words, goodbye yesterday." [00:08:08]
"Now, thankfully, that is not where the story ends, because after all, we're in church, and there's a reason that we're in church, because even though you and I could not pay the penalty, Jesus paid the penalty for us. He actually took our consequence. He stepped inside this jail cell and took the punishment that we deserve. This is what Paul was talking about in Romans chapter five. He says this, but God demonstrates his own. Love for us in this. In other words, and you got to get this the primary motivation of God, and what we're talking about today is that he loves you. He is wild about you." [00:13:57]
"And this is where a lot of us live, where the door is open. Jesus has forgiven us. We're free to go, but we're still right here in our jail cell, still caught up in our old habits, our old sins, our old way of life, even though the door is open. I had a friend of mine in middle school that said he could sin as much as he wanted to on Saturday because he knew he would be forgiven on Sunday. And that's what he said. That sounds like someone who recognizes the door is open, but he's just decided he's going to live in here." [00:16:29]
"What are you still doing in that jail cell? You need to leave. Like, that's absurd that you would stay in there. And that's exactly what Paul said. Because, look, he said, we're sin increased. Grace increased all the more. And then a few verses later, he says, so what should we say then? Shall we go on sinning? In other words, should we stay in the jail cell so that grace may increase? By no means. He's saying that's crazy. And then he gives the reason he says, we are those who have died to sin. How can we live in it any longer?" [00:19:03]
"See, Paul is reminding us that, listen, freedom, if you're a follower of Jesus. Freedom is not just possible, it's normal. then how do I get that new life? How do I actually get freedom? And the first thing. is you just got to see it right. So you got to see the jail cell because for God, he sees our sin as a jail cell. And whenever Paul wrote about sin, he wrote about it like it was a jail cell. And whenever Jesus talked about sin, he talked about it like it was a jail cell." [00:19:54]
"Because surely it's got to be better than this of me just going back into my old ways. What does a new life actually look like? And so today I want to answer that question, and I want to go a layer deeper and talk about this. How do I, as a follower of Jesus, how do I get that new life to answer this question? I'm going to look at we're going to look together at Romans chapter five and six, and I want to use like an analogy or a metaphor to help us better understand exactly what Paul's talking about in Romans five and six. And you may have already noticed the analogy we're leaning into is this jail cell right here." [00:11:35]
"And for whatever reason, we're just drawn to it. We have a human propensity to mess things up, to ruin all the things that we care about. That's what sin is. And by the way, that's how Paul talked about sin, too. A few verses later, he says, when you were slaves to sin, in other words, when you were locked up in that jail cell, you were free from the control of righteousness. I'll give that to you. And then he asked a question, and I love this question. What benefit did you gain? Did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?" [00:22:45]
"See, for a lot of us, if we're honest, we find Jesus at rock bottom, locked up in our jail cell, looking around, going, my life is a mess. This is miserable. And Paul is saying, So why would you go back to rock bottom? Why would you go back to the thing that hurts you? He said this. He said, Those things result in death, death of your relationships, death of your self worth, death of your emotional health, death of your relationship. relationship with God, why on earth would you go back to the jail cell? Because listen, forgiveness is the open door, but freedom is when you leave the jail cell and forgiveness is good, but freedom is better." [00:24:04]
"And Paul even talked about this. He said this. He says it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. In other words, you want to know why Jesus opened the door in the first place so that you could be free from the things that have ruined your life. The very things that caused you to hit rock bottom in the first place. So the first thing you got to do if you want a new life is you got to see sin correctly as the jail cell that it is. And then after you do that, you got to run." [00:27:49]
"And if all you do is you see it right. And then you run. Run from the jail cell. That's good, by the way, that's a good thing, but that will not be enough. So the last thing you got to do. And by the way, this is like the most important one. You got to run from the jail cell and run to Jesus. You got to run to Jesus, the one who came to free you in the first place, because if all you do is just run from this jail cell, you know what's going to happen? You're going to run from this jail cell right to another jail cell, and then from that jail cell to another jail cell, because we have this thing in us that is yearning for satisfaction for something to fill the void." [00:35:17]
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