From Being Set Free to Living Free in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound difference between being set free and living free in Christ. Many believers have experienced the initial freedom that comes with accepting Jesus, but they struggle to live in that freedom daily. The root of this issue often lies in our perspective. We can either adopt a worldly perspective, which leads to a life of bondage and frustration, or a godly perspective, which shapes a life of true freedom.
We examined how our personal experiences, beliefs, and thoughts shape our perspectives. If these are rooted in worldly values, our lives will reflect that. Conversely, a godly perspective, rooted in the truth of God's Word, leads to a life of freedom and purpose. We used visual examples to illustrate how two people can look at the same thing and see something entirely different, emphasizing the importance of aligning our perspective with God's.
To cultivate a godly perspective, we need to understand three key things: when we live, who we are, and what we are. Recognizing that God has placed us in this specific time for a purpose helps us see our lives through His intentional design. Knowing who we are in Christ, not defined by the world but by God's Word, empowers us to live out our true identity. Lastly, understanding that we are the Bride of Christ, preparing for the ultimate wedding with our Savior, motivates us to live lives of good deeds and faithfulness.
We concluded with a call to action: to let God open the hood of our hearts and change us from the inside out. By doing so, we can move from merely being set free to truly living free, fulfilling the purpose God has for us in this time and place.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Perspective: Our perspective shapes our reality. A worldly perspective leads to bondage and frustration, while a godly perspective leads to freedom and purpose. Aligning our view with God's truth is essential for living a life of freedom. [03:23]
2. Understanding When We Live: God has intentionally placed us in this specific time in history. Recognizing this helps us see our lives through His purposeful design, motivating us to live out our calling with intentionality and urgency. [15:56]
3. Knowing Who We Are: Our identity is defined by God, not by the world or other people. Understanding who we are in Christ empowers us to live out our true identity, free from the bondage of worldly labels and expectations. [22:46]
4. Preparing as the Bride of Christ: We are the Bride of Christ, and our lives should be a preparation for the ultimate wedding with our Savior. This involves living for the good of others and being found faithful in our deeds and actions. [27:39]
5. Living Free, Not Just Set Free: True freedom in Christ involves a transformation from the inside out. By allowing God to change our hearts and perspectives, we can move from merely being set free to truly living free, fulfilling the purpose God has for us. [34:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Difference Between Being Set Free and Living Free
[03:23] - Worldly vs. Godly Perspective
[04:43] - Visual Examples of Perspective
[07:14] - Definition of Perspective
[08:28] - Inside-Out Transformation
[10:55] - Misconstrued Beliefs and Misunderstood Feelings
[12:09] - God is Doing a New Thing
[14:27] - Knowing When We Live
[17:17] - Interpreting the Signs of the Times
[18:43] - Living in the Last Days
[20:05] - Prophesying vs. Criticizing
[21:31] - Knowing Who We Are
[24:14] - Discovering Identity in God's Presence
[26:42] - Knowing What We Are: The Bride of Christ
[28:13] - Preparing for the Wedding of the Lamb
[30:59] - Living for the Other Person's Good
[32:16] - Paul's Message to the Galatians
[34:06] - Invitation to Live Free
[34:41] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 43:19 (NIV): "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
2. Acts 17:26 (NIV): "From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands."
3. Revelation 19:7-8 (NIV): "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 43:19 suggest about God's actions and our ability to perceive them?
2. According to Acts 17:26, what does God determine about our lives?
3. In Revelation 19:7-8, what is the significance of the bride's preparation and the fine linen she wears?
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between being set free and living free? [0:30]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that God has placed us in this specific time and place (Acts 17:26) change our perspective on our daily lives? [15:56]
2. What does it mean to have a godly perspective, and how does it lead to a life of freedom according to the sermon? [03:23]
3. How can the imagery of the Bride of Christ in Revelation 19:7-8 motivate us to live lives of good deeds and faithfulness? [27:39]
4. Why is it important to allow God to change us from the inside out, as mentioned in the sermon? [09:38]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current perspective. Are there areas where you are still holding onto a worldly perspective? How can you shift towards a godly perspective this week? [03:23]
2. How can recognizing that God has placed you in this specific time for a purpose (Acts 17:26) influence your actions and decisions this week? [15:56]
3. What steps can you take to better understand and live out your identity in Christ, free from worldly labels and expectations? [22:46]
4. In what ways can you prepare yourself as the Bride of Christ by living for the good of others and being faithful in your deeds? [27:39]
5. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to allow God to "open the hood" and change you from the inside out. What practical steps can you take to invite God into that area? [09:38]
6. How can you actively seek to perceive the new things God is doing in your life, as mentioned in Isaiah 43:19? What might be hindering your perception?
7. Identify one person in your life who needs encouragement. How can you prophesy (speak God's truth) into their life this week, as suggested in the sermon? [20:05]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Perspective
Our perspective shapes our reality. A worldly perspective leads to bondage and frustration, while a godly perspective leads to freedom and purpose. Aligning our view with God's truth is essential for living a life of freedom. When we see our lives through the lens of God's Word, we begin to understand our true purpose and identity. This shift in perspective can transform our daily experiences, allowing us to live in the freedom that Christ offers.
[03:23]
"For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a recent situation where you felt frustrated or bound. How might viewing this situation from a godly perspective change your feelings and actions?
Day 2: Living in God's Timing
God has intentionally placed us in this specific time in history. Recognizing this helps us see our lives through His purposeful design, motivating us to live out our calling with intentionality and urgency. Understanding that we are part of God's grand narrative gives us a sense of purpose and direction. It reminds us that our lives are not random but are part of a divine plan.
[15:56]
"And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." (Acts 17:26, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current season of life. How can you live more intentionally, knowing that God has placed you here for a specific purpose?
Day 3: Embracing Our True Identity
Our identity is defined by God, not by the world or other people. Understanding who we are in Christ empowers us to live out our true identity, free from the bondage of worldly labels and expectations. When we root our identity in God's Word, we find the strength to overcome the pressures and expectations of the world, living in the freedom that Christ provides.
[22:46]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: What worldly labels or expectations have you allowed to define you? How can you replace these with the truth of who you are in Christ?
Day 4: Preparing as the Bride of Christ
We are the Bride of Christ, and our lives should be a preparation for the ultimate wedding with our Savior. This involves living for the good of others and being found faithful in our deeds and actions. Understanding this role helps us to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, knowing that our actions today have eternal significance.
[27:39]
"Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure." (Revelation 19:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you live today as if you are preparing for the ultimate wedding with Christ? How can you serve others and be faithful in your actions?
Day 5: Living Free, Not Just Set Free
True freedom in Christ involves a transformation from the inside out. By allowing God to change our hearts and perspectives, we can move from merely being set free to truly living free, fulfilling the purpose God has for us. This transformation requires us to continually seek God's guidance and allow His Word to shape our thoughts and actions.
[34:06]
"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 areas of your life still feel bound or restricted? How can you invite God to transform these areas so you can live in true freedom?
Quotes
1. "The plan has been that you would live a life of freedom, that there would be something in your life that would change. But here's what I've noticed is the reason many people aren't living free is because of their perspective. Okay, and so today it really comes down to two perspectives. There's the world's perspective. And then there's the godly perspective. So my question for you today as we kick off and maybe you online is, hey, how are you doing with your perspective?" [00:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A worldly perspective shapes a worldly life. Okay. And, and again, I'm not here to judge you. I'm just, I'm asking you to check your heart today. How's it, how's it doing? Are you too much in the world? Because I think we've lost focus. Okay. In fact, I probably don't even need to challenge you today. The Holy Spirit has already touched your heart. You walked into this place. You began to worship him. You began to feel him move up and down these rows and, and you're like, wait a minute, I need to change my life." [03:23] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need a godly perspective. Why? Because a godly perspective actually shapes a life of freedom. And I've just noticed this over the years. The people that are living free are the ones that are like, you know what? The world can do whatever it wants, but my eyes are on Jesus. I am focused on him. I will not take my eyes off of him no matter what happens around me." [04:43] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If our events, if our information, if all the stuff that we're doing day in and day out after hour after hour has nothing to do with God, how in the world are you going to have a godly perspective? It's just not going to happen because your personal side of you is filled with the world. And so today in Jesus name, I'm saying, come on, come on over to the other side. You know, it's, it's really bright. Over here. And guess what else it is? It's free. It's free." [07:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we don't know our why we keep repeating our what that's why I kept beating the front of the, of the panel. Because I didn't know why it wasn't working today. I want to invite you on this journey to say, you know what, God, my heart is yours. I'm open today. God meant changed me so that I understand why I do what I do." [09:38] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "What you believe about yourself determines your perspective. So we have to know who we are. We have to dig into it and really process who God says we are. Because watch this. If you believe you are less than who God sees you, guess what you're going to do? You're going to live less than what God sees for you. That's what's going to happen. In other words, you're going to stay in bondage. And you were never meant to stay in Egypt, everybody. Come on, you were meant to get out of Egypt." [23:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We do not discover who we are in the presence of people. We discover who we are in the presence of God. We've got to get that. That's why we walk in here and we're like, man, God, fill me today. Teach me who I am." [24:14] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When we know who we are, guess what? We know whose we are. And that's a great feeling. That's a great feeling." [26:12] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We are to Jesus and guess what we are to him, his bride. I don't know if you've ever heard of that term, but if you've said yes to Jesus, guess what? You're the bride of Christ. That's what we are. And a lot of guys are like, what, what, what's going on? Some of you are excited about Alabama winning yesterday. What's up? Anybody excited about that? Okay. Oh, no, roll tight. Okay, no. I'm not from here. I was just trying to get the guys to wake up a little bit here." [26:42] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So, in other words. In other words, we get to show up having done some good deeds to the wedding. So, the question, again, is how are you doing with that? Okay, because here's my plea to you today. You and I, we have a beautiful opportunity to prepare for that wedding. How? By doing things for other people. I call it living for the other person's good. Okay, why? So, we can be found faithful. So, here's my plea for you today as the bride of Christ. Ready? Here's my plea. Here's my plea. Say yes to the dress." [29:56] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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