Living in Freedom: Embracing God's Love and Spirit
Summary
### Summary
Greetings, Impact Church! Today, we celebrated God's goodness and shared some exciting upcoming events. This Wednesday, our middle and high school students will have their Relentless Night, a special service just for them. Next Sunday marks our 28th anniversary, and we have a fun outing planned at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Game. We also have our Dream Team Party on August 30th, and our Step 5 class is starting soon, designed to deepen your walk with Christ. Lastly, our next small group semester kicks off on September 8th, and we need more leaders to guide these groups.
We continued our "Be Free" series, focusing on the choice between the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life. Filtering our lives through the tree of life allows us to live as beloved children of a loving Heavenly Father. We discussed overcoming father wounds to fully embrace God's love. Our goal is to remove every obstacle that limits our intimacy with God, so we can truly be free.
Galatians 5:13 reminds us that we are called to be free, but not to use our freedom for selfish desires. True freedom is not about doing whatever we want; it's about living a life led by the Spirit. Paul in Romans 7:15-24 talks about the struggle between wanting to do right and ending up doing wrong. The way out of this struggle is to walk in the Spirit, which is not a spooky experience but a disciplined way of yielding our decisions to the Holy Spirit.
Walking in the Spirit involves focusing on spiritual things, feeding our spirit through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, and following the Holy Spirit's guidance. This spiritual discipline is like the underground railroad out of slavery to sin. No matter how long you've been bound, there is a way out through Jesus Christ. He has already set us free, and we need to live in that freedom.
We concluded by breaking the power of various strongholds like bitterness, unforgiveness, fear, and addiction through prayer. We declared our freedom in Christ and invited those who don't know Jesus to accept Him as their Savior.
### Key Takeaways
1. Freedom in Christ: True freedom is not about indulging in our desires but living a life led by the Spirit. Galatians 5:13 teaches us that our freedom should not be an opportunity for the flesh but a chance to serve one another in love. This freedom allows us to live as children of a loving Heavenly Father, free from the bondage of religion and fear. [50:30]
2. Overcoming Father Wounds: Many of us struggle with seeing God as a loving Father due to past wounds from our earthly fathers. Overcoming these wounds is crucial to fully experiencing God's love. God loves us with perfect knowledge, knowing all our flaws and still choosing to love us unconditionally. [49:22]
3. Walking in the Spirit: Walking in the Spirit is not a spooky or mystical experience but a disciplined way of yielding our decisions to the Holy Spirit. It involves focusing on spiritual things, feeding our spirit through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, and following the Holy Spirit's guidance. This discipline helps us avoid fulfilling the desires of the flesh. [57:15]
4. The Way Out is In: The way out of a life dominated by sin and death is to walk in the Spirit. This spiritual discipline is like the underground railroad out of slavery to sin. No matter how long you've been bound, there is a way out through Jesus Christ, who has already set us free. [56:34]
5. Breaking Strongholds: Through prayer, we can break the power of various strongholds like bitterness, unforgiveness, fear, and addiction. Declaring our freedom in Christ and renouncing these strongholds allows us to live in the liberty that Jesus has already provided for us. [01:29:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:26] - Relentless Night Announcement
[44:03] - 28th Anniversary Celebration
[44:59] - Dream Team Party
[45:51] - Step 5 Class
[46:42] - Small Group Semester
[47:35] - Be Free Series Introduction
[48:39] - Overcoming Father Wounds
[50:00] - Called to Be Free
[51:10] - True Freedom Explained
[52:00] - The Struggle with Sin
[53:29] - Paul's Struggle with Sin
[55:10] - The Way Out is In
[57:15] - Walking in the Spirit
[01:29:04] - Breaking Strongholds Through Prayer
[01:35:27] - Invitation to Accept Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:13 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
2. Romans 7:15-24 - "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do... What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"
3. Galatians 5:16 - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 5:13, what is the purpose of our freedom in Christ? How should we use it?
2. In Romans 7:15-24, what struggle does Paul describe, and how does he express his frustration with it?
3. What does Galatians 5:16 suggest as the solution to not fulfilling the desires of the flesh? How is this solution described in the sermon? [57:15]
4. What are some of the strongholds mentioned in the sermon that we can break through prayer? [01:29:04]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of freedom in Christ, as described in Galatians 5:13, differ from the worldly idea of freedom? [50:30]
2. Why is it important to overcome "father wounds" to fully experience God's love, according to the sermon? [49:22]
3. What does it mean to "walk in the Spirit," and why is it not considered a spooky or mystical experience? [57:15]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the idea that "the way out is in"? What practical steps are suggested to walk in the Spirit? [56:34]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of freedom in Christ. How can you use your freedom to serve others in love this week? [50:30]
2. Have you experienced any "father wounds" that affect your relationship with God? What steps can you take to overcome these wounds and fully embrace God's love? [49:22]
3. What are some practical ways you can focus on spiritual things and feed your spirit through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship? [57:15]
4. Identify a stronghold in your life, such as bitterness, unforgiveness, or fear. How can you use prayer to break its power and declare your freedom in Christ? [01:29:04]
5. The sermon mentions that walking in the Spirit involves yielding our decisions to the Holy Spirit. Can you think of a recent decision where you could have sought the Holy Spirit's guidance more intentionally? [57:15]
6. How can you create a habit of walking in the Spirit daily? What specific actions will you take to ensure you are led by the Holy Spirit rather than your flesh? [57:15]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community and small groups. How can you get more involved in your church community to support your spiritual growth and help others? [46:42]
Devotional
Day 1: True Freedom in Christ
True freedom is not about indulging in our desires but living a life led by the Spirit. Galatians 5:13 teaches us that our freedom should not be an opportunity for the flesh but a chance to serve one another in love. This freedom allows us to live as children of a loving Heavenly Father, free from the bondage of religion and fear. When we understand that our freedom is meant to serve others and glorify God, we can live a life that is truly fulfilling and aligned with His will.
Living in this freedom means making daily choices that reflect our identity in Christ. It involves rejecting the temptations of the flesh and instead, choosing to walk in the Spirit. This is not always easy, but it is possible through the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we grow in our relationship with God, we learn to discern His voice and follow His lead, experiencing the true freedom that comes from being His beloved children. [50:30]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: Think of one area in your life where you have been using your freedom for selfish desires. How can you start using that freedom to serve others in love today?
Day 2: Overcoming Father Wounds
Many of us struggle with seeing God as a loving Father due to past wounds from our earthly fathers. Overcoming these wounds is crucial to fully experiencing God's love. God loves us with perfect knowledge, knowing all our flaws and still choosing to love us unconditionally. This understanding can be transformative, helping us to heal from past hurts and embrace our identity as His beloved children.
To overcome these wounds, it is important to bring them before God in prayer and allow His love to heal us. This may involve forgiving our earthly fathers and releasing any bitterness or resentment we hold towards them. As we do this, we open ourselves up to experiencing the fullness of God's love and grace, which can bring deep healing and restoration to our hearts. [49:22]
Psalm 103:13-14 (ESV): "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust."
Reflection: Reflect on any wounds you may have from your earthly father. How can you invite God into those areas to bring healing and restoration?
Day 3: Walking in the Spirit
Walking in the Spirit is not a spooky or mystical experience but a disciplined way of yielding our decisions to the Holy Spirit. It involves focusing on spiritual things, feeding our spirit through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, and following the Holy Spirit's guidance. This discipline helps us avoid fulfilling the desires of the flesh and instead, live a life that is pleasing to God.
Walking in the Spirit requires intentionality and commitment. It means making time for spiritual practices that nourish our relationship with God and help us grow in our faith. As we do this, we become more attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading and are better equipped to make decisions that align with God's will. This way of living brings peace, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose as we walk in step with the Spirit. [57:15]
Romans 8:5-6 (ESV): "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to focus more on spiritual things and walk in the Spirit?
Day 4: The Way Out is In
The way out of a life dominated by sin and death is to walk in the Spirit. This spiritual discipline is like the underground railroad out of slavery to sin. No matter how long you've been bound, there is a way out through Jesus Christ, who has already set us free. Embracing this freedom involves a daily commitment to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance and reject the temptations of the flesh.
This journey requires perseverance and faith, trusting that God will provide the strength and wisdom needed to overcome the challenges we face. As we walk in the Spirit, we experience the transformative power of God's grace, which enables us to live a life of victory and freedom. This is not a one-time event but a continuous process of growth and renewal as we deepen our relationship with God. [56:34]
2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel bound by sin. How can you start walking in the Spirit to experience freedom in that area?
Day 5: Breaking Strongholds
Through prayer, we can break the power of various strongholds like bitterness, unforgiveness, fear, and addiction. Declaring our freedom in Christ and renouncing these strongholds allows us to live in the liberty that Jesus has already provided for us. This process involves recognizing the lies we have believed and replacing them with the truth of God's Word.
Breaking strongholds requires persistence and faith, trusting that God is able to bring about the transformation we need. As we pray and declare our freedom in Christ, we invite the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and minds, bringing healing and renewal. This is a powerful way to experience the fullness of God's love and grace, enabling us to live a life of victory and freedom. [01:29:04]
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: Think of a stronghold in your life that you need to break. How can you use prayer and the truth of God's Word to declare your freedom in Christ and renounce that stronghold today?
Quotes
1. "Everything in our Christian lives is filtered through the idea of these two trees. And when we filter our lives through the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, what happens is we end up being bound by this idea that the only way to avoid the wrath of a great and terrible God is to carefully walk the tightrope of religion and strict obedience to God. But when we filter our lives through the tree of life, the tree that God told them they could eat of, the tree God said was okay, when we filter our lives through this tree, we are free to live our lives as sons and daughters in relationship with a loving Heavenly Father." [48:39] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The truth of the matter is, as Pastor Bluen said earlier, there's nothing you can do to make God stop loving you, and there's nothing you can do to make Him love you anymore. He decided to love us. Watch this with perfect knowledge. How many of you, when you marry your spouse, you don't have perfect knowledge? How many of you? If you knew what you knew, no, I'm just kidding. But you don't have perfect knowledge. But God had perfect knowledge. So when He decided to love us, it wasn't not realizing what may come in the future. He decided to love us with perfect knowledge." [49:22] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we talk about being free, we're not talking about the freedom that just lets us take off in whatever direction and do whatever impulse comes to mind. Because how many know that kind of freedom really is the worst form of bondage? Has anybody else ever found out that when you let your flesh do whatever it wants to do, it gets you in real trouble? When we allow our flesh to do whatever it wants to do, see, I've said this before, this body doesn't care whether you live holy or unholy." [51:10] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The way out is in the Spirit. If I want to get out of this life that's dominated by sin and death, I want to get off this roller coaster where I said I wasn't going to do that again, and I found myself doing it. I said I want to do what God told me. I said I want to participate in 21 days of prayer, but here I am sleeping in again. I said I was going to do the things I was going to start serving, but it's December again, and I didn't even get started. How do I get off this roller coaster? How do I escape from this room of prison that has me living a life that is less than what God has said? The way out is in the Spirit." [57:15] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Walking in the Spirit is learning how to yield our decision-making to the power of Holy Spirit instead of our mind, our will, our emotions, popular opinion, personal desires, et cetera. Walking in the Spirit is a spiritual discipline, listen to this, that every believer has the ability to achieve. Oh, that's good. Come on, that's good. It's a spiritual discipline. Why learn how to? Hang on, let me stop responding out of anger like I used to. Let me stop taking everything so personal. Let me stop being offended all the time." [01:03:50] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "There is a way out. Come on, man. That's good. I'm talking to somebody in here today or somebody that's online. It doesn't matter how long you've been bound by that thing. It doesn't matter how gross or horrific you think it is. And it doesn't even matter how many folks have been hurt or affected by what you struggle with. There is a way out. If you've had anger issues, a man, your whole family has been disrupted because you've been blown up and explode all over the place. There is a way out." [01:05:26] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you belong to Christ, he said, you've already been freed from that drug addiction. If you belong to Christ, hear me out, you've already been freed from that pornography. If you belong to Christ, you've already been freed from that haunting fear of something happening to your kids. If you belong to Christ, you have already been. He didn't say good news, help is coming. He says if you belong to Christ, you have already been set free, even if your current behavior doesn't look like it." [01:07:44] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Walking in the Spirit is not a chore, it's a superpower. Walking in the Spirit is not a chore, it's a superpower. But here's the big question. How do we walk in the Spirit? Because we're a how-to kind of church. It's not a church we want to get you just hyped and emotional. We exist, I told you last week, to equip all people. We grow fully in Christ. So we don't want to just give you principles and make it sound good. How do I walk in the Spirit, Pastor? I'm trying to figure out. I'm willing to do what you said. I accept that I'm free. But now how do I walk in the Spirit so I can walk in and exercise that liberty?" [01:11:24] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "See, remember, everything in our Christian life is filtered through the ideas of these two trees right here. See, tree of life thinking leads to gratitude for everything God has done. Tree of the knowledge of good and evil thinking is always obsessed with what I don't have right now. I ain't married yet, so I'm feeling lonely. It's cuffing season coming up. I need to be with somebody. Knowledge of good and evil thinking is always talking about what I don't have. Tree of life thinking is realizing, yeah, I don't have that, but God has still been real good to me." [01:21:14] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Fellowship with God nourishes my spirit like food and water nourish my body. We've got to feed our spirit. How do I feed my spirit? We feed our spirit, number one, by spending time in prayer. Come on out to join us this week. I'm telling you, inconvenience yourself enough to get here at 7 a.m. this week if you can. I know school is starting back. Some of you can't. Your job doesn't work location-wise. But there's some of you, the only reason you're not here is because you just don't feel like coming. And it's not because you're not here. It's not to condemn me, but I'm saying, if I want to grow and get free, I've got to feed my spirit." [01:24:03] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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