Living Out Christian Freedom: A Call to Action

 

Summary

In the exploration of Christian living, the focus is on the understanding that individuals are not their own but are bought at a price, as highlighted in the scriptural passage from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. This passage emphasizes the importance of living in a way that honors God, recognizing that believers' bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. The concept of being 'bought with a price' is not to suggest that one must earn God's satisfaction, as justification comes through Jesus Christ. Instead, it is an invitation to live in a manner that reflects God's presence within.

The discussion delves into the idea that those who have been redeemed should see themselves as special and behave accordingly, glorifying God with their bodies. This is seen as discovering how to live the truly human life, which brings glory to the God whose image they are made in and whose son, Jesus, died to rescue them from anything that prevents them from being the person God longs for them to be. The notion is further reinforced by the idea that Christ's freedom is not for personal indulgence but for doing what God desires.

Physical engagement in faith is encouraged, not in a superficial sense but in a way that involves active presence and commitment. This is likened to the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who put 'skin in the game' by taking ideas and concepts and applying them physically, not for personal gain but for the betterment of the community and nation. The message also touches on the words of Pope Francis, who speaks of the need for a return to a sense of fraternity and looking out for one another, a sentiment that may have been lost during times of societal shutdowns.

The call to action is to seek ways in which life can better reflect the goodness, love, and grace received from God. This involves transformation and movement towards healing, reconciliation, and ceasing behaviors that do not glorify God. The concept of generosity is also highlighted, with the understanding that all possessions are gifts from God, and thus, there is a call to live generously in response.

The ancient Corinthians are presented as a mirror to modern society, with their culture of wealth, cosmopolitanism, and religious affiliation. They claimed personal freedom, often justifying their actions with the mantra "all things are permitted for me." However, this was a misinterpretation of Christian freedom, which is not a license for any behavior but comes with responsibilities and limitations. The Apostle Paul's writings to the Corinthians aimed to correct their incomplete view of freedom, emphasizing that not all permissible things are beneficial and that one should not be dominated by anything.

The message concludes with the idea that Christian freedom is not synonymous with an 'anything goes' attitude. Instead, it is a freedom that recognizes limits and the potential for one's appetites to imprison them. The Corinthians' misuse of freedom, particularly in the realm of sexual behavior, is highlighted as contrary to being united with Christ and harmful to both themselves and the community.

Key Takeaways:

- True freedom in Christ is not an open door to fulfill every desire but a call to live in a way that reflects the transformative power of God's love and grace. It is a freedom that comes with the responsibility to act in ways that are beneficial to oneself and the community, recognizing that actions have consequences beyond personal satisfaction. [38:43]

- The concept of being 'bought with a price' serves as a reminder that believers are to live lives that honor the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This understanding should shape behavior, leading to a life that glorifies God not just in belief but in tangible, physical expressions of faith and commitment to the well-being of others. [44:41]

- The integration of faith into every aspect of life, including the physical, is essential for a holistic Christian experience. The encouragement to 'get physical' with faith is a metaphor for being actively engaged and present in one's spiritual journey, embodying the teachings of Christ in everyday actions and interactions. [45:53]

- Generosity is a reflection of the grace received from God. The practice of giving, whether through tithes, offerings, or acts of service, is an expression of gratitude for God's blessings and a recognition of the role each person plays in the work of the congregation and the broader mission of the church. [48:55]

- The message of fraternity and mutual care, as emphasized by Pope Francis, is a timely reminder in a world that has experienced isolation and division. The call to look out for one another and foster brotherhood and sisterhood is a critical aspect of living out the Christian faith in a way that heals and unites communities. [47:08]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 6:12-20

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "All things are permitted for me, but not all things are beneficial"? How does he expand on this idea? ([30:23])
2. According to the sermon, how did the Corinthians misuse their understanding of Christian freedom? ([33:07])
3. What does it mean that our bodies are "temples of the Holy Spirit"? How should this understanding affect our behavior? ([42:55])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "getting physical" with faith? What examples are given? ([45:53])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the idea of being "bought with a price" shape a believer's understanding of their identity and behavior? ([44:41])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true Christian freedom comes with responsibilities and limitations? ([38:43])
3. How does the sermon connect the physical engagement in faith to the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? What does this imply about living out one's faith? ([46:30])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of generosity and how it reflects God's grace? ([48:55])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that "all things are permitted, but not all things are beneficial." Can you identify any areas in your life where you might be exercising freedom in a way that is not beneficial to you or others? How can you change this? ([30:23])
2. The sermon emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. How can you honor God with your body in your daily life? Are there specific habits or behaviors you need to change? ([42:55])
3. The concept of "getting physical" with faith was highlighted in the sermon. What are some practical ways you can be more actively engaged in your faith community? ([45:53])
4. The sermon mentioned the misuse of freedom by the Corinthians, particularly in the realm of sexual behavior. How can you ensure that your understanding of freedom aligns with the responsibilities and limitations of Christian living? ([41:39])
5. Generosity was highlighted as a reflection of God's grace. How can you practice generosity in your life this week? Are there specific opportunities for giving or serving that you can commit to? ([48:55])
6. The sermon calls for a return to a sense of fraternity and mutual care. How can you foster a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood in your community? Are there specific actions you can take to support and care for others? ([47:08])
7. Reflect on the example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to putting "skin in the game." How can you apply this principle to your own life and faith journey? ([46:30])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing True Christian Freedom
True freedom in Christ is a balance of liberty and responsibility, guiding one's actions towards the collective good rather than personal indulgence. This freedom is a gift that empowers believers to live in a way that honors God and serves others, reflecting the transformative power of God's love and grace. It is not an unrestricted pass to satisfy every whim but a call to exercise our liberty thoughtfully and lovingly. [38:43]

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."
Reflection: How can you use your freedom in Christ to serve others in your community this week?

Day 2: Living as God's Treasured Possession
Believers are called to live lives that honor the sacrifice of Jesus, recognizing that they are treasured possessions, bought at a price. This understanding should influence behavior, leading to a life that glorifies God through tangible expressions of faith and commitment to the well-being of others. It's about embodying the gospel in every action and interaction, acknowledging the Holy Spirit's dwelling within. [44:41]

1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: In what ways can you honor God with your body as His temple this week?

Day 3: Faith in Action
The integration of faith into every aspect of life, including the physical, is essential for a holistic Christian experience. Being actively engaged and present in one's spiritual journey means embodying the teachings of Christ in everyday actions. It's about putting 'skin in the game' and living out one's beliefs in a way that is visible and impactful to those around us. [45:53]

James 2:17 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Reflection: What is one tangible way you can put your faith into action in your daily routine?

Day 4: The Grace of Generosity
Generosity is a natural response to the grace received from God. It is an expression of gratitude for His blessings and a recognition of the role each person plays in the work of the congregation and the broader mission of the church. Living generously means sharing time, talents, and treasures as a reflection of God's love and provision. [48:55]

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How can you practice generosity this week in a way that reflects God's generosity to you?

Day 5: Fostering Fraternity and Care
The message of fraternity and mutual care is a critical aspect of living out the Christian faith in a way that heals and unites communities. In a world that has experienced isolation and division, the call to look out for one another and foster brotherhood and sisterhood is more important than ever. It's about returning to a sense of community where every member is valued and cared for. [47:08]

Hebrews 13:1 - "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters."
Reflection: Who in your community might be feeling isolated or overlooked, and how can you reach out to them this week?

Quotes

1) "We're called to be actively present as whole people, so let's get physical with our faith, embodying the teachings of Christ in everyday actions." [45:53]

2) "Those who have been bought at a tremendous cost must remind themselves of what special people they are and learn to behave accordingly." [45:17]

3) "Christ does not set us free so we can do whatever we want to do; Christ sets us free so that we can do whatever God wants us to do." [45:17]

4) "We're not called to be people that look from afar but are called to be actively present as whole people." [45:53]

5) "We don't live this way to somehow achieve some sort of satisfaction with God; we've been justified in Jesus Christ. We live this way because this is how you live when God is inhabiting you." [44:41]

6) "Jesus followers are to locate themselves as those who are not their own and to glorify God with their bodies." [42:55]

7) "We're tended to live life as whole persons; we can't simply live as though we're imagining something out here with no physical reality to that." [43:27]

8) "We live in the realm of 'because,' which acknowledges that we were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and the spirit of our God." [44:03]

9) "Everything that we have is a gift from God, and we're called to be a people that live generous lives as well." [48:55]

10) "We need to return to a sense of fraternity, looking out for one another, the brotherhood and sisterhood that we share with each other." [47:08]

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Transcript
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