Steps to Spiritual Freedom: Action, Preparation, Authority
Summary
### Summary
Today's message, titled "Finally Free," focuses on the concept of true freedom, not just in a physical sense but in the spiritual and emotional realms. Many of us live in prisons of our own making—prisons of fear, wounds, addictions, depression, and anxiety. These prisons can hold us captive for years, sometimes even decades. However, God desires for us to be completely free, even though we live in a world full of struggles and challenges.
The journey to freedom involves three main stages: getting up, getting ready, and walking in authority. These stages are illustrated through the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison in Acts 12. Peter was chained and guarded by 16 soldiers, yet an angel of the Lord appeared, struck him on the side, and told him to get up. As Peter obeyed, the chains fell off. This signifies that the first step to freedom is taking action, even when it seems impossible.
The second stage is getting ready. The angel instructed Peter to put on his clothes and sandals, symbolizing the need to prepare for the breakthrough. This preparation involves becoming a disciple of Jesus, engaging in church activities, joining small groups, and connecting with others. True freedom often requires community and accountability.
The final stage is walking in authority. The angel told Peter to wrap his cloak around him and follow. The cloak represents authority, much like Elijah's cloak symbolized his prophetic authority. To walk in authority, we must understand who we are in Christ and exercise our faith and obedience. This involves speaking Jesus over our situations and believing in the power of His name.
Freedom is a process, often involving multiple layers of healing and growth. But as we take each step in faith and obedience, we move closer to the complete freedom that God has planned for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Freedom Begins with Action: The first step to freedom is getting up, even when it seems impossible. Peter's chains fell off only when he obeyed the angel's command to get up. This teaches us that faith and obedience are crucial for breaking free from our spiritual and emotional prisons. [14:16]
2. Preparation is Key: The second stage of freedom involves getting ready. This means becoming a disciple of Jesus, engaging in church activities, and connecting with others. True freedom often requires community and accountability, as we prepare ourselves for the breakthroughs God has in store for us. [19:44]
3. Walking in Authority: The final stage is walking in authority. The cloak Peter was told to wrap around himself symbolizes authority. To walk in authority, we must understand who we are in Christ and exercise our faith and obedience. This involves speaking Jesus over our situations and believing in the power of His name. [28:47]
4. Freedom is a Process: Freedom often involves multiple layers of healing and growth. God may peel back layers to expose deeper issues that need healing. This process is not to harm us but to prepare us for greater things. Each step of faith and obedience brings us closer to complete freedom. [36:48]
5. Motion-Activated Freedom: Freedom is motion-activated. Just as the gate opened for Peter as he walked towards it, our freedom requires us to take steps of faith and obedience. We must keep moving forward, trusting that God will open doors and break chains as we act in faith. [38:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - The Prison of the Heart
[02:51] - The Enemy's Tactics
[04:35] - Layers of Freedom
[07:22] - Peter's Imprisonment
[08:52] - The Power of Prayer
[10:18] - Urgency in Freedom
[11:45] - Stop Blaming Others
[13:03] - Letting Go of Hurt
[14:16] - Step One: Get Up
[15:34] - Faith and Obedience
[16:55] - Next Steps of Obedience
[18:12] - The Comfort of Prison
[19:44] - Step Two: Get Ready
[20:52] - The Importance of Community
[22:05] - Preparing for Breakthrough
[23:23] - The Discipline of Readiness
[24:32] - Foundational Teachings
[26:01] - Step Three: Walk in Authority
[27:28] - The Power of Rebuking
[28:47] - The Cloak of Authority
[30:30] - The Joy of Healing
[31:49] - Understanding Authority
[33:17] - Speaking Jesus
[34:34] - Layers of Healing
[36:48] - The Iron Gate
[38:22] - Motion-Activated Freedom
[40:00] - The Purpose of Your Life
[41:31] - The Gift of Administration
[42:50] - Heal, Grow, Rise
[44:11] - Confession and Forgiveness
[45:41] - Prayer of Salvation
[46:56] - Invitation to Grow
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 12:5-10 (NIV)
> "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, 'Put on your clothes and sandals.' And Peter did so. 'Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,' the angel told him. Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him."
### Observation Questions
1. What were the three main stages of freedom mentioned in the sermon, and how are they illustrated in the story of Peter's escape from prison? [04:35]
2. According to the sermon, what does the angel's instruction to Peter to "get up" signify in our journey to freedom? [14:16]
3. How does the sermon describe the importance of community and accountability in achieving true freedom? [20:52]
4. What does the cloak represent in the context of Peter's escape, and how does it relate to walking in authority? [28:47]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is taking action, even when it seems impossible, considered the first step to freedom according to the sermon? How does this relate to Peter's experience in Acts 12? [14:16]
2. How does the sermon explain the role of preparation in achieving freedom, and what practical steps are suggested for getting ready? [19:44]
3. What does it mean to walk in authority as a believer, and how can understanding our identity in Christ help us exercise this authority? [28:47]
4. The sermon mentions that freedom is a process involving multiple layers of healing and growth. How does this concept apply to the story of Peter and to our personal spiritual journeys? [36:48]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt imprisoned by fear, wounds, or anxiety. What steps did you take to begin your journey to freedom, and how can you apply the principle of "getting up" in your current situation? [14:16]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community and accountability in achieving freedom. Are you currently involved in any church activities or small groups that provide this support? If not, what steps can you take to get involved? [20:52]
3. Consider the concept of walking in authority. Do you feel confident in your identity in Christ and your ability to exercise spiritual authority? What can you do to strengthen this understanding and confidence? [28:47]
4. The sermon suggests that freedom is motion-activated and requires us to take steps of faith and obedience. What is one specific step of faith or obedience you feel called to take this week? [38:22]
5. Think about the layers of healing and growth mentioned in the sermon. Is there a particular area in your life where you sense God is peeling back a layer to expose a deeper issue? How can you respond to this revelation in a way that promotes healing and growth? [36:48]
6. The sermon talks about the urgency of getting free from our prisons. Is there an area in your life where you have become too comfortable in your "prison"? What can you do to create a sense of urgency to break free? [10:18]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of speaking Jesus over your situations into your daily life? Identify a specific situation where you can start doing this and share your plan with the group. [33:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Freedom Begins with Action
Many of us find ourselves trapped in prisons of fear, wounds, addictions, depression, and anxiety. These prisons can hold us captive for years, sometimes even decades. However, the first step to freedom is taking action, even when it seems impossible. In Acts 12, Peter was chained and guarded by 16 soldiers, yet an angel of the Lord appeared, struck him on the side, and told him to get up. As Peter obeyed, the chains fell off. This teaches us that faith and obedience are crucial for breaking free from our spiritual and emotional prisons. When we take that first step, God meets us with His power to break the chains that bind us. [14:16]
Acts 12:7 (ESV): "And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, 'Get up quickly.' And the chains fell off his hands."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel chained or imprisoned? What small step of faith and obedience can you take today to begin breaking free from that prison?
Day 2: Preparation is Key
The journey to freedom involves getting ready. This means becoming a disciple of Jesus, engaging in church activities, and connecting with others. True freedom often requires community and accountability. In Acts 12, the angel instructed Peter to put on his clothes and sandals, symbolizing the need to prepare for the breakthrough. This preparation involves not just personal readiness but also engaging with a supportive community. By becoming active in church, joining small groups, and building relationships, we prepare ourselves for the breakthroughs God has in store for us. [19:44]
Ephesians 4:12-13 (ESV): "To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: How can you better prepare yourself for the breakthroughs God has in store for you? Are there specific church activities or small groups you can join to build a supportive community around you?
Day 3: Walking in Authority
The final stage of freedom is walking in authority. The angel told Peter to wrap his cloak around him and follow. The cloak represents authority, much like Elijah's cloak symbolized his prophetic authority. To walk in authority, we must understand who we are in Christ and exercise our faith and obedience. This involves speaking Jesus over our situations and believing in the power of His name. When we walk in the authority given to us by Christ, we can face our challenges with confidence and power. [28:47]
Luke 10:19 (ESV): "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to exercise the authority given to you by Christ? How can you start speaking Jesus over those situations today?
Day 4: Freedom is a Process
Freedom often involves multiple layers of healing and growth. God may peel back layers to expose deeper issues that need healing. This process is not to harm us but to prepare us for greater things. Each step of faith and obedience brings us closer to complete freedom. Just as Peter's escape from prison involved several steps, our journey to freedom may require us to address various aspects of our lives. Trust that God is with you in each step, guiding you towards complete freedom. [36:48]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "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: What are some areas in your life where you feel God is peeling back layers for deeper healing? How can you trust Him more in this process and take steps of faith and obedience?
Day 5: Motion-Activated Freedom
Freedom is motion-activated. Just as the gate opened for Peter as he walked towards it, our freedom requires us to take steps of faith and obedience. We must keep moving forward, trusting that God will open doors and break chains as we act in faith. This means not waiting passively but actively pursuing the freedom God has promised us. As we take each step, God meets us with His power and provision, leading us to greater freedom. [38:22]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
Reflection: What steps of faith and obedience can you take today to move towards the freedom God has for you? How can you actively pursue the freedom God has promised, trusting that He will open doors and break chains as you move forward?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Because, you know, if you're in prison, you've got brick walls, you've got stone walls, you've got gates, you've got bars, you've got all that around you. But there's also a prison that happens in our hearts. And that's a prison that will hold you forever if you let it. And I really do mean that." [01:30] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I actually do believe that God wants us free, like completely free. And though it is a struggle, because we live in a war zone, that's a struggle. We have this flesh, and that's difficult. You'll never be free from the flesh until you die or he comes back. But one day it's going to happen. One day it will happen." [02:51] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you get up, something is going to break. For some of you, it's salvation. Salvation is actually getting up. You give your heart to Jesus Christ. You ask him to be your Lord and savior. Suddenly when you do that, something breaks. Something breaks. I can tell you what it is. It's sin and it's death that breaks off of you because the Bible says whom the son has set free is free." [15:34] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Freedom for your life is motion activated. You have to walk toward the gate. You have to get up. It's all action. You have to be obedient. Obedience always means you're about to do something. Faith without works is dead. Always moving, always activating, always pushing forward, always walking toward the prison door, always walking, always moving forward. That's, that's, that's what God wants from our lives." [38:22] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Even if the purpose for your life was, see one person come to know Jesus, like you had, there was no other reason that Jesus put you on earth, but for that one other person, man, that would be worth it. That would be worth it. I can tell you there's more than just that, but that would be so worth it." [40:00] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If we don't deal with the roots of what's got you in prison, you'll never really get out. And I'm going to show you today, I'm going to show you today, three really main big stages of freedom. I'm not drilling down into what your thing is. I'm talking about three main stages of freedom that we all have to go through. And I think that just seeing some of these stages are going to help you." [02:51] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you're going to get up, if you're going to get up, you have to stop blaming other people. Cannot keep blaming other people. This is going to be a really strong point of this message today, because here's the thing. I believe that many people in this room, you've been put into a prison by somebody else. Who did you wrong? Like it was them. They did it. And you're now in prison because of your hurts and your wounds, you're, you're wounded by them. It hurts. And it's real." [11:45] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You need to stay radical, not just get radical. You stay radical. And so this, these are the things that we, that we have to walk in obedience. What's he speaking to you? What's he speaking to you? Think about that. Think about that. And when we leave here today, start doing it, living it out. Unless you don't want. And can I tell you, you do, you do as one who has been locked up and everybody in here has been locked up, I'm sure by something at some time, but as one who is now free, you want freedom." [18:12] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You have to find them and you find them by going to these groups, by coming to church, by going to groups, you find the people. You find the people who are with you by connecting with them. But if you're stuck in your prison and you're unwilling to talk to anybody, unwilling to just kind of come out and, and say hi to people, and you're just not, if you're just stuck there, then it's going to be hard to find that freedom because freedom really does happen when we connect with others." [22:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There are levels to your freedom. Sometimes God can do it overnight. Most of the time he won't. And so you'll get this sense of freedom and all of a sudden God will peel back another layer on you and he'll expose something else in your life. What I love about God though, is he's always so open. He's always so gentle about it though. He he's very, he's very, he's concerned about you. He never does it to harm you, to hurt you. He does it because he loves you." [35:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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