InstaStudy

Christian Liberty: A Study in Freedom and Responsibility

This study explores the profound freedom believers experience in Christ, examining its divine source, its liberating power over sin and the law, and the practical implications for living a life of love and responsibility.

1. The Source of Our Liberty: The One God and His Spirit

1.1 The One True God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:5-6
  • There is only one God, the Creator and Sustainer of all.
  • He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, beside whom there is no other.
  • This singular God is the ultimate source of all truth, grace, and freedom.

1.2 God Manifested in Christ

Verses: John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Christ Jesus.
  • Jesus is God manifested in flesh, the visible expression of the invisible God.
  • Through Christ, we receive access to divine liberty and reconciliation.

1.3 The Spirit of the Lord Brings Liberty

Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1
  • Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is true liberty.
  • The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death.
  • We are called to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.

2. Liberty from Sin and the Law

2.1 Freedom from Sin's Dominion

Verses: Romans 6:6-7, 14; John 8:36; Romans 6:18
  • Our old self was crucified with Christ, that we might no longer be enslaved to sin.
  • If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
  • Having been set free from sin, we have become servants of righteousness.

2.2 Freedom from the Condemnation of the Law

Verses: Romans 7:6; Galatians 3:13; Romans 8:1
  • We have been released from the law, having died to that which held us captive.
  • Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.
  • There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

2.3 The Law Fulfilled in Christ

Verses: Matthew 5:17; Romans 10:4; Galatians 5:14
  • Christ did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them.
  • Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
  • The whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

3. Liberty in Conscience and Practice

3.1 Matters of Indifference

Verses: Romans 14:5-6; Colossians 2:16-17
  • Let each be fully convinced in his own mind regarding days or dietary choices.
  • Do not let anyone judge you in matters of food or drink, or regarding religious observances.
  • These are a shadow of things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

3.2 The Importance of Personal Conviction

Verses: Romans 14:22-23; 1 Corinthians 8:7-9
  • Whatever is not from faith is sin; have your own conviction before God.
  • Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
  • Be careful that your liberty does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

3.3 Avoiding Legalism and License

Verses: Galatians 5:1; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16
  • Stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
  • Do not use liberty as an occasion for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
  • Live as free people, but not using your freedom as a cloak for evil, but as servants of God.

4. Living in Liberty: Responsibility and Love

4.1 Liberty to Serve

Verses: Galatians 5:13; Romans 6:18, 22
  • You were called to liberty, only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
  • Having been set free from sin, you became servants of righteousness.
  • Now having been set free from sin, and having become servants of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

4.2 Liberty and Consideration for Others

Verses: Romans 14:13, 19; 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
  • Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
  • Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
  • All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful; let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

4.3 The Law of Love

Verses: Galatians 5:14; Romans 13:8-10; John 13:34-35
  • For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
  • Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
  • By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.