InstaStudy

Christian Liberty: Freedom in Christ

This study explores the profound freedom believers experience through a relationship with the one true God, understanding His nature, the power of His salvation, and how to live a life empowered by His Spirit.

1. Understanding the One True God

1.1 The Singularity of God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 12:29
  • There is only one God, the Creator of all things.
  • He is indivisible and supreme, not a plurality of persons.
  • All power and authority reside in Him alone.

1.2 Jesus Christ: God Manifest in Flesh

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6
  • Jesus is the full manifestation of the one God in human form.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is both God and man, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit revealed.

1.3 The Holy Spirit: The Spirit of God

Verses: John 14:16-18; John 14:26; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9-11
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the one God, not a separate person.
  • It is the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ in believers.
  • The Spirit empowers, guides, and comforts us.

2. Liberty from Sin and the Law

2.1 The Bondage of Sin

Verses: Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; John 8:34
  • All humanity is born into sin and separated from God.
  • Sin brings spiritual death and eternal consequences.
  • We are powerless to free ourselves from sin's grip.

2.2 Freedom Through Christ's Sacrifice

Verses: Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:22; Galatians 3:13
  • Jesus Christ, the sinless God in flesh, died for our sins.
  • His shed blood provides complete atonement and forgiveness.
  • Through His sacrifice, we are redeemed and set free from sin's penalty.

2.3 Liberty from the Law's Condemnation

Verses: Romans 7:6; Galatians 5:1; Romans 8:1-2
  • The Law revealed sin but could not remove it.
  • We are no longer under the condemnation of the Law.
  • In Christ, we are free to serve God in the newness of the Spirit.

3. The New Birth and Empowerment

3.1 Repentance and Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Repentance is a necessary turning from sin to God.
  • Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is for the remission of sins.
  • It is an essential part of the new birth experience, identifying with His death, burial, and resurrection.

3.2 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6; John 7:38-39
  • The baptism of the Holy Spirit is God's promise to all believers.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
  • This empowerment enables us to live a victorious Christian life.

3.3 A New Creation in Christ

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 4:22-24
  • Through the new birth, we become a new creation in Christ.
  • Old things pass away, and all things become new.
  • We are called to walk in newness of life, reflecting His character.

4. Living in Christian Liberty

4.1 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 8:13-14
  • True liberty is found in yielding to the Holy Spirit's leading.
  • The Spirit produces fruit in our lives, demonstrating Christ's character.
  • We are to crucify the flesh and live by the Spirit.

4.2 Freedom to Serve God and Others

Verses: Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16; Romans 12:1-2
  • Our liberty is not a license for sin but an opportunity for service.
  • We are called to serve one another in love.
  • Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice is our reasonable service.

4.3 Guarding Our Liberty

Verses: Galatians 5:1; 2 Peter 2:19; Romans 14:13
  • We must stand firm in the liberty Christ has given us.
  • Beware of false doctrines and legalism that seek to enslave.
  • Our liberty should not cause others to stumble.