InstaStudy

Christian Liberty: Freedom in Christ

This study explores the profound freedom believers experience through their relationship with Jesus Christ, understanding its source, responsibilities, and practical application in daily life.

1. The Source of Our Liberty

1.1 God's Singular Nature and Our Redemption

Verses: Isaiah 43:10-11; John 14:9; Colossians 2:9
  • God is one, and He alone is our Savior.
  • Jesus Christ is the full manifestation of the one God.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, making Him the sole source of our salvation and freedom.

1.2 The Spirit of the Lord

Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1
  • Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
  • The Spirit frees us from the law of sin and death.
  • This freedom is a gift, not earned by works.

1.3 Redemption Through Christ's Sacrifice

Verses: Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:18-19
  • Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.
  • His blood secured eternal redemption for us.
  • We are bought with a price, no longer slaves to sin.

2. Liberty from Sin and Law

2.1 Freedom from the Power of Sin

Verses: Romans 6:6-7; Romans 6:14; 1 John 3:9
  • Our old self was crucified with Christ, that we might no longer be enslaved to sin.
  • Sin shall no longer have dominion over us.
  • Those born of God do not continue in sin.

2.2 Freedom from the Condemnation of the Law

Verses: Romans 8:1; Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:24-25
  • There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
  • We are justified by faith in Christ, not by works of the law.
  • The law was our guardian until Christ, but now we are no longer under a guardian.

2.3 The New Covenant of Grace

Verses: Hebrews 8:10-12; Jeremiah 31:33-34; Romans 6:15
  • God writes His laws on our hearts and minds.
  • He will remember our sins no more.
  • We are not under law, but under grace.

3. Living in Christian Liberty

3.1 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 8:4
  • Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
  • The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, etc.
  • The righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in us who walk according to the Spirit.

3.2 Conscience and Personal Convictions

Verses: Romans 14:5; Romans 14:22-23; 1 Corinthians 8:9
  • Each person should be fully convinced in their own mind.
  • Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.
  • Be careful that your liberty does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

3.3 Liberty in Worship and Practice

Verses: John 4:23-24; Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:16-17
  • True worship is in spirit and truth.
  • The New Testament pattern for salvation includes repentance, water baptism in Jesus' name, and receiving the Holy Spirit.
  • Do not let anyone judge you regarding food, drink, or religious festivals, which are a shadow of things to come.

4. Responsibilities of the Free

4.1 Not Using Liberty as a Cloak for Evil

Verses: 1 Peter 2:16; Galatians 5:13; Jude 1:4
  • Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil.
  • Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh.
  • Beware of those who pervert the grace of God into a license for immorality.

4.2 Serving One Another in Love

Verses: Galatians 5:13; Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Corinthians 9:19
  • Through love, serve one another.
  • In humility, value others above yourselves.
  • Though free from all, I have made myself a servant to all.

4.3 Maintaining Unity and Edifying Others

Verses: Romans 14:19; Romans 15:1-2; Ephesians 4:3
  • Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
  • We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak.
  • Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.