InstaStudy

Embracing True Freedom: A Study on Christian Liberty

This study explores the profound freedom found in Christ, examining how believers are liberated from sin, legalism, and worldly entanglements to live a life devoted to God's will and purpose.

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

1.1 The Singular Nature of God as the Liberator

Verses: Isaiah 45:5-6; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 14:9
  • There is one God, and He alone is the Savior and Redeemer.
  • Jesus is the manifestation of this one God in flesh, fully God and fully man.
  • Our freedom originates from knowing and serving this one true God.

1.2 Christ's Atoning Sacrifice and Resurrection

Verses: Colossians 2:13-15; Romans 6:9-10; Hebrews 2:14-15
  • Through His death, Christ disarmed spiritual principalities and powers.
  • His resurrection signifies victory over sin and death, offering us new life.
  • This complete work provides the basis for our liberation.

1.3 The New Covenant and the Spirit of Life

Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:2; Jeremiah 31:33
  • Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
  • The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death.
  • God's law is now written on our hearts, guiding us from within.

2. Freedom from Sin and Its Dominion

2.1 Repentance and Forgiveness

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:9
  • True repentance leads to the remission of sins.
  • God's forgiveness cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
  • This initial act breaks the power of past sin.

2.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12
  • Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is for the remission of sins.
  • It symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to new life with Christ.
  • Through baptism, we are buried with Him and raised to walk in newness of life.

2.3 The Indwelling Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9-11; Galatians 5:16
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome sin daily.
  • The Spirit gives life to our mortal bodies and guides us into all truth.
  • Walking in the Spirit prevents us from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh.

2.4 Sanctification and Ongoing Transformation

Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
  • We are continually being transformed into Christ's image by the Spirit.
  • God is faithful to complete the good work He began in us.
  • Sanctification is a process of growing in holiness and freedom from sin's influence.

3. Freedom from Legalism and Human Tradition

3.1 Grace vs. Works of the Law

Verses: Galatians 5:1; Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9
  • We are called to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.
  • Justification is by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
  • Salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by human effort.

3.2 The End of the Old Covenant Law

Verses: Romans 10:4; Hebrews 8:13; Colossians 2:16-17
  • Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
  • The old covenant has become obsolete and is passing away.
  • We are not to be judged by external observances that were shadows of Christ.

3.3 Rejecting Man-Made Rules and Doctrines

Verses: Colossians 2:20-23; Mark 7:7-9; Matthew 15:9
  • Doctrines and commandments of men are vain worship.
  • Such rules have no value in restraining fleshly indulgence.
  • We are not to be subject to human ordinances after dying with Christ.

4. Living in Liberty: Responsibility and Love

4.1 Liberty is Not License

Verses: Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16; Romans 6:1-2
  • Do not use liberty as an occasion for the flesh.
  • Live as free people, but not using your freedom as a cloak for evil.
  • Grace does not give us permission to continue in sin.

4.2 Edifying Others and Glorifying God

Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:23-24; Romans 14:13; Romans 15:1-2
  • All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable or edifying.
  • Our liberty should not cause a weaker brother to stumble.
  • We are to please our neighbor for his good, leading to edification.

4.3 Serving One Another in Love

Verses: Galatians 5:13; John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-8
  • Through love, we become servants to one another.
  • Love is the fulfilling of the law and the ultimate expression of Christian liberty.
  • Our love for one another demonstrates that we are Christ's disciples.

4.4 Walking in the Spirit and Bearing Fruit

Verses: Galatians 5:22-25; Romans 8:13-14; John 15:5
  • The fruit of the Spirit is the natural outflow of a life lived in true liberty.
  • Those led by the Spirit are children of God, living free from the flesh.
  • Abiding in Christ enables us to bear much fruit, glorifying God.