Christian Liberty
An exploration of the freedom believers have in Christ, its implications, and its responsibilities.
1. The Nature of Christian Liberty
1.1 Freedom from the Law's Condemnation
Verses: Romans 3:20; Romans 10:4; Romans 3:24
- The law reveals sin but cannot save us from it.
- Jesus fulfilled the law, becoming the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
- We are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus.
1.2 Freedom from the Power of Sin
Verses: Romans 6:14; Romans 6:11; Romans 6:13
- Sin no longer has dominion over us because we are not under the law but under grace.
- We are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
- We can choose to present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness.
2. Living Out Christian Liberty
2.1 Walking in the Spirit
Verses: Galatians 5:25; Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 8:4
- If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
- The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
- Walking in the Spirit fulfills the righteousness of the law.
2.2 Love as the Guiding Principle
Verses: Galatians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Romans 13:10
- All the law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
- Love is the greatest of these.
- Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.
3. Responsibilities in Christian Liberty
3.1 Liberty as an Opportunity to Serve
Verses: Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 7:22; 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
- Through love serve one another.
- We are bondservants of Christ.
- Use your freedom to build up others.
3.2 Avoiding Offense
Verses: 1 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 14:13; Philippians 2:4
- Be careful that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.
- We should not use our liberty in a way that causes a brother to stumble.
- Consider the needs of others above your own desires.
4. Guarding Against Abuse of Liberty
4.1 Resisting Legalism
Verses: Galatians 5:1; Matthew 23:4; Galatians 2:4-5
- Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
- Beware of those who try to bind heavy burdens on you.
- The true gospel is one of grace and faith.
4.2 Avoiding Licentiousness
Verses: Galatians 5:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.
- We are called to holiness, not impurity.
- Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.