What does freedom in Christ look like? If we have been set free from sin’s power, why do we still sin? Join us as we dive into Romans 6 and take a closer look at the freedom Christ has set us free for.
February 9th | Week 5
Freedom As It Is In Heaven
Speakers
Sarah Blount
Associate Pastor
Worship
Notes
On Earth FREEDOM as it is in Heaven
Our unlimited God took the form of a limited slave so we could be freed from a life curved in on itself.
The Ultimate Bondage: Incurvatus in Se
Life curved in on itself | Sinful condition
Sin means that we make ourselves, in a thousand different ways, the center of the universe. But then our soul is bent over, turned in on itself, separates itself from the source of true life and nourishment, and eventually starves itself of spiritual oxygen, shrivels up, becomes hard, and dies.
- William Temple
Ultimate freedom is being freed from a life curved in on itself.
PAST Freedom
I have been freed from the penalty of sin by a crucified savior.
PRESENT Freedom
I am being freed from the power of sin by a living savior.
FUTURE Freedom
I shall be freed from the presence of sin by a coming savior.
FUTURE Freedom
I shall be freed from the presence of sin by a coming savior.
Though now we are surrounded on all sides by sinfulness, though now sin continues to cling to our hearts, on a day not too distant we will go to a place where sin is no more. In our glorification, we will at last be granted freedom from the very presence of sin.
- Jen Wilkin
PAST Freedom
I have been freed from the penalty of sin by a crucified savior.
1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust…
PRESENT Freedom
I am being freed from the power of sin by a living savior.
Romans 6:5-8
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
Galatians 2:20
And it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Why Do We Still Sin? Why do we still put ourselves first so often? Because we don’t always use our freedom.
Romans 6:11
Reckon yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
God killed the part of you that was unable to be anything but a misshaped soul, curved in on yourself. You died, so put to death earthly things.
True freedom is when a life curved in on itself becomes a life poured out in love for God and neighbor.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Freedom is not being free of limits.
True freedom is FREEDOM FROM a preoccupation with sin and self FOR a life poured out in sacrificial love.
-
Sermon Series || As It Is In Heaven - Freedom || Romans 6:5-8 “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”
Ultimate freedom is being freed from a life curved in on itself.
God’s order is God first, neighbor next, self last.
Sin reverses the order. Self first, neighbor next (when convenient) and God somewhere.Is your life following God’s order or sin’s order?
God killed your inability to be anything but curved in on yourself.
Read Romans 6 together out loud and discuss.
What kind of letters has sin been writing to you to get you to come back and be enslaved to it?
Formulate your response based on Romans 6 and the fact that you are reckoned dead to sin.
True freedom is when a life curved in on itself becomes a life poured out in love for God and neighbor.
Can you think back to any specific moments recently where you experienced the true freedom and true joy of pouring yourself out for someone who doesn’t live in your household?
-
CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
Power Verse: “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8
Feb 9: Do you want God near? Psalm 145:18
What is sin? making choices that go against God’s Word
Does God leave us when we sin? no!
What does it mean to be omnipresent? everywhere all the time
What is one way you can draw near to God? -
STAY HUNGRY
Power Verse: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6
February 9: Satisfying our Spiritual Need of Jesus - John 4:14
Where did Jesus meet the woman? at the well
What did Jesus offer the woman? Living Water
What does it mean to never thirst again after drinking this kind of water? “look no further!” for salvation
Is there “water” you’ve tried that hasn’t satisfied?
What is your experience with the Living Water? -
FEELINGS by saddleback kids
Power Verse: “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Psalm 145:8
Learn the power verse motions here!
Adam & Eve - I can talk to God about how I feel
What is sin? disobeying God
Who forgives us when we sin? Jesus
What did Adam & Eve feel? ashamed
Are feelings bad? no!
What do we do with our feelings? tell God -
FEELINGS by saddleback kids
Power Verse: “The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” Psalm 145:8
Learn the power verse motions here!
Adam & Eve - I can talk to God about how I feel (all month!)
What is sin? disobeying God
Who forgives us when we sin? Jesus
What did Adam & Eve feel? ashamed
Are feelings bad? no!
What do we do with our feelings? tell God