Freedom in ChristMike Mazzalongo

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

- Galatians 5:1

Q. What Freedom?

Q. What Freedom?

A. Freedom from the principle of the Law.

• Law = God’s Law not Man’s Law

• Principle of Law = All of God’s commands.

The Law’s Effect:1.It awakens sinful desire.

7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except

through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.”

- Romans 7:7

8 But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died;

- Romans 7:8-9

10 and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me; 11 for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.

- Romans 7:10-11

The Law’s Effect:1. It awakens sinful desire.

2.It produces guilt.18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me,

that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.

- Romans 7:18

The Law’s Effect:1. It awakens sinful desire.

2. It produces guilt.

3.It produces a sense of hopelessness.

24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?

- Romans 7:24

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 

- Romans 6:12

13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 

- Romans 6:13-14

The more you know the Law the more you are enslaved to sin.

When the Law is revealed…

• We are overcome by sin’s power

When God’s Grace is revealed…

• We are freed from the effects of the Law & the power of sin.

• The Law of Commands is ruled by a judge.

• The Law of Grace is ruled by a loving Father.

3 Steps in the Process of Change…

1.The Law reveals sin.

How does this change

from Law to Grace take place?

1. The Law reveals sin.

2.The Word reveals the “Good News”.

3 Steps in the Process of Change…

1. The Law reveals sin.

2. The Word reveals the “Good News”.

3.The resurrection confirms the “Good News”.

3 Steps in the Process of Change…

•The Law of Commands imprisons us.

•The Law of Grace sets us free.

What are we free from?A. Free from the power of sin.

•All sins forgiven

•Guarantee of righteousness

•Power to overcome sin

What are we free from?

A. Free from the power of sin.

B. Freedom from condemnation

8 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

- Romans 8:1

What are we free for?•Free to offer ourselves to God-Rom. 12:1-2

•Free to live honorably & love others -1Pet. 2:16-17

•Free to proclaim our freedom –Matt. 28:18-20