Pastor Chris Hippe continued Sermon Series Free: Living in Abundance of Jesus . The Foundation of Freedom teaches us that freedom in Christ is more than simply being saved from our past, it is learning to live in the freedom Jesus has already made available to us. This message reminds us that freedom is positional, practical, and available: we are free because of who we are in Christ, we learn to recognize the places where we are still in bondage, and we humbly allow Jesus to bring Christ’s freedom into every area of our lives.

Christ’s freedom is positional.

Galatians 5:1 (ESV)

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

“In Christ” = Freedom

Romans 8:1

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Your position comes before your performance.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith…not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 6:6

“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”

False Forms of Freedom

  • Legalism ~ Freedom comes by keeping certain rules, forms of religious sacrifice, or self-denial.
  • No Law ~ Freedom is doing whatever you want without restraint.
  • Ritualism ~ Human tradition and rituals will bring freedom.
  • Spiritual asceticism ~ Moral self-denial will bring you freedom.
  • Self-righteous ~ Being a good kind person brings freedom.  
  • Self-reliance ~ Being disconnected from anybody else’s expectations, inclinations, and intrusions brings freedom.
  • Existentialism ~ “Just be you,” is real freedom.

What Jesus Saves Us From

  • Eternal Death and Condemnation (John 3:16)
  • The Penalty and Guilt of Sin (Matthew 1:21)
  • The Power of Darkness (Romans 6:23)
  • God’s Wrath (Romans 5:9)
  • Justification: Salvation from the penalty of sin.
  • Sanctification: Salvation from the power of sin.

Christ’s freedom is practical.

Galatians 5:13 (ESV)

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

John 10:10 (ESV)

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 8:29 (ESV)

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Luke 19:10 (ESV)

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Christ’s freedom is available.

John 8:36 (ESV)

36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Matthew 11:28 (ESV)

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Galatians 5:1 (ESV)

1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

In order to be free…

  • (Positional) You need to know Christ.
    • (Practical) You need to know where you are in bondage.
    • (Available) You need a humble willingness to deal with that bondage.

Mark 10:51 (ESV)

51 And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.”

Luke 18:41 (ESV)

41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”

Matthew 20:32 (ESV)

32 And stopping, Jesus called them and said, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Discussion Questions

  1. What are some false ideas of freedom that our culture promotes? How are they different from the freedom Jesus offers?
  2. Romans 12:2 talks about being transformed by the renewing of our minds. What thought patterns might keep us from fully walking in the freedom Jesus has given us?
  3. Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” If Jesus asked you that question today, what would you honestly say?

Application Questions:

  1. What is one area of your life where you need to stop living from an old pattern of bondage and begin walking in the freedom Jesus has already given you?
  2. What is one practical step you can take this week to surrender that area to Jesus and allow Him to bring greater freedom into your life?