Freedom is never really free.
We celebrate today with many historical and political challenges to overcome. Many people have concluded that since July 4, 1776 represents the day our nation gained its independence from British rule, we should celebrate.
It is also clear to many people who are here today that July 4 was never intended to be celebrated by all who live in America. In fact, it would be another 87 years before slaves would gain their freedom in America.
Freedom does not stop there in America. There is a third date associated with freedom. Not all slaves were given the news of their new freedom; it was not until June 19, 1865 that former slaves in Texas received the news of their freedom.
There are lessons to be learned from these examples of freedom.
· Everyone should fight for their freedom
· Everyone should be allowed the opportunity to be free
· Freedom delayed is not freedom denied
TWO TRUTHS ABOUT FREEDOM
TRUTH #1: God has already won the war for your freedom.
Hebrews 10:11-14 NLT 11Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
● Jesus finished the work of our redemption on the cross.
● Jesus rose again, conquering Satan, sin, and death.
● Jesus now sits at God’s right hand until the inevitable defeat of these enemies.
TRUTH #2: God will equip you to fight to live fully under freedom.
Isaiah 43:14-19,25 NIV [14] This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I will send to Babylon and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians, in the ships in which they took pride. [15] I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.” [16] This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, [17] who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: [18] “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. [19] See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland... [25] “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
● Just as God freed Israel from Egypt in the past…
● Just as God freed them again from Babylon…
● He has also freed all of his children from the bondage of sin.
Therefore, you get to:
● Forget the past.
● Live free forever.
Another passage that explains this…
Galatians 5:1 MSG Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.
Four Common Areas of Bondage
1. Take your stand against selfishness by dying to self.
Luke 9:23 NLT 23Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.
2. Take your stand against bitterness by forgiving offenses.
Colossians 3:12-14 NLT 12Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
3. Take your stand against the pain of rejection by believing Jesus accepts you.
Colossians 1:21-22 NLT 21This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
4. Take your stand against lies by receiving God’s truth.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT 5We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. Pray: Holy Spirit, search me, try me, and put to death anything in me that keeps me in bondage and set me free through your Truth!
