07-05-2026

True Freedom: Liberty in Christ

Primary Scripture: Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.  (NIV)

Supporting Scriptures

• John 8:31–36 1 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

• 2 Corinthians 3:17 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

• Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
     the people he chose for his inheritance.

• Romans 13:1–7 Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

• 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

• 1 Timothy 2:1–2  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

• Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
     And what does the Lord require of you?
  To act justly and to love mercy

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Introduction

We celebrated Independence Day yesterday; our nation is 250 years old. I believe we live in the GREATEST Country on the face of the earth.  

As we were relaxing and cooking out last night I was looking at the luminated flag we have on the shed and it made me sit down and think about how good life.

Many will disagree. We have the greatest opportunity to live our dreams and God’s purpose for our lives here. So many people WASTE this opportunity.  Yesterday and Today we reflects on the courage of men and women who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy. We thank God for those who have defended our country, preserved our liberties, and stood for justice.

As Christians, however, we recognize that there is a freedom even greater than political freedom.

America can make us free citizens.

Only Jesus Christ can make us free people.

The Declaration of Independence declared freedom from earthly tyranny.

The Gospel declares freedom from sin, guilt, fear, and eternal separation from God. And it’s easier to hear the gospel in the USA than any place on the planet.

As believers, we celebrate both our nation's freedom and the eternal freedom found in Christ.

 

Today I want us to consider three kinds of freedom.

1. Freedom a nation enjoys.

2. Freedom Christ provides.

3. Freedom believers must live responsibly.

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I. Freedom Is a Gift Worth Protecting

Psalm 33:12

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."

America's history reminds us that freedom is never free. It required sacrifice. Many gave their lives so future generations could enjoy liberty.

We honor:

• Veterans

• Active-duty military

• First responders

• Families who sacrificed

Freedom carries responsibility.

The Founding Fathers understood that liberty could only survive where people possessed character and moral conviction.

Political freedom without spiritual truth eventually becomes chaos.

That is why Scripture continually points us back to God.

Illustration

Think of the Liberty Bell.

Its inscription comes directly from Scripture:

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." (Leviticus 25:10)

America engraved God's Word on one of its greatest national symbols.

True liberty has always been connected with God's truth.

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II. Jesus Offers a Greater Freedom

John 8:36

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

Many people live in a free country but remain prisoners.

Prisoners of:

• Fear, Addiction, Bitterness, Pride, Guilt, Anger Unforgiveness

You can live in America and still be spiritually enslaved.

Jesus came to break chains that governments cannot break.

 

Christ frees us from:

The Penalty of Sin

Romans 6:23 reminds us that sin leads to death.

Jesus paid our debt on Calvary.

The Power of Sin

The Holy Spirit enables us to live differently.

We no longer have to remain captive.

The Fear of Death

Because Christ rose from the grave, believers face eternity with hope.

No government can provide that kind of freedom.

Only Jesus.

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Illustration

Imagine someone released from prison.

The cell door is open.

The chains are removed.

But instead of walking out, they choose to remain inside.

Many Christians live this way.

Christ has set them free, but they continue living like prisoners.

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III. Christian Freedom Is Not Selfish Freedom

Galatians 5:13

 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 

Biblical freedom is not the right to do whatever we want.

Biblical freedom is the ability to do what honors God.

 

Our culture often defines freedom as:

"I can do anything I choose."

Scripture says:

"I am free to obey Christ."

Christian liberty produces: love, kindness, service forgiveness and generosity (THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT)

Real freedom leads us to serve rather than dominate.

Freedom Requires Responsibility

Paul reminds believers in Romans 13 to respect governing authorities.

As Christians we should:

• Pray for our leaders.

• Vote with biblical convictions.

• Respect others even when we disagree.

• Blessed are the peacemakers.

• Reflect Christ in public life.

Our greatest citizenship is in heaven.

Philippians 3:20 reminds us:

"For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven..."

We are grateful Americans.

But first and foremost, we are followers of Jesus Christ.

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IV. The Church Is Called to Be Salt and Light

America needs stronger churches.

Communities change when believers:

• love their neighbors

• feed the hungry

• disciple children

• encourage families

• pray faithfully

• proclaim the Gospel

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V. What Kind of Legacy Will We Leave?

Every generation must decide what it will pass on.

Will we leave:

• faith or fear?

• truth or compromise?

• hope or division?

• Christ-centered homes or spiritually empty ones?

The greatest inheritance we can leave our children is not wealth.

It is faith in Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications

This Fourth of July:

• Thank a veteran.

• Pray for America.

• Pray for your community.

• Share the Gospel with someone.

• Spend time with your family.

• Remember that Christ is the source of true freedom.

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Conclusion

Political freedom is precious.

Religious freedom is a blessing.

But eternal freedom is priceless.

Christ has broken every chain.

He has forgiven every sin.

He has opened heaven's door.

That is the freedom worth celebrating every day of the year.

 

 

ALL OF THIS START WITH BECOMING A CHRISTIAN

 

1. I realize that everyone is comfortable with a public profession of faith in Jesus. If you want the opportunity for salvation is a small intimate environment

Reach out to us by calling of texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/  click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.

If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ  and to be a part of a loving community of people (THAT AREN’T PERFECT) But will Love  you 

Say this prayer with me

Jesus,
I know that I need You.
I believe You died for my sins

and rose again to give me new life.
Today, I turn from my old ways

and give my life fully to You.
Please forgive me of my sins,

change me,………and lead me ……from this day forward.
I trust You as my Savior,

Thank You for loving me and saving me.
Amen.

If you said this prayer and truly believe it in your heart, we believe that you are a Christian.   

 

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