KINGDOM CULTURE: Free & Responsible (Notes)
Christ died to set us free from sin, death, fear, and shame in order to establish us in freedom so that we can live and love as a beloved son or daughter of the Father.
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
Romans 8:1-2
Freedom is very personal, but it is not self-centered. We have been given freedom so we may present ourselves to the Lord as a willing sacrifice, surrendered and ready to serve.
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “ You shall love your neighbor as yourself .”
Galatians 5:13-14
Freedom and responsibility are inseparable. We experience true freedom as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of self-control and use our freedom to bless others.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:13-25
We are responsible for partnering with the Holy Spirit to continually develop the foundation of our character so our character can support our growing influence and anointing.
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
2 Peter 1:5-9
Freedom is very valuable to God. He demonstrated this when He placed a sinful choice in the garden of Eden. Therefore, it is not our goal to remove sinful choices from people, instead call them to freely love God and choose His righteousness.
In our freedom, if we sin or make mistakes, we must take responsibility for our actions, repent, and reconcile with those affected.
When we are tempted to compromise our character and sin, we overcome by drawing from the power of the Holy Spirit and from our true identities as sons and daughters of God.
Freedom is not free—it cost God the death of His son. This truth motivates us to protect and value our freedom for the precious gift that it is.
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatian 5:1
Perseverance is absolutely necessary to see dreams fulfilled.
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
Galatians 6:9
We are called to serve others and, in doing so, sometimes have to do things we do not feel like doing.
Life is not about us getting everything we want. Instead, we use our freedom to love.
All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
In our freedom, we still live a life that is submitted to the Lord.
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
1 Peter 2:13-17
As God’s children, servants, and friends, we are not free to do whatever we want; rather, we moderate our freedom to protect our connection with Him and one another.
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement,“YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
Galatians 5:13-14
