Enjoy spiritual freedom by faith

Topics: faith, spiritual freedom

I. We commence spiritual life by faith

* Spiritual life begins by faith alone in Jesus' atoning work on the cross!

1. You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? (Galatians 3:1).
2. However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him (Rom 8:9).
3. And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures (Luke 24:25-27).

II. We continue spiritual life by faith

* Spiritual life grows by walking by faith is the Holy Spirit's power!

1. This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? (Galatians 3:2, 3).
2. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" (Galatians 4:6).
3. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me (Colossians 1:28-29).

III. We complete spiritual life by faith

* Spiritual life finishes well as we please the Father with heartfelt faith!

1. Did you suffer so many things in vain - if indeed it was in vain? So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? (Galatians 3:4, 5).
2. "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged" (John 16:8-11).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, October 20^th, 2024

Life group flow and discussion questions

"Enjoy spiritual freedom by faith"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Scripture uses "running the race" as an analogy for our Christian journey (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:1-3). Discuss in your Life Group how to get people to start their faith journey, how to inspire growth in their faith journey and what will it take to finish well the race.

Getting Started:

1. Discuss and answer the 6 questions that Paul raises in Galatians 3:1-5.
2. Why is reproving, rebuking and exhorting with great patience and instruction an important part of preaching the Word (2 Timothy 4:1-4)?

Discussing Truths:

1. Paul described Jesus Christ as crucified so clearly, that people had the eyes of their heart opened to God's love and their need for a Savior. Can you explain the crucifixion of Christ vividly so people can "see" its importance for their own lives?
2. Have you known someone who has been "bewitched" =cast a spell upon with an evil eye, and were led away from the truth? How can we prevent such deception in our own lives?
3. Why do so many Christians try to earn God's approval through human efforts and works instead of trusting Him more fully to work in and through them (Philippians 2:12, 13)?
4. How does the Holy Spirit testify with our own spirit that we are God's children (Romans 8:16)?
5. What are some ways that "spiritual legalism" robs Christians of freedom and joy?
6. How does the healthy conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11) differ from unhealthy shame and guilt?
7. What role does each Person of the Trinity play in our spiritual freedom?

Now What? Application:

1. What do you need to develop or begin in order to finish well your spiritual life?
2. Since it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), what are some specific ways that you can nurture your faith and trust in the Lord?