Freedom
God desires for you to live in freedom
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.” Galatians 5:13
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling. For you have been called by God.” Ephesians 4:1 NLT
You can’t lead a life that is worthy of the calling God gave you if you aren’t walking in the freedom that He designed you to live in
To live in freedom we must choose freedom
Tree of Life
The Tree of Life takes the focus off me and my strengths and puts the focus on God and His strengths
“For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
Freedom was never meant to be hard
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me…” Matthew 11:28
“And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to Earth.” John 17:3
The only way to experience freedom and life in its fullest is by truly knowing Jesus
Intimacy with God is what produces innocence in our lives
“If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15
“…they realized they were naked.” Genesis 3:7 NIV
But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Matthew 19:14
Innocence is a Conduit of God’s Power
How to Live from the Tree of Life
Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2
1. Understand fully your relationship with God
“Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” Galatians 4:7
Do you live as an heir or as a slave?
“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:1-2
2. You must recognize the choice between life and death
The choice is ours
God’s will and direction always aligns with His word and leads us to life. If it is against His word it will lead us to death.
“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you…. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” Colossians 3:5;10
“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So, letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.” Romans 8:5-7
3. Renew your mind through the word of God
You must replace the devil’s lies with the Truth of God
When we read the word, speak the word, and believe the word we defeat the devil!
“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:21-24
“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9