2021.07.04 Experiencing True Freedom

I) Jesus Offers the Possibility of Freedom (31-32) Jesus makes one of the most amazing Inspirational claims in history. Consider for a moment the incredible hope expressed in the promise that Jesus can set people free. To those living in bondage, Jesus offers freedom! A) The freedom offered by Jesus is spiritual. True Spiritual Freedom is not dependent upon physical circumstances that may have led or contributed to your bondage. One of the main truths of divine freedom is Jesus is more concerned about setting your soul free than defeating the Roman Empire or some other external force in your life. B) Jesus' freedom is also purposeful. Freedom is not a lack of restraint that allows one to fulfill any selfish desire, but genuine freedom takes place in the arena or stadium of divine truth. As we abide in Christ we are released from the chains of the world and released to be all that God created us to be. (Romans 6:1-2) Christ is the only one who can set us free to enjoy the life as a child of God instead of living as a slave of the world. II) The Obvious Perils of Freedom (33) Even though Jesus clearly declared that freedom was possible, the sad reality is that very few experience it. (Matthew 7:13-14) The following is not an exhaustive list, but several perils or roadblocks hindering freedom are identified in the text. A) The first peril is Ignorance. Jesus is declaring a new truth to some who did not know that freedom was available. (Romans 10:3) The Bible describes those who lacked knowledge of Christ's ministry as "living in darkness". B) A second peril is arrogance. The Pharisees' statement that they had never lived as slaves is not just inaccurate; it is arrogant. (Romans 3:23) They were unwilling to admit that they had failed to meet God's holy standard. C) Reluctance to change. This group was not ignorant. They were not arrogant because they recognized a need for Christ, but they were unwilling to surrender to the lordship of Christ D) Complacency in life. Contained in the text is the exhortation to b