This loss of true freedom is a global, cultural issue: In a speech to Britain s House of Lords, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. George Carey, spoke against the notion that moral questions were subject to personal preference: We take it for granted that you cannot play a game of football without rules. Rules do not get in the way of the game, they make the game possible. Rules, which make life worthwhile and keep relationships faithful and true, are inextricably linked to the deepest things we believe about God and the values which transcend us all. Our nation, steeped deeply in the faith and values of the Judeo Christian tradition, has been shaped by the Ten Commandments along with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. We are in danger of squandering this inheritance. (The Independent, 6 July 1996, p. 1 2.) I. Introduction TODAY AS WE CELEBRATE FREEDOM, it seems important to consider the question: Free to what? Even as we celebrate life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness... Are we free to do what we want without considering others? Are we free to speak out even if our words attack and demean others? Are we free to pursue our happiness at the expense of others? The apostle Paul shares both an admonition and a warning in today s text: For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh... (Gal. 5:13). Sadly, freedom can give opportunity for the flesh both personally and as a nation. Today, we ll explore the tragedy of freedom lost and the hope of a renewed freedom to love. II. Freedom Lost You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free (Jn. 8:32). As surely as truth sets us free, the lack of truth produces bondage. Our nation has slowly drifted away from the biblical moorings we had as a young nation. We have strayed significantly from the days when our first President, George Washington, concluded one of his many public prayers in 1752 with these words, Let me live according to those holy rules which Thou has this day prescribed in Thy Holy Word. Direct me to the true object, Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (Washington s Papers, Burk, W. Herbert, 1907, p. 87 95). In twenty-first century America, vain imaginations have replaced moral absolutes. Permissiveness and tolerance have been lifted up as moral ideals. The definition of tolerance (correctly defined as respect for other people without necessarily sharing their ideals, beliefs, and practices) has been twisted to mean that all individual beliefs, values, lifestyles, and truths are equal in value..com 1
We have become a culture addicted to our own self indulgences, blinded to the discrepancies in our own espoused values, and numb to the guilt pangs of our own transgressions. But possibly even more telling has often been the Christian response to truth. Possibly more damning than scandal filled ministries and more destructive than outright denial of biblical authority has been the subtle decay, which comes from misapplying God s truth only to the rational mind rather than allowing its transforming power to shape us into living and loving like Jesus. Out of a valid need to protect biblical truth, twenty-first century Christianity has too often prioritized proclaiming the Word to the exclusion of living truth as a living epistle. In our zeal to defend truth, we have, at times, neglected demonstrating it. Rather than experience biblical truth, we have become satisfied to simply exegete it. The principle seems clear: much truth leads to much freedom; little truth, little freedom. We may have a crisis in our message concerning truth. The twenty-first century church must restore a priority on experiencing biblical truth. Biblical truth was intended to be lived out experientially in relationships. Our culture is burned out on the emptiness of cerebral arguments, linear thinking, and even correct theological systems. They long to see the relevance of God, His Word, and His people in their life and relationships. The church must not only believe right and behave right, but also live and love right in relationship with God and others. ENGAGE FELLOWSHIP: As we stand to pray, let s gather by twos or threes or as families and as the instrumentalists play, let s claim the promise of John 14:14, If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it, as we re asking in His name for one specific thing: Lord, free me from myself and this world that I might better receive and express Your love. III. Love Grows Cold Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold (Matt. 24:12). Headline news: Mother drowns two infant sons who are strapped in car seats. Father sells young son in exchange for drugs. Mother involves daughter in prostitution ring. Teenagers kill parents in response to a lifetime of sexual abuse. Man s love has grown cold! Without freedom and experienced Biblical truth, love inevitably grows cold. There s no genuine liberty or freedom 2.com
without truth, and when truth is denied, bondage rules. Without intimacy with the Creator, human relationships are, at best, shallow, empty, vain, and, at their worst, headline news! As a culture, we seem to have lost the will to love. We have appointed a Continental fast. Millions will be upon their knees at once before their great Creator, imploring His forgiveness and blessing. President John Adams (June 17, 1775) The Will to Love The sustaining will to love comes from an intimate walk with God who is love (I Jn. 4:8), for it is His love that motivates us toward selfless giving. When humans increasingly shut out the God who is love and the source of all comfort and mercy, then love will surely grow cold. But sadly, the church has also, at times, contributed to the love of many growing cold. As biblical truth has been prepared, presented, and packaged almost exclusively for the rational mind rather than experienced relationally in the human heart, love grows cold. Love grows cold when we focus on the Ten Commandments and do not experience the heart of a compassionate Father, who gave the commandments, in part, so His children wouldn t hurt themselves (Deut. 10:12 13). Love grows cold when we see only the darkness of our sin and do not experience the compassion of a loving Father, who is saddened that we ve been hurt by our own sin (Lu. 15:20)... but while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him and ran and embraced him. Love grows cold when we see only the miracle of Christ s raising Lazarus from the dead and miss the tender love of God who cries with Mary and is available now as the God of all comfort to hurt with us. Jesus wept (Jn. 11:35). Love grows cold when we teach about the drops of blood from a Savior in agony, but personally miss experiencing the compassionate tugging on our heart as we fellowship with His sufferings.... that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death... (Phil. 3:10). Let the Word of Christ dwell deeply in you... (Col. 3:16). Pastors/Teachers reflect on a recent time in your life of NOT loving well; vulnerably share this in preparation for a time of cleansing and renewal: Recently I did not love well when EXPERIENCING SCRIPTURE: Do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh (Gal. 5:13). As we embrace the imperative of personal prayer for spiritual renewal that was so much a part of our nation s history, let s quietly pray King David s prayer, Create in me a clean heart, O God (Ps. 51:10). Lord by Your spirit would you remove from my life anything and everything that hinders the expression of Your love; cleanse me, forgive me, empower me to live and love as Jesus..com 3
The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And, if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? I therefore beg leave to move that, henceforth, prayers, imploring the assistance of heaven and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business... Benjamin Franklin Click here to view a trailer for The Song Let the Word dwell deeply within you (Col. 3:16). Pastors/Teachers vulnerably share a recent time of freedom and victory as Jesus loved others well through your life: I recently sensed God was pleased with my initiative and giving as I IV. Freedom in Paradox We can easily miss the biblical paradox of freedom. Christ often spoke of the paradoxical nature of His kingdom lose your life and find it (Matt. 16:25); love those who despise you (Matt. 5:44); die in order to bear fruit (Jn. 12:24). Perhaps the greatest biblical paradox concerns freedom. The paradoxical message is presented in various settings and uses a variety of analogies, but the message seems clear: surrender to God s Spirit, God s Son, and God s love, and you ll experience true freedom. Held Captive by Something For the love of Christ constrains us (2 Cor. 5:14). Scripture is filled with references to the pervasiveness of our captivity. As non believers, we once Walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2). The Greek word sunecho, used in 2 Corinthians 5:14 to describe the captivating, constraining love of Christ is also used to describe being held captive by fear (Lu. 8:37), by the crowd (Lu. 8:45), and by enemies (Lu. 19:43). Paul uses the same word to describe being hard pressed from both directions as he shares the dilemma of wanting to be with Christ yet remaining with the Philippians (Phil. 1:23). It seems that captivity is inevitable! But by God s grace, we can choose our master! Will it be fear, the crowd, enemies, the course of this world, or will it be the constraining love of Christ? Experiences of Captivating Love As we live in the true freedom His Spirit brings, it s His love that is constraining, motivating, and empowering. Therefore, we should find evidences of this divine love lived out in our lives. His love initiates it moves first, never waiting around to be asked or invited! None seek after God, no not one! (Rom. 3:11), but rather, he came to seek and save (Lu. 19:10). Initiate, initiate, initiate toward those God has called you to love beginning with those nearest you, at home, at school, and in the workplace. Coming this fall will be a significant movie entiled, The Song. As a modern day version of Solomon s wisdom from the Song of Solomon, it powerfully captures the battle to love in spite of worldly influences and the pull of the flesh. It will be a timely encouragement to married couples and provide great outreach potential. His love sacrifices it s free, but it s not cheap; it cost His Son. God so loved that He gave (Jn. 3:16). As Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Eph. 5:25). His liberating love prompts sacrifice of time, convenience, and self interest in communicating His love toward others. His love rejoices it gives with gladness, thrilled at the opportunity to care for others. And when he has found the lost sheep, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing (Lu. 15:5). And were sharing with all, as anyone might have need, and day by day continuing with one mind with gladness (Acts 2:45 46). Rejoice often over the privilege of giving. Reflect often on the wonder of having anything of eternal significance to share. In an age filled with knowing about truth, rather than experiencing it, take particular note of the relational and experiential nature of His constraining love which initiates, sacrifices, and rejoices. Then as a good steward of His manifold grace, let s share this same love with which you ve been loved. Your life will never be the same! 4.com
Let us see what love can do. William Penn Love Loud Weekend: We ll have a special opportunity to share His constraining, captivating love on Love Loud Weekend, July 19 20, as we join other Jesus followers in practical expressions of serving and care in our community. ENCOUNTER JESUS: In one of the most insightful passages on this freedom paradox, we find Christ sharing the truth of finding true rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me... (Matt. 11:29).Yielding to His yoke brings blessing! Somehow our yielding brings liberty as His yoke is easy and light. Captivity brings true freedom. Let s stand to meditate on this invitation from Jesus, Come unto me... Take My yoke upon you and learn of me... (Matt. 11:28 29). Consider that He s consistently initiating sacrificial expressions of love rejoicing at the eternal kingdom impact but maybe He s often loving those around you without you! Yield to His invitation; join Him in your side of the yoke, and learn of Him. Let s leave today, yoked with the one who is love, free to love as He does. Click here for one man s story in being, Free to Love..com 5
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