1Pt 2:16  (Submit and do good) as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
Js 2:12  So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.

I. Liberty must be Obtained and Maintained

Christian freedom is not freedom to sin; it's freedom from the power of sin.

N Anderson:’15% free from demonic influence’  We’re enslaved to desire/ambition; jobs; hobbies; body; worth/value/significance; escapism

A. Freedom from the dominion of Sin starts with belief and abiding in the Truth Jn 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 33  They answered Him, "We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be made free’?" 34  Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35  "And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36  "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.  Cf. 2Cor 3:16-18 Spirit
Ps 119:45 And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts.
Js 1:25 he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed…

B. True freedom is having the desire and power to chose & do what is best We are never free from the obligations of holiness and love  
Phil 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

C. Freedom from Demonic Oppression Lk 4:18 The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me: He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.

D. Liberty from Tradition and the Way We Were Gal 2:4 false brethren …(who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage),
Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

E. Freedom is Lost by Failure to be Sanctified Rm 6:19…For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. 20  For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21  What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22  But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.  Js 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
2Pt 2:19  they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.

II. Liberty Must not be Abused or Misused to futilely fulfill Deadly Desires

(see outlines on DD & Sanctification)

1Cor 6:12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
1Cor 7:22  For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.
1Cor 9:19  For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;
1Cor 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being/good/benefit/wealth.

III. Liberty Must be Used to Serve others in Love 

{Do what is in their best/highest interest; Meet real needs}

God’s love meets my needs (for power: security/significance, pleasure, possessions, etc), so I’m free to meet the needs of others.

Gal 5:13 you brethren have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another

Js 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well;
Js 2:12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.
Mt 7:12 "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Application:

1. What’s the difference between liberty and license? Why aren’t we free to do as we please? What would be the consequences?
2. Do most Christians experience the “freedom in Christ” that God intended or are they bound by desires, circumstances and sin?
3. Is “me time” legitimate? How does it differ from fellowship with God? What causes a need for it?  Why doesn’t God meet our needs better?
4. How do you use your “free” time? Do you indulge your desires, or sacrificially serve others?  Who did you sacrificially love this week?
5. What steps can/will you take to be free? How will you exercise and experience your freedom in Christ this week?