06 Jul ‘Freedom In Christ’ | ‘What is Freedom?’ – Apollo Beach
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
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ALL LOCATIONS – MEALS FOR ALPHA CLASS
Reminders:
✳ Please regularly check your Planning Center profiles for requests to join your life groups, remove members from the list that no longer attend, or add members not listed. Please ensure that you have added no-reply@churchcenter.com to your email contacts so that you do not miss an email from Planning Center and encourage your members to do so as well. This will ensure you do not miss a member request or any emails that come from the Planning Center site. Thank you!
Waters Class Schedule:
- 1st Sunday: Discover Waters – after 1st service
- 2nd Sunday: NO CLASSES
- 3rd Sunday: Connect Class – after 1st service
- 4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after 1st service
Waters Help: Need marriage and family care or have a group member in need of marriage and family care? Click here: help resources page or visit waterschurch.org/help
Location Text Alerts:
| North Attleboro | Text “subscribe” to 508 695-1300 | |
| Norwood | Text “subscribe” to 781 762-3357 | |
| Apollo Beach | Text “subscribe” to 813 642-6979 | |
| Woonsocket | Text “subscribe” to 833 241-4837 | |
| Southcoast | Text “subscribe” to 508 809-3490 | |
Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)
LIFE GROUP CONNECT EVENT- JULY 13 ALL LOCATIONS!
PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHO CAN BE AVAILABLE AFTER SERVICES TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND SIGN PEOPLE UP FOR A GROUP!
LEADER NOTE:
Please be available at the end of service to pray for those who come forward. If you are not actively serving during the service you are attending, make it a priority to head to the front when the invitation is given. Your presence matters!
Ice Breaker Questions:
If you could instantly be freed from doing one chore for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Opening Prayer:
Father God, we thank You for the gift of freedom that comes through Jesus Christ. As we gather together, open our hearts to understand what true freedom means—not just in our circumstances, but in our souls. Help us recognize the areas where we’re still in bondage and give us the courage to surrender them to You. Let Your truth be alive in us tonight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Key Verse: John 8
According to Webster’s Dictionary, Freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.
The Greek word for freedom signifies that freedom is the state of being free, unconstrained, and independent, encompassing both political and personal liberty. Being free to act, think, and live according to one’s own will and purpose.
The Statue of Liberty has been a symbol of freedom and liberty for more than 130 years.
The Founding Fathers wanted freedom from British control. For them, freedom meant people choosing their leaders, not being ruled by a king. They spoke boldly about liberty as a God-given right, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
What is Freedom?
- The Possibility of Freedom.
John 8:31-32 (ESV)
Jesus is proclaiming freedom not from individual sins or a specific act of disobedience, but He offers freedom from the nature or condition that enslaves all people.
The freedom that Jesus offers is not a political system; it is a release from the chains that enslave one’s soul—something we should be sharing with everyone.
1 John 2:6 (ESV)
Whatever category you classify your slavery, the result is the same – a failure to experience the abundant life promised by following Christ. By truly surrendering your life to Christ for the freedom he promises from any bondage you have in your life. True freedom is not about changing your outward circumstances, but rather about transforming your inner being.
Q. What does it mean to you that Jesus offers freedom from the condition of spiritual slavery rather than just individual sins or outward situations? How have you experienced or struggled to experience that kind of freedom?
Practical Application:
Spend time this week asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you are still living in spiritual bondage—whether it’s fear, addiction, pride, or control. Surrender those areas to Jesus in prayer, and talk with a trusted believer about walking in freedom through accountability and encouragement.
2. The Perils of Freedom.
John 8:33-34 (ESV)
Although Jesus declared that freedom is possible, the sad reality is that very few people experience it.
Here are several roadblocks hindering freedom:
A. Ignorance (1 Corinthians 7:21 (ESV)
Jesus is declaring a new truth to those who did not know that freedom was available. The Bible describes those who lacked knowledge of Christ’s ministry as “living in darkness,” and Jesus came to bring light to those who live in darkness.
B. Arrogance (Romans 6:16 (ESV)
Israel’s greatest slavery was their sin. They were unwilling to admit that they had failed to meet God’s holy standard of living by legalistic code and arrogantly rejected God’s amazing grace.
C. Reluctance (John 8:36 (ESV)
The reluctant group is worse because even though they recognize a need for Christ, they are unwilling to surrender to the lordship of Christ, cutting them off from His Glory and the promise of eternal life.
Jesus wants to set you free from the guilt and life-controlling power of sin in your life.
Q. Which of these roadblocks—ignorance, arrogance, reluctance, or complacency—do you personally relate to most, or see most often in others? Why do you think it’s such a powerful barrier to true freedom?
D. Complacency (John 8:37-38 (ESV)
A little bit of freedom was acceptable instead of trusting Christ for abundant freedom.
Don’t live complacent lives, choosing blessings from the bottom shelf, when Christ offers abundant freedom and a life of blessings on the top shelf. Reach up!
Q. Have you ever settled for “a little bit” of freedom in your walk with Christ? What would it look like to “reach up” and live in the fullness of the freedom Jesus offers?
Practical Application:
This week, identify one area where you’ve become complacent or reluctant in your walk with Christ. Take one intentional step to surrender it fully to Jesus—whether through prayer, repentance, or a conversation with a spiritual mentor—so you can walk in greater freedom.
3. The Process of Freedom.
John 8:42 (ESV)
Jesus identifies a process for experiencing true freedom with the words, “If God were.” The word “If” is a big concept in the kingdom of God. It represents an invitation. True freedom will not attack you; instead, you must respond to God’s invitation to accept His complete freedom. True freedom is not found through a casual glance at the claims of Christ, but one must be willing to ask for his forgiveness and surrender to Him.
Q. Why do you think God makes freedom an invitation rather than something automatic? How does this change the way we approach Him in our daily lives?
Practical Application:
Each day this week, start your morning by saying “yes” to God’s invitation—ask Him to guide your thoughts, choices, and conversations. Journal any way you notice Him leading you toward greater freedom through obedience and relationship.
Sermon in a Sentence:
I have FREEDOM in Christ and have true FORGIVENESS through His GRACE if I just SURRENDER.
What are 3 key takeaways you received from this message?
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the freedom You purchased for us with Your own life. We confess the places we’ve allowed ignorance, pride, fear, or complacency to hold us back. But we also believe in Your power to set us free. May we walk this week in the joy and boldness of people who have been released from chains. Help us to share this freedom with others. We love You and we trust You. In Your powerful name, Amen.
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