SERIES: FREEDOM! 2015 theme
TITLE: Rebels
Scripture: Matthew 9:1-8, 14-17
“Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” Patrick Henry
“Where slavery is, there liberty cannot be; and where liberty is, there slavery cannot be.” Charles Sumner
“One of the most serious problems facing the Christian church today is the problem of legalism. One of the most serious problems facing the church in Paul’s day was the problem of legalism…Legalism wrenches the joy of the Lord from the Christian believer, and with his joy goes his power for vital worship and vital service.” S. Lewis Johnson
I. REBELS WHO TAKE AWAY FREEDOM
Two terms you must know:
1. Liberty is (freedom)
2. Legalism- An attitude that is law-like in nature. It uses (guilt) as a motivation.
Nothing you can ever do can cause Him to love you (less); nothing you can do can ever cause Him to love you (more).
Can grace be taken advantage of? Yes. But the key is not to add legalism to grace-not to impose stricter rules or laws. Rather, the solution is to be so gripped by the (magnificence) and (boundless generosity) of God’s grace that we respond out of gratitude rather than a sense of duty.
II. THE REBEL WHO FOUGHT BACK FOR FREEDOM
Jesus fought back against those who would take freedom. Freedom threatened their (leverage) and (control).
Jesus did not come to modify (The Law) or the modify (Pharisaism); he came to be bring a whole new way of thinking, believing, and living.
NEXT WEEK: Freedom!
Title: Extension
Scripture: Romans 6:1-18
