Big Idea: Jesus Christ has set us free from sin and given us the power to be obedient to Him!!
We started by looking at these 2 passages: Luke 4:16-21 John 8:31-36
- Christ has set us free from sin! Romans 6:1–14
- Freedom comes through Unity (with Jesus - death, burial and resurrection); v. 1-5
- Freedom comes through Death (mortification - pain and sorrow); v. 6-11
- Freedom comes through Denial (of my flesh); v. 12-13a
- Freedom comes through Dedication (my body to the Lord); v. 13b
- Freedom comes through Grace; v. 14
Paul explores the idea of freedom, but he throws in a radical twist: He writes that freedom is found in another type of slavery. - Christ has given us power to obey! Romans 6:15-22
- Slavery that is voluntary; v. 15-16
- Slavery that is from the heart; v. 17
- Slavery that leads to purity & life; v. 18-22
Absolute freedom is not actually a good thing. (Think about if there were no driving rules and everyone had the freedom to drive however they wanted...)
True contentment can be found in Christian freedom—the freedom to live in obedience to God’s will.
High School - Mark 11:1-26 ("The Fruit of Following")
We started by talking about how one of the most common criticisms leveled against Christians is that of hypocrisy. We discussed how we have to draw a distinction between hypocrisy and sinfulness.
Big Idea: Genuine followers of Jesus bear fruit of worship, purity, witness, and faith.
As Jesus followers, He expects us to bear the fruit of…
1. Worship (v. 1-14)
It is one thing to go along with the masses in worship when it is convenient. But what about when it isn't? What about when we are going through suffering?
Hypocrites bear the fruit of idolatry
2. Purity (v. 15-19)
A place that was designed for prayer (focus on the Lord) had become a place for self-promotion and selfish gain
Hypocrites bear the fruit of corruption
3. Witness (v. 15-19)
The money-changing was happening in the Court of the Gentiles. This was an attempt to push the Gentiles away. While the Jewish elite had tried to cleanse the temple of Gentiles, Jesus cleanses the temple for the Gentiles (“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations.")
Hypocrites bear the fruit of animosity
4. Faith (v. 20-26)
Faith in God’s power - He can do anything!
Faith in the forgiveness of Christ - we realize we are sinners just like those all around us - this is the antidote to hypocrisy!!
Hypocrites bear the fruit of faithlessness
