Discussion: Freedom in Christ
This weekend, many people are celebrating the freedom of our country, whether they take time to reflect on that history or not.
As Christians, we also experience great freedom.
So, what does it mean to be free in Christ?
Romans 6:15-18, 23
Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
…For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Can you share how you personally experience freedom in Christ?
At the time of Christ, a big issue was whether Christians should be forced to keep kosher, seeing as Jesus came out of Jewish faith and tradition. The bible teaches that the saving grace of Christ eliminates any need to follow the kosher rules. Today, Christians often still try to create boxes of “right” and “wrong” that are very specific and include parameters not in the bible. Here is an example from Romans:
Romans 14:2-4
For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord’s help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval.
What are some other examples you have heard/experienced when Christians try to add specifics onto “what it means to be Christian” that are not actually required of us based on Scriptures?
Colossians 2:8, 20a
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ
…You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world.
(Image by nattu – flickr)
