Living Free/Life in Christ Part 1

Complete Bible References are listed in the order they appear in Living Free - Part 1 Sunday Sermon, 6/26/26

Main Text: Galatians 5:1–25

Opening Question

What does true freedom mean?

Is freedom the ability to do whatever we want—or is it freedom from the power of sin so that we can live for God?

Jesus said:

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”—John 8:36

Biblical freedom is not independence from God. It is belonging fully to Christ.

1. Christ Purchased Our Freedom

Read: Galatians 5:1; John 8:31–36; Romans 5:6–11; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18–19

Our freedom was not earned by human effort. It was purchased through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We could not free ourselves from sin, guilt, shame, or death. Jesus bore our sin on the cross and offers forgiveness through grace.

“For freedom Christ has set us free.”—Galatians 5:1

Discuss

According to Galatians 5:1, who sets us free?

What does John 8:34 teach about the power of sin?

How does the cross demonstrate both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s grace?

Are you trusting Christ’s finished work, or are you trying to earn God’s acceptance?

2. Stand Firm in the Gospel

Read: Galatians 5:1; Galatians 1:6–9; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8–9; Hebrews 10:23

Paul warned the Galatians not to return to slavery. They had begun with faith in Christ, but some were being persuaded to add religious requirements to the gospel.

There are two dangerous distortions of freedom:

1. Legalism

Legalism says: Jesus is not enough. We must earn salvation. God accepts us only when we perform well.

References: Romans 3:20–24; Romans 4:4–5; Titus 3:5

1. Self-Indulgence

Self-indulgence says:

Grace gives me permission to live however I want. Sin has no serious consequences. My desires are more important than God’s Word.

References: Romans 6:1–14; Titus 2:11–14; 1 Peter 2:16

Grace does not free us to return to sin. Grace frees us to live for Christ.

Discuss

What forms of bondage might believers return to?

How does legalism distort the gospel?

How does careless living distort the gospel?

What does it look like for you to “stand firm” in Christ?

3. Freedom Requires Truth

Read: John 8:31–32; John 14:6; John 17:17; Psalm 119:9–11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Jesus connects freedom with continuing in His Word.

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:32

God’s Word exposes the lies that enslave us:

• “I am what I have done.”

• “Sin will satisfy me.”

• “I must save myself.”

• “God cannot forgive me.”

• “My feelings determine my identity.”

The truth reveals who God is, who we are, what Jesus has done, 

and how we are called to live.

Personal Application

Identify one lie or temptation you face. Write down:

The lie:

The biblical truth:

The Scripture that confronts it:

One act of obedience:

4. Freedom Is Not Independence

Read: Romans 6:16–18; John 15:1–8; 1 Corinthians 7:22–23; 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

Everyone serves something. We are either ruled by sin or surrendered to God.

“You were slaves of sin… but you became obedient from the heart.”—Romans 6:17

True freedom is not freedom from all authority. It is freedom to belong to Jesus and fulfill God’s purpose.

In Christ, we have:

• Freedom from condemnation — Romans 8:1

• Freedom from sin’s dominion — Romans 6:6–14

• Freedom from fear — Romans 8:15

• Freedom from shame — Hebrews 12:2

• Freedom to obey God — Romans 6:17–18

• Freedom to love others — Galatians 5:13–14

  
  

Discuss

Why is independence from God not true freedom?

What is the relationship between obedience and freedom?

What area of your life needs to be surrendered more fully to Jesus?

5. Freedom Is Not Permission to Follow the Flesh

Read: Galatians 5:13, 16–21; Romans 13:13–14; Colossians 3:5–10

Paul says:

“Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.”—Galatians 5:13

The flesh refers to human desires that resist the rule of God. The works of the flesh include sexual immorality, idolatry, jealousy, anger, division, envy, drunkenness, and selfish ambition.

Self-centered living always produces destruction—in our hearts, relationships, families, and churches.

Freedom in Christ means sin is no longer our master. We may still be tempted, but we do not have to surrender.

Read also: Romans 8:1–4; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 John 1:8–9

Personal Examination

Ask the Holy Spirit:

What sinful pattern is controlling my thoughts or actions?

What temptation do I repeatedly excuse?

Where do I need to repent?

What step of obedience is God asking me to take?

6. Freedom Walks by the Spirit

Read: Galatians 5:16, 22–25; Romans 8:4–14; John 14:16–17; Ephesians 5:15–21

We do not overcome the flesh merely by trying harder. We walk in freedom by depending on the Holy Spirit.

To walk by the Spirit means to:

1. Listen to God’s Word.

2. Respond to His conviction.

3. Obey His direction.

4. Depend on His strength.

5. Put sinful desires to death.

The Spirit produces:

• Love

• Joy

• Peace

• Patience

• Kindness

• Goodness

• Faithfulness

• Gentleness

• Self-control

The fruit of the Spirit is evidence that Christ is being formed in us.

Discuss

What does it mean to walk by the Spirit?

Which fruit of the Spirit is most evident in your life?

Which fruit needs greater growth?

How would the Spirit’s fruit transform your relationships?

7. Freedom Expresses Itself Through Love

Read: Galatians 5:13–14; Matthew 22:37–40; John 13:34–35; Philippians 2:1–8; 1 John 3:16–18

“Through love serve one another.”—Galatians 5:13

Christian freedom is not self-centered. It is expressed through humble, sacrificial love.

Jesus is our example:

“He laid down his life for us.”—1 John 3:16

This Week, Choose One Act of Love

1. Encourage someone who is discouraged.

2. Call someone who is lonely.

3. Forgive someone.

4. Provide practical help.

5. Pray with someone.

6. Serve in an area of need.

7. Give generously.

8. Restore a neglected relationship.

Final Challenge

Jesus has set us free—not to serve ourselves, but to serve Him.

Not free to return to sin. Not free to live without truth. Not free to follow every desire.

We are free to stand firm, walk by the Spirit, live in holiness, love others, and bear fruit for God’s glory.

Living Free comes through a Life with Christ

Reflect

• What has Christ set me free from?

• What bondage am I tempted to return to?

• Am I using my freedom to serve or to indulge myself?

• What truth must I believe and obey?

• Who is God calling me to love this week?

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore.”—Galatians 5:1