Living Free/ Rooted in Christ - Part 3

Complete Bible References are listed in the order they appear in Living Free: Rooted in Christ - Part 2 Sunday Sermon, 9/20/26

Central Truth Obedience is the fruit of trust—not the root of salvation. We do not work for salvation; we work from salvation.

Key Question Not "Am I doing enough?" but "Do I trust Him?"

Opening Question

When you ask, "Am I doing enough?"—what does that reveal about how you think you stand with God?

Introduction: Am I Doing Enough?

Read: Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 2:8

Salvation is a gift received by faith, not a reward for behavior.

• What is the difference between working for salvation and working from salvation?

Freedom Through Christ

Read: Galatians 5:1; Romans 6:22

Jesus frees us from guilt, sin's power, condemnation, and performance—so that we can belong to God.

• Where has sin promised you freedom but produced bondage?

Freedom Is Not Lawlessness

Read: Galatians 5:13; Titus 2:11–12

Grace is not a license to sin; it is the power to live a new life. Grace changes our desires without lowering God's standard.

• What has grace taught you about sin that rules never could?

The Fruit of Freedom

1. Transformed character — Galatians 5:22–23; John 15:8

• Which fruit of the Spirit has grown in you? Which still needs to grow?

2. Fellowship with God — John 15:10–11

• How have you experienced the joy that comes with obedience?

3. Peace and confidence in prayer — 1 John 5:14; Romans 15:13

• Do you approach God as a fearful slave or a confident child? Why?

4. Wisdom and stability — Matthew 7:24; Proverbs 6:23

• What recent storm tested your foundation? What held you steady?

5. Guidance and direction — Proverbs 3:5–6

• Where are you being asked to trust God without seeing the whole path?

6. Spiritual discernment — Hebrews 5:14

• What is your standard for truth: God's Word, culture, feelings, or opinions?

7. Holiness — Romans 6:17; Romans 6:18

• Which question describes your heart: "How close can I get to sin?" or "How can I honor the One who rescued me?"

8. A clear conscience — Acts 24:16; Romans 8:1

• How does the Spirit's conviction feel different from the enemy's condemnation?

9. Blessing and protection — Proverbs 3:1–2

• Where has one of God's boundaries protected you?

The End of Freedom

Everlasting Life

Read: Romans 6:23

The greatest fruit of freedom is eternal life with God—a gift, not a wage.

• If salvation is a gift, why will the one who receives it not remain unchanged?

Conclusion: Stand Firm

Read: John 8:36

Freedom is not freedom from God; it is freedom to know, love, obey, serve, and enjoy God.

Do I trust Him enough to... follow His direction? Reject what once enslaved me? Obey His Word? Believe His ways are good? Rest in His grace when I fail? Believe Christ's work is sufficient?

This Week

• Identify one area where you obey to earn rather than because you trust.

• Replace "Am I doing enough?" with "Do I trust Him?" every time it surfaces.

• Bear fruit: choose one of the nine fruits and ask the Spirit to grow it this week.

• Refuse to return to sin, performance, or condemnation. Stand fast in liberty.

Closing declaration: Obedience is the fruit of trust. Holiness is the fruit of freedom. The life that trusts Jesus will become a life that reflects Jesus.

Biblical References in Original Order

Galatians 5:1	Matthew 7:24
Ephesians 2:8	Proverbs 6:23
Galatians 5:1	Proverbs 3:5–6
Romans 6:22	Hebrews 5:14
Galatians 5:13	Romans 6:17
Titus 2:11–12	Romans 6:18
Galatians 5:22–23	Acts 24:16
John 15:8	Romans 8:1
John 15:10–11	Proverbs 3:1–2
1 John 5:14	Romans 6:23
Romans 15:13	John 8:36