Knowing Freedom E-Book

Chris Hippe

• Herausgeber: WS
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 311

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

God has an incredible purpose for us in this life. We get to know and love the God of the universe, and even participate in His plans! Our amazing privilege is to live for the glory of God, that His name and His fame would be spread throughout the earth. And if this were not enough, Jesus has promised us abundant life and joy not dependent on any life circumstance. John 10:10 (ESV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Even though we know all the promises of Scripture are true, it easy to lose focus and become weighed down with cares, defeat, past hurts, hopelessness, and other areas of sin that keep us in bondage. These hindrances steal our intimacy with Christ and the joy of our salvation. Freedom is about being released to love and serve Jesus wholeheartedly. Put simply, Knowing Freedom is about becoming more like Jesus and reflecting His love and power to everyone around us. Freedom is not just about changing behavior, but about letting God change our very being. The goal of the class is not to learn new information that we can store on a dusty bookshelf. The goal is transformation, and the time is now!

Leseprobe

Knowing Freedom

a workbook by City Central Church

Thank you to the church family of City Central who have tirelessly put the heart of this manual into practice and contributed to its content through hours of prayer and practical application. Thank you to those who have taught freedom in the church and around the world, and for prayer team members who devoted nights and weekends to bless others. Your steadfast service to the body of Christ is an inspiration.

Copyright © 2023 by City Central Church

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced—mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying—without the written permission of the publisher.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Any bold or underlining within the text has been added for emphasis)

Published by:

City Central Publishing

4041 Tacoma Mall Blvd

Tacoma, WA 98409

For more copies of this workbook, reference our website at

citycentral.org/knowingfreedom

Printed in USA

ISBN 979-8-9885541-0-3

Table of Contents

1. What is Freedom?

Freedom is About Transformation

Freedom is About Restoration

Freedom is About Rest

What Must be Understood to Live in Freedom?

What is the Purpose of Dismantling Strongholds?

Partnering in Your Freedom

2. Knowing Jesus

The Miracle of Salvation

The Nature of our Salvation

The Goal of our Salvation

3. God’s Original Design

Original Design for Creation

Original Design for Humanity

Original Design for the Church

Your Original Design

4. The Believer’s Authority

Carrying on the Ministry of Jesus

We Receive this Authority at Salvation

Biblical Narrative of Authority

The Distinction Between Authority and Power

Jesus Ministered Under Authority and So Should We

Jesus I Know, Paul I Know, but Who Are You?

A Nature Like Ours

Practicing Our Authority

5. Enemy Strongholds

The Dual Nature of Reality

One World — Two Realms

We Must Acknowledge That We Are in a War

Good News! Satan is Defeated

Satan's Greatest Weapons: Lies, Accusations and Temptations

What is a Spiritual Stronghold?

The Progression of a Stronghold

Common Obstacle: Trying to Manage Bondage

How Strongholds Are Destroyed

6. Effects of Injustice

Understanding Injustice

Examples of Injustice

Identifying Injustice

Our Sin Reaction

Common Obstacles to Healing

The Path to Healing

Christ Our Example

Can We Become Unoffendable?

God Redeems Suffering and Injustice Will Cease

Practical Steps to Breaking the Hold of Injustice

7. The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is God's Heart

Always Able to Forgive

Forgiveness the Jesus Way

What Forgiveness is Not

The Reality of Unforgiveness

Am I Carrying Unforgiveness?

Identifying True Forgiveness

Forgiving From the Heart

8. Blessings & Curses

The Power of the Tongue

Words Carry Real Power

Becoming People of Blessing

Withholding and Receiving Blessing

Guarding Our Speech

Breaking the Power of Curses

Believing for Change

9. Walking in Freedom

The Forming of New Habits

10 Keys to Walking in Freedom

Worksheets

Insignificance

We All Want to Be Known and Loved

Where We Find Our Significance

Overcoming Insignificance

Recongnizing Insignificance

Passivity

Love is Active

The Pursuit of God

The Pursuit of Man

Recognizing Passivity

Fear

Fear Takes Many Forms

The Good News: Jesus is With Us

The Otherworldly Confidence of the Christ-follower

Recognizing Fear

Injustice

Breaking the Power of Injustice

How to Use This Worksheet

Father/Stepfather

Mother/Stepmother

Siblings and Friends

Authority Figure/Leader (coach, teacher, pastor, etc.)

Boyfriend/Girlfriend

Spouse/Ex-Spouse

Incidents of Rejection

Shame

We Are Accepted and Cleansed in Christ

Overcoming Shame

Areas of Shame

Failure

Family

Substance Abuse

Sexual Sin

Humiliation & Regret

Witchcraft

Spiritual Abuse

Resources

Hearing God’s Voice

A Relational God

Igniting a Fresh Fire

The Grace and Gift of Hearing

Why Does God Speak?

How Does God Speak?

Treasuring and Safeguarding the Prophetic

Protection From Deception and Error

Growth in the Prophetic

Intro to Spiritual Warfare

One World With Two Realms

We Are at War

Assessing Our Enemy

What are Our Defenses and Weapons ?

We Fight in His Strength and Victory

Walking in the Opposite Spirit

Generational Patterns

The Influence of Generations

Interceding for Breakthrough

Seeing Generational Patterns

How Can I Be Saved?

The Nature of God and Humankind

The Gospel Truth

Receiving Jesus

Growing in Your New Life in Christ

Freedom is About Transformation

God has an incredible purpose for us in this life. We get to know and love the very Creator of the cosmos, and even participate in his plans! If we ponder this truth for even a moment, it awakens us to the reality that the ordinary Christian life should not be ordinary. Knowing Jesus should produce an abundant life within us that brims with excitement, joy, abundance, trust, and gratitude.

Yet life in this fallen world is harsh, and trouble abounds. It is easy to become weighed down with worries, defeat, past hurts, hopelessness, and other bondages. These hindrances can dull or block our intimacy with Christ and make us feel stuck. We can carry past hurts into our new life in Christ. Our spirits are renewed; yet we fight a battle in our mind, will, and emotions.

Thanks be to God that the same grace that saved us is the grace that is transforming us! Freedom is the natural outworking of our relationship with Jesus Christ. It means every chain can be broken in Jesus’ name. Every sin can be overcome by his power. Every demonic scheme can be uncovered. Instead of being stuck, we can be continually transformed into his likeness daily. Instead of feeling distant from God, we can live in vibrant partnership. Freedom is about being released to know and reflect Christ in abundance.

Romans 12:2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Philippians 1:6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:18And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Freedom is About Restoration

God sent Jesus to restore relationship with you. At its very heart, the gospel is restorative. Not only does Christ restore our relationship with the Father at salvation, he also is able to restore every area of our lives. Many biblical characters and people throughout history have gone on to be used by God powerfully despite profound moral failure and weakness. Think of Moses the murderer who was used as God’s deliverer of Israel. Or the Apostle Paul who started off as a murderous zealot and enemy of the church. God loves to restore his people, to take what is a broken vessel and mend it for his glory. And it is these very restored vessels that end up being his agents of restoration and reconciliation to the world!

There are car enthusiasts who travel great distances searching for rusty old vehicles they can lovingly restore to their former glory. While other people see junk, they see tremendous value. God is one such enthusiast. But what he loves to restore is broken people. He meticulously reverses the damage caused by a world of pain and sin (some of which is admittedly self-inflicted).

Psalm 23:1–3The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Isaiah 58:12And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.

1 Peter 5:10And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

THE LORD DESIRES TO RESTORE:

1.Your identity: Everyone who is in Christ is a new person (2 Cor. 5:17). God restores our true purpose in relationship with him—no longer living in shame and separation but in acceptance and union.

2.Your soul: Psalm 23 declares that God “restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness...”

3.Your life: "And may he be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age" (Ruth 4:15). God restored Naomi’s life after her husband and sons died. He wants to do the same for you.

4.Your spiritual life: Galatians 6:1 states that if anyone is caught in sin, the spiritual community is to restore that person in a spirit of gentleness.

5.Your joy: David’s cry in Psalm 51:12 is that God will restore the joy of his salvation. God is praised in the Psalms as the restorer of joy.

6.Your wasted years: "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten" (Joel 2:25a). God restores the time that we spent living contrary to his truth.

7.Your health: In Jeremiah 30:17, the Lord says He will “restore health to you and heal you of your wounds.” Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb.13:8). He has the power to restore your health today.

You can cling to the promise that if you have suffered and are feeling broken, God will mend you. He will turn your mourning into dancing. He will comfort your heart, restore your mind, and give you the confidence to live an abundant life of freedom and rest.

You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

- Augustine 1

Freedom is About Rest

Freedom doesn’t come from us—it radiates from Jesus Christ. "If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed "(Jn. 8:36). This freedom is not something that we can strive for, or make happen by the sheer force of our will. Jesus has a universal appeal to all humankind, “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.” Is there any sweeter phrase to hit the ears of a weary sinner or saint? For Jesus not only takes our burden at salvation, he continues to be our rest throughout our life.

As we live as disciples of Christ we are yoked with him (learning his ways). There is work to be done, but the work is done with internal rest and the knowledge that Christ is yoked with us, empowering us. Our attempts to live the Christian life in our own power betray an unfounded confidence in our own abilities. It is the difference between attempting to do great things for God and allowing him to do great things through us. Freedom does not come by trying harder or resolving to do more in our own strength. True freedom comes through abiding in Christ, which is an internal reality of trust—the only place where true spiritual fruit can originate.

Matthew 11:28–30Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

John 15:4–5Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Psalm 131:1-2O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

What Must be Understood to Live in Freedom?

In this manual we will cover these 10 key elements necessary to understand freedom:

1. Salvation includes both forgiveness of sin and transformation of life.

2.Knowing and abiding in Christ are the foundations of freedom.

3. Each of us has an identity and calling designed by God himself.

4. We have been given both authority and power in Christ at salvation.

5. Sin gives the enemy an opportunity to build strongholds in our lives.

6. Living in freedom requires spiritual warfare with divinely powerful weapons.

7. We can tear down strongholds through the weapons of genuine repentance and forgiveness.

8. We can take back territory from the enemy both in our lives and households.

9. Our words carry the power to both bless and curse ourselves and others.

10. Freedom is sustained through practical daily habits.

What is the Purpose of Dismantling Strongholds?

As stated, one of the keys to living in freedom is actively tearing down strongholds (we will go into greater depth in the coming chapters). Through our own disobedience, we allow the enemy access to our lives. We begin to believe lies that slowly compound into ungodly thoughts, values and actions. If we are not aware of the enemy’s schemes, they will overtake us. We have worksheets in this manual that aim at systematically dismantling strongholds for this very reason. Yet we don’t want to get lost in the war and forget why we are fighting. The purpose is not simply to be more free of our issues and sins—as important as that is. A thriving relationship with the Lord himself is our heart and our goal. The focus is not on our failure or inability, but his grace and ability. We dismantle strongholds for the following reasons:

1. To experience the reality of God’s intimate love, kindness and power

Romans 8:38–39For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We are created to have an intimate relationship with Jesus! The primary purpose for dismantling strongholds is so that we can experience and express his love in increasing measure. God is continually generous in love—he never withholds from us. But by our actions and will, we can turn away from God and believe lies. So when God speaks to our hearts we receive it through the filter of our strongholds. Imagine your life as a pipe: If the pipe is clogged with debris (strongholds), then the water (the experience of God’s love, power and voice) is unable to flow through as it should. Removing the blockage aligns us with truth and releases an unfiltered and unhindered life in God.

God desires us to have personal revelation of this love. As we grow in understanding of Jesus’ love for us and receive it deeply in our hearts—transformation follows. Everything we do should be done in love (1 Cor. 16:14). Strongholds stand in the way of our ability to love others as Christ loves us. The freedom of Christ renews our minds in love–thus changing the way we think about ourselves and those around us.

2. To greater understand and reflect the nature and character of God

1 John 2:6Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Strongholds are composed of thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs that do not reflect the character of God (2 Cor. 10:5). As we dismantle strongholds in our lives, we can more clearly know and understand the true character and nature of God.

Examples to consider:

Stronghold of passivity:

For God so loved the world that he GAVE his only son (Jn. 3:16a). It is in his very nature to always give of himself. God’s love is one that acts in history and in our daily lives. God initiated our restoration and salvation. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:6). He loved us first! (1 Jn. 4:19) And when the son came to minister on earth we see him do all the Father had planned for him. He acted with a passion and compassion that is unrivaled. There is nothing passive about the love of Christ. Jesus’ example stirs a fire in our hearts to eradicate passivity in all its forms.

Stronghold of unforgiveness:

God is not stingy. He doesn’t hold a grudge nor does he stew with unrighteous anger and bitterness. Thankfully, He is always ready to forgive. Just like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, God runs to greet the repentant sinner with open arms. There is a great rejoicing in heaven when even one sinner repents! (Lk. 15:7) Our desire is to have the same heart when we encounter injustice and sin against us. When we allow God to uncover unforgiveness in our lives we can be released into a life that reflects the forgiveness and love of Christ. When we look upon the cross of Christ and remember the countless times he has forgiven us, our hearts beam with gratitude. Those who have been forgiven much, love much (Lk. 7:47).

3. To walk into God’s original design for us and our lives

Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

God is a craftsman and you are his masterpiece! We have been created with great purpose, a purpose that the enemy would love to thwart. Dismantling strongholds means you can come into further alignment with God’s purposes for your life. If you are held captive, you are no threat to the enemy and no help to the world.

Examples to consider:

Stronghold of fear:

The Bible states that “there is no fear in love” (1 Jn 4:18). When we live assured in the love of God we can walk out our true identity in Christ boldly, not being concerned with what others think of us. As believers we are meant to be salt and light to this world, but fear keeps us locked down in self-focus, inadequacy, and anxiety. As the stronghold of fear is broken off our hearts and minds we are able to function with a spirit of “power and love and self-control” (2 Tim. 1:7). There are few things more frightening to the kingdom of darkness than a saint unleashed from fear!

Stronghold of unbelief:

It is impossible to walk in all God has for us if we fundamentally don’t trust him (Heb. 11:6). Living the Christian life through the lens of unbelief makes God small and limited. Left unchecked this persistent unbelief leads to a critical and judgmental heart that finds fault when others move in faith and believe God for great things. Scripture is clear that God is greatly pleased by faith. Matthew 21:22 says, “And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Yet in the gospels when faith was absent the work of God was restricted. The Bible states, “He did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief” (Matt. 13:58). To live in freedom is to have a childlike faith that trusts the Father.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...

Hebrews 12:1

Partnering in Your Freedom

Romans 12:1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Mark 16:20And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

Matthew 16:24Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

God is supremely relational and has chosen to use people to accomplish his will. This partnership extends not only to things that God wants to accomplish in the world, but also to the inner world of our soul. Our participation is required! Often God will not do it for us, he will do it with us.

God encountered Moses through the burning bush as he went about his ordinary work as a shepherd. This experience started a journey of Moses’ partnering with God to release the Hebrew slaves from captivity and carry forward God’s plan for Israel. God did not work in direct action, but instead used Moses and others to unveil his purposes: A dramatic example being that Moses had to raise the staff for the Red Sea to split! Clearly only God’s power could accomplish such a feat, yet it was contingent on Moses’ participation and obedience.

In John chapter 5, Jesus entered Jerusalem in the presence of a “multitude of invalids” (John 5:3). Here Jesus encountered a man who lived with continual sickness and infirmity. Jesus knew he had been there a long time. Instead of laying hands on the man to heal him, Jesus leads with a question that seems counterintuitive. Jesus asks, “Do you want to be healed?” (5:6). Any passerby may have thought the question insensitive or lacking compassion. Jesus was able and eager to heal the man but first he wanted to hear from the man’s own lips that he was ready and willing to be changed. Theologian William Barclay says, “Jesus is establishing that the first step toward wholeness is always deep desire for it.” In the spiritual realm our great problem is that either we do not recognize we are sick, or we do not want to be cured.

What are some ways we can practically partner with God in our freedom process? Here are some key components in partnering with God in your freedom.

We partner with God by:

1. Being honest before God

Honesty before God is essential to your healing. The more honest and transparent you are, the more freedom you will receive. You have nothing to hide from God. He is not surprised by your failures—he already knows! Jesus understands your pain and hurt more than anyone else in the world. No need to hide in the shadows; come into the light. You have a merciful Savior on your side.

Psalm 139:23–24Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

2. Taking personal responsibility

You must be willing to admit when you have sinned against God and not make excuses for your heart and behavior. You will need to stop blaming others. If someone else is the problem, then you are helpless.

But when you take responsibility, real change happens. Blaming others or the devil will only keep you locked in patterns of bondage. You are not a victim, nor are you helpless—you are a disciple of Jesus Christ. Being a disciple means taking responsibility for your own freedom process, not expecting a spouse, friend or pastor to do it for you. If you desire freedom, commit yourself to God out of love for him without compulsion from others.

Psalm 51:4aAgainst you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight ...

3. Wholehearted submission

As you set out on your freedom journey, begin by “waving the white flag” of surrender and submission to God. Come with open hands and an open heart that say to God you desire him and the transformation he brings.

James 4:7–8Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

4. Coming in humility and desperation

Those who know their need and are desperate for change are the ones who will receive healing. It is only when we can admit that we are blind that we truly see (Jn. 9:39-41).

James 4:6But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Mark 10:47–48And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Healing, restoration, and sanctification are more than an act of God; it is a partnership we enter into. The Christian life means actively following Jesus. There will be peaks and valleys: The mountaintop of encounter and the pathway of discipleship. All along the way we must not take comfort in our inability or bondage, but live embracing our new identity in Christ as overcomers. He is with us, for us, and supplying us with everything we need for life and godliness. What an extraordinary privilege to know and love Jesus.

Using This Workbook

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF KNOWING FREEDOM:

1Be spiritually engaged.

Come to this workbook with a prayerful heart and an open Bible. It is very important to be seeking the Lord personally with great expectation and desire to hear his guidance. You will be engaging in spiritual warfare, so come ready to fight in prayer— wielding the truth of God’s Word.

2Work through it in community.

If at all possible, work through this book within a community of believers. Not only is it more fun to do it together, but it will also lead to quicker breakthroughs as we carry one another's burdens.

3Go through each of the recommended worksheets.

Each chapter ends with an application section that may include a recommended worksheet. These worksheets help you practically pray through breaking specific strongholds. You will be missing out on a vital aspect of the workbook if you skip the worksheets. Go for maximum breakthrough!

4Access the resource section for further insight.

The resource section highlights topics including hearing God’s voice, spiritual warfare, and other subjects that complement the material in the chapters.

The Miracle of Salvation

Anyone who knows Jesus begins that relationship at the cross. Sin creates an insurmountable gap between God and humankind. The cross bridges that gap. Out of his sheer kindness, God made a way for our relationship to be restored through the death and resurrection of Christ. Jesus Christ came as the ultimate sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sin. The scriptures describe us as having been dead in our trespasses and sins, but through the mercy of God, we have been made “alive together with Christ” (Eph. 2:1, 5). We need more than help along the way, we need a complete miracle! In order to have a relationship with God we need to become new creations in Christ.

No matter what our background, culture or heritage, we all have one thing in common: we came to Jesus by grace through faith. Through the drawing of the Spirit, we turned from our old life and put our trust in Jesus as our sole means of salvation and eternal life. The simple gospel never gets old! For all of eternity we will be mining the depths of God’s self-sacrificial love found at the cross!

In this chapter we will further explore the meaning and purpose of salvation. Jesus not only came to forgive us of sin, he came to free and transform us. There is no freedom without salvation! We are saved from judgment and eternal death, and saved unto knowing and following Jesus wholeheartedly. Our greatest privilege and honor is to know Jesus.

Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 3:7Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

John 8:34–36Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

The Nature of our Salvation

JUST FORGIVEN?

An old bumper sticker famously stated, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” Is this true? Is this the extent of our salvation? Certainly we are forgiven, praise be to God! But are we “just” forgiven? This statement seems to insinuate that Christians are just like everyone else in their behaviors, attitudes and actions with one key difference: they are forgiven. Is this what Jesus died for? Is this the extent of his power?

Salvation is more than the forgiveness of sin; it is the very Spirit of God coming to live inside of us. Redemption is an incredible reality that is stunning in its implications. If we are indwelled by the Spirit of God it is impossible for us to remain unchanged. A relationship with Jesus moves us out of passivity and powerlessness into an active relationship with God and life full of his purposes. We no longer need to be held captive by our sins and failures. We need not see ourselves as helpless victims of life circumstances and past hurts. Instead of lamenting the power of sin, we can now revel in the power of grace to overcome any obstacle. The fruit of knowing Jesus is a changed life! This change does not mean sinless perfection, rather a desire to both love and obey Christ. He is not only Savior but also our Lord. He is our teacher and we are his students. When we become his followers, we lose our life and gain his (Gal. 2:20). We are to be a royal priesthood who proclaims and shows the world his excellencies (1 Pet. 2:9). We should be different. We are meant to be—like him—the light of the world.

We are forgiven, and we are being made free by God from glory to glory. Some people become stagnant in their Christian life because they simply stand in the doorway of salvation, content to be saved from judgement—all the while Jesus beckons them to know him, to follow him, and to be free. There is so much more to the Christian life!

OUR SALVATION IS COMPLETE YET ONGOING

Salvation is both complete, yet still ongoing. Positionally, salvation is a finished work; practically, it is an ongoing work. When discussing the freedom process, it is important to differentiate the unfolding of salvation in our life from its commencement. This distinction keeps our hearts far from condemnation while simultaneously igniting us to joyful action.

Salvation as described in Scripture promises deliverance from what could be called the 3p’s: the penalty, the power, and finally the presence of sin.2 In this way, we have been saved, we are being saved, and we will be saved. The next page describes the theological terms for each tense of salvation including a brief description.

Matthew 5:14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

2 Corinthians 5:15And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Philippians 2:15That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.

“Grace is not opposed to effort, it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude. Effort is an action.”

- Dallas Willard3

Hebrews 10:14For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Philippians 2:12–13Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure...

THEOLOGICAL DEFINITIONS

JUSTIFICATION:Salvation from the penalty of sin.

When we come to Christ by grace through faith alone (not depending on our own works), we are declared guiltless before God. Justification is a legal term referring to a criminal record being cleared before a judge. The verdict is made: Not guilty! Because of Christ’s atoning death, the sinner is declared righteous once and for all. This salvation is an act of God, and there is nothing we can do to earn it. (Rom. 3:28; 5:1; 8:1 Gal. 3:24 Eph. 2:8-9)

SANCTIFICATION:Salvation from the power of sin. Sanctification is the Holy Spirit empowered process by which we practically and progressively become more like Jesus in our everyday lives (the putting off of sin and putting on of Godly character). This process requires our active participation and effort. (Phil. 2:12-13, Rom. 6:19-2; 12:1-2, 1 Thess. 4:1-8)

GLORIFICATION:Salvation from the presence of sin. In the age to come, we will be completely free from the influence and presence of both sin and death. At the resurrection, even our bodies will be redeemed. How glorious indeed! (Rom. 8:17, Phil. 3:20-21, Col. 3:4)

You are free in Christ, because when you do from the inside what you love to do, you are free — if what you love to do is what you ought to do. And that’s what transformation means: When you are transformed in Christ you love to do what you ought to do. That’s freedom.

- John Piper4

SALVATION FROM THE POWER OF SIN

Romans 6:17–18But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

Ephesians 2:1– 3aAnd you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh...

Reflecting on our justification, we can rest in the fact that we are fully received by God in Christ, and are part of his family. We don’t need to strive or perform to be cleansed or accepted by God; that is found in the finished work of the cross. The concept of freedom clearly lies in the realm of sanctification, not justification. We bear good fruit because we have been made into good trees. We don’t pursue goodness and desire holinessness in order to become Christians, we do so because we are Christians. A natural byproduct of knowing Jesus is power over sin and a passion for abundant life.

There are three primary enemies of the soul: the world, the flesh, and the devil. These three are so intertwined (like a rope) it is difficult to distinguish between them. Before we were believers, we were helpless against these enemies. Praise God that by his grace, we are now alive in Christ and can live in victory! Still, the war rages on, and part of our fight in this age is to live each day in submission to Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin, but when our old slavemaster revisits, we can be tempted to obey out of habit and old mindsets. Because of this wrestle the scriptures are full of exhortations to practice righteousness and Christlikeness. We have power over sin, but that power must be exercised. There is an expectation that we are active partners with God in demolishing strongholds and tearing down old mindsets and philosophies that war against us.

MATURING IN CHRIST: BEING EFFECTIVE & FRUITFUL

Freedom empowers us to know Christ and live out his abundant life in increasing maturity. The apostle Paul wrote to the Colossian church, “Him (Christ) we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (1:28). The subject of maturing in Christ is found all throughout the New Testament (notably in Ephesians 4). Part of maturing is being a daily student of Jesus in heart and obedience. Paul teaches us to put off the old self, and put on the new. He also encourages us to put to death the deeds of our flesh, thus clearly indicating that we are at war with our flesh even after salvation (Col. 3:5).