Freedom over sin

Topics: freedom, sin

I. Sin is universal

* The fact of sin is that it destroys those who pursue it!

1. The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God," they are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; there is no one who does good. God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there is anyone who understands, who seeks after God. Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one (Psalm 53:1-3).
2. What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is

written, There is none righteous, not even one; There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God; All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one? (Romans 3:9 -12).

II. Sin must be judged

* The folly of sin is that we will all give an account before God!

1. Have the workers of wickedness no knowledge, who eat up My people as though they ate bread and have not called upon God? There they were in great fear where no fear had been; for God scattered the bones of him who encamped against you; You put them to shame, because God had rejected them (Psalm 53:4, 5).
2. "O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You" . . . "Thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's . . . You need not fight in this battle'" (2 Chronicles 20:12, 15, 17).

III. Sin is defeated

* The freedom from sin is experienced only by faith in Jesus!

1. Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad (Psalm 53:6).
2. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:22, 23).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, July 2^nd, 2023

Life group flow and discussion questions

Freedom over sin

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Encouraging one another to walk in freedom (Galatians 5:1, 13) and forgiveness is a valuable component of Life Group ministry. Think through ways you can spur one another on to spiritual maturity (Hebrews 10:24, 25).

Getting Started:

1. Have you ever had a conversation with an atheist about the existence of God?
2. Do you feel genuine freedom over sin (Romans 6:15-18, 22, 23)?

Discussing Truths:

1. Why do you think God highlighted and repeated the message of the universality of sin throughout Scripture (Genesis 6:5, 6; Psalm 14 & 53; Psalm 51:5; Romans 3 & 5:12 just to list a few)?
2. How would you explain the doctrine of the "total depravity of man" to someone who believes that most people are good?
3. What are some practical things you can do to overcome the temptation to sin?
4. Why do you think that God must judge sin? What are some biblical passages that support this important truth?
5. How important is it for people to realize they are sinners before they are open to the gospel of grace and willing to repent and believe?
6. What are some of the Old Testament examples of God fighting for Israel to give them victory over their enemies?
7. Why is it essential that we trust in God to give us the freedom over sin (Titus 3:4-7)?

Now What? Application:

1. Work on your personal testimony so you can share in a natural way the good news of forgiveness with your OIKOS relationships.
2. Develop some accountability relationships to keep yourself walking in the Spirit and avoiding the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).