Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, 1 Corinthians 13
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. 1 Corinthians 13
Now, although Adam and his wife were both naked, neither of them felt any shame. Genesis 2:25
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1–2
…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control… Galatians 5:22–23
In order to live according to God’s original design, recovery needs to take place.
“As you received Christ Jesus as Lord, so live in him.” Colossians 2:6
He is so rich in kindness that He purchased our freedom through the blood of His Son, and our sins are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7
GOD’S WORK: JESUS CAME TO BUY OUR FREEDOM First, let’s talk about what only God can do.
If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that they may have life and have it to its full.” John 10:10
Yet to all who received Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become the children of God, children born not of natural descent nor of human decision nor of a husband’s will but born of God. John 1:12–13
It’s a human-divine cooperation.
The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10
Sozo – “to save”, “to heal”, “to restore”, or “to make whole” Jesus had a comprehensive mission, to restore all that was lost.
“If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved ( sozo ).” Romans 10:17
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace, He’s done this.” 2 Timothy 1:9
And those who had seen it reported to them how the man who was demon possessed had been made well. Luke 8:36
And Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has made you well.” And immediately he regained his sight and began following him on the road. Mark 10:52
The New Testament concept of salvation implies that our relationship to God is made right; our purpose is recovered; we are free from spiritual oppression; our bodies are restored. We are made whole!
By that one offering, He perfected forever all those whom He is making holy. Hebrews 10:14
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you’ve always obeyed not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and with trembling.” Philippians 2:12
OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO RESPOND TO GOD’S WORK As it is written, “There is no one righteous, not even one. There’s no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away. They have together become worthless. There is no one who does good, not even one.” Romans 3:10-12
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved…. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9–10, 13
EFFECTING THE SPIRITUAL TRANSACTION Lord, I admit that I am broken and without you I am prone to sin, and because of this, I am separated from you and unable to save myself. I confess my sin to you, God, and ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus’ death on the Cross and His resurrection from the dead paid the penalty incurred by my own sin.
I believe He secured eternal life and freedom for me. Lord, I receive your forgiveness and freedom by faith, and I will begin today to live in it. I declare that You’re the leader of my life—not me. From now on, I will yield to You and follow You alone. Holy Spirit, I ask you to fill me with Your life and power, to enable me to live the Christian life. Amen.
The five Rs for living free: repent recognize rebuke replace receive
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