Freed Up

Read: Acts 13:38-52

How many of you would like to be “freed up”? Freed up from the “hustle”… from the guilt… from the shame.. from the treadmill of “keeping up with the Jone’s”? We don’t really realize that sin is what enslaves us. Being a “slave to sin” is distinct form being a “servant” of Christ’s. (cf. Rom. 6) Not all “masters” are equal. For those outside of the family of God, following Christ may be seen as “restrictive”… but to those who have “tasted and seen that the Lord is GOOD” Christ “frees us up”. I think deep down we all know that we need this freedom. Paul and Barnabas bring this message to the people of Antioch:

“Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man (Jesus) forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is FREED from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.” (V.38)

Christ’s goal is not “rules” ( cf. “the Law of Moses”) his goal is FREEDOM. Christ slowly but surely transforms our hearts so that we want what he wants. Christ frees us up in a way that legalistic religion cannot. Frees us up to confess. Frees us up to forgive. Frees us up to be generous. Frees us up to not worry so much about the praise of others. Frees us up to fail, and yet not feel hopeless. The rules… the “law” does not wield the power of freedom… but Christ does. This should be an ENCOURAGING message. At least it was for those people: “As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath.” (v.42) We need to be told these things. The TRUE message of Christ is one that is invited back next week… welcomed by the hearers. It does convict, but it also heals and brings freedom.

Not everyone will embrace this message though. There will always be those in opposition. (cf. Acts 13 as a whole) We need to beware of forgetting these truths… of ignoring the work of God among us. See this warning: “Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:“‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days,

a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’” (v.40-41) God is doing a work in our days. Do you believe when people tell you? Or has your heart given up?

Freedom is what we all long for in so many different ways. Freedom is what Christ offers - but only through trust and obedience to HIM. You are FREE to be who you are as you approach Christ… whatever needs to be changed about you… HE will change it. You are FREE to admit you are wrong, Christ has already forgiven you and he works forgiveness in the hearts of others. You are set FREE from being a life long slave to the fear of dying since Christ has sealed for you a resurrection and new life just like his. You can let go and be FREE of your fear of provision and of your doubt of God’s goodness… he will come through for those who are his. The “Law of Moses” … the rules… they are a “schoolmaster” that “leads us to Christ”. In Christ, we find that we are freed up… and the rules no longer oppress us but quite the opposite. (cf. Gal. 3:24) We will never find freedom by running to SIN. Sins enslave. We will never find freedom from sin through rules by themselves… the rules are just “a guardian” we are entrusted to so that they will bring us to Christ. The good news is that, in Christ, sins are forgiven… freedom is extended. What area of freedom can you move into today via the work of Christ in you? Where do you feel most “trapped”… most “enslaved”? Do the guidelines of righteous living feel oppressive to you? Or have they become life giving? Share with someone around today how you feel about this. Read this passage together and ask them what they think. Love you guys. - JDP