Stay Free

Notes
Transcript
Introduction
It was just over a month ago that we celebrated our Independence Day here in America. In New England, celebrations were literally dampened because the 4th of July was a cold and rainy day. Fireworks displays were cancelled or rescheduled. Cookout either became cook-ins or were cancelled and the great celebration and reminder of freedom that we usually experience basically didn’t happen.
But that did not change the face that we are free (mostly) or the sacrifices of generations past that allow us to experience that freedom.
We did not become the United States of Amerikhastan overnight just because we didn’t get to blow stuff up.
As significant as our freedom is as Americans, it pales in comparison to the freedom we have as Christians. That said, there are parallels between our national freedom and our spiritual freedom:
They are both rooted in sacrifice
They both result in opportunity
They both require endurance
Transition
While the Hebrew believers to whom Paul was writing may not have had our experience, they had experienced true freedom and were seriously considering giving it up. His reminder served them and it serves us because we, like they, need to be reminded how important freedom is.
Illumination

Our Freedom is Rooted in Sacrifice, 10:1-18

Specifically, Jesus’ sacrifice.
Read Hebrews 10:11-18
Hebrews 10:11–18 NKJV
11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 15 But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, 16This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
The sacrifices of Israel could not take away sins, 11
Jesus offered one sacrifice (himself), one time, and it worked forever, 12
Jesus’ sacrifice liberated us, 18
“these” in 18 refers to the sins and lawless deeds mentioned in 17
“remission” carries the idea of payment but really indicates a release from bondage and a liberation from captivity.

Our Freedom Results in Opportunity, 10:19-25

Read Hebrews 10:19-25
Hebrews 10:19–25 NKJV
19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
“Therefore,”Because we have been liberated
Let us draw near to God with assurance, 19-22
Let us hold fast our confession with hope, 23
Let us consider one another with love and good works, 24-25

Our Freedom Requires Endurance, 10:26-39

I have heard it said that the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. I don’t think that is right. A marathon is just too clean and straightforward. I think the Christian life is more like a mud run or a tough mudder. Yes, we have to run, but we are also going to have to overcome obstacles and we’re going to get dirty along the way.
The Christian life requires determination and endurance:
Because we don’t want to step back into our past judgement, 26-31
Read Hebrews 10:30-31
Hebrews 10:30–31 NKJV
30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Because we don’t want to waste our past efforts, 32-35
Read Hebrews 10:32
Hebrews 10:32 NKJV
32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:
Because we don’t want to give up our future reward, 36
Because we don’t want to waste our current hope, 37
Because we don’t want to waste our current relationship, 38
Conclusion
Paul concludes this thought with the confident statement that they, like he, will persevere until the end, 39.
Read Hebrews 10:39
Hebrews 10:39 NKJV
39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
Application
The nation of Liberia was founded in the 19th century by freed slaves and people of color born free. The idea of colonizing a nation on the western coast of Africa was rooted in the idea that people who faced slavery and oppression in the United States could live free in Africa. Liberia was modeled after America, minus slavery, and this is reflected in its flag, constitution, and love of freedom.
For many years the people of Liberia experienced freedom and a level of prosperity largely unknown on the African continent.
But if you visited Liberia today, you would not see that freedom and prosperity. Political abuses in the 20th century resulted in a coup, followed by decades of political instability and two civil wars. Its infrastructure was shattered and its economy contracted by 90%. Today, roughly 83% of the country lives below the poverty line.
If we want to stay free and experience the blessings and benefits that freedom provides, we are going to have to work at it.
Related Media
See more
Related Sermons
See more