Freedom of a Christian

Written By Oslc Pastor

Think about how we ended last week’s lecture. I briefly told the history of the Church—all the ways in which the Church as been corrupted by politics; all the ways Christians used the Bible to hurt others. Our history holds much to be ashamed of. In an effort to claim our rights, we’ve often turned away from our responsibilities.

Our history also holds much to be proud of. The Christian Church in America started the first hospitals, the first orphanages, the first schools. Many in the Church have given up their rights in order to serve others and take responsibility for the care of others.

So, the history of the Church is a mix of what we ‘get to’ do (rights) and what we’ve ‘got to’ do (responsibilities), and how that changes our response to the world.

Martin Luther referred to this in his 1520 treatise on “The Freedom of a Christian.” He said:

              “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none.”

AND     “A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.”

What is your understanding of freedom in terms of being an American citizen? What does that freedom look like?

Watch:

We often misunderstand what freedom is all about—especially as Americans. We tend to think it means no rules and no expectations, which sounds great until we extend that same freedom to other people.

So, what kinds of things go wrong when we misunderstand freedom as an opportunity to do anything we want?

Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. (This is an important concept. Write it down somewhere so that you don’t forget it.)

 

Read: John 8:31-36

In Christ we are ‘free from’ and ‘free for’

First, we are ‘free from.’

  • Free from the fear of the truth about ourselves & our history—even though the truth can be painful.

  • Free from fear about what others say about us—even though their words can hurt.

  • Free from fear about whether what we do will make God angry enough to punish us. God loves you! Period. Nothing we can say or do will change that.   

 

Then, we are ‘free for.’

  • Free for forgiveness—to both receive it and give it.

  • Free for healthy relationships

  • Free for new opportunities

  • Free for serving others

All this freedom is simply to give us the chance to cultivate love in all the forms that bring life to the world!

 

Watch:

 

This concept of freedom as everything to do with JUSTICE.

 

Think about what happens when you see someone being bullied.

              You are FREE FROM—What could you possibly be free from that sounds Christ-like?

              You are FREE FOR—What does God call you to do in response?

 

Watch: Interview with Maya Angelou (which took place after President Obama won his first election)

Any final thoughts or comments on Maya Angelou?

Oslc Pastor
Next

Law & Gospel/Saint & Sinner