Christian Freedom

A Prayer for the Fourth of July

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” ~ Galatians 5.1

Lord Jesus, it’s the Fourth of July – a holiday set aside to remember and revel in the freedom we enjoy as citizens of America. As broken as she is, we’re still thankful for our country and for the privileges we enjoy.

But the gratitude we feel for our USA citizenship pales in comparison with the joy generated by our citizenship in heaven. (Philippians 3.20) We praise you today for making us members of the “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession“. (1 Peter 2.9) This is our true and lasting identity – our consummate passport and eternal liberty.

Indeed, Jesus, only those you set free are really free. (John 8.36) You took our guilt and gave us your righteousness. We’re no longer condemned for our sin or in fear of death. Hallelujah! Sin’s dominion has been broken in our lives; never again will it be our master. (Romans 6.14) We obey you because we love you – not because of pride, pressure, or pragmatics. Holiness is beautiful, and no longer a burden.

We get to run freely and boldly to the throne of grace – into your holy presence, where we only experience your welcome and joy. We’re free to own our sin and brokenness, and to repent with joy, for you bore our shame and we don’t have to pose or pretend anymore. Three Hallelujahs, for that!

You’ve set us free from seeking fool’s gold and a fool’s reward, by making us characters in, and carriers of, your story. Our tiny fiefdoms of self have been crushed under the grace of your all-things-new kingdom. We’re now free to love others as you love us – forgiving and forbearing, encouraging and hoping. Take us WAY deeper into this particular freedom, Jesus.

By the power of the gospel, we will seek to stand firm in these and the many more freedoms you’ve won for us, until the Day you return to usher in the new heaven and new earth. So very Amen we pray, in your liberating and loving name.

***

NOTE: This prayer was originally composed by Scotty Smith for The Gospel Coalition (7/4/16)

Galatians For You & Other Resources

/ Dennis Griffith / Leave a comment

In the present sermon series in our church I am working through Paul’s letter to the Galatians.  Rather I should say “we” are working through the book of Galatians, as while I am preaching the bulk of the messages I am sharing the teaching with my Associate, Camper Mundy, and a couple of other pastors who are part of our church.  But in my preparations for each message there are a few non-technical resources I am uising that would also be beneficial for anyone who is studying Galatians – whether a seminary graduate or a typical church member wanting simply to deepen his/her understanding of this letter.

One of these resources is Tim Keller’s Galatians For You.  In the video above Tim introduces his intent in developing this book, and offers some suggestions of how it might be used beneficailly.  And though perhaps to those hearing my message may assume seeming little of Keller’s words may be overtly expressed my messages, without question the depth of Keller’s insights has helped shaped my understanding of this book and how the message applies to us today.

Below is a short list of some of the non-technical resources I am reading (or re-reading) during this series, Freedom: A Study of Galatians.