1. Be Real
In this week’s teaching, Brian answered the first question that keeps us from coming home. Can I be set free?
Being enslaved is the reality of the human condition. We are all enslaved to something and some things we’re all enslaved to. This slave system of guilt, fear, evil and death makes up the chain of captivity.
Jesus saves us from every single one of these things. Jesus is the redeemer we need, the savior we can’t be, and the lasting freedom we are longing for.
2. Grow Together
Read this from the Bible together:
Mark 10:45
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Colossians 1:13-14
13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 2:14-15
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Ransom is defined as, “payment for the release of a prisoner.” What have you felt imprisoned by in your life? In what ways have you tried to pay your own ransom?
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. To recognize our need for redemption is to admit we can’t redeem ourselves. In what areas have you felt you’ve failed God? Does guilt control you more than the rescue of Jesus frees you?
3. Next Steps
Do you settle for a glimpse of freedom when you are promised it in full? Consider the Karl Menninger quote, “If we could convince patients in mental hospitals that their sins were forgiven, 75 percent of them would walk out the next day.” Have you experienced the freeing power of forgiveness in your life? How so? If not, do you tend to perpetually self-punish?
Do you feel the need to be set free? Does the idea of being enslaved to your thoughts, behaviors and activities ring true for you?
What are ways you engage in false freedom? Do you look for temporary relief from your enslavements through numbing, escape or distraction? In what ways?
Do you believe Jesus is your friend? In John 15:13 it says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus calls everyone his friends. Everyone means everyone. Do you believe that?
