Your Declaration of Independence

The personal cost of spiritual freedom
Galatians 5:1,13-14

Verse 1 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.
Verse 13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Principle: The declaration comes first then the battle for freedom.

Things that will rob you of your freedom.

Your History

• Family history – addictions and patterns
• Our personal path BC (before Christ)
• Solutions:
• Understand it was not a lifestyle that pleases God
• Write your own history!

The Battle for Your Mind

Colossians 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Verse 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind

• GIGIO: Garbage in, Garbage out
• SET: Understand your responsibility to control your mind.
• Understand the consequence of an undisciplined mind.

James 1:13-15

Verse 13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

PRINCIPLE :Sin always results in death!

Legalism - Religiosity

• Know what the word of God says.
• Balance your freedom with impact on others in your communities.
• Resist it!

Power of Community

Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Power of Community
Verse 3 If anyone thinks he is some-thing when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.