Why are we free? Galatians 5:13-14

The vast majority of the bitter and often prolonged disagreements within American culture involve the answer to a fundamental question: Why are we free?  Not, how did we become free, but what is the purpose of our freedom?  To what end, what goal, what meaning are we to put our freedom to use?  While the American culture and political realm remain starkly divided on issue after issue regarding the answer to this question, Christian Americans ought to have no such hesitation in answering it clearly, emphatically, and with unity.  We know why we were set free, not from the grasp of a tyrant or oppressive political system, but from sin and death itself.  We were freed by the blood of Jesus Christ, which paid a ransom for our redemption, purified us from our ungodliness, and brought us into a lasting relationship with the Spirit and our Heavenly Father.  This is a freedom that is pure and true, one that cannot be taken away, and one that comes with an all-encompassing obligation.  You see, Christian Americans were set free that they might serve.  It may seem like a paradox to say that we are free to serve, and yet, in imitation of our Lord Jesus, that is exactly what we have been called to do.  What or whom do we serve?  One another, in humility and love.  In the Kingdom of Heaven, as Jesus said, the first shall be last, and the last shall be first, the servant of all shall be the greatest.  We, as Christians, who happen also to be blessed to be Americans, know exactly why we are free, it is up to us to live that way.

To listen to the short sermon on this topic from Galatians 5:13-14 that was given at this year's Franklin's 4th of July celebration's Worship in the Park, click on the link below:

The Purpose of Freedom: Galatians 5:13-14