Free Indeed: Bondage
Free Indeed: Bondage
Free Indeed: A Study of Romans 6–8
This sermon marks the beginning of our new series, "Free Indeed," diving deep into Romans 6–8. Pastor Dr. Maurice Pugh walks us through the foundation of Christian freedom—what it means to be set free from sin, how to live in that freedom, and why we must never take grace for granted.
Key Scripture: Romans 6:1–7 (ESV)
"What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin."
You’ve Been Set Free—but from What?
To say we’re free in Christ means something significant: we were once in bondage. Not to circumstances or habits alone—but to sin itself. Jesus didn’t just help us manage sin—He pulled it out by the root.
“If you don’t understand what you’ve been freed from, you’ll never fully walk in freedom.” -Dr. Maurice Pugh
Freedom in Christ means:
You couldn’t free yourself.
No one else could do it for you.
Jesus did what you couldn’t do.
Grace Is Not a License
Paul’s teaching reminds us not to misuse grace. Yes, grace covers sin—but grace is not permission to continue in it.
“Don’t take grace for granted.” -Dr. Maurice Pugh
Because we are under grace, we should be more sensitive—not more comfortable—with sin. Holiness is not a denomination; it’s a lifestyle of those who truly understand grace.'
Positioned in Christ, Not Adam
There are only two identities in Scripture: being in Adam or in Christ.
In Adam: death, slavery to sin, condemnation
In Christ: life, freedom, righteousness
Through Christ, we have been baptized into His death, burial, and resurrection. We are no longer in Adam—we are in Christ. We owe sin nothing.
Living Free in the Presence of Sin
We’ve been freed from the power of sin—but not its presence. Sanctification is the ongoing journey of renewing our minds, shifting from Adam-thinking to Christ-thinking.
“Sin wants you to live in Christ like you’re still in Adam.” -Dr. Maurice Pugh
We’re called to:
Don’t take grace for granted
Don’t go back to what God set you free from
Don’t play with sin
The Warning Label
Sin is dangerous. Like a lit match under a mattress, it may seem harmless at first—but left unchecked, it can burn your life down.
“All it takes is one match called sin to set your whole life on fire.” -Dr. Maurice Pugh
Final Reflection: A Call to Repentance
Freedom isn’t just legal; it’s lived. And if we want to walk in the joy and peace of Christ, we must regularly pause, repent, and realign.
Just like David in Psalm 51, we cry:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”