Free Indeed: Freedom
Free Indeed: Freedom
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 6:5–7 (ESV)
"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."
Freedom in Christ
Our new series Free Indeed is built on Jesus’ words in John 8:36:
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Dr. Pugh reminded us that freedom is not just being set free from the penalty of sin (justification) or looking forward to the day we’ll be free from the presence of sin (glorification), but learning to live free from the power of sin right now.
The Key to Living Free: Knowing Your Identity
“My liberty, my freedom, my security is found in my identity in Jesus Christ.”
Freedom begins with knowing who you are in Christ. The enemy works to keep believers ignorant of their true identity because if he can keep you unaware, he can keep you living like you’re still in bondage.
Dangers of Comparison
Comparison is one of the fastest ways to return to a slave mindset. Social media and cultural pressures often push us to measure our worth by achievements, possessions, or popularity. But our value is not defined by what we have, what we do, or what others think.
Embrace Your New Status
Paul’s teaching in Romans 6 reveals that in Christ, what happened to Him spiritually happened to us:
Christ died → We died to sin.
Christ was buried → Our old self was buried.
Christ was raised → We were raised to new life.
Christ is seated in heaven → We are spiritually seated with Him.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV
Dr. Pugh illustrated this truth with the “Beverly Hillbillies” story—the Clampetts’ status changed when they struck oil, but their lifestyle still reflected their old home. Likewise, many believers live in Christ but still carry the mindset of Adam.
Spiritual Growth: Getting Adam Out of You
Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ and less like our old self. Jesus has taken us out of Adam, but spiritual maturity involves allowing Him to get Adam out of us.
“I live in grace. I live in freedom. I live in newness of life. I live under the leading of Christ.”
This requires:
Knowing you are free.
Believing what God says is true about you.
Considering it true in your daily life.
Acting on it by presenting yourself to God.
Adopted into God’s Family
Romans 8:15–17 reminds us:
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ…”
Through adoption, we have a new name, a new inheritance, and full access to our Heavenly Father.
Living Secure in Your Identity
Life’s titles and circumstances change—jobs, marital status, financial standing—but your identity in Christ never changes.
You are:
A new creation (2 Cor. 5:17)
Free from condemnation (Romans 8:1)
Blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)
Loved and chosen (Colossians 3:12)
An overcomer (Revelation 12:11)