”Our Liberty In Christ”….by Pastor Charles C Elliott

(I will begin with a little story)….A fellow was concerned about his visa, because he had lost it. He needed to go overseas but he wanted to extend for a couple of years and knew it was up to the consulate whither or not he would get it. After all the anxiety and living as though he might be deported at any time…or that he might get overseas and not be able to get back….He went to the consulate and discovered that he already had two more years left on his visa. He was living below his privileges and his opportunities, because He didn’t know what he had….

1Corinthians 2:2 “For I determined not to know anything among you, except that which pertains to Jesus Christ, (crucified, risen and reigning). v3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. v4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but manifestations of the Spirit and of power. v5 That your faith should not rest upon the wisdom of men, but in the power of God…..v9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him”.

To be in the Kingdom of God, is about living under His kingdom authority. God’s kingdom is not a democracy, if He is our “King”, then we are subjects in His kingdom. In a Kingdom, the King has sovereign and absolute rule. His word is law, His decrees and edicts are the final say!

It is in this context, of being under the King’s authority, that we can operate in the 4 phases of Kingdom authority, “Dunamis”….Authority to overwhelm the powers which would try to overwhelm us….. “Ischus”….the authority to cause a little to become much….”Exesusia (delegated authority)….the authority to control and direct anything and everything that passes through the intersection of our lives….”Kratos”…invincibility which is the ability to do what God has called you to do against all the impossible and overwhelming odds… Luke10:19 “Behold, I give unto you power over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you”.

The Bible also tells us that we are ''more than conquerors,'' meaning that in God’s Kingdom, we have received a superior position and vantage point, over the things that are in and of the world. And it is as we live our lives UNDER His authority, that we have this kind of authority ''over all the power of the enemy.'' Which means that if we live OUTSIDE of His authority, we forfeit our God-given, superior position ''over all the power of the enemy.'' and we face the enemy in our own strength, which is what Samson did, and it didn’t work too well for him either…..that's where many of the believers at Corinth, that Paul is speaking to, were living and that's where too many believers today are living and the result is defeat and bondage instead of victory and liberty….They are knee deep in alligators and they can’t figure out how to drain the swamp!

A fellow came home one day after two years of marriage, and his wife greeted him with a big hug and a kiss. Her face was all aglow, and she was brimming over with apparent joy and happiness!

She said, ''Honey, I have some big news.'' He said, ''Great. What is it?''

She said, ''Well, in a little while there will no longer be just the two of us here. We're going to have an addition to our family and I am so excited.''

He said, ''Are you serious? You have made me the happiest man in the world.'' She said, ''Honey, I'm so glad to hear that because week after next, my Mother is moving in with us!!!!''

Well, that’s what was happening in the Corinthian church….there were a lot of issues, coming into the church, which were causing division and conflict and the price, was their liberty in Christ, and kingdom authority in their lives….The mother-in-law of the flesh, keeps trying to move in…..

Paul had to deal with the issue of eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols, with sexual issues, and indulgences that had no place in the body of Christ, because of the Nicolatians who taught that sin was only in the body, not the soul and spirit, so that when the body was separated from the soul and Spirit through death or resurrection, the soul and spirit were still pure and undefiled. That teaching still abounds today, with other names…..that no matter what you do, you will still go to heaven…..

That's why the Bible is a book that is more about principles to follow and values to live by, than it is a book of just rules and regulations.

Now many folks clearly need the rules for those ''black and white'' issues; but we also need the kingdom principles and values for those ''gray'' issues, where we attempt to justify and explain away our stuff.

We read in 1Corinthians 8:9, ''But beware that somehow this liberty of yours will become a stumbling block to those who are weak.'' And then chapter 8 closes in verse 13 by saying, ''Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.''

Now here's a principle to follow under kingdom authority. When you’re dealing with those little areas that want to move in and divide us and distract from the greater and weightier issues…always Lean toward love and don’t push your liberty on someone else.

Let’s always let our love for one another take priority over our issues which would divide us and cause us to take sides, and pull us away from the greater kingdom values and principles…

You can have things that are out of order in your life and operate in spiritual gifts, but you can’t have things out of order in your life and operate in spiritual fruit….. Far better to have the fruit without the gifts, that to have gifts without the fruit….but much, much better to have both operating together!!!!

Here's a good exercise to do. ….How about saying ''Therefore, if (you fill in the blank) makes my brother stumble, I will never again (you fill in the blank), so that I won’t make my brother stumble.''

It takes a lover to prefer someone else’s need over their own personal desires and preferences….. How many moms and dads have done without, so their kids could have things….that’s about giving love preference!

Having said all of that, Paul is telling us that Love should always take priority over our personal Liberty. That there are times our liberty in Christ should give preference to our love for others because it is a preeminent kingdom value .

And we find that when we live this way, we are actually living in greater

Liberty, and our soul and spirit are set free!!!

1Corinthians 9:1 “Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? v3 My defense to those who examine me is this: v4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? v7 Whoever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? v12 Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. v16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for this calling is laid upon me, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! v17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I am only an obligated steward. v18 What is my reward then? That when I preach, I may present the good news of Christ without abusing my authority in the gospel.''

If there was ever a group here today that knows about 'planting values and principles in hope and plowing with love, it's our Mothers! That pretty accurately describes the work of Mothers: plowing and planting! What Mother doesn't plow with love and plant in hope in the lives of her children?

Mothers, never stop loving and believing for the rewards and the return on their life-long investment ! And let me tell you something as someone on this side of the plowing and the planting, it's well worth all the work!

Love Is A Greater Kingdom Priority Than our Liberty!

Paul didn't want to be lumped into that group that was very gifted, but lacked the fruit of the Spirit. He knew that if he was, he could hinder the very gospel he preached. He wanted to remove every obstacle that he could, that's what he was referring to in verse 12 when he said, 'Nevertheless we have not used our liberty, but we have suffered (steg'-o ….to endure patiently) all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.''

This word hinder, is (eng-kopay) and it literally means to destroy or to break up a road to prevent the enemy from advancing. Paul was willing to set aside his rights so he could keep the enemy from advancing! Kingdom lovers know which battles to fight and how to fight them…Paul was totally dedicated to building bridges and clearing a path to the hearts of the people, for the gospel of Christ’s kingdom to advance. “Eng-kopay”… That’s what Jesus did when He cried out “Father, not my will but Thy will be done.”….a cry we need to have along with Paul’s declaration, ''woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.'' THAT GOES DEEP!!!!

When you set aside your liberty in Christ and prefer your love for each other, you will always clear the way for advancing the gospel.

Growing in Grace advances the gospel. We can be right and yet be so wrong at the same time!!!

Lack of grace- makes a person feel they have a right to be angry. Lack of grace- makes a person feel they have the right to have a judgmental attitude. Lack of grace- makes a person feel they have the right to hold back, withdraw and limit their love. These are grace killers….

Someone who is sadly lacking in grace has been compared to an infant as “A consuming apparatus with a loud noise at one end and no noticeable responsibility on the other.” When you stop growing in grace you begin to hinder and undo the gospel of Christ.

Faithfulness in all the areas of your life, advances the gospel.

A child was asked why Jesus is so important in our lives….. the child quickly answered….”Because He showed up!!!” When we show up, He shows up, by our presence, by exercising our spiritual fruits and gifts, by our plowing in hope and planting in love…..Faithfulness helps advance the gospel! An unfaithful Christian is like a dog that chases cars, there’s no reward in it and certainly no profit….if he ever caught one it would be nothing but bad, bad, bad!!! But it’s hard to break a car chasing dog, even if there’s no reward in it! These folks Show up late, they don’t keep their promises, they’re undependable, they’re filled with good intentions, but no follow through…. they’re late paying their bills, and on and on it goes….

Our Christlikeness in the Community helps advance the gospel. John the Baptist, tells us how that process comes about….

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. I like what the message bible says…. “This is the assigned moment for him to move to the center, while who I am, slips off to the sidelines”.

A friend of mine tagged me with this statement on face book…. “Value those people in your life that show you Jesus”….. If our work associates, our classmates, our teammates and our neighbors are not seeing Jesus in us, we are hindering the gospel. The greatest evidence for Jesus is a changed life that does not abuse their liberty in Christ! Mahatma Gahdhi, made an astounding statement to an American reporter He said….“I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians, because your Christians are so unlike your Christ”

1Corinthians 9:19 Paul tells us…''For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win as many as possible” then skipping to verse 22 “to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means I might bring some to salvation.”

Paul is challenging each of us to Stay focused, Stay faithful, and Stay fixed upon the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus!!!! Endure with patience….refuse to be thrown off course! Satan is good at throwing us off course, isn't he? Wither it's in our walk with God, in our marriages, raising our children, building a business or in reaching people with the gospel! Philippians 3.12, ''Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected, but I am pressing on toward the mark (the skop-eh'-o)” that’s the Greek word for keeping the cross-hairs fixed on the target….He’s saying I’m taking aim!

Taking aim at a goal may get you started, but it’s Staying focused, Staying faithful Staying fixed upon the mark and Enduring with patience that will get you there!!!

As we keep on pressing forward in Christ, our lives are forever changed in our priorities, our passion, our purpose and it begins to look more and more like Jesus' priorities, Jesus' passion, and Jesus' purpose!!!

2 Corinthians 5:17 ''Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (kainos).'' This Greek word speaks of something being ''new in kind'' not simply ''new according to time.''

If I were to buy a new Toyota Rav4 in 2017, it would only be new in time, but not new in kind…it would be a newer version of what I already have… But if I told you that I was buying a truck that runs on air rather than on gasoline, my truck is ''new in kind.'' That is, there's never been one like it before……

That’s what this “all things have become new”, is all about…. We are a new creation.'' When you come to Christ, you become a brand new you, not just a better version….A “you” that has never existed before.

He is one of a kind, and He transforms us into one of a kind…..When we really get to know Him, when we get a revelation of who He really is, it is liberating and transformative at so many levels,!!!!….

He is Lord Almighty, Omnipotent King, Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Provider, Protector, Ruling Lord and Reigning King of all the universe. He is Friend, Helper, Guardian and God. He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End. He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all He keeps.

The Architect of the universe and the Manager of all time. He always was, always is, and always will be: He is Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone. He was bruised and brought healing. He was pierced and vanquished pain. He was persecuted and brought freedom. He was dead and brought life. He is risen and brings power. He reigns and brings Peace. The world can’t understand him, the armies can’t defeat Him, the schools can’t explain Him, and the leaders can’t ignore Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him, the Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him, the people couldn’t hold Him! Nero couldn’t crush Him. Hitler couldn’t silence Him, the New Age can’t replace Him and the liberal media can’t explain Him away! He is light, love, and longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, kindness and gentleness. He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure. His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me! His is my redeemer, He is my savior, He is my guide, He is my peace, He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord and He rules my life. I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and the sovereign Lord of all that was, and is and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size. His goal is a relationship with ME! He will never leave me, forsake me, mislead me, forget me, overlook me, and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book! When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives me. When I am weak, He is strong. When I am lost, He is The Way. When I am afraid, He is my courage. When I stumble, He steadies me. When I am hurt, He heals me. When I am broken, He mends me. When I am blind, He leads me. When I am hungry, He feeds me. When I face trials, He is with me. When I face persecution, He fights for me. When I face problems, He comforts me. When I face loss, He provides for me. When I face Death, He carries me Home! He is everything for everyone, everywhere, every time, and in every way. He is God, He is faithful, I am His, and He is mine. My Lord in heaven can whip the God of this world, so, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this: He said it, and that settles it. God is in control, I am on His side, and He’s coming back and He’s coming soon to rule and reign over everything, whether anyone likes it or not!!! Hallelujah!!!!

You can’t compare Him to anything you’ve done before, anything you’ve experienced before, anything you’ve tried before…. Five times in 1 Corinthians 9, Paul says ''that I might win, that I might win, that I might win, that I might win, that I might win.'' What's he saying that He’s out to win? THE LOTTERY!!!??? NO… It’s People that need Jesus! People that need forgiveness! People that need hope! People that need healing! Verse 19 ''that I might win more'' (by increasing his witness) Verse 20 ''that I might win the Jews.'' (those of your own house hold)

Verse 20 ''that I might win those who are under the law.'' (the legalists)

Verse 21 ''that I might win those who are outside law.'' (lawbreakers)

Verse 22 ''that I might win the weak '' (the insecure, fearful, and outcast)

Our task is not to save everyone…. It is to evangelize everyone….To make sure everyone has an opportunity to receive Christ….We are set free to offer freedom to all who will receive it..

One sows, another waters, another reaps and we all rejoice in the harvest together!!!

Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come”.

Are you running to win? Every participant can win the race we are running. We do not win a temporary crown, but a permanent crown!

1 Thessalonians 2:19 says, there is a 'crown of rejoicing''

2 Timothy 4:8 there is a ''crown of righteousness''

1 Peter 5:4 there is a ''crown of glory''

James 1:12 there is a ''crown of life''

He concludes ''Run in such a way that you (put your name in there), that you may obtain it.''

There are great rewards waiting for the child of God who lives under kingdom rule and kingdom authority….

1Corinthians 3:11 “For no other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. v12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble. v13 Every man's work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man's work for what it is.v14 If any man's work remains which he has built thereupon, HE SHALL RECEIVE A REWARD”…. God WILL REWARD His people for their faithfulness, for their service, for their suffering, for their soul winning, and for their love of the Lord Jesus Christ, in this life and in the life to come!

The greatest reward of all is that we will spend all eternity in direct interaction with The Father, Son and Holy Spirit….

Also, we will have Our Lord's approval –

Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things."

II Timothy 2:12 "If we suffer with him, we shall reign with him." Luke 19:17 "You have been faithful in a very little, You shall have authority over 10 cities.".

One pastor got really excited about this and when he was turned down by the local bank for a badly needed loan, in order to purchase property for church expansion….he asked to speak the next time the board of directors met. The meeting came, and he stood and read this verse, and said, “I have asked God for authority over this city during the millennium, and when it happens, I’m going to fire every one of you!!!”

(well, I guess he used his liberty, without giving love the priority!!!!)

Some people have asked “Are there differences in rewards in Heaven?

Will some receive more than others?

Oh Yes! Some will have greater rewards and will receive much more than others.

But I want you to remember something…..Heaven is not our Reward! Heaven is where we’re going for the 7 years that the rewards will be given and the reward banquet will be held. The Lord is our reward, and all these other rewards will extend on into eternity….to the new heaven and earth, and outward into the universe….Friend I don’t care how much blessing you receive here, you ain’t seen nothing yet!!! Don’t let anyone steal your reward, and don’t give up and don’t slack off, just before the finish line!!!

Let me close with ….Ephesians 3:17 “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, v18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, v19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. v20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that now works in us, v21 Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

So, Trust in His Timing, Rely on His Promises, Wait for His answers, Believe in His miracles, Rejoice in His goodness, and Relax and enjoy His presence.