[Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:12-14]

A. On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry called Virginians to arms with these words: “Give me liberty or give me death!”

B. Freedom is a marvelous thing that we often take for granted and yet is unknown to many people around the world.

I. Heaven’s citizens are free from many ills that plague humanity.

A. They are free from sin (Romans 8:1-4; 6:12-23).

B. They are free from guilt (Acts 23:1; cf. 1 Timothy 1:15).

C. They are free from the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:10-14).

D. They are free from sin’s death penalty (John 11:25-26).

II. Even in prison, heaven’s citizens are free!

A. Joseph spent a dozen years in captivity, and yet Pharaoh himself did not know the freedoms of this young slave (Genesis 39).

B. None of the officers of Nebuchadnezzar possessed liberties like those of Daniel and his companions.

C. Paul spent at least two years in prison (Acts 24:27; 28:30), but he needed no man to set him at liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17).

D. Heaven’s citizens can never be robbed of their freedoms (Matthew 6:20; John 10:28-29; 8:34-36).

III. Sadly, many will choose death over liberty.

A. As Christians, we make every effort to share our liberties with others (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 5:11).

B. Like Agrippa (Acts 26:28), there are some who would rather remain in captivity than accept the liberty that is in Christ.

A. You have two options today—liberty or death.

B. I know not what course others may take; but as for me… Give Me Liberty!