by Roby Ellis

[Scripture Reading: Romans 8:20-23]

Introduction

A. We should be grateful for the liberties we enjoy as citizens of the United States, because were gained at great cost.

B. In spite of the costly sacrifices that others “have laid upon the altar of freedom,” freedom still comes at a cost to each of us.

C. It is good for us to set aside time to celebrate our civil liberties, but it is far more important that we remember the cost of our liberties as citizens of that heavenly kingdom.

I. Heaven has paid a high price for our liberty.

A. Christ left heaven and came to Earth in order to make us free (Luke 4:18; Matthew 20:28).

B. We were not redeemed with silver and gold, but with the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19; cf. Numbers 3:44-48).

C. It seems that death must always precede liberty (Romans 7:2; 1 Corinthians 7:39).

II. Our liberty is not without any cost to us.

A. To be free from sin, we must become obedient to our new Master (John 8:31-32; Romans 6:17-18; James 1:25; 2:12).

B. Freedom will cost you nothing less than your life (Matthew 10:32-39; Revelation 2:10; Luke 9:23).

C. We must surrender our lives in order to save them (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10; Mark 8:34-38; Galatians 2:20).

Conclusion

A. Christ wants all to be free from the clutches of sin and death.

B. We must remember that freedom is always accompanied by a proportionate measure of responsibility (1 Peter 2:15-16; Galatians 5:13).