Are we Truly Free? (part 2) Captives of the World Stephen Hartwell

EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

GOD’S BIG STORY (TICK DIAGRAM) (Redemption) (Fall) EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

THE 3 CAPTORS (EPHESIANS 2:1-3) 1. FLESH 2. THE WORLD 3. SATAN EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

1. FLESH: THE PRESENCE OF OUR SIN  “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.” Romans 7:15-20 EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

David Jackman, The Message of 1 John 2. THE PULL OF THE WORLD Read 1 John 2:15-17 kosmos (the world) can be “seen as an organised system of human civilisation and activity which is opposed to God and alienated from him[…]” David Jackman, The Message of 1 John EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

What do you think “the ways of this world” are? GROUP DISCUSSION What do you think “the ways of this world” are? Why do you think these might be incompatible with Christians being followers of Jesus? Discuss some of the things that have prevented you, or may yet prevent you, from following God? (5 minutes) EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF THE WORLD? “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” John 17:15-18 EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

I HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO ANYTHING? “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say – but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’– but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

THREE SCENARIOS (GROUP DISCUSSION) Pick at least one of the three scenarios, and after discussing the details, attempt to answer these three questions: What do you think each person should do in the circumstance? What would you do if you were in their position? What can we learn about the tension with living in the world, but not being of the world? (10 minutes) EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

3. THE POWER OF THE ENEMY “The ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” Ephesians 2:2 Satan (the Devil) has three methods for causing us to stumble. These are: tempting us, accusing us and deceiving us. EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

Do you believe in Satan and/or Spiritual forces? GROUP DISCUSSION Do you believe in Satan and/or Spiritual forces? How then do you respond to this assertion that Satan is at work in the world? (5 minutes) EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

3a. SATAN THE TEMPTER Read Genesis 3:1-5 (i) He Questions God’s Will (ii) He Challenges God’s Words (iii) He Rejects the Worship of God EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

A WAY OUT FROM TEMPTATION? “God is faithful: he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear […] He will also provide a way out…” 1 Corinthians 10:13 “We must take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

GROUP DISCUSSION Can you identify any times in your life when you’ve given into temptation? What do you think would have helped you avoid that temptation? In hindsight, can you see the way out that God offered? (5 minutes) EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

3b. SATAN THE ACCUSER Read Zechariah 3:1-5 “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1 EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

GROUP DISCUSSION What did you like/dislike about the courtroom imagery from Zechariah? Can you think of times in your life when you’ve felt accused? How did you respond to those accusations, and what helped you to move past them? (5 minutes) EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

3c. SATAN THE DECEIVER Identity - Legalism - Licence - Pride - Discouragement EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

What can you practically do to help you remember the truth? GROUP DISCUSSION Are you aware of Satan deceiving you in one of the above ways, or perhaps another way entirely? Do you find it easy to remind yourself of the relevant truths to counteract Satan’s deceptions? What can you practically do to help you remember the truth? (5 minutes) EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

4. THE VICTORIOUS SAVIOUR “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

RENEW OUR MINDS (ROMANS 12:2) EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

RESIST THE DEVIL “Your enemy Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith[…]” 1 Peter 5:8-9 EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

CONCLUSION One day we shall be: 1. FREE FROM THE PRESENCE OF OUR SIN 2. FREE FROM THE PULL OF A SINFUL WORLD 3. FREE FROM THE POWER OF THE ENEMY EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

GOD’S BIG STORY (TICK DIAGRAM) (Redemption) (Fall) EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES

What will it look like to live out this freedom in the coming weeks? PASSING IT ON What is one lesson from tonight that you can take away and share with a friend? What will it look like to live out this freedom in the coming weeks? EXPERIENCING FREEDOM SERIES