4 Disciplines of Life We Need to Stay Free:

1) Relationship with Jesus

2) Renewing of mind

3) Accountability

4) Spiritual Warfare

#3) EXPOSITION (Accountability)

Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

• The second most important influence we need in our lives is with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
• Therefore, committed participation with a local body of believers is an essential part of receiving ministry, maturing in Christ, and growing in our own ministry.
• Christian fellowship and accountability are critical.
• When we separate ourselves from having healthy fellowship and accountability, we place our spiritual lives in a severe and dangerous position in this world.
• Luke Gilkerson said, “Accountability is not primarily others calling you out on your sin but others calling you up to the person you are in Christ.”

Proverbs 27:17 NLT

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

James 5:16 NLT

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Galatians 6:1-3 NLT

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

• We must understand that…
  • We were created for community.
  • We were redeemed in community.
  • We will be sanctified in community.
  • We will be glorified forever in community.

#4) ENGAGEMENT (SPIRITUAL WARFARE)

Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

John 10:10 NLT

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

1 Peter 5:8-9 ESV

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Paul gives us six pieces of armor and some tactical information with which to engage the enemy:

1) Belt of Truth

2) Breastplate of Righteousness (Body Armor)

3) Shoes of Peace

John 16:33 ESV

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 12:18 ESV

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

4)  Shield of Faith

James 1:14 NLT

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.

5) Helmet of Salvation

6) Sword of the Spirit

Hebrews 4:12 NLT

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Ephesians 6:18 NLT

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

There are two forms of direct communication:

1) Prayer

James 4:7 NLT

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2) Praise and Worship

Acts 16:25-26 NLT

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

Luke 10:19 NKJV

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

CONCLUSION:

• To stay FREE…
  • our Friendship with Jesus is needed.
  • the Renewing of our mind is a must.
  • We need to Expose our lives by being in community with other believers.
  • We need to stay Engaged by resisting the devil.

• Are we living in His freedom?

Psalm 139:23-24 Passion

God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart.

Examine me through and through;

find out everything that may be hidden within me.

Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares.

See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on,

and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting ways—

the path that brings me back to you.