Freedom from Fear
This Could Be Your Independence Day
Set Free - Part 1
July 11-14, 2005

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:32 (NLT)

In today's fast moving, media-saturated culture, truth can be a difficult thing to find. Though God gives us all a sense of right and wrong, many refuse to acknowledge Him as the author of truth, opting instead to base their lives on popular opinion which is forever changing and thus providing an unstable foundation for life. This can lead to a life of bondage to sin - immorality, addictions and obsessions to which anyone can all fall victim. With God, however, we find a solid foundation of truth that is eternal and unchanging. When we submit to His authority as the author of truth, His truth and grace provide us with the means to be set free from the power of sin to control our lives. In this study, we will look at three key principles that, when properly applied, will allow us to live the successful life that God desires for each of us. Through dependence on God, this could be your Independence Day!

MONDAY

SUBMIT TO THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE.

[Your Objective: Recognize the importance of making God the authority in our lives.]

According to Psalm 19:1-4 how is God revealed in nature?

  • As a group share things about nature that have inspired you to think about God.
  • How do these things help us to realize the significance of God?

What attributes of God's Word are written about in Psalm 19:7- 8?

  • Besides revealing Himself in nature how else has God revealed Himself to us?
  • How can we know that everyone has a conscience?

How does the psalmist describe his commitment to God's Word in Psalm 119:111-112?

  • In what ways can a deep study of God's Word impact our lives?
  • What is the difference between living a life based on popular opinion versus one based on God's truth?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Growing in Christ involves a lifetime of continually submitting to God's authority. Consider the story in 2 Samuel 12:1-7 where Nathan confronts David with the truth of his sin. How did David respond to Nathan's revelation? Elsewhere in scripture David is called "a man after God's own heart." What lesson about submitting to authority can we learn from David? Write down three areas of your life in which God is calling you to submit. Ask your group to pray with you for God's truth to be made manifest in your heart.

TUESDAY

SHOWING UP WITH THE TRUTH IN YOUR LIFE.

[Your Objective: Practice confession in everyday relationships, being truthful and honest with each other.]

What two disciplines does James 5:16a instruct us to practice? What is the result of our obedience?

  • What physical, emotional, or relational consequences might occur when we keep unexpressed wrong a secret?
  • How does confession prevent us from being in denial about our humanity? In what way can it also help us in our struggle with sins?

According to 1 John 1:9, only God can forgive sin. What does God promise when we confess our sins to Him?

  • What are some of the ways confession brings about grace and restoration?

Reflect on Proverbs 28:13. What does this verse tell us to do in addition to confession?

  • How can confession influence self-deception?

Fellowship (Membership) - Genuine community helps us represent God's forgiveness to each other. When we hear pardon from others, forgiveness becomes tangible. In your group share examples of times when forgiveness became real to you.

WEDNESDAY

SPEAK OUT WITH THE TRUTH IN YOUR FRIEND'S LIFE.

[Your Objective: Recognize our responsibility in speaking the truth with grace to those in our lives.]

Why is speaking the truth important in Ephesians 4:15?

Read Proverbs 27: 5-6 and Proverbs 28:23. What do these verses emphasize about giving feedback to someone?

  • Why is it so important to keep truth and grace in balance when giving feedback? What happens when one or the other is missing?
  • God wants His truth to be revealed. What happens when we fail to reveal the truth to others?
  • Feedback can be seen as a gift. In what ways could someone prepare to give feedback so it might be received in a more positive way?
  • As we speak the truth in a friend's life, how might God's grace that is offered to us help us offer the same grace?

Ministry - To become whole in Christ, we must serve others by giving feedback that is both honest and full of grace. How can the practice of "speaking in truth" be beneficial to others and ourselves? Who might God be prompting you to speak to about an issue? Have you reviewed the issue for clarity (i.e., is it unbiblical, unwise or hurtful behavior?). Personality issues or unimportant issues are not worth pursuing. Is your heart in the right place to help heal the issue or are you wanting to simply vent your feelings? Are you ready to pray for guidance before the discussion to deliver the message with truth and grace? Remember to schedule a time to follow up after the discussion to touch base.

THURSDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Accept God's Word as the authority for your life and submit to it. Be accountable for your actions and, with love and humility, hold others accountable to it also.]

If we are to experience freedom from the things that hold us in bondage we must first accept the Word of God as the authority and basis for how we live our lives. Have you accepted God's Word as the authority for your life? If so, are you allowing it to dictate how you handle situations, pressures, and temptations you face daily? Is there is an area of your life in which you struggle to align yourself with the Bible. If so, go to a friend, a spiritual partner or someone else you trust and share your struggle with them. Make yourself accountable for your progress. At times we may need to confront those we care about when we see them compromising their commitment to God's Word. Is there someone with whom you need to take the steps discussed in point 3 to help them honor their commitment to Christ? If so, begin the process with prayer and reliance on God for guidance.