​Introduction:
1. Beginning at vs.18, and continuing through the end of this chapter, we are assured that special
blessings are available to God's children.
2. We are assured that:
a. the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf (vs.26-27)
b. God works providentially on our behalf (vs.28-33)
c. Christ intercedes on our behalf (vs.34)
d. nothing can separate us from the love of God and Christ (vs.35-39).
3. In our lesson we are concentrating on "the glorious liberty of God's children" that we read about in
vs.18-25.
4. Before we study passages that teach us about this "glorious liberty," . . .
Discussion:
I. LET US BE REMINDED OF SEVERAL PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO "LIBERTY" IN GENERAL
A. We need spiritual liberty because of the bondage of sin (Romans 3:23; 6:23).
B. Christ provides spiritual liberty [freedom].
1. (John 8:36) Jesus said, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
2. Also, Galatians 5:1 mentions "the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free."
3. (John 8:31-32) Jesus gave a requirement for receiving His freedom.
C. The Lord's Word shows us when He makes us free from sin.
1. He makes us free from sin when we are baptized into Him (Romans 6:3-7).
2. Notice how obeying the Lord from the heart is a requirement for freedom from sin (Romans 6:17-18).
D. Christ wants His people to remain free.
1. We are to "stand fast" in the liberty that the Lord provides (Galatians 5:1).
2. (Galatians 5:13) The Lord's liberty does not allow us to serve the flesh.
E. On the basis of these principles that relate to "liberty" in general, . . .
II. LET US TURN OUR ATTENTION TO "THE GLORIOUS LIBERTY OF GOD'S CHILDREN"
(Romans 8:18-25)
A. The Lord provides "spiritual liberty" [freedom from sin] when we obey the Gospel.
B. However, "the glorious liberty of God's children" is a blessing that requires us to wait -- in other words,
we do not have it now.
C. God's people face difficulties in this life.
1. Vs.18 mentions "the sufferings of this present time."
2. According to vs.21, deliverance "from the bondage of corruption" will occur in the future.
3. Vs.22-23 mention the "groaning" that takes place in this life.
4. Even though we face difficulties in this life, . . .
D. God's people have "hope" (vs.24-25).
1. Hope enables us to look for a blessing that we cannot see.
2. The hope of receiving "glorious liberty" leads us to wait patiently for it.
Conclusion:
1. On Tuesday we will celebrate our civil liberty as Americans.
2. Perhaps this has been a good time for us to be reminded of the "glorious liberty" that is in store for
God's children.
3. In closing, let us allow John to describe it for us (Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5).
4. Let us also heed his appeal (Revelation 22:14).