April 27th 2003

Freedom to be Our “True” Selves
(as God intended us to be)

Pastor Garth Crundwell

•     Who are you?   Really?

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)

•     The apostle Paul teaches us in Galatians 3:15 - 4:7 that our true self; who we really are, is only discovered as we enter into a true and vital relationship with Jesus Christ.  He presents to us two contrasts to help us understand what it means to be in Christ and find our true identity in him.

•     If we have put our faith in Jesus Christ, then we are Sons of God.

•    We are beneficiaries of the promise of God. (3:21)

•    The Word of God informs us and guides us as to how we are to live as Sons of God. (3:23-25)

•    We share in an eternal inheritance. (3:29-4:6)

•    We are freed to live life as God intended and to become our “true selves”. (4:5-7)

•     If we have NOT put our faith in Jesus Christ, then we are Prisoners of our Sin.

•    The promise of God has no application to our lives. (3:29)

•    The Word of God condemns us. (3:19, 21-25)

•    We have no share in an eternal inheritance. (3:29-4:5)

•    We are slaves to our sin and have not experienced God’s forgiveness, therefore we have not been freed to live as God intended and have not become the person that God intends us to be. (4:6-7)

So, Who are you?  Really?

Do you want to know who you were made to be?

Do you want to have the freedom to be yourself, as God intended you to be?

 Then,

 •    Say “I’m Sorry”.

•    Say “Thank You”.

•    Say “Please”.