v.1- You are free, do not turn back to the slavery of sin. It is all out war to run toward Christ. I want you to see an image of a sentinel that is a guardian of hope, grace, the glory of God. That’s what you’ve been called to. A sentinel, though free, trains and disciplines oneself to be the best guard they can be. Why should you be this? To show others God’s glory! You are free, but because of your love for Christ and for people, you stand firm! Freedom is for love!
A Sentinel that is part of the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is free, yet they choose to strive for perfection. The Sentinels, which guard the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier, are among the most visible of the Old Guard. They wear a badge that is so rare it is only second to the Army Astronaut badge. Just making it to the point where a soldier can stand guard means they have made it through a training process with a washout rate of around 90%. Myths have been told that a present or past old guard member can never drink alcohol or use swear words in public. One past sentinel said, “this is just a myth, but why would you want to risk confusing others that see us for excellence in all we do.”
v.2- If you buy into the lie of any other way to God than a relationship with Jesus Christ, you have missed it!
v.3- It is impossible to keep the whole law! Leviticus 11:1-12 “And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying to them, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, These are the living things that you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth. 3 Whatever parts the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews the cud, among the animals, you may eat. 4 Nevertheless, among those that chew the cud or part the hoof, you shall not eat these: The camel, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you. 5 And the rock badger, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you. 6 And the hare, because it chews the cud but does not part the hoof, is unclean to you. 7 And the pig, because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is unclean to you. 8 You shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses; they are unclean to you.
9 “These you may eat, of all that are in the waters. Everything in the waters that has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers, you may eat. 10 But anything in the seas or the rivers that does not have fins and scales, of the swarming creatures in the waters and of the living creatures that are in the waters, is detestable to you. 11 You shall regard them as detestable; you shall not eat any of their flesh, and you shall detest their carcasses. 12 Everything in the waters that does not have fins and scales is detestable to you.”
v.4- What is grace? Something we do not deserve! When we are legalistic and strive to live by the law, we will never achieve it!
v.5- How do we live in freedom, through the power of the Holy Spirit! We’ve been sealed by the Spirit, we love by the Spirit, we live by the Spirit. You’ll see the is next Sunday!
Exodus 14:13 “And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.”
Psalm 89:28 “My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.”
Ephesians 6:13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
Philippians 1:27 “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,”
What does Freedom to Stand for Christ look like?
S.T.A.N.D.
S- Spirit Produced Salvation (You cannot stand for Christ if you have never been saved. You have never been saved if the Holy Spirit has not drawn you.)
T- Thirsty to Grow and Go for Christ
A- Adoration for Christ and People
N- Nonnegotiable Confidence in the Promises of God
D- Defense of the Truth
How do I Stand?
S- Sacrifice (Service, Scripture Saturation)
T- Togetherness (Training and Teaching)
A- Accountability (Spiritual Maturity)
N- No Nonsense Approach to Running from Sin.
D- Desperate Dependency upon the Holy Spirit (Prayer Saturated)