June 28 2015 Making Freedom Last
/MAKING FREEDOM LAST
Luke 8:39 - Return home and tell how much God has done for you.
FOUR WAYS TO MAKE FREEDOM LAST
I. Stop thinking your present position cannot be changed.
A) Verse 27 - For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tomb.
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR THINKING
1. Stop listening to the voice of the past.
Philippians 3:13 - Forgetting those things which are behind.
2. Decide to break out of the rut.
Philippians 3:13 & 14 - Strain towards what is ahead and press on toward the goal.
EXAMPLES
Peter - Matthew 26:75
Samson
II. Start to understand your personal value.
A) Verse 30 - Jesus asked him what is your name?
HOW TO SEE PERSONAL VALUE
1. Listen to what God says.
Matthew 10:30-31 - The hairs of your head are all numbered. You are worth more than many sparrows.
2. Listen to your friends.
Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times.
III. Step into the power of Christ.
A) Verse 28 - When he saw Jesus, he cried and fell at His feet.
Verse 30 - My name is Legion.
HOW TO STEP INTO POWER
1. Confess our need.
1 John 1:9
2. Surrender to the authority of Christ.
Romans 12:1 & 2
IV. Shoulder the price of permanent change.
A) Verse 39 - Jesus sent him away saying, return home and tell how much God has done for you, so the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.
HOW TO MAINTAIN THE NEW POSITION
1. Replace old habits with new ones that help.
Romans 12:21 - Overcome evil with good.
2. Let discomfort become part of your life.
Nehemiah
3. Double up.
Hebrews 10:25 - Let us consider and give attentive courteous care to watching over each other, studying how we may stimulate each other to helpful deed and noble activities.
4. Determination.
5. Depend on God.
2 Timothy 1:7 - For the Spirit that God has given us fills us with power, love and self-control.
Philippians 2:13 - For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose.
