Raising Sons and Daughters of Liberty

In today’s world, the concept of liberty is more relevant than ever. The journey of raising sons and daughters who embody the ideals of freedom, integrity, and faith is a noble endeavor. This post explores the importance of instilling these values in our children, inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the experiences of those who have embraced these principles.

The Importance of Community

Community plays a vital role in shaping our children’s character. When we look at the story of a group of motorcycle enthusiasts from a local church, we see how their bond led to unexpected encounters and opportunities for ministry. As they rode together, they shared stories and experiences, which ultimately ignited a passion for serving others.

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This sense of camaraderie is crucial. Just as Pastor Mike Taurus utilized the techniques learned in ministry to reach out to others, we too can create environments where our children are encouraged to connect with their peers and serve their communities. When children witness adults living out their faith, they are inspired to do the same.

Meeting Jesus in Our Lives

Prayer and seeking the presence of God are foundational elements in the journey of raising children of liberty. We must encourage our children to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, as this relationship is the source of true freedom. As we pray for guidance and wisdom, we invite the Holy Spirit into our homes and lives.

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Jesus came to kindle a fire on earth, a fire that symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This fire is not only about personal transformation but also about equipping us to be agents of change in the world. Our children should understand that they are part of a larger liberation movement that seeks to set captives free.

Understanding the Teachings of Jesus

Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount provide a framework for understanding what it means to be a son or daughter of liberty. He emphasizes that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This identity is not something we strive for; it is a reality we embrace as followers of Christ.

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When Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world, it is a call to action. We are not to hide our light but to let it shine before others. Our good works are meant to glorify our Father in heaven, showcasing the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.

The Role of God’s Law

God’s law is often misunderstood. Many view it as a set of restrictions that contradict our liberty. However, the law reveals God’s character and His desire for us to live in love. It is not a burden but a guide that leads us to a life of freedom. Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it, showing us how to live in accordance with God’s will.

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When we teach our children about God’s law, we are providing them with a roadmap for life. They learn the importance of love, compassion, and integrity. The law helps us understand what it means to be truly free, as it aligns our hearts with God’s desires.

Transformational Grace

Grace is at the heart of the Christian message. It is through grace that we are saved and transformed. As we teach our children about grace, we must emphasize that it is not a license to sin but a call to live righteously. When we recognize our shortcomings and run to God for help, we tap into the power of the Holy Spirit to change our lives.

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Encouraging our children to seek God in their struggles fosters a culture of authenticity and vulnerability. They learn that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as they turn to God for redemption and healing. This understanding of grace will empower them to extend that same grace to others.

The Power of Expectation

Expectation shapes behavior. When we believe in our children’s potential, they often rise to meet those expectations. Just as a teacher might see remarkable progress in a class labeled as “honors,” our faith in our children’s abilities can lead to incredible outcomes. We must communicate our belief in their capacity to succeed and embody the values we cherish.

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Setting high expectations does not mean imposing unrealistic standards. Instead, it means fostering an environment where children feel supported and encouraged to pursue their goals. By creating a culture of life and expectation, we help them recognize their worth and the importance of striving for greatness.

Building a Culture of Liberty

Ultimately, the goal of raising sons and daughters of liberty is to create a community that embodies these values. We want our children to experience the freedom that comes from living in accordance with God’s will. This means teaching them to be compassionate, forgiving, and understanding.

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As we cultivate this culture in our homes and communities, we empower our children to become leaders who champion liberty for others. They will learn to navigate conflicts with grace and to extend love to those around them. By embracing the teachings of Jesus, we can raise a generation that will impact the world for good.

Conclusion

Raising sons and daughters of liberty is a challenging but rewarding journey. By nurturing their faith, instilling strong values, and creating a supportive community, we can guide them toward becoming the leaders and change-makers our world needs. Let us commit to this noble endeavor, trusting that as we abide in Christ, we will bear much fruit.

Raising Sons and Daughters of Liberty

(Sermon Outline)

1. Last week we began by exploring the question, “Why did Jesus say he came to earth?”
   1. He said: To Kindle Fire
   1. John said: To destroy the works of the devil
   1. The Worldwide Liberation movement – the fire will destroy a wicked world!
   1. The fire is invested in the sons and daughters of God who will liberate the world from the bondage to corruption
2. Jesus’ teachings are aimed at raising sons and daughters of liberty
   1. We can see it in – Matthew 5:13–16 (NKJV) — 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
   1. The relationship of God’s Law to raising sons and daughters of liberty – Matthew 5:17–20 (NKJV) — 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
   1. Matthew 5:21–22 (NKJV) — 21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.
      1. Anger and Contempt (Raca – to mark someone for contempt)
      1. Dallas Willard: Some attention has recently been paid to twelve- or fourteen-year-old children who kill people for no apparent reason. Commentators have remarked on the lack of feeling in these young killers. But when you observe them accurately, you will see that they are indeed actuated by a feeling. Watch their faces. It is contempt. They are richly contemptuous of others—and at the same time terrified and enraged at being “dissed,” which is their language for contempt.[1]
      1. To brand someone “fool” in this biblical sense was a violation of the soul so devastating, of such great harm, that, as Jesus saw, it would justify consigning the offender to the smoldering garbage dump of human existence, gehenna. It combines all that is evil in anger as well as in contempt. It is not possible for people with such attitudes toward others to live in the movements of God’s kingdom, for they are totally out of harmony with it.[2]
3. Personal Transformation and the ministry of the church – the goal of the baptism of the spirit is to reproduce the character and ministry of Jesus in the church!
   1. The purpose:  Raising up the sons and daughters of Liberty!
   1. 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (NKJV) — 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
      1. v2 living epistles
      1. v6 ministers of the new covenant, letter kills but Spirit gives life
      1. v7 ministry of death was glorious
   1. New Covenant – Jeremiah 31:31–34 (NKJV) — 31 “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah…. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”
   1. New Creations that grow into Christ implied at the end of the sermon – Matthew 7:17–20 (NKJV) — 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
4. Creating a culture and community that raises sons and daughters of liberty
   1. “This shouldn’t happen in church”
      1. How people grow!
   1. Conflict is normal in the midst of genuine relationship – the context of growth
      1. Loving and forgiving
      1. Grace and patience
   1. Structuring for maturity
      1. Expectation & how people respond
   1. Maintaining life in the Spirit
   1. Because we are committed to developing, the enemy will seek to disrupt what God is doing, and we can get ahead of the enemy by keeping kingdom values before us: Proverbs 6:16–19 (NKJV) — 16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
   1. A CULTURE OF LIFE – LIFE SPRIGNS CHURCH
5. Raising Sons and Daughters of Liberty delivering the world from the bondage to corruption

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[1] Willard, Dallas. The Divine Conspiracy (p. 170). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

[2] Willard, Dallas. The Divine Conspiracy (p. 172). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.