Sermons

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

Freedom has a price at every level.

(1 Peter 2:13-17) Submit to every human institution because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For it is God’s will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people. As God’s slaves, live as free people but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. Honor every one. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.

1. The Price of CIVIL FREEDOM

(14) to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

A. Law Enforcement Officers
B. We are to “submit” to them.
C. Why are we to submit to Law Enforcement Officers?
• In Scripture (2:13) God commands it.
• That’s the price we pay for civil freedom.

2. The Price of NATIONAL FREEDOM

A. The price for national freedom – is human lives.
B. No life given for national freedom has been given in vain.

(Romans 13:1-4) Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do good and you will have its approval. For government is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For Government is God’s servant, and avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.

3. The Price of ETERNAL FREEDOM

A. There is a freedom that can only be given by the Man God.
B. The price of eternal freedom can only be paid by Jesus.

(John 8:36) “If the Son sets you free, you really will be free.”