The Struggle Is Real: Freedom Is Possible
Throughout this series, we’ve acknowledged the internal tension many of us feel—the pull between who God is calling us to be and who we actually are. That struggle is something we all share, but the good news is this: freedom is possible.
So today, we answer the question: What happens after grace?
The answer: FREEDOM.
What Does Freedom Mean?
As Americans, we love the idea of freedom. We celebrate it. We live it.
But we also know freedom comes at a cost. Just like our nation was built on the sacrifices of brave men and women, our spiritual freedom was secured by a sacrifice—Jesus laying down His life for us.
And the kind of freedom we’re talking about today? It’s even more powerful than political or personal freedom. It’s the kind of deep, soul-level freedom only God can offer.
3 Things God Sets Us Free From
1. Freedom from Condemnation
We all mess up. We sin. And often, we carry around the shame that comes with it. But there’s a difference between conviction and condemnation.
Condemnation says: You are bad.
Grace says: You’ve done wrong, but you are not wrong.
Jesus made this clear in the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8). She was guilty. The law said she should be stoned. But Jesus said:
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”
As the crowd slowly dropped their stones and walked away, Jesus turned to her and said:
“Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”
That’s the heart of Jesus. He meets us in our brokenness with mercy (withholding punishment) and grace (giving us forgiveness we don’t deserve). And he lovingly says, “There’s a better way—walk in it.”
Romans 8:1
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
2. Freedom from Slavery
Remember the Israelites in Egypt? They were physically enslaved for 400 years. When God delivered them and they left Egypt, it looked like they were free—but Pharaoh changed his mind and pursued them.
At the Red Sea, God did the miraculous: parted the waters, led them through on dry ground, and then closed the sea over their enemies.
Exodus 14:22
“So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!”
It wasn’t until after the water that they were truly free. Paul ties this moment to baptism:
1 Corinthians 10:1-2
“…all of them were baptized as followers of Moses in the cloud and in the sea.”
Just like the Israelites, we move from bondage to freedom through the water. Baptism is more than a symbol—it’s a supernatural moment of breakthrough.
3. Freedom from Defeat
Even Jesus was baptized.
He didn’t need forgiveness—He was sinless. But in His baptism, something powerful happened: the Holy Spirit descended, and shortly after, He launched His public ministry and faced temptation in the wilderness.
Jesus modeled baptism as the beginning of a life of purpose and power.
Romans 6:4
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead… we may also live new lives.”
Baptism represents death to our old self and resurrection into new life. It’s a line in the sand. A spiritual milestone. A declaration of no turning back.
Final Thought: You Were Made to Be Free
The enemy wants to keep you in bondage—shame, addiction, fear, habits you can’t break. But Jesus came to bring freedom:
Freedom from sin.
Freedom from shame.
Freedom from hopelessness.
1 John 4:4
“The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
You have power. You are not defeated. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.
And that is the kind of freedom worth celebrating.