Big Idea: Are we free to live as we please?

Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:12 +19

(If developmentally/age appropriate, read verses 13-18 as well.)

On Sunday we talked about freedom in Jesus. We have the freedom to live as 'new', freed people – not striving for our salvation, but acknowledging that Jesus has done it all for us, and there is nothing we can do to earn God's grace & love – it is given undeservingly. So how then should we live as free people?

We talked about how we don't just use our freedom to do whatever we want. As Paul says, "I have the right to do anything, but not everything is beneficial." We live in light of the grace given to us by God. We choose to live God's ways because we love him, not because we are trying to make Him love us. He loves us unconditionally already! 

So, we live as Jesus instructs us in John 13:34. "A new command I give you. Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." We choose to live with Jesus as Lord, and serve others before ourselves because we first see this is how Jesus loves and lived. We use our freedom to serve and love others first, not because we have to, but because we love a God who first did this for us!

Family Activity

During school holidays choose a day, or an evening together. Write down fun things your kids always want to do, but aren't allowed to. (Ice cream and pancakes for dinner, wearing pyjamas all day – even if you're going out, wear socks with no shoes around the house, let the dog inside, eat with your hands and no cutlery, spray paint their hair blue, watch TV all day, eat lollies for breakfast, stay up past their bed time etc.) Choose one (or more if you're game!) and allow kids to do this with you.

Let kids talk about how great their freedom to do whatever they like is. Then talk about your family rules, and why it's so important that you have them. Talk about how you give them rules because you love them and know what's best for them. Talk about how it's like that in God's family too. God doesn't just let us have or do whatever we want, He knows what's best for us, and so gives us ways to live and follow Him because He loves us. Thank God together that He cares enough for us to tell us how to use our freedom and love one another, and that He gave us the perfect example to follow in Jesus.

Have a happy holiday week!