Only God can set me free

And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.” EXODUS 20:1-3 ESV

Only God can set me free from the power of evil

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” MATTHEW 6:9-13 ESV
Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. GALATIANS 1:4 NLT
Heaven is a place that exists, and it is a place where evil does not.

Only God can set me free from slavery to sin

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. ROMANS 7:21-25 NLT
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” JOHN 8:34-36 NLT

Only God can set me free from a meaningless life

“Everything is meaningless!” ECCLESIASTES 1:2 NLT

God gives me meaning. God’s word gives me purpose

When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. PROVERBS 29:18 NLT
When I live for myself I will be miserable, when I live for God I will be truly happy.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast. PROVERBS 3:18 NASB
Our purpose is to please God, not people. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:4 NLT
We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. 1 JOHN 1:4 NLT

Only God can set me free from the finality of death

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life.Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” JOHN 11:25-26 NLT
By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:14 NIV

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. As you look back over the last 10 weeks of this series, which “reason” for needing God was the most compelling or challenging for you?
2. Read Exodus 20:1-3. What are some of the things God has set you free from?
3. Read Romans 7:21-25. Paul talks about wanting to do what’s right but continuing to do what’s wrong. What are some of the specific areas of your life that you are trying really hard in, but still failing at?
4. What are some of the things you can do to invite Jesus and others into your struggle for breakthrough?
5. Read Ecclesiastes 1:2. In the midst of what can seem to be a meaningless world, in what ways does God add meaning to your life?
6. Read John 11:25-26. Death can be terrifying; in what ways do you still struggle with the fear of death and in what ways does your relationship with Jesus set you free from this fear?

Personal Reflection Guide

For a personal time of reflection this week, please listen to the piece “True North” on the Sandals Church app and learn how to experience true peace.