Freedom in Christ. part 7.

Freedom in Christ lesson 7, Part 2c: The theory of the declaration and the constitution.

As stated here it becomes obvious that rights cannot be separated from duty.

 

I have a duty not to enslave anyone and a duty not to steal another's property or to inhibit the exercise of religion, no matter what that religion may be (as long as it doesn't violate people's rights), and I have a duty not to murder.

 

The first sentence of the Declaration of Independence focuses on duty.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

 

If I am to enjoy the freedom of grace in the Christian way of life I have a duty not to hinder another believer's pursuit of the same. All of us grow at different rates and rather than bullying believers or judging them or slandering them I have a duty to assist them if I am stronger.

 

The Bible also contains the morals of divine establishment thought as well as the charity of the believer unto others. These things are vital in a free republic such as ours, and so they are attacked by the kingdom of darkness.

 

ROM 15:1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.

 

ROM 15:2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.

 

ROM 15:3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached Thee fell upon Me."

 

ROM 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

 

ROM 15:5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus;

 

ROM 15:6 that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

E. The government is to secure rights according to the Constitution by [5 ways]:

 

1) Protecting us from other nations and not policing them.

 

God is the only one to protect our spiritual lives.

 

The Spirit of God has been given to us to comfort, assist, lead, guide, bear witness to our human spirit in teaching us, and empowering us. We are therefore to rely on the Trinity, have faith in each member, keep our eyes on Christ, keep our prayers to the Father, entrust our souls to the Spirit, and to be alert to our enemies. God protects our spiritual lives and rights.

 

Satan's attack is to make us apathetic by convincing us that the flesh isn't that bad and that it can be improved through the proper world systems.

 

He desires to convince us that he is not real and that the KOD doesn't pose a serious threat, and so they take an underground position and work through lies, deceit, and projecting themselves as light and good.

 

1PE 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,

 

1PE 5:7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

 

1PE 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

 

1PE 5:9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

 

1PE 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

 

1PE 5:11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

Satan has levied this same attack upon America by convincing the citizens that the government secures their rights by regulating every part of their lives and protecting them from themselves; from their own bad decisions. The government is to enforce the laws and convict criminals within our borders and to protect us from other nations. The government is not to protect us from the consequences of lacking virtue, hard work, education, poor investments, poor decisions that make for sickness, etc.

 

2) By enforcement of criminal laws against violence. We are to trust the Supreme Court of Heaven and thus keep stress out of our souls.

 

ROM 12:17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

 

ROM 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

 

ROM 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance [veting out justice and not vindictiveness] is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

 

ROM 12:20 "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head."

 

The attack upon this is to trust your emotions.

 

These people are not your friends and they desire to hurt you. The emotional response is usually quite strong. Yet we are to treat them as if they were our friends through agape love. We trust the Spirit to empower us to love as we apply that love and we will find that we are able to treat them, as evil as they may be, as we would a friend.

 

ROM 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 

The attack by Satan is to make us concerned that the victimizer is going to get away with it unless we act. Taking vengeance upon yourself is to take the position of judge and this will cause stress in your soul and you will lose your freedom and become enslaved to your emotions. God is patient. He is longsuffering with the sinner, which we enjoy ourselves, but again, freedom cannot be separated from duty and grace received should manifest itself in grace given. God is not slow as some count slowness. We must trust the Supreme Court of Heaven if we are to continue to experience God's freedom.