Free Children Freely Limiting Their Freedom to Free Others.

Wednesday July 9, 2025

Main idea: The free children willingly limit their freedom in order to serve the larger purpose of outsiders coming to faith.

Mat 17:24-27

Jesus life begins with the poll tax as a backdrop (Luk 2:1-2). 

The power of Caesar leads Mary and Joseph to the prophesied little town of Bethlehem (Mic 5:2). 

Under the power of Caesar the true King would be born. 

The result would not be the end of our own taxes, but the beginning of something the world had never seen (not even in Israel).

“What do you think Simon?”

Jesus purposefully leads the question: sons or strangers? 

He is beginning the doctrine of adoption - all in the church will be sons and daughters of God (Rom 8:15-17; Gal 3:26; Eph 1:5-6). 

Adoption into God’s new house is our reality, from where we call all others to enter.

1Pe 1:1-9

The Son tells the sons He has purchased and made complete that others are more important than the experience or expression of their new-found freedoms.

The sons are free and walk among the slaves (Jud 22-23). If we are aloof, can we effectively communicate with them? If we stand idly beside them while they carry heavy burdens, will they listen to us (Mat 22:44)?

Do not be overcome with greed. God will always give you enough (Mat 6:32-33). Do not be lazy for you will want for provision and have no witness.

The sons are free!

Rom 7-8:

Free from the law; Rom 7:3; Rom 7:24; Rom 8:2; Rom 8:15-16; Rom 8:32. 

Notice in Romans how freedom comes with a binding slavery to God and the power that holds us to Him is His love; Rom 8:39. 

1Co 7-10

Free in Christ means we are to make ourselves slaves to all for the sake of their salvation.

1Co 7:21-24; even if a slave you are the Lord’s freeman.

1Co 8:7-13; some are accustomed to thinking the idol is real and so do not eat. If you eat they will have a very difficult time concluding what they must – the idol is not real (fear: will I be well without meat?).

1Co 9:1 (Paul is free. He is an apostle and has a right to be supported, but he was not); 1Co 9:12; 1Co 9:15-16; 1Co 9:19 (inclusio to vs. 1: I am free).

Great Commission is more important than our freedom in this world, as it was for Christ; 1Co 9:23.

There is reward from God for the sacrifice. Athletic analogy; 1Co 9:24.

Paul beat down (buffet) his natural desire to exercise his God given freedom.

1Co 10 Paul then uses the example of the Exodus.

Why did they fall in the wilderness? They craved more though the Rock gave them water.

1Pe 2

1Pe 2:11 aliens and strangers (the taxed) …

1Pe 2:12-20 behavior excellent among the Gentiles; for the Lord’s sake submit yourself to all human institutions; silence the ignorance of fools; don’t use freedom as aa covering for evil; fear God, honor the king – all so that you are not a stumbling block to others, and God will be pleased.

Free in Christ means we are clothed with Christ (Gal 3:27). He is all of our provision. 

Application:

God’s eternal and unchangeable mind is that the souls of others are more important than His full desire; 1Ti 2:1-6; Mat 26:39; Mat 23:37. 

This difficult paradox can only show us that God sacrifices for the sake and salvation of others. Sacrifice is always loss and always painful. 

The comfort and joy is in the knowing of why. We are outside but living within and bearing the burdens of the world as free-men who invite all others into the kingdom. 

As a believer, you are a child of God and are free and free to limit your freedom to serve the larger purpose. 

Jesus promises that the need will be met – whatever it is. Just do it. Satan will try and convince you that you’ll lose, but you will gain the blessings of the kingdom of heaven (Mat 6:33).