Blessed Freedom

Text: Acts 28:31    IBCSWS (LBC29th Anniversary 92709)   October 11, 2009

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

        No one in his right mind wants to be in bondage of slavery. Surely, each one of us loves freedom because having such advantage will give us more time and space to express ourselves publicly. Freedom unleashes one’s potential to stand out without being hindered. It gives a person an opportunity to do his best in a work he loves to do. Moreover, it gives him a chance to be usable, productive and beneficial.

       Freedom should not be taken for granted, but be used appropriately in such a way that its true purpose is not defeated. Sometimes we hear of people doing indecent activity, shamelessly in public places, and yet they refer to it as their “freedom of expression”. We believe that man’s freedom is at its best when found within the framework of righteousness. We must keep in mind that true freedom is not lawlessness. *Published

       People living in a free country should appreciate and love their freedom. Sometimes we overlook the importance of our privileges especially our religious freedom.  As long as we have such liberty, it is wise to use it and enjoy its rewarding benefits. Our freedom should not be used for our own selfish interest, but for the glory of God.

       During the New Testament time, the Apostle Paul used his religious freedom wisely for the furtherance of the Gospel. He grabbed every opportunity he had to proclaim his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently, many heard the Gospel and some believed (vs23-24). It is amazing that even in his imprisonment in Philippi, the Philippian jailer got saved through Apostle Paul’s witnessing.

       Our religious freedom is truly a great blessing to be appreciated. It’s indeed a “Blessed Freedom”. The Bible says in Acts 28:31, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. (KJV) As we study the life of Apostle Paul, may we take note how he used his limited time and freedom while he remained faithful and fruitful in the work of the Lord despite the life-squeezing situations he experienced.       

(I)  Freedom To Preach And Teach The Lord Jesus Christ

     Acts 28:31

       Many Christians may not be aware, but our freedom to preach and teach Christ to the lost and dying world is truly a blessing to both believers and unbelievers. The Bible tells us that people should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and then the Lord will provide their basic needs. But how would they know such essential things except we go and tell them. A careful study of Acts 28:31 will make us realize the importance of Matthew 6:33 which says, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV) Isn’t that the kind of message Paul preached and taught the people who came to him during his imprisonment? Truly, he preached to them about the kingdom of God and he preached Christ.

       In Acts 28:23, it is written, And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. (KJV) This passage shows us a glimpse of how people came to Paul curious to know concerning his doctrine and testimony. It is also interesting to note how serious Paul was in expounding the Scriptures - it took him from morning till evening to tell them about the Lord Jesus Christ. (see Acts 20:7 also) What a well-used religious liberty!

       It is a shameful thing if we don’t read and study our Bible seriously, listen to the Word diligently, and attend Church services faithfully, and even more so, if we criticize preachers who preach beyond our desired time limit. We should not limit our freedom, but rather use it for our spiritual advancement.      

-With a limited freedom

       We must be thankful to God for having religious freedom in our country. Many countries in this sin-darkened world have lesser freedom or no freedom at all when it comes to preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ. Praise God because we are enjoying the freedom to distribute Bibles and Gospel tracts everywhere. God bless our country!            

       When Paul came to Rome, he was given a limited freedom by the centurion and he maximized that liberty and used it appropriately. In Acts 28:16, it is written, And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. (KJV) Despite Paul’s limited freedom in Rome, the mighty working of the Holy Ghost was apparent through his consecrated life.  

       Many may fail to realize, but it seems that Christian rights in many parts of the world are now gradually diminishing. Even those nations whose citizens were predominantly Christians before are now becoming indifferent toward Christian activities especially in public places. Sad to say, but many Christians are now losing their rights to present the simple plan of salvation to the lost people around them.         

       As we have opportunity, we must use our privilege to share the Good News to everyone. We are not certain as to how long our religious freedom will last, but true Christians should not stop telling people about our Lord Jesus Christ because true freedom comes from Him.

-Within a limited span of time

       We cannot imagine how depressing the situation of Paul in Rome was, but his two years of stay in his rented house was so occupied with his preaching and teaching of the Word. The Bible says in Acts 28:30, And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, (KJV) Within a limited time, Paul did his best to persuade the Jews concerning Jesus and he created spiritual impact on the lives of people who visited him.   

       In Acts 28:24, it says, And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. (KJV) It is sadly true that indifferent attitude of people toward the Word of Truth during the time of Paul and our present time has not changed much.

       While we see the negative response of unbelievers toward the Gospel, may we not neglect or forget the debt we must pay (Romans 1:14). We must be patient and considerate in winning lost souls to Christ because our time is running out.             

       Our life on earth is so short and full of trouble, and for such reason, believers should not waste their time by involving themselves in foolish and none essential activities. The world has many enticing and deceitful offers, but we must keep in mind that none of these offers are expedient to one’s spiritual growth because they are more of vanities and passing pleasures. Within our limited time, it is a wise step for us not to compromise with the world. We must keep on telling the world that “Jesus Saves”.          

-With extraordinary ways

       We are living in the so called “technologically advanced and interconnected world” full of high-tech devices and these impressive tools could really help us in doing our daily tasks. But it seems that in various ways, these gadgets are also ushering more people to worldliness than to spiritual-related activities. It is sadly true that our generation today is more inclined to earthly activities.

       If we are wise, we could effectively use these modern devices for the glory of God as we face the many special opportunities to serve the Lord: the computer to evangelize the world through internet presence; the cellular phones to present the simple plan of salvation to our friends, acquaintances and loved ones; and other tools to send spiritual messages to our brethren and even remind them to read the Bible, pray for someone and to invite people to Church.  But the question is: are those Christians who are privileged to have such modern devices honestly use them for the furtherance of the Gospel or just to satisfy the desires of their flesh?

       The Apostle Paul used his freedom to preach and teach Christ wisely. Paul said in Philippians 1:12-14, 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (KJV) Truly, Paul was a man of understanding and he was sure of his purpose in life. He knew that behind his unpleasant experiences is the will of God concerning the spreading of the Good News.

       Many Christians justify that their lack of accomplishment in life is due to lack of opportunity, lack of resources, and hardship and pressures of life. It may be true, but look what God did to Paul’s life during his life-squeezing moments. He did not complain but patiently invested his limited time and freedom by teaching and preaching the Word of God.

       It is always best to remember that life-squeezing moments come to our lives not to destroy, but to bring the best out of us. During his imprisonment in Rome, he wrote his God-inspired Epistle to the Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. What a well-demonstrated sufficient grace of God through his life and what a blessing to have those faith-strengthening epistles especially in times of spiritual struggle.   

       Paul had no mobile phone then, yet God had a special way to send his writings to the Ephesians. He sent his messages through a faithful believer named Tychicus. (Ephesians 6:21-22 Colossians 4:7-9) There was no webcam before, but the Lord used a slave saved by grace named Onesimus in communicating with Philemon. (Philemon 1:10-12) What a special way of conveying the Word of God through His peculiar people.            

       As we go through the remaining years of our life, we must not be negligent of our true purpose in life. We must keep in mind that Christians are the lights of the world to reach and guide the lost to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. True Christians must keep on shining for Christ till He comes.

       The Book of Acts ended with Chapter 28, but we strongly believe that the Holy Ghost still continues to empower believers in spreading the Gospel of Christ and in fighting for the Truth. We should then lift up our ministry ensigns as we keep on marching side by side under the banner of Truth. And we must not forget to give thanks unto God who is giving us milestones of success year by year for His honour and glory.