Date: 2025-07-04

AO: 3rd-f

Q: Schnitzel

PAX: Schnitzel, Bionic, Nurse Jackie (F3 Florence), Sharpie, Web, Wee Man, Cinnamon, Dipstick, Pom Pom, Tender Spice

FNGs: None

COUNT: 10

CONDITIONS: by the dawn’s early light…

WARMUP:

Today we remember, honor & celebrate the 4th of July—also called Independence Day—to mark the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation.

?? What happened on July 4, 1776?

On that day, the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson. In doing so, the 13 American colonies declared their freedom from British rule.

It was a bold, revolutionary step that said:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” to check it out. Amazing words that represent a lot founded in God!

The colonies no longer saw themselves as subjects of King George III—they saw themselves as free people forming a new nation.

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? Why it matters today:

• It reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and vision of those who fought for liberty.

• It celebrates freedom, self-governance, and the American experiment—an ongoing journey toward justice and equality for all.

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?? How do we celebrate?

• Fireworks ? (symbolizing the “rockets’ red glare” from the national anthem)

• Parades and patriotic ceremonies

• Cookouts and family gatherings

• Honoring those who’ve served and sacrificed to defend our freedoms

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⚠️ Just as our nation’s freedom was bought with sacrifice, our spiritual freedom was bought at a great cost—the cross. The 4th of July is a great day to reflect not just on what we’re free from, but what we’re free for.

THE THANG:

Scripture: Galatians 5:1 — “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

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1. Opening Thought (2-3 minutes)

“Freedom is never free.” That phrase reminds us of the blood, sacrifice, and courage it took (and still takes) to preserve our country’s liberty. As men of faith, we also know true freedom isn’t just political or national—it’s spiritual.

Jesus paid the ultimate price to set us free. But like with America, freedom in Christ isn’t a one-time event—it’s something we must stand firm in daily.

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2. Scripture Readings (2 minutes)

• Galatians 5:1 – Freedom through Christ

• John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

• 1 Peter 2:16 – “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”

We didn’t make it through all of the topics and verses however it was great discussion.

The topic of slavery came up, because we are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to Christ – not a worldly definition of slavery, but rather a blessing to fully submit all of our ways to Jesus – acting as a willing servant! Which sacrifices daily to pick up our cross and follow Him!

Dipstick pointed out Romans 6:1-23 –

1”What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?

2May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

3Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?

4Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

5For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,

6knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;

7 for he who has died is freed from sin.

8Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,

9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him.

10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

11Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,

13and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

14For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!

16Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?

17But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed,

18and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

19I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

20For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.

21Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death.

22But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.

23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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Discussion Questions (planned – some we got to and some we didn’t – however I listed them all for consideration)

Freedom in Christ

• What does spiritual freedom mean to you personally?

• Where in life do you still feel like you’re carrying a yoke of slavery (addiction, guilt, fear, performance)?

Responsibility with Freedom

• How do we balance Christian freedom with accountability to others?

• In what ways can we use our freedom to serve others this week?

Nation and Faith

• As Americans, we celebrate freedom—but how do we live as men of both kingdom and country?

• How can we reflect Jesus in how we love our neighbor and engage with the world around us?

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3. Reflection Challenge

This week, ask yourself:

“Am I using my freedom for myself or to serve others?”

Whether you’re at a cookout, fireworks, or just spending time with family—be aware of the deeper freedoms you carry. And remember: you’re free for a purpose—to be light in a dark world.

MARY:

Prayer – Father, thank You for the gift of freedom—both in this country and in Christ. Remind us that freedom isn’t free—it cost something. Help us not to waste it. Make us men who walk in freedom from sin, fear, and selfishness—and use that freedom to serve, love, and lead others toward You. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

– Hot Wing Ruck Approaching

– School Supply Drive

PRAYER REQUEST:

– Marriage

– Stand firm in our faith, regardless of what the world says

BOM: Sharpie

MOLESKIN:

Thanks for allowing me to share some challenges and thoughts that I wrestle with! It’s good to ask hard questions and seek answers and then take Truth & Grace with anticipation and excitement to “Go & Tell” others what Jesus has done!!

Have a great celebration men! Let’s lead with hearts of gratitude and be a light that shines for the kingdom!