1. OUR NATION
i) The Scriptures are not silent about nations.
They teach us that God is greater than all nations.
ii) The Founding Fathers were not perfect people.
iii) We cannot take these freedoms for granted.
iv) We must not fall asleep or become stumbling blocks ourselves.
2. OUSELVES
There is a far more important Independence Day than we celebrate today.
i) This truth is not Intellectual or Philosophical
– This freedom is from sin and not ignorance.
a) What is truth? That is the question Pilate asked Jesus at his trial.
b) What is freedom? Freedom means different things to different people.
ii) The Scriptures teach us;
a) We are born with a sinful nature.
b) Jesus tells us that by committing sin makes us a slave to sin.
DIGGING DEEPER
1. When you read Isaiah 40:13-24 discuss how God regards the power of nations – even super-powers like the USA and China. How does this make you feel in our world today?
2. Read Romans 13: 1-5 & Acts 5:27-32. What is the difference between submitting to authorities and unconditionally obeying them?
3. When was the last time you got a traffic ticket? Discuss what your feelings were about the traffic officer.
4. In John 8:31-36 what was the message Jesus was teaching about truth and freedom? How does this apply to us?
5. What qualifies people as disciples of Jesus?
6. What happens if we do not repent and turn away from sin?
7. Is there anything you would like to share with the group and ask for prayer?