Real Freedom
Bishop M.A. Lalachan's sermon emphasizes that true freedom is found in virtue, responsibility, and surrendering to God.
Bishop M.A. Lalachan emphasizes the concept that freedom is a gift that can be given and taken away by the people through their choices. True freedom is found in knowing and accepting the necessary limitations of laws governing nature, society, state, morality, and freedom itself. Real freedom thrives under the structure of law, allowing individuals to be virtuous, brave, wise, and free from anxiety and fear. Responsible freedom is a value to be acquired and cultivated, with self-surrender to God being the key to true liberation. Misusing freedom leads to slavery to one's passions, as Jesus stated that those who sin are slaves to sin.
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The people gave the freedom with a vote and can take it away with a vote. No one who does wrong can be called free. Jesus said "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."Jn 8:32. There are laws of nature, society, state, morality and laws of freedom. These are necessary limitations to our freedom, and it is best for us to know and accept them. Law helps us organize our lives & guarantee the freedom. Real freedom, therefore, is not restricted by law; in fact it can flourish only under the law.
True Freedom is being virtuous, free from anxiety, perplexity, and fear, being brave & wise. Responsible freedom is a value to be acquired, a gift to be cherished, and a quality to be cultivated. We are free only if we surrender ourselves to God. We are free in the measure in which we are generous and unselfish. To misuse freedom is to sin. The sinner s not a free man but a slave of his passions. Jesus said, "Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin" Jn8:34. Self surrender is the secret of self liberation.
Freedom is responsible self mastery. Freedom means doing good to all. Speaking evil of none, hearing before judging, holding an angry tongue, thinking before speaking, being kind to the distressed, asking pardon for every wrong, being patient towards everybody, stopping the ears to a talebearer, disbelieving most of the ill- reports. These are the marks of one who diligently guards the freedom, one enjoys. The faithful man is free, and the free man is faithful. If you want to be free? Then, Put your faith in God, not in man.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding True Freedom
- The Role of Law in Freedom
- Freedom and Virtue
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II
- The Consequences of Misusing Freedom
- Self-Surrender as Liberation
- Freedom and Responsibility
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III
- Practicing Responsible Freedom
- The Marks of a Free Individual
- Faith as the Foundation of Freedom
Key Quotes
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — Bishop M.A. Lalachan
“Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” — Bishop M.A. Lalachan
“The faithful man is free, and the free man is faithful.” — Bishop M.A. Lalachan
Application Points
- Embrace the laws that guide your freedom and help you live responsibly.
- Practice self-control and kindness in your daily interactions to cultivate true freedom.
- Put your faith in God as the foundation for your freedom and moral choices.