Galatians 5:1, New International Reader's Version

Christ Sets Us Free

5 Christ has set us free to enjoy our freedom. So remain strong in the faith. Don’t let the chains of slavery hold you again.

Game:

Freedom acrostic (see below).

Message:

I want to talk about the word “freedom” today. What does the word “freedom” mean to you? (Allow children to answer.). We are getting close to July 4. In this country, on July 4, we celebrate freedom. In the United States of America, we celebrate freedom, the beginning of this country, and the birth of a new nation, independent from Great Britain. Can anyone tell me what year that was? (Allow children to respond.) That’s right. The first Independence Day was in 1776.

Can you tell me other ways we use the word “freedom” in our lives? (Allow children to answer.) Those are excellent answers. The word “freedom” means being able to make your own choices, like what to play, eat, or read. But freedom also means being responsible for those choices.

Today’s Bible passage is from a letter that the apostle Paul wrote. In this letter, Paul described his feelings about slavery. Slaves didn’t have any of the freedoms we have today. Slavery has long been a part of history. Slaves suffered greatly and were treated as if they were not human. Paul wrote in a letter to the Christians in Galatia about the end of slavery. He reminds the Galatians, “Christ has set us free to enjoy our freedom.” The most important part of the word “freedom” is the word free, and Paul reminds us in this letter that we are free when we are followers of Jesus.

Paul reminds us that when we follow Jesus, we should never act as if we are slaves. When we are followers of Christ, we should enjoy our freedom. We have the freedom to make choices and to speak what we think. But we are responsible for those choices. When we follow Jesus, we should live our lives in the freedom of God’s love. That’s freedom we should enjoy.

To help us remember the importance of FREEDOM, I have created a fun way to remember each letter of the word. Freedom starts with the letter F.

Give me an F. (Encourage children to help spell out the word as you add the description behind each letter.)

F – Feel safe to be yourself.

You can be you! God made you special, and God loves you just the way you are.

Give me an R. (Children respond with R.)

R – Respect others.

Everyone deserves kindness and fairness, just like you do.

Give me an E. (Children respond with E.)

E – Explore new ideas.

Try new things, ask questions, and keep learning every day!

Give me another E. (Children respond with E.)

E – Express your thoughts.

You can speak up and share your feelings in loving ways.

Give me a D. (Children respond with D.)

D – Do what's right.

Freedom means making good choices that help others, too.

Give me an O. (Children respond with O.)

O – Open your hearts.

Be ready to forgive, listen, and care for your friends and family.

Give me an M. (Children respond with M.)

M – Make a difference.

Even kids can change the world with love, courage, and hope!

(Thanks to ChatGPT, you can create your own acrostic words.)

What does that spell? (Allow the children to chant, “FREEDOM!”)

Jesus brings us into the freedom of that love, courage, and hope!

We the Kingdom has a song titled “Free, Amen.” The lyrics in the second stanza include these words:

Where the Spirit of the Lord is
There is freedom
I am free, Amen.

Songwriters: Andrew Bergthold / Edmond Martin Cash / Franni Cash / Martin Cash / Scott Mctyeire Cash. Free, Amen lyrics © Capitol Cmg Paragon, Capitol Cmg Genesis, We The Kingdom Music, Bay19, Angie Feel Good Songs, Scott Cash Publishing Designee.

Let’s use those lyrics as our prayer this morning. Can you repeat them after me?

Where the Spirit of the Lord is
There is freedom
I am free, Amen.

Once again,

Where the Spirit of the Lord is
There is freedom
I am free,

And all the children of God say, Amen.

Between the Sundays: Family Conversation Starters

We have added conversation starters to each children’s message series to help spark conversations within families during the week. We encourage families to use these questions to guide them through conversations and subject matter discussed during the worship service, including the children’s messages on Sundays. These conversations will reinforce learning and nurture faith formation for the entire family.

Take a moment each day, together as a family, to listen to the song from We the Kingdom, “Free, Amen.” Deeply listen to the words of the song. What words mean the most to you? Use the lyrics, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, I am free,” as a family prayer this week.

Using the acrostic presented in the children’s message as a guide. Take one letter from the word FREEDOM and reflect on how this example was demonstrated in your daily life. For example, Sunday – F – where did you feel safe to be yourself today? Monday – R – Where did you show respect to someone today?...