Sunday Service Message
Date: 4th October, 2026
Topic: Walking in Freedom
Speaker: Rev. (Dr.) Umoren S. Akpan
Main Text: Galatians 5:1–26
Introduction: Embracing the Freedom Christ Has Given Us.
October is a significant month for Nigeria as we celebrate our nation’s independence.
In the same spirit, God has declared this month our month of Walking in Freedom. Therefore, we have every reason to celebrate, because the freedom we have in Christ is greater than any earthly liberty.
Jesus Christ has set us free.
Total freedom means being liberated by Christ and intentionally walking in the liberty He has given us.
Freedom in Christ is not merely a declaration; it is a reality that must be embraced, experienced, and lived out every day.
The victory of Christ has broken the power of the enemy over the believer.
Through His death and resurrection, Christ triumphed over the powers of darkness. Therefore, we must not allow our past to dictate our present or determine our future.
We must refuse to remain in perpetual guilt,of condemnation, fear, or bondage.
John 8:36 — “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Freedom is a gift Christ has given us so that we can live victorious, purposeful, fruitful, and God-glorifying lives.
Therefore, we must embrace this freedom and walk in the light of it.
In order to enjoy this freedom, a believer must consciously do the following:
1. Understand the Source of Your Freedom:
The first step in walking in freedom is understanding where our freedom comes from.
John 8:36 — “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
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.”
Our freedom is found in Christ Jesus.
When you understand the source of your freedom, you will no longer desire to return to the bondage from which Christ has delivered you.
You must understand that you have been called into a new identity. You are God’s own possession, a royal priesthood, and a people called to reflect His glory.
Therefore, you are expected to live according to the source of your freedom, which is Christ Jesus.
The enemy has lost the battle over your life.
Do not allow the guilt of your past to rob you of the joy of your present freedom. Do not continually revisit what Christ has already delivered you from.
Celebrate your liberty by refusing to become entangled again with the guilt, shame, and bondage of the past.
Christ has given us freedom in several important areas of our lives.
a. Freedom from the Power and Dominion of Sin
Romans 6:6 — “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”.
When Jesus died, the old life of the believer was counted as having died with Him, and through His resurrection we are raised into newness of life.
Sin no longer has the right to rule over the believer.
This does not mean that temptation will never come; rather, it means that we no longer have to surrender ourselves to the dominion of sin.
You have been liberated to live a new life in Christ.
b. Freedom from the Bondage of Fear.
Romans 8:15 — “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.”
Fear is a form of bondage. But in Christ, we have been adopted into the family of God. We are no longer slaves living under the domination of fear; we are sons and daughters who have received the Spirit of adoption.
You do not have to live as a captive to fear. You belong to Christ, and your identity is established in Him.
c. Freedom from the Curse of the Law.
Galatians 5:13 — “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.”.
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. The freedom He gives is not permission to live carelessly but a call to live under His grace and lordship.
2. Freedom must be received by Faith.
Romans 5:1 — “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”.
Freedom must be received and lived by faith. Trust God’s Word rather than your circumstances, and stand firmly on Christ’s finished work.
3. Walk Away from the things that once controlled You.
Galatians 5:13 — “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.”
Freedom comes with responsibility. Do not use it to satisfy the flesh or return to the past.
Walk away from the habits, attitudes, relationships, and patterns that once controlled you. Let your freedom be evident in your choices.
4. Recognize What Controls You;
Identify what has been controlling your life and surrender it to Christ. Do not focus on your weaknesses; focus on Christ.
As you focus on Christ, His Word, and His promises, you will understand and experience your freedom more fully.
Things That Cause Bondage;
- Vanity and worldly pursuits
- The lust of the flesh
- Ungodly relationships
- Strife and bitterness
- Envy
Hebrews 12:1 — “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”
Recognize these things and deliberately walk away from them.
Walk Away from the Past.
Your past does not define you. In Christ, you have new life.
Look forward, embrace what God is doing, and allow His Word to shape your future.
Let Your Freedom Shine;
Philippians 3:13–14 — “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on…”
Live intentionally in the freedom Christ has given you. Follow God’s Word, activate your faith, refuse to return to bondage, and keep your eyes on Christ.
Conclusion:
Walk in Christ’s Liberty
Christ has set us free to know God, serve Him, fulfil our purpose, and live victoriously.
Do not let guilt, fear, sin, bitterness, envy, or former habits return you to bondage.
Stand firmly in the liberty Christ purchased for you.
You are free, now walk in your freedom.
Christ has set us free. Let us stand firm, walk in that freedom, and let it shine.
Walk in freedom. Walk in faith. Walk in Christ.
Receive Freedom by Faith, Walk in the Light of it, and Manifest the Glory thereof.