MANY OF THE WONDERFUL TRUTHS OF THE GOSPEL ARE SHARP AS A KNIFE - CAN BLESS OR HURT! DANGEROUS!

1. James writes that Christians are to be judged by a "law of liberty"- great & wonderful.
2. I heard "A Christian is free to do whatsoever he likes!"- & this is absolutely true!
3. But the moment he pleases-likes- to sin- He is no longer free, but returned to bondage.

Many Christians go through life dragging heavy chains,- when they could be free!

I.- LOOK IN A MIRROR AND SEE YOURSELF Jas 1:22-24

The glass may be dark, but there are some things that you can see clear enough -if you will look

A.- SEE THE ENGRAFTED WORD WHICH IS ABLE TO SAVE YOUR SOULS: -Jas 1:21b

1. James was warning about the awfulness of sin- how it leads to DEATH! Make no mistake about it!
2. How can we know just which sin kills the worst? - Rom 3:20 "By Law is knowledge of sin"-
3. Like a deadly disease we see & abhor death, but the germ (sin) we can't see, don't know why!

B.- BUT FIRST WE MUST SEE OURSELVES, LIKE LOOKING IN A MIRROR, TO SEE OUR OWN NEED! V. 23

1. A good look at the Law shows what we ought to be - But we just haven't kept the law!
2. The purpose of the law is not for us to obey anyway-but to beat us to Christ- Gal 3:24
3. When we come to Jesus- then we really see ourselves-Luke 5:8, but also see His Glory & Love

C.- BE CAREFUL THAT YOU DO NOT FORGET WHAT THE MIRROR OF GOD'S WORD HAS REVEALED TO YOU v. 24

1. Too many today look in the mirror primp awhile, but would rather make up than wash off!
2. We hear the word v. 22, but do not do what it says! Bible says deceive ourselves!

You are a natural man- see what the Bible has to say about you and beware of sin-death

II.- LOOK TO THE LAW OF LIBERTY ! James 1:25

Ps 121:1,2- "I will life up my eyes unto the hills-from whence cometh my help? The Lord!

A.- THE LAW CAME BY MOSES, BUT BRACE AND TRUTH CAME BY JESUS CHRIST,- John 1:17

1. The tablets of stone- II Cor 3:3 -are glorious- study them and see the hand of the Lord!
2. But the new law written in fleshly tablets of the heart is more glorious-v.8, v.17 - liberty
3. If you will look to the Lord II Cor 3:18 you will be changed! Start the change NOW!

B.- THE BIBLE IS PLAIN, CHRIST HAS REDEEMED US FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW - see Gal 3:13

1. The law can only give death for failing, but Christ can give life to those who failed!
2. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior you are made free from law of sin, death, hell
3. Not one jot or tittle of law has been changed- Matt 5:18- BUT YOU HAVE BEEN CHANGED!

C.- WHEN WE WALK IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, WE ARE FREE FROM THE LAW: NOT UNDER LAW  - GAL 5:18

1. We used to be slaves to the law of sin- but now we are set free- Rom 6:22, 23 - a gift of God
2. The bondage of sin is broken by Salvation, But if entangled again- I John 1:9 -Confession
3. We are made free - given a new nature- I John 3:9-that does not want to sin-so do as you  want.

We are free as a bird to fly as high as the sky, unlimited by weak legs- lifted by wind!

III. LOOK AS JUDGED BY THE LAW OF LIBERTY! Jas 2:10-12

As long as we look up,- keep our eyes on the Lord- we fly; but if we look down-13-judgement!

A.- KNOW THAT SIN PLACES A PERSON IN BONDAGE, AND THIS BONDAGE LEADS TO DEATH!

1. Rom 6:14-if we forget and yield when we commit sin- we become servant of sin to death!
2. An alcoholic can be set free-but not free to go back to drink- for 1 drink- bondage again!
3. Crying that you are not an alcoholic only had one drink-convinces no one! New Law today!

B.- AFTER CHRIST HAS MADE YOU FREE, WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO RETURN AGAIN TO BONDAGE?

1. Shall we continue in sin? God forbid Rom 6:13 why should someone made free want to?
2. If we return to sin- I Pet 2:10-11 -we become a transgressor and we are judged! GUILTY
3. If we are born again the Lord will save us in the end: but why not now?  Sin = death

C.- IF WE ARE FREE MEN, WE SHALL BE JUDGED AS FREE MEN! THERE IS NO REASON FOR US TO BE BOUND!

1. A slave is expected to be discouraged, depressed,- & sinful! But you can be free!! Why not?
2. James heard Christ- free to understand and live in God's principle of love! -Do it Now!
3. If we do stumble, "Mercy rejoiceth against Judgement"-v.13, have you shown much mercy?

Mercy does not ignore sin, it recognizes it; condemns it as sin; but forgives in Christ!

CAN YOU ALLOW YOURESLF TO BE JUDGED BY THE LAW OF LIBERTY? IT IS FAR MORE STRICT THAN O.T. LAW!

1. You are free to confess Christ - but if you won't do it in Church you won't in the world!
2. You are free to be Baptized- but if you argue about it and hold back why be in bondage?
3. You are free to live a vibrant, Victorious life- to walk on troubled waters! -if you keep your eyes on Jesus! But why look away from Him- & look down?