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I. THIS EXHORTATION IMPLIES —

1. That attempts will be made to deprive us of this liberty. This is discovered soon after its first enjoyment.

(1)  By Satan and sin.

(2)  By companions.

(3)  By pleasure.

(4)  By persecution.

(5)  By deceivers who attempt to undermine the doctrine on which salvation rests.

2. The awful possibility of losing this liberty, as testified

(1)  by Scripture;

(2)  by the history of the Church;

(3)  by observation;

(4)  by experience.

3. That there is no necessity to lose this liberty. When lost it is most frequently by

(1)  a culpable ignorance of spiritual duties and privileges;

(2)  a presumptuous self-confidence leading to unwatchfulness;

(3)  a weak and wicked self-indulgence.

4. Yet while there is no necessity to forfeit their liberty, Christians are exposed to great and peculiar dangers

(1)  from constitution and temperament;

(2)  circumstances;

(3)  difficulties and sorrows;

(4)  spiritual exercises.

II. THE DUTIES IN THE OBSERVANCE OF WHICH SPIRITUAL FREEDOM MAY BE MAINTAINED.

1. The devotional reading of Scripture day by day in connection with religious biography and kindred works.

2. A regular and conscientious attention to private prayer.

3. A spirit of watchfulness.

4. Constant self-denial.

5. Unceasing cultivation of holiness. In conclusion:Remember —

1. The price paid for your redemption.

2. The wretched state of the re-enslaved believer.

(H. H. Chettle.)

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KJV: Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

WEB: Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.