Week of 4/26/26:Alive in Freedom
SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Filled with PowerWeekly Theme: Be the Church - Alive in Freedom
Sermon Text: Acts 8 : 26 – 40
Primary Reading: Acts 13 – 16
Secondary Reading: Romans 7 – 8
Memory Verses (Through May 2nd): Romans 8:2–6 (ESV)
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. [3] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
[4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
[5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
[6] For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
1 | Theme Reflection - "Alive in Christ"
Freedom is not doing whatever we want; it is being set free from sin and condemnation to live by the Spirit.
In Romans 7–8, Paul captures the cry of every believer: “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” The answer: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Freedom in Christ does not lead us away from obedience, but into willing obedience. We obey not to earn God’s favor, but because we are already loved.
Freedom is not doing whatever we want; it is being set free from sin and condemnation to live by the Spirit.
In Romans 7–8, Paul captures the cry of every believer: “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” The answer: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
In Acts 13–16, the Spirit sends the Church outward - Paul and Barnabas are sent, Lydia is freed by faith, a slave girl is delivered, prisoners sing. The gospel keeps breaking chains, visible and invisible.
Freedom in Christ does not lead us away from obedience, but into willing obedience. We obey not to earn God’s favor, but because we are already loved.
To Be the Church - Alive in Freedom is to live no longer bound by guilt and no longer ruled by shame.Those rooted in Christ are not defined by their failures, but are being formed to bear fruit as God gives growth.
2 | Daily Reading Rhythm
3 | Practice of the Week - The Freedom Walk
At sunrise or sunset this week, take a short walk in silence.
“No condemnation. Only grace.”
As you walk, imagine your steps as a prayer of freedom -
each one carrying you further from fear and closer to life in the Spirit.
Consider adding verse 1 from Romans chapter 8 to the memory verses for April and pray it as you walk as a potent reminder of the truth of the gospel message: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Rom 8:1
At sunrise or sunset this week, take a short walk in silence.
Each step, repeat:
“No condemnation. Only grace.”
As you walk, imagine your steps as a prayer of freedom -
each one carrying you further from fear and closer to life in the Spirit.
4 | Doctrinal Focus - The Doctrine of Adoption
In salvation, God not only forgives - He adopts.
Through the Spirit of adoption (Romans 8:15), believers become sons and daughters, crying “Abba, Father.”
Adoption means access: the freedom to come boldly before God, not as merely as servants of the King, but as the beloved of the Father.
This new identity silences shame and fuels joyful obedience.
We no longer live to earn belonging; we live because we already belong.
5 | Missional Focus - Freed To Love
In addition to telling others about the love of Christ, the people of God are equipped by the Holy Spirit to embody His love in our life.
This week, look for someone weighed down by guilt, disappointment or failure.
Offer a word of encouragement - remind them of the love that God has shown for sinners in sending His Son, Jesus.
Pray that God would make you an instrument of grace in the life of another this week.
In addition to telling others about the love of Christ, the people of God are equipped by the Holy Spirit to embody His love in our life.
This week, look for someone weighed down by guilt, disappointment or failure.
Offer a word of encouragement - remind them of the love that God has shown for sinners in sending His Son, Jesus.
Pray that God would make you an instrument of grace in the life of another this week.
“Father, let my freedom you’ve granted me in Jesus be contagious to others.”
6 | Community Group Discussion Questions
From the Sermon (Text — Acts 8 : 26–40)
From the Sermon (Text — Acts 8 : 26–40)
- What do you notice about Philip’s freedom to follow the Spirit’s leading?
- How does the Ethiopian’s baptism embody joy and liberation in Christ?
- How do Romans 7–8 help us understand the struggle between law and grace?
- What do Paul’s journeys in Acts 13–16 reveal about how freedom empowers obedience?
From Personal Reflection
- What area of your life still feels bound by guilt, control, or fear?
- How might believing your adoption in Christ transform that area?
From Community Life
- How can our group help one another live more freely - celebrating grace instead of performing for approval?
- What would it look like for our church to be known as a people “alive in freedom”?
Questions for Children
- What does it mean to be free in Jesus?
- Why don’t we have to be afraid of God’s rules?
- How does the Holy Spirit help us do what’s right?
- Who can you tell this week that Jesus makes us free?
7 | Closing Prayer
Father, thank you for your wonderful grace and mercy towards me.
Thank you that for freedom Christ has set us free.
Thank you that in Christ there is no longer any condemnation for me.
Holy Spirit, help me to put to death the deeds of the flesh and to walk in your freedom. Help me to believe the Lord’s admonition that it is better to give than to receive. Help me to love others out of the freedom I have in Christ. Help others to see the freedom and I hope that I have that I might bear witness with my mouth to the freedom that comes through Christ. Please save Lord!
Amen.