The Liberty of the Holy Spirit

The Number One Reason Christians Stop Maturing
I want to talk about something that weighs on many believers: Why do Christians stop growing in their faith? Perhaps you’re in a season where you feel stuck, or maybe you’ve been a Christian for a long time but haven’t felt spiritual momentum in a while. The good news is that in Christ, we are given everything we need to continue maturing. Yet, there’s often one major stumbling block:
“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.” —Galatians 5:1

Freed From vs. Freed To vs. Freed With
The heart of the message is this: you have been freed from the old ways of living, freed to grow in a new life with Christ, and freed with a powerful resource—the love of God through His Holy Spirit.
1. Freed From…

1. Condemnation
   “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” —Romans 8:1
   Jesus paid the full penalty for your sins. If you are in Christ, shame and guilt do not define you.
2. Sin’s Power
   Christ not only removed the penalty of sin but also gives you the power to overcome it. It no longer rules over you when you yield to the Holy Spirit.
3. Legalistic Rule-Keeping
   We can’t be saved or grow by simply following a list of rules. Jesus fulfilled the Law. Our growth is in Him, not in our performance.
4. Spiritual Ignorance
   The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to understand God’s Word and His ways. We are no longer “in the dark.”
5. Death’s Finality
   “But if Christ is in you… the Spirit gives life.” —Romans 8:10–11
   Christ’s resurrection means eternal life for believers. Death is no longer the end; it’s a doorway to eternity with Him.

2. Freed To…

1. Worship Christ
   Real worship goes beyond songs on Sunday—it’s daily, wholehearted allegiance to Jesus.
2. Pray to Christ
   Prayer is relational, not ritual. It’s our privilege to converse with the God who created the universe.
3. Grow in Christ
   The same grace that saves you also teaches you to say “no” to sin and “yes” to holiness. You are meant to keep maturing in faith.
4. Venture Out in Faith
   True faith often involves risk, stepping into the unknown and trusting God will meet you there. Without faith, it’s impossible to please Him.
5. Serve in Christ’s Body
   Every believer is gifted to serve in the local church. Ephesians 2:10 tells us we were created for good works, planned by God long ago. Serving is not a chore but a joyful step in our spiritual journey.

3. Freed With… Love
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” —John 13:35
All our service, gifts, and growth must be anchored in love—love for God and love for others. First Corinthians 13, often read at weddings, was originally placed between chapters on spiritual gifts to emphasize that no gift matters without love.

Walking in Freedom
So, what keeps us from maturing? Often, it’s failing to walk in the freedom Christ has already secured. We slip into shame, slip back into sin, or slip under legalistic burdens when God’s desire is for us to live freely in His Spirit.

• No condemnation: You’re forgiven!
• Freedom from sin’s power: You can overcome!
• Freedom to grow: Keep maturing in Christ.
• Freedom to serve: There’s a place for you in God’s kingdom work.
• Done in love: Let love be the motive for all you do.

Wherever you are on your spiritual journey—brand new to the faith or decades in—remember that you have everything you need to grow because the Holy Spirit lives in you. Embrace the liberty He provides, and look forward to the many ways God will use you as you step out boldly in faith.