LIBERTY is the state of being free from restrictions, law or  authority on one’s way of life, behaviour, or views.
WHAT LIBERTY MEANS 
WHEN LIBERTY TURNS LIABILITY 
WHERE LIBERTY IS PERFECTED
1. WHAT LIBERTY MEANS
The origin of Liberty is dated back to the Old Testament. Leviticus 25:10. 
Different types of Liberty:
1. Individual Liberty: refers to the freedom that a person has to act and make choices without undue external restraint. it means that a person has the right to do what they want as long as it does not harm others or go against the law.
According to the French Revolution’s “Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen”, “Liberty consists in the ability to do whatever does not harm another; hence the exercise of the natural rights of each man has no other limits than those which assure to other members of society the enjoyment of the same rights.”
2. Civil Liberty. This is the Liberty set out based on your social status in the society. It is a relative Liberty subject to the CIVIL law. As an immigrant, you are at liberty to do certain things and enjoy certain privileges. But a citizen may not be retrained from that which a temporary immigrant has no freedom to. 
3. Spiritual Liberty. This is freedom from spiritual oppression from sin, ungodly spirits and Satan. This is the liberty occasioned by a transaction between you and God thrrough Jesus Christ. Luke 4:18.  (KJV) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. 
He is the Advocate of Liberty be it individual, civil or spiritual. And we can conveniently say that the holistic (all-round) Liberty can only be found in Christ Jesus. 
“Liberty in Christ Jesus” refers to the freedom that believers experience through their relationship with Jesus Christ. Here’s what it entails:
1. *Freedom from Sin:* Believers are liberated from the power and penalty of sin through the forgiveness and redemption provided by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
2. *Freedom from Ordinances:* Liberty in Christ means freedom from the burdensome requirements of the law, as believers are no longer under the Old Testament law but under grace. 
3. *Freedom to Serve:* Rather than being enslaved to sin, believers are free to serve God and others out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done for them.
4. *Freedom from Fear:* Believers can experience freedom from fear of condemnation or judgment, knowing that they are accepted and loved by God unconditionally.
5. *Freedom to Live Abundantly:* Liberty in Christ allows believers to experience the abundant life that Jesus promised, filled with joy, peace, and purpose.
6. *Freedom to Love:* Believers are called to love others as Christ loved them, demonstrating compassion, kindness, and forgiveness.
7. *Freedom to Free Others:* The year of Jubilee was established to free slaves/servants who have been serving you. It offers feeedom to your aids to choose their own part to be like you. You should lord over anyone for more than 7 years. 
Overall, liberty in Christ Jesus encompasses spiritual freedom, empowerment, and a transformed life guided by the principles of love, grace, and righteousness.
WHEN LIBERTY TURNS LIABILITY
But with all the packs of freedoms, there is a thin line between one becoming a liability to yourself, and/or others. 
Liability: a person or a thing whose presence, action or behaviour may put one at a disadvantage. American dictionary: whose presence or behaviour may cause embarrassment. 
Our Bible Reading today we were reminded of how liberty can be lost by our acts. 
1 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV)
9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak
Eating and Drinking: Certain food can make you become a liability to others. For instance, you may argue that you are free to drink alcohol, but does it not put you at liability to others. Romans 14:1-7
Dressing: Your dress can become an embarrassment to yourself and others. And when that happens someone is offended. And when offence happens, there’s a curse. Matthew 18:7 (KJV)
Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Speech: Your freedom of speech can cross the line from liberty to a liability. Galatians 5:15  says, ”But if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you [and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another.“
 James 3:2 (KJV)
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Relationship: You are free to befriend or even marry anyone you wish. The type of relationship/friendship you keep can become a liability to you, your family and the church of God. 
Leaders’ son or daughter is looked up to by other children in the church. You are free.
WHERE LIBERTY IS PERFECTED
James 1:25 (KJV)
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Liberty is perfected by the holistic application of the doctrine of the Bible. And this doctrine is one: not doctrines. It is principled on LOVE. If you love someone, you won’t embarrass them by your presence or behaviour. If you show love to others they will love or be proud to have you around them. When you love others, you go the extra mile to keep them safe and comfortable.
The Word of God is the answer to all our questions. Let’s embrace God’s wisdom in everything we do, say or think. 
In words, food, dresses, career, wealth acquisition, social or political affiliation, let’s enshrine the perfect law of Liberty. 
The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit. It is the wisdom of God. Weigh your actions and inactions by the word of God.
Will God approve this?
Let us pray.