Freedom from the Power of Sin

Week 2-Day 3

You will KNOW truth, (John 8:32) and the truth will make you free to obey.

'Free? to obey? doesn't sound very freeing', you say?

Rebellion to the Word of God, sin, and living in any way that is not according to His truth set forth in His Word, 'handed down once for all to the saints' (Jude 1:3) is actually setting people up for slavery. "Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience, resulting in righteousness?" Romans 6:16

It is for freedom that Christ has set you free (Gal. 5), freedom from sin, from the power of sin and its devastating consequences, and freedom to walk in obedience to how He 'knows' that it 'works' and how it works well, for peace and abundant life and eternal life.  Being THE Creator of all of life, He knows and does have the right and rule and reign on how it all correctly functions well, for our good and His glory.

Therefore, freedom, real freedom, is in the Holy Spirit empowered ability to live in obedience to Him alone, not in an 'I can do it myself how I want freedom' or in obedience to the "lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, which is not from the Father, but is from the world" (1 John 2:16).  Freedom for ourselves and the freedom that we need to share and encourage in others is in obedience to God, to truly find LIFE as we lay ours down, being dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11,13). That is what Jesus has miraculously done for us, Church.  God forbid that we ever find ourselves fighting for the right to encourage sin! Do you realize that it is the LEAST LOVING thing we could do.  Don't fall into that trap of the enemy. 

“….Teach and preach  (exhort, urge) these principles.  If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of deprived mind and deprived of the truth,….” 1 Timothy 6:2b-5

-Is there any area that you are directly, indirectly, or inadvertently encouraging activity, motives, or a way of life that does not line up with God’s truth?

-Ask God to transform your mind through His Word. He promises to lead you into all truth (John 16:13)

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. and do not be conformed to this world (age), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1,2

(This is part of a 6 week prayer strategy series. To return to 'watch the ramparts' homepage: click here)