TRUE FREEDOM IN CHRIST

TRUE FREEDOM IN CHRIST John 8. 30-36                                   06Oct2016

Freedom had been described as the state of being at liberty to act, move, speak or perform without any restraint or hindrance. True freedom therefore is the ability to enjoy liberty physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially. True freedom is always desired by everyone. Man was created in freedom and was given liberty to enjoy all the amenities of Eden until Satan lured him into bondage and stole the freedom away (Jn. 10.10).  Since then, man through this enticement was sold into bondage of sin, sickness and satanic affliction. Many people today are still in this bondage though they have tried several ways to regain freedom. Unfortunately, many do not even know they are under any bondage. They are ignorant of their partial or complete bondage to Satan and his agents. This was the problem of the Jewish leaders as expressed in their dialogue with the Savior. True freedom can only be obtained in Christ Jesus. It’s the complete removal of all the root of bondage with its power and penalties, and permanent liberation into original dominion proclaimed by the Almighty God.

Description of the Dilemma and Trauma of Bondage. Rom. 7. 14-20, John 8.34, Jer. 50.33,

Bondage and captivity (or yokes) always have related characteristics. Their subjects and victims are always groaning in pain and suffering against their personal wish. The cry of such victims had always been like the text “who shall deliver me…” There is always an oppressor (visible or invisible) who exerts evil tyranny and dominion over them. These oppressor(s) never wanted their servants to be free, therefore they always make life miserable to them. Israel suffered greatly in Egypt, and later under the Assyrians and Babylonians for reasons they knew not. The following are some of the characteristics of bondage and captivity in a person’s life: (1) Every sinner is under the bondage of Satan. (ii) Repeated backsliding even at the expense of shame and reproach. (iii) When a person suddenly discovered retrogressions (backwardness) and stagnancy on steps that usually bring progress, (iv) when there is repeated severe labour with meager or no reward, (v) when there is regular disappointments, disasters and death either of life, business, marriage and family, (vi) when you observe a form of sickness or disease that seems to have defied medications in spite of all your resources. (vii) When there is an unexpected hindrance (e.g accident, or even satanic hold ups which always cause delay in an achievement of a seemingly easy task making its success a mirage. All these are indications of bondage in someone’s life.

Sin and ignorance are the main causes of bondage. While some enter into bondage through negative decisions taken ignorantly, some others sell their birthrights of liberty through covetousness (e.g get-rich quick), immoral friendship and relationship, solution seeking through illicit means and messengers (e.g occults) etc. These are lawful captives who sold themselves into bondage. This is very common today among our youth     

Declarations of Deliverance and Total Freedom. John 8.32, 36; John 10.10, Isa. 49.24-26, Isa 10.27, 14.25, Jeremiah 40.4, Luke 4.18

The divine declaration is sure and certain “if the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free in deed”. Jesus did not just want to set us free, but to make us free. Many are looking for people to set them free. But they soon realize they enter into another bondage. But True freedom comes when Christ makes the captive (sinner) free. He is completely free from both the internal and external bondage. Christ knew and had purchased the requirements of our freedom. The process of liberty if two fold. Its either through over-powering the oppressor and setting its captives free (Luke 11.21-22), or appeasing the oppressor making a compromise for the captive’s release. For our own freedom, Christ fulfilled all these laws. (i) By overpowering the Devil on the cross declaring “it is finished” and secondly appeasing the Almighty God through His sacrificial death (Col 2. 13-15) and by so, He only can make anyone completely free. In His declaration, He has come to give life abundantly. His freedom is Total and complete in that He gives liberation to the complete man: soul, spitrit and body. Life is freedom from death, freedom from suffering, freedom from Satanic afflictions and freedom from all sicknesses.

Determination and Steps for True Freedom.  Matt. 11.28, Acts 19.19, 2 Cor 6. 17, James 4.4, Gal. 5.1, Ps 91.1

There is need for strong determination and desire for freedom in the heart of the captive. He must also take definite steps that will not only get him out but that will keep him permanently.

 (i)Repent from all your sins and trespasses. Acts 17.30, (ii) Receive Christ as your Lord and Saviour, (iii) Resolve to live in Righteousness and never to be defiled any more (Dan. 1.8). (iv) Reject all the works of the devil, (v) Renounce all secret societies and associations (2Cor.6.17), (vi) Receive God’s promises by faith (Heb 10.23), Remain under God’s protection, presence and power (Zech 2.5, Ps 91.1)

Effective fervent prayer is essential for deliverance and dominion from the hands of the devil claiming God’s promises all the way.