[The Glory Unveiled]
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. [ John 8:36 NIV ]
The Lord Jesus came to set men free from the bondage of the kingdom of darkness. In Luke 4:18, Jesus said He had been anointed to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. In John 8:31 downwards, the Lord Jesus explains to some Jews who had believed Him, what they needed to do to be His disciples and free. This means believing in Jesus does not automatically result in becoming His disciple or freedom from sin. His audience had believed in Him but He still told them to do something to be free. Hence, it is possible to appear to be free but still remain in the bondage of what you thought you were free from. This is also the reason why many believers are still held under the evil thumb of sin, evil addictions and demonic manipulations. They are believers but not yet free. Jesus says that when they hold on to His teachings, then they will know the truth and the truth will set them free (John 8:31-32). Their freedom was embedded in their acquaintance with the truth; when they hold on to the truth. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were set free from slavery because they held on to the promise of God to Abraham—that he will set them free. Our freedom is tied to our obedience to God’s word. In verse 34, Jesus mentions that anyone who sins is a slave to sin. The dominion of sin over a person makes them do its bidding. This is why even the believer can be held in the bondage of sin. But continuing to obey the truth we are exposed to, brings a strong influence of the Spirit of God over every bondage and sets us free. Our safest way out of the struggles and challenges of oppressive behaviours and habits is to continue in the word of God. Continue therefore in the word of God.
Prayer_Bead: Heavenly Father, help me to continue to obey your word in all things. Deliver me from the things that compete for your place in my life. In Jesus’ name.
Wisdom_Quote: Holding on to the word of God is the sure way out of slavery.
#GNews: Unveiling the glory of God.
AMEN