Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!
I am of the belief that we now face times of bondage like never before. We face physical bondage that deals with addictions and habits. We also face mental bondage that deals with fear, depression, anxiety and anger. We furthermore deal with spiritual bondage that deals with idolatry, and witchcraft. I believe it would be safe to say that as adults, most, if not all of us have suffered, endured, or experienced one, if not all three of these.
Bondage is not prejudice and does not target a certain sect of people. You may be black, white, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American. You may be upper class, middle class, or simply poor. We all face encounters with bondage.
As believers, there are a few things we need to understand and bear in mind. First of all… God never intended for us to be bound. In the book of Luke 4:18 says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; heal the broken hearted, preach deliverance to the captives, recover sight to the blind, and set at liberty them that are bruised.” The reason Christ came was to set us free. He came to heal, deliver, and bring peace.
Galatians 5:1 The Apostle Paul tells us to stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. This particular writing was referring to no longer being bound to the law; because the law was considered a yoke of bondage. Bondage however can be anything that holds you captive. This is where we find ourselves right now. Christ knew we would experience trials and tribulations (the enemy wreaking havoc, family and friends hurt, the pressures of this world would get tough). But Jesus lets us know that he’s already taken care of this so, don’t let this “stuff” bind you up and hold you hostage. Paul encourages the people to keep their spiritual freedom. Don’t let anyone or anything take the joy of your freedom and don’t take it from yourself. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.
Secondly, we must identify what has us bound. In order to fix the problem, we have to know what’s causing the problem. Ephesians 6:12 says we are not wrestling against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. No one wants to intentionally be bound, however; I believe that if we can truly understand where the binding forces are coming from we could better strategize a plan for victory. You see the truth is, you’re not upset with that brother or sister because she or he didn’t speak to you, you’re actually upset because he or she was commended by the pastor and now you’re bound with a spirit of jealousy because you feel overlooked. We have to find the root cause and get to the heart of the matter so it will not hold us captive any longer.
Lastly, we must utilize the power God gave us to break free. Acts 1:8 says after the Holy Ghost has come upon you ye shall receive power from on high. Luke 10:19 says behold I give unto you power (authority) to tread (trample) on serpents and scorpions and over all of the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means harm you. Figuratively speaking serpents and scorpions meant evil, demonic forces, Satan and his works. Christ has given us power over this! He has given us the power to break the chains from over our lives. These are the chains of not forgiving, oppression, depression, anger, hatred, bitterness, hurt, abandonment and our past. Isaiah 58:6 tells us how we can activate that power. It says, is not this the fast that I have chosen to loosen the bands of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke. Some things can only go out by prayer and fasting.
Sometimes you have to give up some things to get results…
Sometime you have to distance yourself from certain people…
Whatever it is… you have the power through Christ Jesus to break it and be free!
I’m free, praise the Lord I’m free.
No longer bound, no more chains holding me.
My soul is resting, it’s just a blessing.
Praise the Lord, Hallelujah I’m free!
Debra “Dee” Dyer is the Pastor of New Vision Restoration Center and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.