Conquer by Breaking Free From Captivity

Bound for Conquest Series, Part 3
Sunday 26th February 2006

‘It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.’
Galatians 5:1

A Christian called Cyprian who lived between 200-258’AD once said:

'It is a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy, which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people are the Christians -and I am one of them.'

Every Christian should have this testimony. No matter how bad or sinful the world around us; no matter how difficult are the circumstances around we may face; we can be over comers.

Christ promised his disciples, that no matter what they faced in life, He would give them the power to overcome.

Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The apostle Paul emphasises in Galatians that Christ has come to break every chain and hindrance so that we can live as free men and women.

Today we are either free or we are bound. There is no in between. If something holds us back, then we are not free. If nothing and no one but Christ is our master, who gives us power to rule, then we are free.

The apostle Paul challenges the Galatian Christians because, although they had started out as free people when they were born again through faith in Christ, they were now getting back into bondage - in their particular case a religious and legalistic bondage.

See Galatians 5:19-21 for a list of sins.

This is in stark contrast to those who have been set free to live a life filled with the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23.

1. Break from Uncleanness

In the Old Testament, the generation that Moses ministered to were virtually indistinguishable from the immoral, idolatrous and materialistic people of Egypt.

Exodus 32:6 & 25
1 Corinthians 10:8

In contrast, when God’s people entered Canaan, which was rife with sexual perversion and disease, they were to live a radically different lifestyle. There was to be no compromise with the surrounding culture (see Joshua 3:5).

Today Christians are to be a people of morality in a world of immorality. They are to be faithful in their relationships when others regard unfaithfulness as acceptable. They are to live lives of integrity in a world of corruption.

The Bible teaches that we must have clean hands, clean hearts and clean minds. What the Bible calls holiness is a big issue if we are to know God. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God,' Matthew 5: 8.

We must put aside deeds of darkness, Romans 13:12-14.

When we move into new territory in our Christian experience there must be an end to sexual sin, materialism and idolatry.

What needs clearing out of your life? Decide today that you will not be held captive in any way by uncleanness.

2. Break From Bitterness

Ephesians 4:31 states, 'Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.'

Bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness will hold you prisoner, Hebrews12: 15.

Bitterness is a serious business. It can:

• cause you to miss the grace of God
• grow to the point where it causes trouble
• ‘defile’ or poison others.

It was Absalom’s bitterness against his father David that led to him conspiring against his father King David and a civil war (2 Samuel 15).

When you look at strife in families or churches or nations, it can all be traced back to someone who has a bitter spirit because they perceived that they were not treated properly or recognised or honoured.

At root there is a strong sense of ‘it’s not fair. It’s not right. They shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it.’

Today repent of your bitterness and release yourself and others by forgiving them.

3. Break From Negative Words, Thoughts And Attitudes

In the Old Testament criticism was one of the main reasons the children of Israel who left Egypt never entered the Promised Land. They were forever criticising Moses. Even when they had seen miracles they spoke of stoning him!

In contrast, those who inherited the land under Joshua were supportive and positive in their words. They answered Joshua in Chapter 1, verse 16, 'Whatever you have commanded us we will do...'

Do you need to break free from negative words about others and about life?

Don’t say: ‘I am a failure, I’ll never rise above my circumstances’ - God’s word says 2 Corinthians 2:14.

Don’t say: ‘I can’t change, this is me’ - Jesus said in Matthew 18:3.

Don’t say: ‘I’m so weak, that I can’t conquer temptation’ - God’s says in Titus 2:11.

4. Break From Fear And Doubt

One of the most common phrases in the Bible is: ‘do not fear.’

People are held captive today by many fears. People are fearful of: failure, sickness, getting hurt, not having enough money, being exposed, not being accepted, not making the grade, being alone or of death.

Hebrews 2:15 tells how Christ, through his death, is able to ‘free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.’

Fear may be driving your life and your career right now. The Bible says ‘there is no fear in love', 1 John 4:18.

If you are a fearful person then you need to experience God’s liberating love. When you discover it, you will know that nothing will ever separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Today your destiny is to be a conqueror, a master of your soul, an overcomer, a free man or a free woman.

If you are held back by uncleanness, by bitterness, by negativism or fear, then face up to your situation. Repent of your wrong words, attitudes and behaviour.

Forgive those who have hurt you. Accept Christ’s forgiveness.

Ask him to pour out His Holy Spirit upon you so that you can live a live of love and freedom!