Jesus gives true freedom from things that have bound us. The freedom that Jesus Christ gives is a true and lasting release from past sins and the powers that have held us captive. This freedom is His victory that overcomes the world.
John 8:30-32 NKJV As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:36 NKJV Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
The Lord Jesus came into this world to release captives. To help clarify the depth of His ministry of release and freedom, Jesus picked up the book of Isaiah the prophet and read these words.
Luke 4:18-19 NKJV “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
The prophecy was revealing the ministry and mission of Christ to bring great relief, liberty, and freedom. After reading this prophecy, Jesus demonstrated His power by laying hands on every one of them and healing them. Many who were bound were released from demon power. After doing these things, Jesus and His disciples crossed over the Sea of Galilee. While they were crossing, a great windstorm arose and waves beat into the boat. The disciples were filled with fear and were certain they would die in the storm. Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace, be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Jesus can bring freedom from our fears.
One of the greatest illustrations of Christ’s power to bring freedom and release happened after they came to the country of the Gadarenes.
Mark 5:1-4 NKJV Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.
Some things that hold people captive cannot be tamed even by extreme measures. When this man who was bound saw Jesus, He came running and worshiped Him. He recognized that Jesus could help him, but when he did, the demons within cried out with a loud voice.
Mark 5:7-9 NKJV And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.”For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.”
A legion was a unit of 5,000 to 6,000 warriors. This man was bound by a well-organized group that possessed great power. Sometimes Satan’s attacks seem well organized and impossible to overcome.
Jesus Christ is able to bring freedom and release to your greatest bondage, fear, and sickness. Throughout the region of Galilee, Jesus released people who were bound by various conditions.
- In Mark 5, He released the man who had a legion of demons.
- In John 5, He healed a paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda.
Jesus told him: “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”
- In Luke 7, the woman who brought the alabaster flask of fragrant oil was forgiven of her sins and made free.
- In Luke 13:10-17, Jesus released a crippled woman from her infirmity.
Everyone who has been saved has experienced this freedom.
- Jesus Christ has released us from the bondage of our sins.
- He has broken the power of addictions and habits.
- He has defeated oppressive powers of darkness that have tormented the mind and spirit.
- He has released from demonic possession and oppression.
- He has healed bodies and brought blessed relief.
- He has given hope and peace.
- He has given rest and refreshing.
Acts 10:38 NKJV God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
That is exactly what He has done for us. Jesus has brought us into His grand and glorious liberty and freedom.
Galatians 5:1 NKJV Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Do you remember what that old life was like? The text says, “Stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free…” We must take a stand and refuse to open the door to that old life, fear, and bondage. We take a stand and refuse to open the door for Satan.
In John 8:36 Jesus said: “…if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Now we are told to take a stand in the liberty of our freedom.
This text in Galatians gives us two ways to keep the door shut on Satan and evil.
First, we must practice that freedom by standing fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.
- We must refuse to go back into the things that Christ has given us victory over.
- When we were saved, we were taken out of that old life.
- We have tasted the heavenly gift and the joy of the Lord in our soul.
- We know that we belong to God.
- Our future and eternal destiny is tied to Him.
- Our eyes are fixed on heaven.
Second, we must not get entangled again with that old yoke of bondage.
- We must refuse to go back to that old life.
- We were set free from those things that tormented and brought us down.
- That old life was filled with pain and shame.
- We are not going back.
Orpah and Ruth were two Moabite women in the Old Testament who give us a great illustration of going back. Both of their husbands died. Their only tie to God was their husband’s mother, Naomi.
When their husbands died, Naomi told them to return to their mother and family. Naomi said: “I have nothing to offer you.”
With tears in her eyes, Orpah kissed Naomi and turned back. When her husband died, she was through with his faith and God. Many people quit because they have no real connection. They quit because they face some kind of disappointment. Something happens and they go back to their old life. Orpah said, “I’ve had enough.” “I’m going back to being a Moabite woman.” “I’m going back to where I came from.” “I’m going back to the things I know.”
Naomi asked Ruth, “Are you going to go back to where you came from?” Ruth said: “I know too much and I’m not going back.” “I have received something I am not going to lose.” Ruth found something that was worth keeping.
Ruth 1:16-17 NKJV But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
Some of us cannot go back to that old life.
- The Lord has done so much for us.
- He has redeemed our life from destruction.
- He has saved our soul and filled us with the Holy Spirit.
- He has healed our body.
- He has delivered us from bondage.
- He has rescued us from Satan and sin.
- We cannot go back.
You can’t go back.
You can’t go back to arguing over things that don’t matter.
You can’t go back.
You can’t go back to playing games with God. You can’t go back to the burden and ways of the world.
Once God brought you to the next level, you can’t go back.
1 John 3:1-2 NKJV Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
I have decided to go all the way with Jesus. My mind is made up. My hope is secure. My faith is strong. Jesus is my Savior. God is my Compass. My destiny is heaven. I’m not turning back. I can’t go back.
