FREE INDEED!
By
Introduction
Jesus said: “So if the Son liberates you—makes you free men—then you are really and unquestionably free.” (See John 8:36, Amp.). “--Free indeed.” (N.A.S.) Hallelujah!!!!!!!
Paul said to the Roman church: “For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being], has freed me from the law of sin and death.” (See Romans 8:2, Amp.).
Paul exhorted the church at Galatia: “In [this] freedom Christ has made us free—completely liberated us; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery—which you have once put off.” (See Galatians 5:1, Amp.). I like what another version says: “It was for freedom that Christ set us free” (N.A.S.).
Jesus spoke in John, Chapter 8, “If you abide in My word—hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them—you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”(Vss. 31-32, Amp.).
James told the churches: “But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.” (See James 1:25, N.A.S).
Here it is!
Jesus, “---has made us free---”, “---has freed me---”, “---set us free---.”(Past).
Jesus, “---the Son liberates you—makes you free men”; therefore we should look constantly into “----the perfect law of liberty ---.” (Present).
Jesus says: “If we abide in His word (His truth) we will be set free”, “---shall be blessed in what we do---.” (future).
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32, N.A.S.).
IT IS GOD, THE FATHER’S, PERFECT WILL TO SEE HIS CHILDREN FREE OF ALL BONDAGE BY WALKING IN COMPLETE LIBERTY AND FREEDOM THAT HAS BEEN, IS BEING, AND FOREVER MORE SHALL BE PROVIDED BY THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT!!!!!!! LET US BE BLESSED BY THE GREAT BLESSING OF FREEDOM THAT COMES FROM HIM!!!!!!!
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” (2 Cor.3:17)
Chapter One
JESUS, SET US FREE
Jesus set us free by His death on the cross, by His decension into hell, taking away from satan the keys of death and hell, by His resurrection from the dead, and by His ascension to the right hand of His Father in Heaven where He is now, ever making intercession for the saints.
Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6, N.A.S.). There is no other way to have a relationship with the Father except through Jesus. There is no real truth except through Jesus. There is no other life except through Jesus. Many people think that they are alive but in essence only exist as a form of life. Jesus proclaims, “The thief (satan) comes only in order that he may steal, and may kill and may destroy; I (Jesus) came that they might have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance—to the full, till it overflows”. ( John 10:10, Amp.) (emphasis mine). Everyone on earth would like to enjoy life, but only those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will have the freedom to enjoy an eternal and abundant life. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy every human being whom he can deceive and hold in bondage. For that reason, all men need to come to know Jesus, Who is the Truth, to be set free.
How does this happen? It happens through knowing Jesus, the Truth, which is His Word. How can a person know His Word? First, each individual must know Him personally, not just know about Him, because He is the Living Word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God—And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father , full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1, 14, N.A.S.).
Second, by believing in Him and by having faith and trust in Him, each person is able to accept, believe and trust His Word. Remember, He said that if we abide in His Word, we are truly His disciples and we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. The more we know someone personally the more likely we will be to give attention to their words and believe what they have to say.
God never lies; the devil always lies, because he is the father of lies. Each one must decide who to believe and who is telling the truth. If the choice is made not to believe the Truth, Who is the Word of God, then there is no liberation and freedom from the lies and bondages of the devil. We are told clearly in Romans, Chapter 3: “What if some did not believe and were without faith? Does their lack of faith and their unfaithfulness nullify and make ineffective and void the faithfulness of God and His fidelity [to His Word]? By no means! Let God be found true though every human being be false and a liar---.” (Vss. 3-4, Amp.). We are only set free by hearing the Word and believing that He is the Truth. Our very faith in the Lord comes from hearing and hearing the words of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. (See Romans 10:17).
Another means which God made available to us is the Truth that sets us free through the Holy Spirit, who is called the Spirit of Truth. All need to come to know and have faith, personally, in the Lord Jesus Christ. This brings about the new birth and spiritual regeneration as the person of the Holy Spirit comes to live in each new believer revealing to him, Jesus the Son. Since the believer needs a personal revelation and understanding of the Truth to be set free, the Spirit of Truth also works in the heart or spirit of each individual to reveal to him the Truth. The Holy Spirit leads and guides each one into all truth, teaches him all things, and even brings back into remembrance those things that he was previously taught. I would encourage you to review the inward workings of the Holy Spirit as Jesus explained in John 14:16-17, 26 and in John 16:7-14.
We should be able to understand that just by reading printed words written down on paper which people call the Bible will not set anyone free. There are many printed pages in many books read by many people. But those who know and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ enter into a blood covenant relationship that came through the shedding of His Blood on the Cross. His Covenant allows each one to have His Word written on their hearts not on just pages of paper, “----you are a letter of Christ---written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts---as servants of a new covenant, not of letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Cor.3:3, 6, N.A.S).
“We thank you, Father, for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and who You sent to set us free and to give us life and life more abundant. We thank You for the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth that You sent to give us the supernatural ability to know and understand Your Word. If we could not know and understand the Truth, we could not be free. We thank You for the liberty and freedom that You gave to us through these truths. Thank You, Jesus, Thank You, Holy Spirit, In Jesus Name, Amen!”
Chapter Two
THE LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS
As we continue to look at how the Lord set us free, we need to recognize that there was a law of sin and death that began in the Garden of Eden when man sinned and death came to all mankind as a result of disobedience to God. Then we need to realize that Jesus took that law of sin and death and cancelled it out through His death on the Cross. Remember what He said as He died: “It is finished!” That meant that the sin that began in the garden and separated God and man was finished and through Him all sin of all men for all times was paid for and man was reconciled to the Father in Heaven. What remains is for each man to make a decision. It is for every man, woman, and child to decide to call on the name of the Lord so that they may be saved, delivered, rescued, restored, and set free. Unfortunately, some decide to reject the provision made by Jesus only to perish in bondage, guilt, and condemnation. The law of eternal death was finished, for all who believe, by the law of eternal life. It was finished!!!!!!! Glory! A new law, a new covenant with new promises from His Word began at that moment. We have grace, mercy, and help in a time of need, from our faithful High Priest, Jesus, as we boldly go to the throne of grace. (See Hebrews 4:12-16).
The only way for a law to be abolished or changed is when a new law is put into effect. This new law is called the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. Since God cannot fail, He was able to take our failures upon Himself. This gave us access to a new relationship with Him through His Son, our Savior, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Lord.
When we place our faith in Jesus to be Who we all need and all that we would ever need the Holy Spirit comes into our spirit, and the sin and death that was there is replaced by His righteousness and life. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). It is also necessary to know that not only is our spirit man set free but God also wills that the process of liberty flows upward from our renewed spirit into our soul. From the soul spiritual freedom can then pass outward to our mortal bodies. We will spend some more time talking about this miraculous work.
This spiritual principle we must never forget; God works in us from the inside to the outside! That is to say that the workings of the Holy Spirit began in our inner man or our spirit and flow outward to our soul and body. We need to see this in the liberating process that the Lord is continuously bringing about in those of us who are yielding to Him. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus begins in our inner being freeing us from sin through His forgiveness and cleansing of our hearts. There is therefore no condemnation in our hearts as we receive His restoration by faith if we walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. This simply means that we cannot receive His forgiveness by fleshly means. (See Romans 8:1-4).
We receive deliverance from eternal death by receiving eternal life in our spirit because the soul and body die but the spirit of man lives forever. In John, Chapter 11, Jesus told Mary and Martha, the sisters of dead Lazarus, “I Am the Resurrection and the Life and he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (Vss. 25-26, N.A.S.). Fear of death is a great bondage, but we are assured that Jesus has delivered us from the fear of death. “Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” (Hebrews 2:14-15, N.A.S.).
Now in the soul or mind realm, we also have access to freedom from bondage. In Romans, Chapter 8, we see that if we set our minds on the things of the flesh we experience death and oppression. However, if our minds are set on the things of the Spirit we experience life and peace. The Word even says that the mind set on the flesh is hostile against God and is not subjected and submitted to Him and therefore is unable to please Him (See Vss. 5-8). This bears witness to what James said to us in Chapter 4: “You [are like] unfaithful wives [having illicit love affairs with the world] and breaking your marriage vow to God! Do you not know that being the world’s friend is being God’s enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world takes his stand as an enemy of God.” (Vs. 4, Amp.). The fleshly, carnal mind is a worldly mind, submitting itself to satan, the god of this world. We are also exhorted in Romans, Chapter 12: “Do not be conformed to this world—this age, fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs. But be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind—by its new ideals and its new attitude—so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [ in His sight for you].” (Vs. 2, Amp.).
If we want to experience life and peace in our soul, we must decide moment by moment to think on the things of the Spirit. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” (Phil. 4:6-8, N.A.S.). A mind stayed on the Lord, will be kept in perfect peace. Amen! (See Isaiah 26:3).
The other realm of our mortal being is the body. This realm seems to be the most difficult area where the majority struggle to experience freedom and liberty. However, the source of deliverance for the mortal body is also the Holy Spirit, as He is allowed to work through our spirits and souls. “And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.” (Romans 8:10-11, N.A.S.).
Jesus paid the price for our salvation, redemption, healing and deliverance on the Cross. Isaiah prophesied of the supernatural work of liberation in Chapter 53: “Surely He has borne our griefs—sickness, weakness, and distress—and carried our sorrows and pain [of punishment]. Yet we ignorantly considered Him stricken, smitten and afflicted by God [as if with leprosy]. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement needful to obtain peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes that wounded Him we are healed and made whole.” (Vss. 4-5, Amp.). Many readily acknowledge the burden and penalty of sin that Jesus bore, but do not acknowledge the benefits to the soul and body that He also provided. Matthew, Chapter 8, however, confirms these wonderful provisions. “When evening came they brought to Him many who were under the power of demons, and he drove out the spirits with a word, and restored to health all who were sick; And thus He fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, He Himself took ( in order to carry away) our weaknesses and infirmities and bore away our diseases.” (Vss. 16-17, Amp.).
Of course, we must emphasize that all this marvelous freedom- spirit, soul, and body- is only available through the Lord Jesus Christ; for all who choose to believe, trust, and have faith in Him. When we believe and enter into this personal relationship with Him, He comes into our lives in the Person of the Holy Spirit and we are His and He is ours. This means all of His covenant promises and benefits are available to us through our inheritance as His children. “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.----For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.----The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ--.” (Romans 8:9, 14, 16-17, N.A.S.).
Chapter Three
IT WAS FOR FREEDOM’S SAKE
Freedom is what everyone wants and what everyone needs! We are not talking about just doing anything you want, when you want, and where you want. Taking your liberty at the expense of others, being selfish and inconsiderate of others, or taking advantage of others is not the liberty and freedom that we are speaking of. We are seeking the freedom that comes from above, from the heavenly realm, yet available to be experienced on the earth. Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew, Chapter 6: “Pray therefore like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Vss. 9-10, Amp.). Through His instructions on how to pray, not what to pray, we should see that God desires to see His will manifested on earth as it is in heaven. Can we even imagine the freedom and liberty that exists in heaven? Hallelujah!
WE ARE BORN FROM ABOVE, FILLED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH, BLESSED WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST, BECAUSE HE RAISED US UP WITH HIM AND SEATED US WITH HIM IN THE HEAVENLY REALM. GLORY, GLORY, GLORY!!!!!!!
We are destined to live from the heavenly realm while we live on the earth. This is the source of true freedom. We are instructed by the Lord further along in this chapter to “---seek first His kingdom and His righteousness---.” (Vs.33.). In Colossians, Chapter 3, we are told: “If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. And set your minds and keep them set on what is above—the higher things—not on the things that are on the earth. For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hid with Christ in God.” (Vss.1-3, Amp.).
Galatians, Chapter 5, says: “It was for freedom that Christ set us free---.”(Vs.1, N.A.S.). “In [this] freedom Christ has made us free—completely liberated us---.”(Vs.1, Amp.). This freedom that we received from Jesus was what we needed and what he wanted us to have! Jesus left His freedom in heaven and came down here to take upon Himself our bondage. All burdens were lifted from us when He said from the Cross: “It is finished”. Take note that it was done for us. Praise His Name! Now since it was done for us, He desires that we receive His liberty, and after having once received it to keep it. For that reason the Word of the Lord says: “---therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Again verse one, N.A.S.). “---Stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery—which you have once put off--” (Amp.).
Let’s fully understand that it is God’s will that we be free with the liberty that He has given to us. To get free is one thing, but to stay free is another. That is the reason for these strong exhortations to the church. “Stand firm!” “Don’t go back into bondage!”
There are two primary sources of bondage. One is sin, which originates from a decision of our free will not obey God, and the other is satanic attack. In both cases, our Lord Jesus has given us the ability to be set free. Jesus has given us power over sin and power over the devil and demon spirits. Many do not want to take the responsibility of dealing with sin in their lives. 1 John, Chapter 1, says: “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” (Vss.8-10, N.A.S.). When we sin, we have only one means to be free from the penalty of sin and that is to go to Jesus. Sin brings consequences that include the bondages of condemnation, guilt, and separation from our fellowship with God and with other believers. So the way to liberty is to confess our sin to the Lord and have faith in Him to forgive, cleanse, and set us free. We must realize that there is a very important key in this spiritual exercise. First, we must confess our sin to Jesus; second, we must receive our forgiveness. If we do not receive the freedom of forgiveness, by faith, then there is no relief from the burden of sin.
In addition to this, we receive power from the Holy Spirit to give us dominion over sin through the fruit of the Spirit called self-control. This is not controlling ourselves through our own strength and power but bringing our fleshly lusts that lead to sin under control by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. We make a decision to exercise our will according to His will, drawing upon His grace, to walk by the Spirit and not carry out the desires of the flesh. (See Gal. 5:16-17). Romans, Chapter 6, says it this way: “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.” (Vss.12-14, N.A.S.). If we want to be free we need to recognize that all acts and thoughts of rebellion and disobedience are sin. Then we need to constantly yield to and obey His Word (Truth) which will set us free. Hallelujah! “I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1, N.A.S.).
We also have power over the devil! “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38, N.A.S.). Jesus still goes about doing good and liberating all from the devil’s oppression. How? Through the same power of the Holy Spirit and anointing. We need to see that the same Holy Spirit dwells in us as does the anointing. 1 John, Chapter 4 says: “Little children, you are of God—you belong to Him—and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.” (Vs.4, Amp.). Chapter 5 goes on to say: “For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith. Who is it that is victorious over (that conquers) the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God—who adheres to, trusts in and relies [on that fact]?” (Vss. 4-5, Amp.). We can be free if we can only believe! “----The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].” (See 1 John 3:8, Amp.). God is for us, with us and in us! Amen!
After having once appropriated our liberty, comes the challenge of maintaining it. As mentioned before, it is one thing to get free but another to stay free. We can see from Galatians, Chapter 5, that the question is asked: “You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him Who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.” (Vss.7-9, N.A.S.). Obviously, this leaven is the contamination that causes us to go back into the yoke of bondage. The Word says here that “a little leaven contaminates the whole lump.” Now it is clear that it is not the Lord Who is responsible for our problem, therefore it would have to be someone else. That “someone” is either ourselves opening the door for defeat through fleshly pursuits or the devil trying to rob us or distract us from running the race and finishing the course of freedom.
We are strongly exhorted in James, Chapter 4, to submit and subject ourselves to God. This is our decision! God says it is our free-will decision to be subject to Him; to seek Him and to draw near to Him. “So be subject to God.—Stand firm against the devil; resist him and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. Humble yourselves—feeling very insignificant—in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.—He will lift you up and make you significant.”(Vss. 7-10, Amp.). What a wonderful opportunity to be free! One great freedom that we need is to be free from our carnal, self-centered nature, a nature that is rooted in pride and rebellion. (See Vs. 6)
If we desire to be liberated from satanic onslaught we must be actively resisting the enemy. “Stand firm against the devil” is the instruction that we receive in His Word. One key that we must learn is that the devil must respond to our resistance when we are in the right position with the Lord. That position is a position of humility before Him, submission to Him and intimacy with Him. When these conditions exist in our lives, the devil and his demons will flee from us. Amen!!!!!!! Peter tells us: “Therefore humble yourselves (demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation) under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you. Casting all your care—all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all—on Him; for He cares for you affectionately, and cares about you watchfully. Be well-balanced—temperate, sober-minded; be vigilant and cautious at all times, for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams about like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset]—rooted, established, strong, immovable and determined—knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood ( the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace—Who imparts all blessing and favor—Who has called you to His[own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen (and settle) you.”(1 Peter 5:6-10, Amp.).
We should never blame others for our lack of liberty! We are responsible to make our own decision to be free no matter what the circumstances or situations may be. If another person is trying to negatively control, manipulate, or influence us, we must recognize that our true enemy is the devil. He can certainly use people to frustrate, aggravate, provoke, harass and persecute us, but we cannot allow our flesh to war against someone else. Our weapons of warfare are not carnal but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds. (See 2 Cor. 10:3-4). This is emphasized in Ephesians, Chapter 6: “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” (Vss.10-13, N.A.S.).
Any fleshly retaliation on our part indicates that we are walking in the flesh, by taking our liberty in the wrong way. This type of response is not the freedom that the Lord desires for us to have. He has definitely called us to freedom, but our freedom in Him brings us to the Spirit-filled walk, and the Spirit-filled life. This is explained clearly, once again in Galatians, Chapter 5: “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you are consumed by one another. But I say, walk in the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh, ---If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Vss.13-16, 25, N.A.S.). “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:15-18, N.A.S.). See “Be Filled with the Holy Spirit” at www.axley.org
“NOW THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT, AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS LIBERTY—EMANCIPATION FROM BONDAGE—FREEDOM!” (2 Cor.3:17, Amp.) THANK YOU, JESUS!!!!!!!
Chapter Four
THE PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY
As we finished our last thoughts in 2 Corinthians 3:17, we see a declaration of God’s freedom that comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives. If we yield to the Holy Spirit then the result will always be liberty- spirit, soul, and body. Following in verse 18, we see another declaration of God’s will for us. “ And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” (Amp. Version.) The Word of God reveals the true reflection of who we are in Christ and Who He is in us. It is most necessary to have the conviction that the Lord Jesus desires to conform us to His own image, if we are to experience the perfect law of liberty. Take notice, that this conviction cannot be affected by natural conditions that exist in our lives. The supernatural truth and power of His Word is the basis of our image being transformed unto His image.
James says in Chapter One that we are to prove ourselves by believing His Word to the degree that we are willing to implement it into our lives. Be doers of the Word, not just hearers. What happens when we hear and hear but fail to do what our Lord instructs and exhorts us to do? The Word says clearly that we deceive ourselves: “But—obey the message; be doers of the Word, and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].” (Vs.22, Amp.). It is the Truth that sets us free, but it only is as the Truth (His Word) is activated in our lives that liberty comes. Hallelujah!!!!!!!
We see in the following verses that “the perfect law of liberty” is the reflection of freedom in the Lord Jesus that we can see as we fix our eyes on Him. This perfect law of liberty is the law that sets us free from the law of bondage, just as the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death. “For if any one only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in the mirror; for he thoughtfully observes himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like.” (Vss. 23-24, Amp.). The spiritual principle here is that we cannot be free by looking at our natural image, but liberty comes as we look at our spiritual image. “But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets, but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing—in his life of obedience.” (Vs.25, Amp.).
The spiritual image is seeing in the mirror what God has provided and willed for us to be through His Word. When we have mirrored reflections in the natural realm, these reflections or images can be very discouraging and destructive. But when we can see ourselves in Christ as God sees us and declares over and over in His Word, we can go from the natural restrictions and limits to the supernatural, unlimited potential that we have in Him. Paul said: “For in Him we live and move and have our being----for we are also His offspring.” (Acts 17:26, Amp.).
We must constantly decide which mirror we will look into and focus on. If we look into the mirror of the many circumstances and situations that we face in life and concentrate on these reflections we shall stay under the influence and control of the natural man. However, if we decide to look persistently and diligently into the perfect law of liberty, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, then we shall be delivered from our afflictions and bondages. “Many evils confront the [consistently] righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:19, Amp.). Glory to God!!!!!!!
TOTAL FREEDOM (A SUPERNATURAL SUMMARY)
Total freedom has been provided to us by Jesus and is available through faith and trust in Him!
“The Lord redeems the life of His servants, and none of those who take refuge and trust in Him shall be condemned or held guilty.” (Psalm 34:22, Amp.).
“O Lord of hosts, blessed—happy, fortunate [to be envied]—is the man who trusts in You, (leaning and believing on you, committing all and confidently looking to You, and that without fear and misgiving)!” (Psalm 84:12, Amp.).
“The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him—who adheres to, relies on and trusts Him—will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed.” (Romans 10:11, Amp.).
The question that always remains is whether or not we will decide to trust in Him and believe in Him! (Fora more in depth study of faith and trust, see “An Absolute Faith” at www.axley.org
As we speak of total freedom and liberty, each one of us must be convinced that in whatever area we need to be delivered God has made the provision for us in His Word. Although total freedom, in every area, is God’s perfect will, let’s review some of the more common areas of bondage that we fall into. We will see that, He has made ways of escape through His Word and Power! Praise His Name, forever!!!!!!!
Sin:
Many suffer from the misery of sin. We mentioned before that if sin is not repented of and confessed, it cuts us off from fellowship with God and with one another and we are oppressed with condemnation and guilt for our transgressions. “And these things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:4-10, N.A.S.).
We must never forget our benefits in Jesus Christ! “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities---Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption---As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:2-4, 12, Amp.). If you would like more in detail, please refer to “Repentance, the Door to Liberty” found on www.axley.org
Mental depression, oppression and sadness; fear, worry and anxiety:
Many feel helpless to overcome this area of bondage, but the Word of the Lord says: “---The chastisement needful to obtain peace and well-being for us was upon Him---.” (Isaiah 53:5, Amp.). “--- the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit, [the work which His presence within accomplishes]—is love, joy (gladness), peace---Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].” (Galatians 5:22-23, Amp.).
Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful---These things have I spoken that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 14:27, 16:33, N.A.S.). “And which of you by worrying or being anxious can add one unit of measure [cubit] to his stature or to the span of his life?” (Matthew 6:27, Amp.). “Do not be anxious then, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6: 31-34, N.A.S.). “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.” (Romans 14: 17-18, N.A.S.). For further meditation see “Count It All Joy” also found on www.axley.org
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever of good repute, if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:6-8, N.A.S.). “We are destroying every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor.10:5-6, N.A.S.). Amen!
Fear is a spirit! It is an unholy spirit! It is not what the Holy Spirit has given us. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity—of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear—but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” (2 Tim 1:7, Amp.). God wants us to be secure in His love for us. This security drives out and delivers us from fear. “There is no fear in love—dread does not exist; but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love—is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection.” (1 John 4:18, Amp.).
Sickness and disease:
Our covenant with God through Jesus Christ includes freedom and deliverance from all illnesses. “Surely He has borne our griefs—sickness, weakness and distress—and carried our sorrows and pain—But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace needful to obtain peace and well-being was upon Him, and with the stripes that wounded Him we are healed and made whole.” (Isaiah 53:4-5, Amp.) We see Jesus continually confirm this truth during His earthly ministry. “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38, N.A.S.).
As believers, we are instructed by the Lord to liberate the sick and oppressed. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ---And these signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, ---they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover.” (Mark 16:15-18, N.A.S.).
As the body of Christ, we have individual authority over all sickness and disease through our faith in His healing power; plus we have corporate authority and responsibility with each other if we are attacked with any infirmity. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:14-16, N.A.S.). Please read “Why Divine Healing?” found on website: www.axley.org
Religious concepts, ideas, traditions, and hypocrisies:
False confidence and hope in various forms of godliness that deny God’s power and put a veil over His liberating truthis one of the most destructive bondages that a person can have.Jesus confronted the religious people of His day for practicing and promoting lifeless traditions that did not produce any godly change in those who were influenced with these religious ways. Again, let us remember that God works from the inside out in a divine, supernatural way; while religion attempts to work from the outside in. “And why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? --- And thus you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition.” (Matthew 15:3-6, N.A.S.).
There is no power in man-made religion! “If then you have died with Christ to material ways of looking at things and have escaped from the world’s crude and elemental notions and teachings of externalism, why do you live as if you still belong to the world?—Why do you submit to rules and regulations? [such as], Do not handle [this], Do not taste [that], Do not even touch [them], referring to things all of which perish with being used. To do this is to follow human precepts and doctrines. Such [practices] have indeed the outward appearance [that popularly passes] for wisdom, in promoting self-imposed rigor of devotion and delight in self-humiliation and severity of discipline of the body, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh—the lower nature. [Instead, they do not honor God] but serve only to indulge the flesh.” (Col.2:20-23, Amp.).
We are exhorted to stay away from religious discussions and avoid regular association with religious people. “Remind [the people] of these facts, and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which do no good, but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers. Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing—rightly handling and skillfully teaching—the Word of Truth. But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more ungodliness. ---But refuse—shut your mind against, have nothing to do with—trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels.” (2 Tim.2:14-16, 23, Amp.). “But understand this, that in the last days there will set in perilous times of great stress and trouble—hard to deal with and hard to bear. For people will be lovers of self. ----For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it—their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession. Avoid [all] such people—turn away from them.” (2Tim.3:1-2, 5, Amp.). See “Religion, The False Hope” located on www.axley.org
Unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, and hatred:
One of the most serious areas of bondage is unforgiveness. It is very interesting to note that the basis of our covenant with God is forgiveness through the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, Jesus makes it very clear that for us to be forgiven by God, we must forgive others. “For if you forgive people their trespasses—their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go and giving up resentment—your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses—their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go and giving up resentment—neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15, Amp.). “And when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop—leave it, let it go—in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.” (Mark 11:25-26, Amp.). Both of these scriptures follow the Lord’s instructions on how to pray and communicate with the Father. Unforgiveness has a negative affect in our prayer life and our faith as well as in our relationship with the Lord and others.
Anger and bitterness causes rottenness of the bones and should be repented of so that we can experience divine health and healing. “A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are as rottenness of the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30, Amp.). “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7-8, N.A.S.). These attitudes of unforgiveness, bitterness and the like, also affect those who are around us. “Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness or hatred) shoot forth and cause trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it.” (Hebrews 12:15, Amp.). Again, let us realize that we grieve the Spirit of God, Who dwells in us, when we do not forgive and release bitterness and resentment. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Eph. 4:30-32, N.A.S.).
Since hatred is not the nature of God we cannot have a relationship with Him and harbor hatred in our hearts toward others. “The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. ---But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes. ---Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. ---If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 2:9, 11, 3:15, 4:20, N.A.S.). Please consider the subject “Unforgiveness, The Unforgiveable Sin?” found at www.axley.org
Walking in the divine love of God empowers us to be released and set free from any mistreatment or wrongdoing that comes our way in the course of life. Unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, and hatred all stem from not releasing these hurts. The love walk is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13. Take note that this liberating word tells us what divine love is and what divine love is not. Please remember that God’s love has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. (See Romans 5:5). “Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails-----.” (Vss. 4-8, N.A.S.). Hallelujah!!!!!!!
Selfishness, greed, and the fear of lack:
Great misery and suffering comes to those who are in bondage to selfishness and fear. It is not God’s will for us to suffer for unrighteousness sake, but when we do not trust Him as our provider and source of every need we enter into doubt and unbelief. We live by sight and not by faith, and become enslaved to the fearful and negative thoughtsthat God has forgotten or abandoned us. Hebrews, Chapter 13, addresses these issuesin great detail. “Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money—[including] greed, avarice, lust and craving for earthly possessions—and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He (God) Himself has said, ‘I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake nor let [you] down, [relax My hold on you].’—Assuredly not! So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, I will not be seized with alarm—I will not fear or dread or be terrified. What can man do to me?” (Vss. 5-6, Amp.).
Learning to be generous is the way of deliverance!This is simple trust and confidence in God’s faithfulness to provide for us. When we are so preoccupied with our own material needs, we are not able to be concerned with the needs of those around us. We should live to give and not to get if we understand the Lord’s principles of giving and receiving. Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive. However, He did not say that it is a curse to receive. To live free of selfishness, greed, fear, anxiety, and lack, we must first learn to give and then, secondly, we must learn to receive. We give in faith and we receive in faith. Amen! “Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38, N.A.S.). “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; ---Now He who supplies seed for the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.” (2 Cor. 9:6-10, N.A.S.).
The quest for money and material things draws us away from the Lord. Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters because we will love one and hate the other. The love of money has caused many a man to fall away from the faith and into the bondage of greed, selfishness, and lust. “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for ithave wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang. But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” (1 Tim. 6:9-11, N.A.S.). One publication entitled, “A Generous God, A Generous People” could be helpful to provide more freedom in these above areas. Look on www.axley.org
Pride:
To be free to follow Jesus, walk in a manner as He walked, and do the works that He did we must learn of Him; otherwise we will struggle and strive in the flesh, grow weary, get heavy, and “burn out”. We take on carnal yokes and burdens because of a prideful, achievement spirit and enter in the bondage of depending on our own strength, ability, wisdom, and the like. Jesus says to us today, if we have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and over-burdened, and I will cause you to rest—I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest—relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet—for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good)—not harsh, hard, sharp or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, pleasant; and My burden is light and easy to be borne.” (Matthew 11:28-30, Amp.).
Most of all, we need deliverance from ourselves and this comes by humbling ourselves under His mighty hand so that He may exalt us when it is His time to use us for His glory. We must first submit to God and then we have the power to resist the devil and watch him flee from us. (See 1 Peter 5:5-10, and James 4: 6-10). We must never forget that God opposes and resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. “For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought—not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance; but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him.” (Romans 12:3, Amp.). For additional recommended reading refer to “Pride, the Worship of Self” at www.axley.org
GO FREE IN THE NAME OF JESUS!!!!!!!
Love in Him, Buddy and Nellie Axley Brandon, Mississippi U.S.A. July, 2005
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