25 Jan 2012 3 Comments

Free from the Stronghold of Imprisonment

Slavery is a type of imprisonment. It isn’t a new concept. Nor was it during or before the time of Jesus Christ. It began when sin entered the world. How can we possibly think that we can free ourselves from slavery without Christ? This bondage-like imprisonment through sin will eventually destroy us.

When we give ourselves over to sin in fleshly or sinful ideals we become slaves. There is no other way to evaluate it. The stronghold of imprisonment takes the place of our freedom in Christ. This freedom in Christ is not a freedom to sin or be imprisoned by sin. But a freedom to be released from sin.

Imprisonment comes in many forms. However, the freedom to sin is bondage to sin, and therefore sinners become slaves to sin. Anything or anyone that goes against God, or sets new rules and new commandments against God’s will is a slave to sin.

A slave has a master. If God is no longer our Father and Jesus Christ is rejected, then we are in danger of eternal damnation. If sin is our master, then the only conclusion we have is that we are imprisoned under Satan’s control and belong to him–since sin is of the devil.

5 Biblical tips to freedom from sin imprisonment:

1. Recognize that we can be a slave to sin without Christ. 

John 8:34 Jesus answered them, “I can guarantee this truth: Whoever lives a sinful life is a slave to sin.

Galatians 4:7 So you are no longer slaves but God’s children. Since you are God’s children, God has also made you heirs.

Romans 6:6 We know that the person we used to be was crucified with him to put an end to sin in our bodies. Because of this we are no longer slaves to sin.

2. Don’t become a slave to sin. If you have sinned, you have a way out. Take it.

Galatians 5:1 IN [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and 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].

3. Allow God to guide you, be your Father, and to be your master. The freedom in Christ is peaceful, joyful, fearless, and without restraint in love.

Romans 8:15 For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!

1 John 3:10 This is the way God’s children are distinguished from the devil’s children. Everyone who doesn’t do what is right or love other believers isn’t God’s child.

4. Be willing to submit to and be in bondage to God in order to be free from the sin that ensnares and entangles us in death without reward. A servant for God will never lose his reward.

Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities shall ensnare the wicked man, and he shall be held with the cords of his sin.

2 Corinthians 6:4-10 We demonstrate that we are God’s servants ⁸as we are praised and dishonored, as we are slandered and honored, and as we use what is right to attack what is wrong and to defend the truth. We are treated as dishonest although we are honest, ⁹as unknown although we are well-known, as dying although, as you see, we go on living.

Revelation 22:12 “I’m coming soon! I will bring my reward with me to pay all people based on what they have done.

Romans 6:23 The reward for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus our Lord.

5. Find true freedom from the imprisonment of sin in faith [in Christ], hope [in the Salvation of Christ], and love [the love of and for God].

Galatians 5:13-14 You were indeed called to be free, brothers and sisters. Don’t turn this freedom into an excuse for your corrupt nature to express itself. Rather, serve each other through love. ¹⁴All of Moses’ Teachings are summarized in a single statement, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

1 Thessalonians 5:8 Since we belong to the day, we must be sober. We must put on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

Related articles

• You’re Free! But Now What? (captivatedbychrist.org)
• Free to be Humble (strongholdsmashers.com)
• Free from the Stronghold of Divorce (polamuzyka.wordpress.com)

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by Pola in Bible, Biblical Advice, Christian Authors, Faith, imprisonment, Jesus Christ, Love, Pola Muzyka, Stronghold Tags: Bible, Biblical Advice, Christ Jesus, Christian Authors, Epistle to the Romans, Jesus, Pola Muzyka's Blog, Satan, Sin