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The Truth will set you free - from what?
- jeffrowe58
- Sep 7, 2024
- 6 min read
To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
This is a verse that is often quoted, easily remembered, but seldom understood in the proper context. Have you ever asked yourself, free from what? If not, here is the freedom that Jesus (Truth) is offering.
· Freedom from Satan’s lies, influence, and persuasion
· Freedom from Satan’s accusation and condemnation
· Freedom from the guilt and penalty for sin
· Freedom from Satan’s ability to steal, kill, and destroy
· Freedom from the fear of illness and the finality of death
The Jews answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:33-34)
Many of us in our ignorance, myself included, have answered as the Jews in this passage. We think to ourselves; I live in a free country; I have never been a slave to anyone. I am free to make my own decisions and determine my own path in life.
That may appear accurate in the temporal world; however, there is a definitive spiritual component to our lives and that spiritual influence is more powerful than any of us imagined. The devil’s nature is temptation and accusation, and his desire to lure you into sin or accuse you of past transgressions will not cease this side of heaven. To aid in this effort, his tactics are delegated to an army of fallen angels eager to do his bidding.
In the Bible, there are multiple references to demons, often described as unclean or impure spirits. During His earthly ministry, it was common for Jesus to confront these demons as they manifested in the lives of ordinary people. Most recognizable among these encounters is the story of the Gadarene demoniac as described in Mark 5:1-20.
“They went across the lake to the region of the Gadarenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills, he would cry out and cut himself with stones.” (Mark 5:1-5) (NIV)
When Jesus asked the demon his name, He replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” This man is an example of full demonic possession. But as illustrated in Mark’s gospel, even the strongest of evil spirits could not stand up to the power of Jesus. The man is freed from his possession and then asked to accompany Jesus as He continued in His ministry.
Possession versus Influence
So, we are given a clear example of Satan’s full power to possess and command the activities of an individual. If you haven’t watched the movie ‘Nefarious’, it is an excellent cinematic portrayal of demon possession. But what of these “unclean” or “impure” spirits? How do they manifest in the temporal world?
Before we answer that question, it’s important to make the distinction between demonic influence and demon possession. The devil’s influence is a prolonged strategy of deceit and deception. The process begins slowly and is intended to deliberately break your fellowship with God and destroy the plans He has for you.
Satan’s schemes are deliberate, patient, and well thought out plans to defeat you. They can manifest through his direct influence, the involvement of his fallen angels (unclean/impure spirits), or the persuasion of men and women (the world) doing his bidding.
While easily misdiagnosed by an untrained mind, the more common examples of this negative influence are recognizable in the behaviors listed below. This list is meant to be representative but not exhaustive.
The spouse that entertains and then commits adultery
Sexual promiscuity outside of marriage and any of its unintended consequences
The slippery slope that leads to alcoholism or drug addiction
Financial improprieties (gambling, embezzlement, theft, excessive debt, etc.)
Spreading lies (gossip, innuendos, rumors, slander)
Verbal or physical abuse, uncontrolled anger, aggression
Emotional instability caused by worry, anxiety, depression
Fear, despair, unhappiness, suicidal thoughts
Pride, arrogance, favoritism or prejudice
Idolatry in its many forms
The truth is, every bad habit, every destructive behavior, every stronghold, begins with a single thought, or a single surrender to temptation. It may start innocently, but it only takes one instance to start a downward spiral. Consent to the temptation and Satan will draw you deeper into sin and slavery. If allowed to continue, these behaviors have the potential to negatively affect your life or eventually end your life!
…but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin: and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived my dear brothers. (James 1:14-16)
Did you know that the Bible provides remedy for all these negative manifestations and more? Did you know, as I wrote in the accompanying newsletter, that by your profession of faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, His power is available to you to defeat any and all schemes of the enemy?
And Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. So, they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. (Mark 6:7, 12-13)
‘Take Captive Every Thought’ was written to expose the schemes of the devil and his unclean spirits, to empower you to defeat his lies and evil intent, and to allow you to live a victorious Christian lifestyle. Chapter 12 is titled: Choose Your Weapon. What is shared in that chapter is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all the possible ways that the enemy can attack our minds, nor could we ever attempt to confine scripture and the abundance of truth that God has provided to defend ourselves (or take the offensive).
The goal is to enlighten our hearts and our minds by providing a pathway to understand how truth overcomes lies, and how the light of the gospel overcomes the powers of darkness. The illustrations provided in Chapter 12 are but a model to stimulate your thinking and accomplish that objective. My hope is that the God-inspired templates might provide a starting point if you have not previously considered the power of scripture to ward off the lies of the enemy.
Victory or Defeat - You Choose.
The Bible provides instruction, direction, and correction for every aspect of our lives. God provided His love letters and short stories as an instruction manual for His greatest creation – mankind. Unfortunately, many still do not know this human handbook exists, refuse to read it, or treat it as a first aid kit and only open the cover in an emergency.
Of course, when you are engaged in spiritual warfare, it is in the relentless pursuit of scripture that God allows his Spirit to speak truth into your life and deliver a word appropriate to the situation. God’s Word is your weapon. It is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesian 6:17). If your heart truly seeks God’s wisdom, you will find the answer in His word.
As long as this earth remains in its current condition, the battle between good and evil will continue. God, through His Son, Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, has given us everything we need to be victorious in this struggle. Since the day you were born, there has been a battle for your soul in the spiritual realm.
Will you accept the invitation to enjoy the promises of God while commissioned to this earth and the call to an eternal fellowship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit when that commission ends? I pray you will.
Jesus said, “I have given you authority to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:19)
Please share this resource with family and friends. Our ministry continues to grow through God’s grace and word-of-mouth referrals. Thank you for your continued support and God bless!
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