DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES (1)

DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES (1)

Jesus came to bring freedom to those who are held captive. While this statement could refer to those in physical prisons, it also speaks to a deeper, spiritual reality. Many people are held captive by sin, fear, addiction, shame, or lies. But Jesus offers deliverance and freedom to all who are bound.

The Nature of Spiritual Captivity

Spiritual captivity is a condition in which a person is enslaved by something that prevents them from living in the freedom that God intended. This can take many forms: addiction, fear, guilt, shame, bitterness, or even demonic oppression. Whatever the specific cause, the result is the same—people are trapped, unable to experience the abundant life that Jesus offers.

In John 8:34, Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Sin has the power to enslave us, leading to spiritual bondage. But Jesus also declared, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Jesus’ mission was to set captives free, and through His death and resurrection, He made that freedom available to all.

Freedom in Christ

The freedom that Jesus offers is not just the absence of external constraints; it is the deep, internal freedom that comes from knowing the truth. Jesus said in John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The truth of the gospel sets us free from the lies of the enemy, from the power of sin, and from the fear of death.

When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin. Romans 6:6 tells us, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Through Christ, we are given the power to live in freedom and victory.

Deliverance from Fear and Shame

Fear and shame are two of the most common forms of spiritual captivity. Fear can paralyze us, keeping us from stepping into the plans and purposes that God has for us. Shame can make us feel unworthy of God’s love and forgiveness, causing us to hide from Him.

But Jesus came to deliver us from both fear and shame. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” And in Romans 8:1, we are assured that “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” Through Jesus, we are set free from the power of fear and the burden of shame.

Deliverance from Addiction and Sin

Addiction is another form of captivity that many people struggle with. Whether it’s addiction to substances, behaviours, or unhealthy patterns of thinking, addiction can hold people in bondage. But Jesus has the power to break every chain of addiction.

In Romans 6:14, we are promised, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the strongholds of addiction and live in the freedom that Christ has provided.

Word Affirmation: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to proclaim liberty to the captives." – Isaiah 61:1 (KJV) (Don't just say it, mean it!)

"Jesus came to set captives free, and His power is still at work today to deliver those who are bound."

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