Sermon on 15 August 2021 by Ps Gaius
Introduction
Bondage is not about physical binding; it is about sin. It is in our words, it is in our thoughts and even our actions. Are there hidden sins we have? Those that even the closest people around us do not know about? But we know, the devil knows, and God knows.
We do not know how wrong we have been until we know the law (Romans 7:7). The bible tells us about the blind spots in our life. However, knowing that we are wrong is not good enough, we have to do something about it. We need to repent. Bad habits are like chains. It is difficult to break free from the chains on your own.
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. – Romans 7:15
We see apostle Paul’s struggle. He already knows Jesus and has a close relationship with God. Even as a servant of God, he still battles with sin. The moment we are not careful and give in to temptation, we give permission for sin to enter. The things that we should be doing are good. Yet, we do not do them. For example, to win an argument, we become harsh to others.
For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. – Romans 7:19
Why is it difficult for us to break out of sin? Because our minds think of the flesh. If our minds are set on the flesh, we will keep sinning, which will lead us to spiritual death.
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. – Romans 8:7
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:6
Message
Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. – Romans 7:24:25
1. Thank God
With the bible, we know what is wrong. The word of God tells us to be humble and gentle. If we are not, we know that we are wrong, and will try to reconcile with our brothers and sisters.
The bible tells us to give thanks in all circumstances.
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
You may be worrying about an exam, you may be anxious about an interview, or a presentation which affects your promotion. Sometimes the thing that you want may not be the best thing for you, or it may not be the best time for it. But pray, submit to God’s will, and have peace.
do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
Thank God first, in all things. He will let you know what you should be doing.
2. Through Jesus
It is not by our own wisdom that brings us out of bondage. There is only one solution – through Jesus.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6
How much of this do we use to live through our lives? We may know this verse, but still rely on our own might to solve our problems. In every path that we take, Jesus must be there. He is not simply standing by the side, we must go through Him. In everything, go through Jesus. Think ‘what would Jesus do’? How would Jesus handle that problematic phone call? How would Jesus talk to that difficult person?
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. – Matthew 6:13
3. Think of the Holy Spirit
The devil is not all-powerful in that He controls your mind. But he makes you doubt God and creates confusion. If we do not set our minds on the Holy Spirit, and use our own knowledge, Satan attacks. If we do not control our minds, if we allow ourselves to think bad thoughts, we are not thinking of the Holy Spirit. If we are not careful, we allow sin to come in, and we remain in bondage. If someone is saying something not pleasing to us, pray, let Jesus set us free.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2
Do not be like the world. Do not think ‘an eye for an eye’. Renew your minds. Come out of this bondage.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:5-6
If we set our minds on things of the Spirit, we will break from bondage, because to do so is life and peace. Is this not what you pray for? When we have life and peace, even with challenges, we will respond well.
Closing
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:31-32
Believe in Him. Obey and remain in His word. Walk the word out, and you will be free.
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