October 16                                      Col 1 - 2

DESTRUCTIVE FREEDOM

MEMORISE: 'Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. and ye shall know the truth, And the truth shall make you free."' (John 8:31-32)
READ: Proverbs 1:22-23

'Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"' (John 8:31- 32). There is a great level of 'rights' awareness among people and nations today. Democracy is fast spreading across the globe. Through this system of government, people may freely express their views and fight for their rights. Unfortunately, many are taking their freedom to unimaginable lengths. For instance, the women's liberation movement feel they are in bondage to their male counterparts, so a move is on to come to a place of superiority over men.

Homosexual and lesbian movements feel they should be free to engage in sexual intercourse and marry among the same gender. Pro-abortionist movements believe they should be free to abort any unwanted pregnancy, with the backing of the State. Some cult groups also believe they should be free to practice their occultism openly. The search for 'freedom' has also entered the church. Many Christians are not only questioning the rationale behind certain doctrines of scripture, they are fighting to have them changed. Some are against tithes, which they believe are outdated. Some believe they should be free to dress as they like anywhere, including in church. Some feel they should not be compelled to obey the whole Bible. They should be free to obey the doctrines that are convenient and disregard the ones that are tough meat. Some believe they should be free to practice premarital sex. Some married people believe they should be allowed to divorce any time they want to.

These are all searching for freedom. But there is a type of freedom that ends in destruction (Prov 14:12). Any freedom that contradicts God's word ends up in destruction. Proverbs 11:21 says that even if a multitude agree on a path that contradicts God's written word, none of them will escape God's judgment. Freedom that is not in agreement with God's word is a move by your flesh into the greatest level of bondage. Do you want true freedom? Genuinely surrender to Jesus Christ and study and obey the Bible. That is where you are totally free.

ACTION POINT
Realise that any level of freedom you allow the flesh actually
Brings your spirit man into bondage to that degree.