The Godly Gazette (What is Bondage)

What is Bondage

To prepare ourselves for the journey of “Breaking Bondage” let us first arm ourselves with a few basic facts.

Bondage:

1. Slavery or involuntary servitude.

2. The state of being bound or subjected to external control.

3. Personal subjection to the control of a superior.

(As described in the “Random House Dictionary.”)

The term above gives us the idea that bondage in it's primary essence is linked to slavery. This is, in fact a true statement, but as we look at bondage and slavery in our every day life, we must understand what the Bible says.

Jesus tells us in John 8:34 that "whoever commits sin is a slave to sin". He then goes on to tell us in John 8:36 that "if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed".

Sin has a way of enslaving and mastering us. It can control and dominate our lives. This lack of control is the form of bondage and/or slavery that we must address.

If sin is restraing and enslaving you, Jesus can break the bondage, and set you free from it's controlling power. This does not mean that you will live a sin free life. Jesus was the only person that ever accomplished that. But, through the redeeming power of His shed blood, you can turn away from those wrong behavior patterns.

The Bible mentions many specific sinful actions and atitudes that can be considered a form of bondage and/or addiction. This list is not all inclusive, and you may find other areas of struggle in your life, but you may also find some of these listed characteristics that could be influencing you.

Sexual immorality (Galatians 5:19)
Impurity (Galatians 5:19)
Lust (Colossians 3:5)
Hatred (Galatians 5:20)
Discord (Galatians 5:20)
Jealousy (Galatians 5:20)
Anger (Galatians 5:20)
Selfish ambition (Galatians 5:20)
Dissension (Galatians 5:20)
Arrogance (2 Corinthians 12:20)
Envy (Galatians 5:21)
Idolotry (Galatians 5:20)
Drunkenness ( Galatians 5:21)
Wild living (Luke 15:13)
Cheating (1 Corinthians 6:8)
Adultery (1 Corinthians 6:9)
Homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9)
Greed (1 Corinthians 6:9)
Stealing (1 Corinthians 6:9)
Lying (Revelation 22:12-16)

We all have evil desires, and we can not ignore them. In order for us to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, we must deal with them decisively. Many of our sinful desires are obvious to us, such as sexual immorality - but many are less obvious, such as selfish ambition.

However, we can not ignore these sins and/or refuse to deal with them, if we have received the gift of the Spirit that leads to a transformed life. God calls us to confess our sins so that He can forgive us, and to repent from our sins - which means to turn away from doing those sins.

Lets take a look at the process of freedom from bondage and sinful behavior patters...

The Freedom Process

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