SET THE CAPTIVE
FREE
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INTRODUCTION
Set the captive free is of upmost importance as we see seemingly insurmountable moments of stress, turmoil, violence, caused by the evilness of mankind. There is a growth of immorality as in the pre-Flood days of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babylon the hold of every foul spirit with a crying out of the righteous caught in the center of it all, as Lot in Sodom.
Apostle Peter noted: God turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemning them with an overthrow (destruction), making them an example to those that after (afterward) should live ungodly; and delivered Lot, vexed (oppressed) with the filthy conversation (conduct) of the wicked (2 Peter 2:6-7).
Peter then stated: The Lord knows how to deliver godly out of temptations (set the captive free) and to reserve the unjust (ungodly) to the Day of Judgment to be punished (2 Peter 2:9).
Set the Captive Free
Devilish Impulses
There is an amassing of devilish impulses rising towards domination rather than godly leadership towards godly deportment. There is an effort towards domination of man by those seeking power and control; exercising whatever is required to attain that goal!
We are living in an era of time described by the Prophet Isaiah: Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter; woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight (Isaiah 5:20-21); which justify the wicked for reward and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him (Isaiah 5:23).
Isaiah then declared: Therefore as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root shall be rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; for they have cast away the law of the Lord (God’s Word), and despised the word of the Holy One (Isaiah 5:24).
Reign of the Ungodly
Set the captive free is a message of deliverance, in the midst of turmoil, suffering, and reign of the ungodly! It is unfortunate that we are experiencing acceptance of ungodly venues that enhances its continuation rather than rejection! It is unfortunate that the church, in some instances, is in acceptance of a culture change taking place that completely ignores God’s Word that condemns such action.
It is unfortunate there is a new horizon towards ungodliness that would never had been allowed to have been openly proclaimed in the past. It is unfortunate that there is has risen a misleading conception that declares a woman’s right to control her own body; even it means destroying a human life in her womb.
It is unfortunate that homosexuality, same sex marriage, and transgenderism have been declared as a way of life that formerly would not have been recognized by a godly society. Is there not a need to set the captive free from today’s cultural acceptance that is an affront to God?
Adoration of Ungodliness
In the Old Testament, Joshua seen a need to set the captive free of those who had got caught up in the idol worship, he cried out: If it seem evil to you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood (Euphrates), or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)!
Is there not a need to put aside adoration of ungodly methodology being enhanced as desirable and healthy; when in reality it will only bring condemnation and the wrath of God? In another instance where there was a need to set the captive free, Apostle Paul cried out: Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers (the ungodly).
What fellowship (in common) has righteous with unrighteousness, and what communion (fellowship) has light (godliness) with darkness (ungodliness) (2 Corinthians 6:14). Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Satisfying the Flesh
There is a seemingly insurmountable desire (demonic influence) towards acceptance of what is being presented of a fleshly nature; rather than spiritual. There is a strong impulse, such as that of a magnetic, to draw one into acceptance rather than rejection. There is control being exercised; such as that of a puppet being controlled by the puppeteer, towards whatever maneuver he desires.
There is a fostering in of an impulse towards satisfying the flesh that, as previously stated, is of a demonic influence. Apostle Paul gave guidance as to how to approach an individual under the domination of such an influence: In meekness instruct (correct) those that oppose themselves (giving in to such temptation).
If God peradventure will give them repentance (change of mind) to the acknowledgement of the truth (a much needed ingredient in our society) in that they may recover themselves (through God’s help) out of the snare of the devil (demonic influence), who are taken captive by him at (to do) his will (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
Being Held Captive
Apostle Paul knew firsthand what it would take to set the captive free, he noted: I see another law in my members, warning against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity (being made a captive) to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am; who shall deliver me from this body this death? I thank the Lord; that with the mind I serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin (Romans 7:23-25)!
The term flesh is the condition of being dominated by sin in a sinful pursuit (which many are being caught up today); apart from the indwelling of God’s Spirit, without which the law of sin would have dominated Paul’s life! In another passage of Scripture, Apostle Paul declared: Being made free from sin, and servants (dedicated) to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life; for the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ as our Lord (Romans 6:22-23).
Weapons of Warfare
Apostle Paul reminded God’s people of the weaponry at their disposal, in saying: The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh) but mighty through God to the tearing down of strongholds. Casting down imaginations (arguments), and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (demonic influence) of the devil. For we (the believer) wrestle not against flesh and blood (human standards), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take (take up) the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand (Ephesians 6:10-13). The whole armor of God consists of: Truth, Breastplate of righteousness, Gospel of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and the Word of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and praying always with all prayer and supplication.
Being Set Free
Jesus said: If you (the believer) continue (abide) in my word then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32). If the Son shall make you free (set the captive free category) you shall be free indeed. If one has ever been in captivity, of one form or another, they know how wonderful it is to experience freedom!
I witnessed a monarch butterfly that had been caught in the snare of a spider’s web; leaned over and freed it from its entrapment, for the spider had not yet began its work, it flew up “freed” from its entrapment! It was a beautiful sight to behold, and that is what God wants to see in His people, freed from the temptations that so readily ensnare them in our modern day culture. He gave us His best in providing His only begotten Son, as an atonement for our sins, which frees us, from a sinful life, through Jesus as our Lord and Savior!
The ugliness of what the spider was going to do to such a beautiful butterfly was undone by a moment of kindness and such is the beauty of salvation that frees one from the ugliness of a sinful life into the beauty of holiness. Scripture reveals: Being made free from sin, we become servants (dedicated) to God, having one’s fruit unto holiness; and the end everlasting life (Romans 6:22).
Not Caught Up Again
Apostle
Paul made reference to set the captive free category and not to get caught up
again in the previous bondage, in writing: Stand fast in the liberty wherewith
Christ made us free, and be not entangled again the yoke of bondage (Galatians
5:1). You have been called unto liberty
(freedom); only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh (fleshly desires)
(Galatians 5:13).
It was noted that believes are not to abuse their liberty for an occasion (opportunity) to the flesh (sinful nature). Apostle Peter further addressed this subject, in writing: It is happened to them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire (2 Peter 2:22); despite their profession of salvation; they had become entangled in the world and overcome by it.
Scripture reveals: Seeing we are compassed (surrounded) about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset (ensnare) us, let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us; looked to Jesus, the author (originator) and finisher (perfecter) of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Message of Deliverance
Set the captive free is a message of deliverance to those who are held captive in a society that has evolved into acceptance of ungodly practices; who see no wrong in what is being promoted, though it is condemned in God’s Word! There is social gospel being promulgated that does little, if any, to promote the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God to its fullness, bringing many into a “Set the Captive Free” designation.
Again the words of Jesus: You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32)! The spirit of deception hides that truth; keeping one in bondage, allowing the devices of the enemy to cultivate half-truths to make the falsehoods appear as truth; unless the truth is identified and accepted!
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