Breaking Free (1 Corinthians 6:12)
Good morning, everyone! Have you ever found yourself stuck in something you just couldn’t get out of? Maybe it was a job that felt like it was going nowhere, a traffic jam that seemed endless, or even a really bad conversation at a party where you just couldn’t find the exit line! We’ve all been there, right?
Now, imagine if I told you that today we are plotting a great escape. Not from a party, not from a traffic jam, but from things much more binding and significantly less visible. Today, we are going to talk about breaking free from the chains of addiction—whatever form they may take in your life.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “I’m not addicted to anything!” But let’s think beyond just substances. Addiction can be anything that takes hold of us—a behavior, a habit, an obsession. Anything that starts to control us instead of us controlling it. Yes, that could even mean binge-watching TV shows, endlessly scrolling through social media, or that extra cup of coffee you just can’t seem to go without!
In the Bible, there are incredible stories of both captivity and freedom. And you know what? Some of these stories are blockbuster-worthy! We’ll see characters who lived through real addiction-like scenarios and discover the powerful truths about how they found their freedom. This isn’t just ancient history—it’s about our lives today, and the kinds of chains we all face.
So, buckle up, as we take a thrilling dive into the Scriptures to uncover not just what these addictions are but how we can stage our great escape. And who knows? By the end of our time today, we might just find that the key to breaking free has been in our hands all along.
As we step into this journey, remember, this is a safe space. We’re all in this together, looking for our path to freedom. Let’s discover these life-changing truths and enjoy the ride!
See your Chains
Brothers and Sisters, today we confront an uncomfortable truth—a truth about the chains that bind us, often silently, often invisibly. Our first step towards true freedom is to Recognize the Chains that hold us.
John 8
John 8:31–36 (ESV) — 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
In this interaction with Jesus and the Jews, we learn that they could not understand their bondage. They were living righteously in their mind. They were abstaining from addictive types of sins. Maybe that’s you. Maybe you feel like you haven’t been addicted to anything. Jesus says that all sin and desires to do sinful things enslave you. If you find yourself feeling powerless to do something you know you shouldn’t be doing, you are being dominated. It could be anything.
Romans 7
Romans 7:15–19 (ESV) — 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
Let's dive deeper. The apostle Paul speaks to us in Romans 7, where he confesses, "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." Here, Paul articulates the profound struggle within us all—the battle between our flesh and the spirit. This inner conflict is a testament to the chains that hold us, often forged by our own desires and weaknesses. Paul’s vulnerability in sharing his struggle helps us to see our own battles in a new light, not as isolated failures, but as part of the human condition under sin.
Today, I challenge each of you to look deep within. What dominates your life? Is it a substance, a habit, a secret sin? Is it something 'acceptable' like work, technology, even relationships? If it dominates you, if it takes more of you than you want to give—then, my friends, it is a chain.
1 Corinthians 6
1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV) — 12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
The Apostle Paul reminds us "All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything." Think about that—Paul, a man of profound freedom in Christ, declares his refusal to be mastered by anything. He recognized that true freedom isn't about doing whatever we want; it's about being free to do what we ought. This is our calling too—to recognize and reject the chains of any master.
Acknowledge Your Weakness
Now, I want you to take a moment. Reflect on these chains.
If you get angry easily, you might be enslaved to strife, enmity, jealousy, envy, or rivalry.
If you find yourself constantly checking your phone, even in the middle of important tasks or conversations, you might be enslaved to distraction, craving for validation, or fear of missing out.
If you can't say no to an extra drink, even when you know you've had enough, you're enslaved to excess, indulgence, or escape.
If you worry incessantly about what others think of you, to the point where it dictates your actions and decisions, you might be enslaved to human approval, fear of rejection, or social conformity.
Acknowledge them, not just to yourself, but to God. This is the first step. It's not about shame or guilt; it's about honesty and humility. Acknowledging our chains is the first step toward breaking them. As we do, remember Paul’s cry for deliverance, "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" And remember also his triumphant answer, "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
Let us be like Paul, boldly declaring, "I will not be dominated by anything." Let this be our declaration today. Let this be the first step toward transformation and freedom. As we hold these thoughts, prepare your hearts for what comes next. Next we understand the deceptive allure of false freedoms that promise so much yet deliver so little.
Expose False Freedoms
As we continue on our journey towards liberation, let us now turn our focus to some stories that help us deal with these snares. But first, I want to notice something that is a common thread in all of these addictions, the seductive yet perilous path of False Freedoms. These are the promises that glitter and beckon with the allure of liberty but ultimately entrap us deeper in chains.
2 Peter 2:19 (ESV) — 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
Our scripture guide, 2 Peter 2:19, warns us, "They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved." Here Peter is warning about false teachers, but that’s exactly what we have going on. The world is full of people pointing to these addictive behaviors and telling us there is freedom in them. But this poignant truth exposes the irony of addiction—the very things we pursue for freedom become our captors. Only God can provide true freedom.
Samson’s Lust
Consider the story of Samson—a man blessed with divine strength, yet bound by his desires. His story isn't just a cautionary tale of physical bondage but a spiritual metaphor for us today. His weakness for Delilah, his longing for approval, his lust for the pleasures of life—these weren't just weaknesses; they were chains. Chains that led him from one bad decision to another, until they literally blinded him and bound him, turning his life into ruins.
His sexual desires drove him and dominated him. He thought that finding a woman who satisfied his thirst for sexual fulfillment would set him free, but it literally led him to be enslaved. In our lives, too, we are deceived by similar promises. The coworker who says all the right things. The neighbor who pays us attention. Before we know it, we are ensnared into the thinking that if we could just do this or that with them, we will feel better. Then, life will be better. It won’t. We will never get enough to satisfy our craving. In the process, we will destroy what we have and enslave ourselves to a miserable life. There is hope for forgiveness from God, but there is no going back to the life that could have been. Like Samson, we will have to give up our lives to make things right.
Ahab’s Longing
Consider the story of Ahab and Naboth’s vineyard. Ahab saw the beauty of Naboth’s vineyard and had to have it. There was only one problem: it belonged to Naboth, an Israelite. Israelites were not supposed to sell their land. It was given to them as an inheritance forever by God. But that didn’t matter to Ahab. He had to have it. That vineyard would fulfill his every need and make life better, or so he thought. Jezebel saw him sulking over the vineyard. He couldn’t control his thoughts. He had to have it. So she had Naboth and his family framed for blasphemy and had them executed.
This story illustrates the process. Our minds must focus in on what is good and pure to keep from dwelling on the corruption of the world. The more we lose control of our mind, the closer we are drawn in to enslavement and entanglement. If we refuse to fill our mind with godliness and contentment, Satan will fill it with a longing for something that will never satisfy. Then, he will give us an easy opportunity to have what we desire. All we need to do is consent and enjoy, but it’s a trick. We are compromising what is good.
Solomon’s Fame & Success
Consider Solomon, the wisest and richest king in all of Israel's history. His story, as chronicled in 1 Kings 10-11, unfolds a tale of a man who had every earthly pleasure at his fingertips—wealth, power, and relationships. Solomon pursued more of these things, thinking they promised him happiness and fulfillment. Yet, despite his wisdom, Solomon was ensnared by his excesses, his heart led astray by the very freedoms he thought he possessed. His kingdom, once united and strong, fractured under the weight of his divided heart—a stark reminder that the freedoms the world offers are no freedoms at all.
In our lives, too, we are often deceived by similar promises. Whether it's the next purchase, the next drink, the next click on the internet—each promises freedom, a respite from our daily struggles. Yet, each step towards these false freedoms only tightens the chains around our spirit.
Expose The Snare
So, what are we to do? First, we must identify these false promises. Look closely at your life—what promises freedom but delivers bondage? Is it the endless hours spent on entertainment? The pursuit of career success at the expense of spiritual and family life? Or something else that promises relief but enslaves you in guilt, shame, and dissatisfaction?
Once identified, we take a bold step back, as Solomon should have, to evaluate our pursuits through the lens of God’s word. By doing so, we realign our hearts with the true freedom offered by Christ, not the fleeting pleasures of the world.
Now, I urge you to not only recognize these false freedoms but also to reject them. Like Paul, who spoke of his struggle and eventual victory in Christ, let us too declare our independence from the bondage of corruption. Let us choose the freedom that truly liberates, the freedom that Christ offers, which brings peace, joy, and fulfillment.
As we reflect on the false freedoms we've entertained, let us prepare to embrace the way out that God provides, which we will explore in our next point.
Activate Your Escape Plan
Having identified the chains that bind us and exposed the illusions of freedom that the world offers, we now turn to a proactive and hopeful part of our journey—activating our escape plan. This is where our faith translates into action, where the theoretical meets the practical.
Our guiding scripture comes from 1 Corinthians 10:13, where Paul assures us, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." What a profound promise! Not only are our struggles common to all humanity, but there is also always a way out provided by God.
Let's look at the life of David, a man after God’s own heart, yet not without his temptations and trials. Consider his encounter with Saul in the cave (1 Samuel 24). David was presented with a tempting opportunity to kill Saul, who was unjustly pursuing him. The men around David saw it as a divine appointment to take vengeance, but David saw through this false freedom. Instead, he chose the higher road—the escape route God provided, which was to spare Saul’s life and trust in God’s timing for justice. Here, David activated his escape plan by adhering to God's will over his immediate desires.
In the same way, we are called to activate our escape plans when faced with temptations or addictive behaviors. This requires us to: 1 Recognize the Exit: Just as David recognized his opportunity to honor God despite his feelings, we must be alert to God’s provided escapes in our moments of temptation. 2 Prepare in Advance: Just as soldiers train before a battle, we too must prepare for our spiritual battles. This includes prayer, studying the Bible, and surrounding ourselves with godly counsel and accountability partners who can help us see and take the escape routes. 3 Choose to Walk Away: This step is where the battle is won or lost. Knowing the escape route is not enough; we must take decisive action to follow it. This might mean walking away from certain places, breaking off harmful relationships, or even changing daily routines.
⠀Each step requires courage, humility, and reliance on God. It’s not merely about avoiding what is bad, but about pursuing what is good—filling our lives with God-honoring, wholesome activities that leave no room for the enemy’s traps.
As we conclude this point, I invite each of you to consider the areas in your life where you need to activate your escape plan. Perhaps it’s a habit, a relationship, or a mindset. Identify it, prepare your strategy, and choose to walk in the freedom Christ has secured for you.
Let’s now gather our strength and resolve as we move towards the culmination of our journey: transforming through the renewal of our minds, which we will explore next.
Transform Through Renewal
As we build upon the foundation of activating our escape plan, let's explore the crucial role of transformation through the renewal of our minds, contrasting two pivotal Biblical figures: David and Saul. Their stories offer us profound insights into how our mindset can determine our path toward freedom or bondage.
Our key verse, Romans 12:2, commands us, "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." This scripture isn't merely advice; it's the blueprint for how we escape the cycle of sin and addiction.
Contrasting Paths: David and Saul
David, as we've discussed, faced intense pressures and temptations, much like any of us. However, his choice to spare Saul in the cave wasn't a one-time decision. It was the fruit of a life continually seeking God's will, a mind renewed by prayer and obedience. Even when David faltered greatly, his repentant heart led him back to God, seeking renewal and restoration (Psalm 51). His life illustrates that transformation is a continuous journey, marked by daily decisions to follow God's ways.
In stark contrast, consider King Saul. Saul started his reign with promise but gradually allowed fear, pride, and impatience to cloud his judgment. His failure to renew his mind led to paranoia, disobedience, and ultimately, consulting a medium at Endor, seeking guidance in all the wrong places (1 Samuel 28). Saul’s tragic end underlines the destructive power of a mind conformed to worldly fears and ambitions rather than transformed by the wisdom of God.
Steps to Transformation
- Daily Renewal: Like David, our daily practices should involve prayer, meditation on Scripture, and worship. These are not just religious activities but transformative exercises that reorient our thoughts, affections, and decisions towards God.
- Reject Worldly Conformity: We must actively resist the mold of the world, which often pushes us toward selfishness, pride, and materialism—common roots of addictive behaviors. This resistance is a conscious choice to not let the world dictate our values and actions.
- Embrace Godly Discernment: As our minds renew, our ability to discern God's will grows stronger. This discernment is crucial as it guides us in making choices that align with God’s desires, leading to true freedom and fulfillment.
- Rely On The Spirit: We read in Galatians 5:23 that a fruit of the Spirit leading us is “self-control.” If we live to do the will of God and please him, we find the motivation we need to stop whatever ungodly behavior keeps popping up. We put the road blocks in place to prevent ourselves from slipping again.
Call to Action
Let us be like David, not Saul or Solomon. Let each day be an opportunity for renewal, not a step towards regression. Choose today to set aside time for God, to immerse yourself in His word, and to pray earnestly, seeking His transformation in your life.
As we close this point, I urge you to commit to this path of renewal. Reflect on the daily choices you make: Are they transforming you, or are they conforming you to the world? Let's choose transformation, let's choose freedom.
As we reflect on these truths, let us prepare our hearts for our final thoughts and prayers, where we will commit together to walk in the freedom and renewal that only Christ can provide.