When I was just a young boy, my brother and I played a game of tying each other up. We would make the rope as tight as possible, then run away to hide and snicker as the other tried to get undone. Today many are being tied up by Satan. I can’t help but visualize him snickering at those who don’t even realize they are in bondage. Our text tells us that truth is the path to spiritual freedom. In John chapter 8, are a number of ways we can avoid spiritual bondage.

COMMIT YOURSELF TO CHRIST
(vs 31) ‘‘If you continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.’’
‘‘Continue’’ means to abide, persevere, be steadfast. The words of Jesus Christ are truth, and how important that truth is today. We live in a society filled with error. Worldly philosophies, mystics, channelers, and psychics, sprinkled with humanists and atheists. How we need God’s truth. Committing ourselves to Christ means to trust Him as Savior, to follow Him as Lord, and trust not only our future, but our present to Him as well. Apart from Christ it is impossible to please God. (1 John 5:12) ‘‘He that hath the Son hath life, he that hath not the son of God hath not life.’’ Continuing in Christ’s word requires time set aside for study, and meditation. Also, time for fellowship with God and other Christians. (2 Tim 2:15) (Heb 10:25)

CONFESS ANY SIN IN YOUR LIFE
(vs 34) ‘‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.’’
The cry of those who are in bondage to sin sounds like this. ‘‘I can’t help myself. I do the best I can. I’m better than so and so.’’ (Rom 6:12) ‘‘Let not sin reign on your mortal body..’’. Count yourself dead to sin in Christ. Can it be that some think they can continue in sin and it won’t hurt them? (Gal 5:13), says we are called to liberty, but we are not to use it as an occasion for the flesh. You cannot enjoy the benefits of spiritual freedom if you continue in sin. Confess all known sin, ask God to give you victory over it, and rely on His power to overcome and not your own. (1 John 1:9) ‘‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us for all unrighteousness.’’

CONSECRATE YOURSELF TO GOD’S WORD
(vs 47) ‘‘He that is of God, heareth God’s words’’
A wise man once said, ‘‘We read books for information, but we read the Bible for transformation.’’ Devote yourself to the word of God, (2 Tim 3:16, 17). Read it, study it, apply it. Let God’s word change your life and guide you to a closer walk with God Himself. (Psalm 119:11) "Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.’’ Have you taken time to look at your life through the revealed will of God?

No one willingly wants to be in bondage, yet it’s happening. Washington, DC, the nation’s capital is also referred to as the murder capital. Baltimore averages a murder a day. Alcohol addiction, drugs, sexual permissiveness, self indulgence, greed. These are some of the ills of our society that lead to failure and unhappiness. Only Jesus can break the bondage and bring freedom. ‘‘If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.’’ Placing your complete confidence in Him guarantees spiritual success and spiritual freedom. God bless.