Psalm 119:41-48

The Word of truth is our lifeline. His regulations are our only hope. In obeying them, we learn what it means to walk in freedom. “Freedom from what?” you may ask. Freedom from the entanglements of sin that seek to enslave us. Freedom from consequences of actions we thankfully avoided by listening to and following after God. Sin is a prison all its own, and its wages are death (Romans 6:23).

Consider Jesus words:

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭36‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.8.31-36.NLT

We are His disciples if we remain faithful to His teachings. That’s a big if.

We see people mock what they view as old-fashioned, antiquated ways promoted the Bible, relishing in their so-called freedom to live however they want—not realizing that they are enslaved by the puppet strings of whatever sin controls them.

God’s kingdom rule begins within us as we obey His commands,  leading to freedom from the powers of darkness that seek to enslave us. Consider Paul’s words:

“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/2ti.2.24-26.NLT

Some are held captive by the devil, and some openly worship him,  spewing hate toward whatever is holy and good. There are two kingdoms in this world: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of satan. Jesus ransomed us and extends His salvation to any who will accept Him as Lord. As Paul stated in Colossians:

“For he (Jesus) has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/col.1.13-14.NLT

God’s kingdom rule is extended through us as we choose to follow His ways. When we are praying for God’s kingdom to come and be manifested here, it is not so much a literal place as it is a movement within the hearts of mankind. Jesus extends His kingdom rule through us, one believer at a time. Every person who turns to God is one less in the enemy’s camp.

People have God all wrong. They think He is trying to force them into slavery, when in fact He is inviting us all to be a part of His kingdom and to walk in freedom. The Church needs to do a better job in its messaging, because when the Gospel is presented correctly, people flock into the kingdom. Who can resist such a loving and generous God?!

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