April 14, 2011
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Overcoming Sin and Bondage
I have been serving in my church’s healing and deliverance ministry since it began around the end of 2006. I have sat in and led many different sessions with the sins and traumas covered widely varying. I have seen people dramatically delivered and healed, while for others their sessions were more peaceful and for some they were just simple. But regardless of how dramatic or “uneventful” the session was, I have noticed the true fruit from the ministry hasn’t been dependent so much on the session, but instead on the time after the session. For those who immediately left the church to return to America (or wherever), a high percent of them eventually fell back into some or all of the struggles they had before. But for those who remained in the church, especially for those who were committed to the discipleship program, they not only overcame their past but have become mighty leaders in the church. The need for covering, accountability, and support is critical for overcoming sin and bondage.
In Luke 11:24-26, Jesus makes it clear that when sin and evil are dealt with, the demons that are cast away eventually will return with much stronger demons. There is a clear need for both the person to be filled with God’s Spirit and for the person to have protection (covering). There is a reason how Alcoholics Anonymous and drug rehab programs are successful… the people who submit themselves to the group/program allow for the accountability, openness, and covering they need to overcome their temptations (demons). Until the person is fully free from their addiction, they will likely fall back into their addiction if they leave the covering of the group/program.
Many Christians succumb to the lie that they can do it on their own. That lie alone creates pride, so when the Christian eventually falls the pride mixes with shame causing the Christian to refuse to confess to anyone or to deal with the sin. That only allows the sin, the pride, and the shame to increase in a vicious cycle.
If you are in bondage to a sin or an unhealthy mindset (fear, confusion, etc), there is a great need for you to confess your struggles to someone and submit to their accountability, encouragement, and discipline. And who you confess to should be someone walking in freedom and integrity, or at least sincerely pursuing such a lifestyle. A smoker usually can’t expect another smoker to help him quit. They might be able to help each other be accountable to a degree, but there must be someone free from addiction who they can look to for encouragement and hope.
Walk in freedom! If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed! -John 8:36.
God bless!
