Set Free

Set Free

Intro

I have been doing youth ministry for almost a decade now and it still brings me so much joy when I see a teen while growing in their relationship with Christ fight through the things that have held them bound and had threatened to ruin their lives.  I’ve seen it all.  I’ve seen the druggie completely delivered.  I’ve seen gangbangers repent and ask forgiveness.  I’ve seen the playuh and the porn addict turn away from their addictive sin and refuse to live like slaves to their desires anymore.  I’ve seen those in withcraft turn away and renounce all the demonic powers of Hell and cling to the Cross and be set free.  I’ve seen the extreme situations where a demon or demons had actually taken over someone, and after we kicked their butts in Jesus’ name, that person live free in Christ!  I’ve seen just about everything, and I’m sure I’ll see it all before I am done.  The point, however, is not about what I’ve seen, but that freedom is possible!  You don’t have to live like a slave to your sin.  There is freedom from addiction, there is freedom from wrong thinking patterns, there is freedom to live a healthy life in this messed up broken world, and it is found in ONE place…in CHRIST!

Set Free From What?

There are a bunch of people that don’t even know that they are in bondage.  All they know is the search from one temporary high to the next.  Like the woman at the well in John 4 they need to have an experience with Jesus to know that they truly are thirsty…that there is more than what they know. 

People mistake freedom for a life that is dominated by pursuing whatever desire or urge you feel at the moment.  It’s called freedom, but actually it is slavery.  It’s living like an animal.  They are like the pathetic dogs that see someone’s leg and think “party time!”  There is no control, there is no higher purpose to their life.  They are self-centered, shallow, miserable people. 

But those who don’t know that there is something different, something greater are going to pursue whatever is placed in front of them that offers some pleasure or relief from the pain, or some distraction.

There is a better way! 

Power to set you free.

Jesus said in John 8:36(The Message) "So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through."

You need to understand that it is not always a pretty thing.  You have to fight!  There are forces that want to destroy you.  Satan and all the forces of Hell are “Hell-bent” on enslaving and destroying you.  Many times it can be a violent process. 

You know I fight for you guys a lot that you don’t see.  I of course fight in prayer for you, but there are a lot of people who think that this generation is lazy, apathetic…and after I give them a good beat down, I share with them stories of teens I know that are fighting to live a Godly life.  That Jesus came and set them free, and now they are fighting the good fight. 

But understand that Jesus is not the Deliverance fairy who touches you with the magic freedom wand!  Some people get delivered from things instantly, but in most cases it is a process of fighting with temptation.  But there is a definite act of violence when it comes to deliverance…Clip!

**Video Clip of Two Towers**

Devil couldn’t defeat Him at the Cross, at can’t touch Him now…He has the authority

Altar/Summary

Some of you here tonight want desperately to be set free, but you are afraid because you have tried before and fell short.

War are won one battle at a time. Win and lose some. And the cool part is that even when we lose some if we don’t give up we still win!  The Lord is all-popwerful and can set you free, but He won’t live your life for you.  He wants you to find refuge in Him, he wants you to continually turn to Him and

Testimonies – (a girl I know) no more cutting and working through other issues.