But we are free, aren't we? After all, we live in Christ and even God said "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." Because of this we think we can't live in bondage. Galatians 5:1 says this: "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Again is the key word in this passage. This was spoken to the believer.
A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for her.
This will be our definition of captivity throughout our study. The theme will come from the book of Isaiah.
This first week we are looking at the lives of the kings who ruled during Isaiah's ministry: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. These king's lives show us many of the obstacles to true freedom which we must deal with to live, truly live.
I've already seen a lot of truth of bondages we so easily get tangled up in through the lives of Uzziah and Jotham. We look at them all by the time this week is complete.
We will be focusing on a single scripture each week to memorize and meditate on. Print or write it out and post it on your mirror or somewhere you will look at it often. The verse for this week (or two weeks in our case) is:
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. Isaiah 61:1
We are taking two weeks to complete each week to give ample time for study. If your interested in joining us please let me know so I can get you a study guide. And please join me by commenting on what you are getting out of the weeks study here. All you need is a google account. Set it up and join me!
Happy studies to all!
(blog contains quotes or excerpts from Breaking Free.)
I am loving this study. After only a few days in, I have learned so much. I especially enjoy that I can take my time and really take hold of it. I already know that God is speaking to me through this study - can't imagine what it will be like at the end of May! ☺
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