May 23rd
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7 NIV
Being addicted to something is really the same as being in slavery to it. For example, when I was a porn addict, I was enslaved to sexual lust and masturbation. My fleshly urges dictated what I did and when I did it. I rationalized my pursuit of porn as acceptable and thought of it as an acceptable tool to remain physically faithful to my spouse. I never really had a peace in my mind about my porn habit. Deep down, I knew it was wrong, but I didn’t understand how to break free from the slavery.
The secret to breaking free is revealed through the above verse 5 in the “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” God provides the divine power we need to break the strong chains of sexual slavery. Jesus paid the price for our freedom by dying on the cross and winning peace for us with God. God resurrected Jesus by the Holy Spirit and that same Spirit will resurrect us from our dead habits and give us new life (Romans 8:11,13). He will help us gain control over our flesh and bring it into submission to the Spirit’s will. He will help us to stand up to any evil spirits that have been harassing us. He will cleanse our consciences with the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 9:14) and renew our minds.
The Holy Spirit literally gives us power to live obediently for God and make right choices. This power comes to us via our faith in God and his promises in the word. As Jesus said, “Everything is possible for him who believes” (Mark 9:23 NIV).
Questions for further thought:
What did Paul’s words tell us about himself?
Who allows us to become enslaved to sin? (Romans 6:16-18)
When we live for sin instead of God, whose will(s) do we fulfill? (2 Timothy 2:26; Matthew 7:21-22)
Prayer:
“Lord God, thank you for your great mercy and my salvation through Jesus. Thank you for the power to break free from any form of slavery. Please forgive me for having done anything to hinder the Spirit’s work. Please help me to break any sinful habit I am currently practicing. I present myself afresh today to you and invite you to work in and through me in accordance with your will. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, Father. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”