My Source: THE SEARCHER
of the Southaven church of Christ
March 5, 2000
Author: Gary Colley
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WOULD YOU BE FREE???
by Gary Colley
Studies have been made in prisons to determine the times most likely for prisoners to try to escape who have been incarcerated for many years. It was discovered that the most attempts would be made in the first few weeks, with fewer and fewer desires evident as time passed. The conclusion was that the longer the men were not free, the less they wanted to be!
It is the same with sin! More attempts are made early in a life devoted to worldliness than after time has passed. The conscience is given to us, clean, tender, and free, as we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). But sin hardens and mars the faculty by which we know right from wrong as sin gradually enthrones itself more in the deceived heart (Galatians 6:7-8). Finally so many “cords” of sin have shackled the sinner that he does not any longer attempt to escape from its clutches even when a way is prepared. The wise man Solomon wrote, “His own iniquities shall take the wicked, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sin. He shall die for lack of instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray” (Proverbs 5:22-23). The once pure, tender, conscience becomes “seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1). He no longer has the desire to escape sin!
There is a way prepared by the Saviour Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:16-25), by which man can be made free, if man will meet the conditions. Though he is under the sentence of death for his sin (Romans 6:23), Christ has purchased and built the church (Acts 20:28; Matthew 16:18) where man can escape from sins and the sentence of death for a new life (Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 8:1-2). Remember Paul’s words, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places IN CHRIST” (Ephesians 1:3, emphasis mine, G.C.). Would it not be a shame if we spurned the Lord’s invitation and hardened our hearts to His overtures of mercy? But so the sinner does!
Jesus said to the Jews that believed on Him, “If ye continue in my word, then ye are my disciples indeed: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). There are no “maybe’s,” “perhaps,” or “supposes” connected with Jesus’ statement, “the truth shall make you free.” This is freedom indeed which cannot be located anywhere else! We can be made free from sin, error in teaching and practice, false teachers, vain worship, God’s wrath, and being accursed, by continuing in His word.
Bible study is the key! Paul said to Timothy, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13). This study should be done in our homes as well as in the planned programs for Bible study in the church. When you quit attending classes, you can expect the following results to follow:
01. Spiritual malnutrition will set in (1 Peter 2:1).
02. Worldly cares will take first place in life
(Matthew 13:22).
03. We will forget the Lord of our lives (Hebrews 12:2).
04. We will neglect and let our talents rust
(1 Timothy 4:14-15).
05. The deceitfulness of riches will take hold
(Mark 4:19).
06. We will find fault with the work of the church
(Philippians 2:14-16).
07. Pleasures will be more desired than worship
(Luke 8:14; Hebrews 10:25).
08. Our hearts will “wax cold” for the Lord’s church
(Matthew 24:12).
09. We will exchange our soul for material
surroundings (Matthew 16:26).
10. We will influence our families and friends to
be lost with us (Luke 16:19-31).
For those who continue in “well-doing” through the study of God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15) they will enjoy the pleasures of a wonderful life here, and in eternity, the crown of life (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Which will you choose?
Would you be free?