Devotions with Pastor Jerry

 Held Hostage by Death

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin”. (John 8:34)

“For the wages of sin is death”.  (Romans 6:23)

Because of sin, we are held captive by death, taken prisoner; bringing us into subjection. Sin is a trap set by Satan which lures us by our own selfish desires to become trapped in his evil snare, holding us hostage.

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.  Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15) 

Likewise, just as Eve was deceived by Satan we to are subjective to his deception. Genesis 3:4-5 says “But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die, For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Observe the world around you today and reflect on Paul’s warning to the Corinthians regarding false prophets; “Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light”. (2 Corinthians 11:14) 

Just as one man; Adam, did it wrong, placing us in captivity to sin and death, Christ came to do it right, freeing us from Satan’s bondage.  One man said no to God, putting all mankind in captivity; but one man; Christ, said yes to God giving each of us the opportunity for redemption by God’s free gift of Grace; "All have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus". (Romans 3:23-24).

Even Paul knew it was a struggle to live in a sinful world even after becoming a Christ follower. Just as you and I live in that same world we must live every day through the power to the Holy Spirit who seals us in Christ Jesus; as a pledge of our inheritance as God’s precious children.  Each day as we live and grow through the working of the Holy Spirit in our life, we are empowered to resist sin and temptation by living in accordance to God’s Holy Word and His direction for our life and our family.  Christ is the only one who can free us from the chains of sin which hold us hostage to the fear of death. Let Him unlock those chains for you by placing those worries and fears in His hands, which holds the key to your freedom.

How are you doing life? Are you held hostage by the fear of death, sin or anything in your life? 

Let the following scriptures be on your lips and in your prayers daily.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes”. (Romans 1:16)
 
“The free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord”. (Romans 6:23)
 
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. (Philippians 1:21)
Pastor Jerry Schmid