Pillars of Freedom and Battle Strategies

Pillar of Freedom #1: Radical Amputation

What is meant by this term is a total and complete amputation of the sin and all of its avenues into the life. It must be absolutely cut off in all forms and aspects. Illustrations: getting rid of Internet access; destroying all materials (even National Geographic and department store catalogs, for instance); eliminating TV, cable TV, and chat programs, etc. If there is any quarter given to sin - it will come back, and with a vengeance.

Pillar of Freedom #2: Radical Appropriation

Now, I realize this context is one of prohibiting worry, but the principle is that freedom from any sin does not come without a radical appropriation of focused attention on God and His righteousness. This principle is found in the Word of God. For a captive, the problem is that his view and intake are limited. For him to become free, he must have a broadened view and intake. He may get out of his prison but, if he stays near the prison and doesn't leave, he will not know true freedom.

The only way to broaden the view is to take in the living water and the living bread (Christ). The believer must live his life enjoying this appropriated delight. His appetite will change, over time, but he must continue in this feeding, or he will soon find himself back in prison. Again, this feeding must be radical, in the sense that it must be more than the usual. Overload is a good word. He has starved himself in the past and to piecemeal his spiritual intake is both dangerous and unwise. Another passage is Matthew 12:43-45 which states,

Note that the man who cleans himself, sweeping his house and putting it in order, without the addition of an owner, will worsen his condition. Subtraction without addition results in multiplication. Even nature itself denies a vacuum. Taking something away, without a replacement, is a futile exercise. Radical amputation without radical appropriation sets the stage for a radical return. Another passage is Mark 5:1-20, which tells the story of the demoniac of Gadera. He was set free by Jesus and "begged Him that he might be with Him." He knew that without Christ, he would most likely return to the life of captivity. Jesus told him, instead, to go tell others. Now this has much to do with the next principle, but the need of the new captive was real. "To be with Jesus" was his cry.

Pillar of Freedom #3: Radical Accountability

Radical accountability is the third strand to complete the biblical foundation for freedom, along with radical amputation and radical appropriation. A man who has never been a captive to any covert sin may not demand or necessitate accountability, but no captive can go without it. He is learning a totally new lifestyle, thought pattern and feeling. If he is not held accountable or watched over by a good shepherd, he will be wolf food. Initially, accountability must be daily and intensive; no sweet cordialities will do. It must go to the heart with questions like, "Have you viewed pornographic material in any form today?" Or "have you gratified your flesh today?" The tough questions must be asked on a regular basis. He must come to the bar of inquisition for his own sake. It should be done with grace and kindness, but it must be done.

Battle Strategy #1: Constant Prayer

Yes, the first battle strategy is prayer. God is all-knowing and all-seeing, and He hears your every thought. If you aren't in a position where you can drop to your knees and begin praying at any time of the day, that's fine. You may still be consumed with thoughts of Him and constantly attached to Him through prayer all day long. When temptation appears, keep that "prayer conduit" open, let your worries be made known to Him, and pray for deliverance from temptation. This kind of prayer may be very helpful in the battle against sin as a means of protection and deliverance but should by no means be a substitute for focused prayer.

Battle Strategy #2: Break the Chain

What often happens with sin is that there are a series of events (temptations) which ultimately lead to a fall. The solution is to break the chain. When you see the warning signs of temptation, act accordingly. Before the temptation fully formulates, recognize that you are being assaulted by the devil and prevent yourself from stumbling - see the stumbling block and remove it. If you notice your eyes wandering places they shouldn't (magazine rack, billboards, a woman's body, rather than her eyes), recognize it as a temptation and stop the chain right there. If you are alone and tempted to "browse the channels" to see what is on TV, recognize it as a temptation. Sometimes, breaking just one link in the chain is enough to prevent a fall.

Battle Strategy #3: Don't Go Near

I'm sure you've heard this one before: Stay away!

This youth had put himself in danger by walking near this woman's corner. We are as weak as this young man was, and our only hope is to avoid temptation! But what exactly does this involve? It is different for everyone, but for some, it involves avoiding being alone, not going to certain stores with inappropriate magazine racks, not going swimming among women, and even avoiding "friends" or acquaintances who might tempt you to sin.

It may be only for a season that you will need to separate yourself from the "fools" of the world. As Christians, we are to be in the world, fighting the battle for Christ and attempting to show these "fools" the light. But, in this stage of your fight for freedom, you should be aware of what is and is not wise and being around these people may be less than wise right now.

Battle Strategy #4: Demolish Strongholds

One thing the enemy loves to do is to erect a stronghold or plant a seed in our minds to get us thinking about sin; this could be a pornographic image or a seemingly-innocent idea that will lead to temptation ("Hmm, I wonder what's on TV..."). He loves to tempt us in this way, and the only way to combat it is to demolish that stronghold and uproot that seed before it has a chance to expand and grow! The moment you become aware of it, demolish it! Get your mind on things of God through prayer, and simply contemplate the awesomeness of Christ. It's almost like a combination of meditation and prayer - first you force the thought OUT, and then you bring God IN.

Battle Strategy #5: No Mercy

Give sin an inch and it will take a mile. What is the solution? It’s simple: don't give sin an inch! Do not relent in your battle; fight to win, and fight to the death. Never think you've done enough, but always strive for that little bit more. Overconfidence and pride come before a fall so be vigilant.

Notice that David didn't only kill the philistine, no. After he was dead, he took his own sword and beheaded him with it. This is what our approach to sin should be. Even if we think our enemy has finally been defeated, do not relent!

The Underlying Principle: "APART FROM ME, YOU CAN DO NOTHING."

These pillars and strategies are meaningless until we understand this underlying principle: Apart from Jesus Christ, we can do nothing. Any and all strength we have, we receive directly from Him.

No accomplishments or victories we experience are of our own strength - we get our strength from one source, and one source alone. We must remember this, and give praise for every victory we receive.

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