Luke 4:16-22
Jesus had applied these words to himself. It was Jesus who would open these prison doors.
People live in captivity to many things. All people are responsible for creating their own prisons (Romans 6:16). God did not make these prisons, and He did not put us in them. We create them for ourselves.
Spiritual Prisons
Worldly fear (Hebrews 2:14,15; Hebrews 14:6; Revelation 2:10)
There is fear in the world. Originally, man was not made to have this kind of fear. Man was made to rule over his dominion. Yet when man sinned, this worldly fear began.Sinful imaginations (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Romans 1:18-25)
Today the world is no better off, spiritually speaking, than it was then. Let us not think that we live in a time which is morally more decent than it was in the worst times recorded in the Bible.Malice and hatred (Matthew 5:43,44)
Many are full of negativism. We are to do good to them and bless them. We as Christians are to do so because we have risen above this world.Envy (Philippians 4:11)
The more people come under the influence of materialism, the more liklihood that envy will find place in their minds and hearts.Covetousness (Luke 12:15)
Envy, mentioned above, leads to covetousness - being caught up in desiring things another person has.Fleshly lusts (1 Peter 2:11; 2 Timothy 2:22)
Fleshly lust is powerful. It appeals to one of man's most powerful emotions
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Hebrews 2:14,15
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.Hebrews 14:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;Romans 1:18-25
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness andunrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.Matthew 5:43,44
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Luke 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
