“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” —John 8:36

What’s the one thing the enemy uses to keep tripping you up? The habit you’ve tried to shake a dozen times but somehow still creeps back in—just when you think you’ve conquered it. Whether it’s a destructive mindset, an unhealthy craving, or a recurring temptation, it’s all designed to keep you bound.

But here’s the good news: Jesus has already set you free.

Living Free Starts With the Word

For many believers, the phrase “discipline the flesh” stirs up memories of frustration. You’ve tried to overcome that one thing a hundred ways—but nothing seems to stick.

Here’s what you need to know: Willpower alone won’t cut it. You must renew your mind with the Word of God.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” —Hebrews 12:2

But how do you look to someone you can’t see? Kenneth Copeland shares that for the first five years he was born again, he tried to “look to the Lord” by trying to see Him with his natural eyes, thinking this would get rid of the “junk” in his life. But it didn’t work. Then one day, he saw the Lord in the written Word. This revelation taught him how to look unto Jesus, which gave him the discipline he needed to grow.

He discovered this powerful truth firsthand when Jesus delivered him from a “horrible smoking habit”. He testifies: “When I was first born again, I struggled to quit smoking. I threw away pack after pack of cigarettes, only to turn the car around and dig them out of the trash. But everything changed the day I saw Jesus—not with my natural eyes, but in the Word.

It is

The more I heard the Word, the more my desires changed. I didn’t want a cigarette—I wanted more of God! That’s the supernatural work of the living Word. The power to break free is in looking to Jesus and feeding on the Word until it becomes more real to you than your craving.”

Break Free From Lasciviousness

Lasciviousness—it’s not a word we use often, but it’s a strategy Satan uses all the time. It means having no restraint. It starts small: “Just one bite won’t hurt,” “Just one more time.” That tiny seed of compromise grows until it becomes a stronghold.

Whether it’s gluttony, bitterness, lust, or fear—every sin begins with an unrestrained thought. But you can take back control.

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God…” —2 Corinthians 10:5

Don’t entertain thoughts that don’t line up with the Word. Kick them out the moment they show up. Renew your mind with scripture. Let God’s truth shape how you think, speak, and act.

How do you actively walk in this freedom?

• Control your thoughts by bringing them “into obedience to the Scriptures”.
• Program your mind to the Word of God.
• Keep your mind and heart fixed on the Word—on Jesus. He is your only help.
• Saturate your mind with the Word so your spirit can “exercise its authority to overcome every ungodly thought and evil habit”.
• Gauging your “whole life around spiritual activities” helps your spirit remain the dominating force.
• “Walk in the spirit,” and you “will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh”. You can’t do both simultaneously.

Walk in the Spirit, Not the Flesh

You can’t live by the Spirit and cater to the flesh at the same time. Choose the Spirit. Surround yourself with the Word, worship, and godly teaching. Feed your spirit until it becomes the dominant force in your life.

When you’re walking in the Spirit, the flesh has to fall in line. Galatians 5:16 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”

It worked for me, said Kenneth Copeland—and it’ll work for you. “I didn’t lose weight by dieting—I stopped lasciviousness from operating in my life. The Word corrected my course.”

You Have the Power To Be Free

Jesus has already broken every chain. He’s given you His Word and His Spirit to walk in total freedom—not just occasionally, but forever.

“Don’t let Satan deceive you into sacrificing the glory of God for a few moments of self-indulgence.” —Kenneth Copeland

God’s not mad at you—He’s for you. He wants you to live free so you can fulfill His purpose for your life. Take your eyes off the problem and fix them on Jesus. He’s the Author and Finisher of your faith. Victory is yours!

Confession of Faith:

“I walk in the freedom Jesus paid for. I renew my mind with the Word, and I walk by the Spirit. I have the power to be forever free!”

Scripture Reading:

Hebrews 12:1–3
Galatians 5:16
2 Corinthians 10:4–5
Romans 12:1–2

As always, if you need a partner to agree with you in prayer, please call our prayer ministers at 0860103356 or submit a prayer request. Any day of the year, we’re here for you!