TITLE: Freedom From Your Self-Prisons

TEXT: John 8:32-34

PROPOSITION: The greatest hindrances are within.

QUESTION: Which?

KEY WORD: Restrictions

SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1.      Truth shall make us free – text – Are you in prison?

2.      Luke 4:18 – to set at liberty them that are bruised

3.      ROM. 6:16 – his servants you are whom you obey – sin unto death

4.      Charles Dickens – “I wear the chains I forged in life”

1.      A Prison of  Self-Satisfaction

1. Can’t overcome a weakness by giving in to it.
2. Many don’t change – They do not WANT to change
3. Overcome stage fright – go on stage – (riding a horse)
4. Phil. 3:12-14 Not attained – press on to the prize

 2.      A Prison of Inferiority.

A.    Feeling of defeat – Phil. 4:13 I can do all things

B.   Grasshopper complex – Numbers 13:33

 3.      A Prison of Superstition.

A.    $125 billion spent on superstition

2. +50% believe in fortune telling, Horoscopes, etc.
3. Fri. 13^th, Black cat, Walk under ladder, Break mirror
4. Question: Is your faith in Fate or in God who controls your fate?

 4.      A Prison of Hate.

1. Many lives are filled with bitterness, anger, and resentment.
2. Matt. 5:43-44 is talking to you.

 5.      A Prison of Unrest.

1. Reason for so many suicides.
2. Reason for much gambling, pornography, alcohol, drugs
3. Reason many seek superficial amusement
4. Common word of many – “I’m BORED!!”