hmmm - something that they do not even have or understand for themselves. It is sad to watch men turn away from the way of righteousness because something or someone has influenced their heart and mind to view God's holy commandment as a prohibition rather than a protection.
When men abandon the way of righteousness because it has begun to appear too rigid or restrictive, their first love has been abandoned and they have fallen from a great height.
Love for God and His ways will always be reflected by a joyful obedience that considers the holy commandment as a way of peace and rest. All who are led by the Spirit find freedom "IN" the holy command. Those who have left their first love and have begun to walk after the flesh will always seek freedom "FROM" the holy command.
The only promise that gives genuine life is the promise of the Spirit Who brings glory to Jesus by taking the treasures hidden in Christ and making them known to His friends who obey His commands. False prophets promise a freedom also, but it is liberty FROM what they have come to view as bondage.
The promise of the Spirit is a freedom
from deceitful lusts through self-denial.
The promise of false prophets is a freedom to indulge carnal lusts through seeking self-fulfillment. The liberty of the Spirit can only be enjoyed by putting to death the deeds of the body - this "purifies" the soul by obeying the truth through the Spirit; the promise of false prophets is a "pacification" of the flesh which will "putrefy" the soul by making provision for the flesh. "Spiritual Liberty" and "Carnal Lusts" do not mix!
Carnal lusts are the reason the world is corrupt and enslaved to sin! When we hear a message "promising freedom" - be sure to test the spirits to see if it is freedom FROM the holy commandment or freedom IN the way of righteousness!
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