Christians who continue in masturbation despite hearing the voice of God through the reading of Scripture have, in effect, chosen sin as their master.

Any sin that a person cannot control, but feels compelled to commit, has already gained mastery over that individual. The natural man does not possess the power to overcome sin, and even old age is not a remedy for the problem of sin. There are cases of individuals old enough to be grandparents who still struggle with masturbation, despite being churchgoers and even ministers of the gospel.

Some will say, “I cannot control myself.” There are accounts of individuals who, whenever they resolved to abstain from alcohol, would see themselves drinking in a dream. Upon waking, they would immediately seek out alcohol.

Those who engage in fornication or adultery are not merely acting on personal impulse; there is often a spiritual influence driving such behavior. Even when they desire to abstain, their lustful inclinations prevail.

After committing such acts, some proceed to pray for forgiveness. However, God is not mocked. Repeated indulgence in sin grants the enemy influence over a person’s life, potentially leading to deeper bondage.

What should one do when faced with the temptation to fornicate? The instruction is simple: flee. One cannot negotiate with temptation, reason with it, or attempt to spiritually confront it in the moment. Scripture clearly states, “Flee fornication.”

Some individuals remain unable to overcome smoking cigarettes, even after years in the presence of God and exposure to the teaching of Christ. This indicates continued subjection to a master other than the Spirit of God.

It is therefore imperative that we yield fully to Christ, allowing Him to deliver us from every form of sin that seeks to destroy us.

When we permit sin to dominate us, we are, in effect, consenting to its rule. In such cases, there is often a willful neglect of resistance because of the temporary pleasure it provides.

There was a man who remained bound by immorality into old age. However, upon joining a Bible-believing church and consistently engaging with the Word of God, the spiritual forces influencing his life were displaced. In a vision, he saw these forces departing from him. His spiritual understanding was opened, and he perceived a figure representing his former bondage leaving him. From that moment, the compulsion ceased, and he was no longer controlled by such desires.

The Word of God exposed and expelled what had been operating in hidden bondage.

If Judas Iscariot had fully embraced and obeyed the teachings of Jesus, he would not have fallen into betrayal. However, when he allowed greed to take root, he ultimately betrayed his Master.

He chose silver over Jesus Christ as his master.

This remains the reality for those within the church who allow sin to dominate their lives. It is ultimately a matter of personal choice, not divine intention.

Each person must decide who will govern their life: Jesus or the flesh; the Holy Spirit or the devil.

Some women claim they cannot control their emotions, engaging in infidelity and subsequently attributing their actions to the devil.

However, human will plays a decisive role. Choices shape behavior. Responsibility cannot simply be transferred to Satan.

Others remain enslaved by the lust of the eyes, acquiring whatever they desire regardless of financial consequences.

These desires must be brought under control in order to progress in life, including the pride of life, which has the potential to destroy destinies.

One cannot remain united with sin and expect participation in the marriage supper of the Lamb. Spiritual unfaithfulness is incompatible with the kingdom of God.

God desires a pure and sanctified people, cleansed by the blood of Christ, not those who continue to indulge in sin while professing grace.

Poverty does not inherently make a person a slave to theft. Likewise, many wealthy individuals are enslaved by greed, engaging in corruption and misappropriation of resources.

God warned Cain not to allow sin to rule over him, but to master it. Cain rejected this counsel and became enslaved to hatred and murder.

Scripture declares, “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?”

Through sin, humanity has become captive to spiritual forces, and many have become lawful captives through their actions. Nevertheless, there is assurance that captives will be delivered and the prey of the mighty shall be set free.

Prayer: Father lord, by your mercy deliver me from the captivity of the mighty, in Jesus’ name, amen