{"id":56153,"date":"2019-01-31T18:44:42","date_gmt":"2019-01-31T15:44:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=56153"},"modified":"2025-09-23T07:24:19","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T04:24:19","slug":"you-shall-know-the-truth-and-the-truth-shall-set-you-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2019\/01\/31\/you-shall-know-the-truth-and-the-truth-shall-set-you-free\/","title":{"rendered":"You Shall Know the Truth, and the Truth Shall Set You Free"},"content":{"rendered":"

(John 8:32<\/em>)<\/p>\n

Many people struggle under the power of darkness, yet the truth remains: no one can be set free unless they personally choose to be free<\/strong>. Even the most anointed prayers or spiritual warfare will not deliver someone who has not made the decision to turn away from darkness.<\/p>\n

This is because human will is powerful<\/strong>, and God Himself respects it. The Holy Spirit<\/strong>, though fully able to override human decisions, chooses not to do so<\/strong>. If God doesn’t violate human free will, certainly Satan cannot<\/strong>. When a person decides to remain bound either by sin, bitterness, unbelief, or rebellion no prayer can force their freedom<\/strong>. That is the divine order of free will.<\/p>\n

1. Freedom Begins with the Word, Not Just Prayer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Jesus said:<\/p>\n

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What is this \u201ctruth\u201d that sets us free?<\/p>\n

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”John 17:17 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

According to Jesus Himself, the Word of God is the truth<\/strong>. Therefore, it is not merely prayer, but the Word of God<\/strong> that brings true freedom. Deliverance begins when someone receives and believes the Word<\/strong>, and submits their life to it.<\/p>\n

2. Why Preaching and the Gospel Matter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When a person is not yet saved, God does not force them to believe. Instead, He draws them<\/strong> through the power of His Word and His Spirit. He sends preachers (Romans 10:14), He stirs conviction (John 16:8), and He speaks peace and hope to the heart. But ultimately, the person must respond<\/strong> to that call.<\/p>\n

Once they believe, then:<\/p>\n

“The Spirit of God enters them and they are born again.” \u00a0cf. John 3:5-6<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

But if they refuse to believe<\/strong>, the power of darkness remains in control<\/strong>, no matter how many prayers are made over them.<\/p>\n

3. Forgiveness Is Conditional on Your Obedience to the Word<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It is very possible to pray for forgiveness, attend church, or even be prayed over by a powerful minister yet still remain in bondage<\/strong>, if you refuse to forgive others.<\/p>\n

Jesus taught:<\/p>\n

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
\nbut if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”Matthew 6:14\u201315 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

You cannot claim freedom and forgiveness from God while harboring hatred or bitterness<\/strong>. Obedience to the Word is what brings freedom not religious activity or ritual.<\/p>\n

4. Why Jesus Gave Us His Word\u00a0 Not His Face or Wealth<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When Jesus ascended, He did not leave behind His physical image, property, or wealth. Instead, He left us His Word (the Bible)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

That Word is our spiritual inheritance our roadmap to freedom<\/strong>. His words teach us how to live, how to love, how to forgive, and how to overcome.<\/p>\n

5. Personal Study of the Word Is Essential<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dear brother or sister, don\u2019t depend solely on sermons or church meetings<\/strong>. Open the Bible for yourself. Read it chapter by chapter, with a hunger to know the truth. The Holy Spirit will teach you.<\/p>\n

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
\nJohn 14:26 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

“Now these Jews were more noble… for they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”Acts 17:11 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

6. The Gift of the Holy Spirit Is for All Believers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

God’s promise of the Holy Spirit is not for a select few it is for everyone who believes<\/strong> and repents:<\/p>\n

\u201cRepent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
\nFor the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.\u201dActs 2:38\u201339 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

7. Don\u2019t Be Led by Fear or Superstition<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you don\u2019t know God\u2019s Word, you\u2019ll fall into every kind of fear and false teaching:
\nFear of food
\nFear of trees
\nFear of dreams
\nFear of \u201cstolen stars\u201d and \u201cwitchcraft spirits\u201d<\/p>\n

You may be drawn into occult like prayers<\/strong>, spiritual manipulation, or “star restoration” rituals all rooted in fear, not faith<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”1 Timothy 4:1 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Many of these teachings claim to be Christian, but in reality, they distract believers from the gospel<\/strong> and keep them bound in fear and ignorance.<\/p>\n

8. Beware of the False Prosperity Gospel<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some preachers only teach about money, wealth, and blessings<\/strong>, using isolated Bible verses to promote materialism. These messages often lack teachings on the Cross, repentance, or holiness.<\/p>\n

Yet:<\/p>\n

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you always leave a church service feeling eager to prove your enemies wrong<\/strong> instead of desiring to grow closer to God that is a red flag<\/strong>. You may be under the influence of a false gospel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The devil also promises instant wealth:<\/p>\n

He showed Jesus \u201call the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time\u201d<\/strong> and said, \u201cTo you I will give all this authority and their glory… If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.\u201d<\/em>Luke 4:5\u20137 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus refused, knowing that God\u2019s blessings take time and come with obedience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

9. Now Is the Time to Surrender to Christ<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve never surrendered your life to Jesus, do not delay. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.<\/p>\n

Repent of your sins and believe the gospel. Then be baptized:<\/p>\n

\u201cRepent and be baptized\u2026 in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (ESV)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Let the Word of God transform you daily. That is the truth that will set you free<\/strong>.<\/p>\n