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Introduction: There are many prisoners in our world today due to crimes they have committed, prisoners of war, or political prisoners.

A. All prisoners are not behind stone walls or iron bars. As the poet has said, "Stone walls do not a prison make, or iron bars a cage."

B. Our attitude toward life is a stronger and more unyielding prison than one made of iron and bricks.

1. Charles Dickens wrote: "I wear the chain I forged in life."

C. If your lusts, hates, resentments, sins, temptations, grudges, fears, mistakes, or anything else is holding you a prisoner, let Jesus set you free. He has the power if we will let Him use it for us.

D. Our text reveals that Jesus is talking about freeing people from FEAR & SIN. He can release us from all prisons.

A. We live in a country of great abundance. We have so many blessings and material possession, these have become the gods or prisons to many in our society.

B. Jesus gave some great teachings regarding the possessions of this life in Matt. 6:19-33.

C. Article by George Carlin.

A. Apathy and indifference will cause us to be against any changes that may need to happen. We don’t want to rock the boat.

B. As a church or an individual, we stagnate when we stop growing or become inactive.

1. We do not overcome a weakness by giving in to it. A lazy person can overcome laziness by working diligently and regularly.

2. Christians are to grow spiritually and improve continually until the day of their death (I Peter. 2:1,2; II Peter 3:18).

 

A. Many people feel they are not worth much. Let us all remember that Christ died on the cross for us (John 3:16; 15:13).

B. Paul said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).

A. So many today are imprisoned by signs & symbols. A recent survey noted that one-half of the people in U.S. follow their superstitions. It is estimated that superstitious people spend over 125 million dollars every year. They worry about black cats, broken mirrors, Friday the 13^th, etc.

1. Christian are not ruled by OUTSIDE forces (Phil. 4:4-7).

 

A. Many peoples’ lives are filled with bitterness and hate for someone or something. Hatred hurts the hater more that the hated.

1. Hate hurts, love heals. "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matt. 5:44).

B. There can be a bad progression of feelings: Hurt feelings, hard feelings and no feelings.

C. Article on "Grudgitis" by Joe Barnett.

A. Some people are not at peace with self and must seek amusements constantly. Often this leads to gambling, Alcoholism, cheap and/or vulgar literature and movies. They look for new thrills that can lead to drugs and other hurtful practices.

B. Christ offers peace for troubled souls (Matt. 11:28-30).

1. Paul had the right idea (Phil. 1:21,27; 4:8).

C. When we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we can have the "peace of God which passes all understanding" (Phil. 4:7).

A. In this life we have many decisions that we must make: Where we shall live, what job we will follow, whom we shall marry, etc.

B. None of these are as important as the decision of whether or not we will follow Jesus and obey Him fully.

1. Jesus said, "Come, follow me" but we must make the decision.

2. Peter admonished Christians to follow in the steps of Jesus (I Peter 2:21-24.

A. Isaiah 59:2 "Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, your sins have hid His face from you so that He does not hear."

B. Jesus said in John 8:34, "Whosoever commits sin is a slave of sin."

C. God is eager to pardon the alien sinner or the erring Christian. He can set us free from all of our sins.

1. Clarence Dailey and the man with the keys.

D. Jesus said in John 8:36, "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed."

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