In our battle for freedom from our addictions, our only hope for victory is found in what Christ has already accomplished to set us free. We can only be transformed by renewing our minds constantly in the Truth of the Gospel, remembering the richness of His grace every morning, every evening, and every moment in-between.

 

Read Colossians 2:6-15. Though I have been walking with the Lord for over fifty years, I have never ceased to be amazed at the price God paid for my salvation, at what it cost Jesus to mount the counteroffensive into Satan’s territory, so that I might have freedom from the bondage of sin.

 

In this passage from Colossians, Paul describes the glorious way Christ has brought us into spiritual fullness:

 

  • Christ made us alive when we were dead in sin (v. 13).
  • Christ forgave us our sin, canceling any condemning accusation against us (v. 14).
  • Christ disarmed Satan and all his demons of any power they had over us, triumphing over them by the cross (v. 15).

 

The Truth of this passage is so humbling as we examine the incomprehensible gift of God’s love and grace that it demands we cry out with Paul, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! . . . ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?’ For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:33, 35-36).

 

We must not be blasé about what is the greatest miracle of all time: We have been received back into fellowship with God. Christ did all and gave all so that we might have all—everything we need for life, godliness, and freedom. By delivering us from our slavery to sin, He has given us the power to silence Satan’s every accusation because the grace of God in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ is sufficient to pay the ransom of our every sin (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).

 

When you are struggling with guilt and shame, confess your need for Christ and allow Him to burst open your cell door by the power of the cross. You are more than a conqueror through Christ (see Romans 8:31-39). So, tell your addictions, “You have no claim over me. I am free. My debt is paid in full. Christ came from heaven to give me life, and that I now have abundantly in Him.”

 

Prayer: Father, thank You for the amazing gift of Your love and grace that has canceled my debt and ransomed me from the grave. May I live boldly and righteously in the new life You have given me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14).

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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