The Unchained Word - Pastor Brad DeLong

Today, I'm going to be talking about truth. Turn with me to the book of Second Timothy, chapter 2. We're going to drop in on the Apostle Paul, who is writing a very important letter to his disciple and son in the gospel, Timothy. He's very concerned for Timothy who seems to be facing some stiff resistance in Ephesus, the church there. And Paul gives him a key part of the remedy, the solution for all that ails Timothy. He's just told him early in the chapter, Timothy needs to endure hardship.

You need to persevere, Timothy. You can do this. But then he issues him a powerful reminder. Second Timothy 7 or chapter 2 verse 7 says this. Consider what I say and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. Remember, Timothy, that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains. But the word of God is not chained, not bound, not captive, not held up. Therefore, because of that, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Paul would go on to talk about that same word of God with Timothy, one that includes the powerful truth that Jesus was raised to life. And in the face of all Timothy's battles and struggles and hardships, Paul doesn't just say, "Hey, tough it out, Timothy. You can make it." But it gives him a tool and a weapon and an anchor that will help Timothy as he endures and as he leads others in the same pursuit. I want to talk about that anchor, that eternal instrument of victory and deliverance today.

And I'm going to do it through this title, the unchained word. The unchained word. I believe we're going to receive a fresh appreciation and a fresh understanding of this word that's forever settled in heaven. And I wonder if you'd put your Bibles down and lift your hands right now and invite the word of truth into your life to speak into you, to change you. That word is profitable for doctrine, for reprove, for correction, for instruction and righteousness. If you intend to receive the word today, would you tell the Lord that, "Oh God, I need the word.

I need it to shape my life. I need it to shape my thoughts. I need it to shape my emotions. I need it to shape uh the the landscape around me." your word can enter the equation right now and change absolutely everything including me. I invite it Lord and we're not just going to be hearers of the word but doers as well in Jesus name. Amen. You may be seated. Timothy is facing an armada of issues and embombardments in Ephesus, one of the chief capitals of idolatry and debauchery in the world at that time.

And and that's not to mention what's happening within the church at the same time. The outside world alone uh could overwhelm you, but Timothy's got some problems going on within. And like any church, they had their struggles. But their struggles seem to put most to shame. As you can tell from the first letter with Timothy's name on it, as well as this second letter from the Apostle Paul. There's false teachers and betrayals. There's a group of influential citizens that are wreaking havoc. There's debates and arguments overriding all of that.

the shameridden imprisonment of the church's founder, Paul, who was likely nearing his own execution at the time. That's just a couple of the things that are going on and and fails to mention Paul's words at the end of chapter 1 when he says, "Don't forget Timothy, all of Asia has turned away from me." They all turned their back. That's where Ephesus was likely located and they turned away from him. Timothy is just in the thick of this fight. He he's trying to do a work for for God.

He's got false teachers like Himaeus and Phileitius uh teaching contrary doctrines. Deus is running off to another city and and deserting Paul. Alexander the metal workers causing division. A group of wealthy women are spreading heresy throughout the church. All of this coupled with the threat of the Sanhedrin and the Roman government against Christians as well as Paul's impending trial and his eventual execution. They all weigh heavily on Timothy as he's trying to follow the will of God in a place that seemed to want to do anything but help him spread the good news.

And it's into this mess that Paul sends what's most likely his last letter ever recorded. He's worried about Timothy, how he's getting along. He's concerned that Timothy might be ashamed of him and being imprisoned like everyone else seemed to be outside of his friend on Oiferus. He's nearing the end of his journey. He's finished his race. He wants to make sure Timothy doesn't lose his own race. Doesn't give up in the middle of it all. So, he puts his pen to papyrus and and begins to encourage and to comfort his son in the gospel from a prison cell or maybe house arrest.

He writes, "And what do you say to someone in a situation like that? What text do you send to someone battling that? What words do you use to pull them through that mess to get them to their feet? And what encouragements could be written from the eve of execution in this man's own life? Paul starts by reminding him of the faith that's been handed to him and the spirit of God that's within him, one of power and of love and of a sound mind. He encourages Timothy, hey, don't be ashamed of me like everyone else seems to be.

In chapter one, HE SAYS, "DON'T FORGET, hold fast the pattern of sound words which you've heard from me and faith and love which are in Christ Jesus." That good thing, that wonder, that eternal thing that was committed to you, you keep it by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. So, IN OTHER WORDS, HOLD ON, TIMOTHY. Don't you let go of your faith in the doctrine, the spirit of God. Guard them with your life. And then in chapter two, he reminds him to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

He tells him, "Hey, hard times are coming, but we've got to please the one who's enlisted us as a soldier." He then reminds Timothy uh of who that one is, the one uh who raised from the dead according to our text. Remember Timothy that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel for which I suffer chains as an evildoer or suffer trouble rather even to the point of chains but the word of God is not chained. The word of God that I have committed to you is not bound in any way.

Therefore because of that I endure all things because the word is sure. I endure all things for the sake of the elect and for others. You'd think that might be the end of it, but it's not. It's not the end of that. It's not the end of the letter. He tells Timothy, you hold on to that word and study to show yourself approved to God. And then he goes back to some discouraging remarks. Haeus and Phileitas are at it again. They're spreading their cancer. He says they're using profane and idol babblings.

He reminds Timothy though he goes back to his premise. Nevertheless, the the sound solid foundation of God still stands. It has this seal that the Lord knows those who are his. And and let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity gets him a jolt of encouragement. But then he goes back to perilous times. Second Timothy 3, know this. Timothy, let me encourage you. In the last days, perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud blasters.

This is a list, I'm telling you. Blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving. Let me just pause to say he puts disobedient to parents in between blasphemers and unthankful and unholy. That's important. All right, moving on. Slanders without self-control, BRUTAL, DESPISERS OF GOOD, TRAITORS, HEADSTRONG, HOTTY, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. They have a form of godliness, but deny its power. And from such people turn away. For of this sort of those who creep into households, and they make captive of gullible women, loaded down with sins, led away by various lust.

They're always learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. He talks about a couple guys who are just like that. And I I just at this point, I'm thinking, okay, Paul, that's not too encouraging. Timothy's fighting on all fronts. And now this, where's the silver lining in it all? Where where's the victory? What else could go wrong here? Paul caps it off by saying, "Don't forget, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

I just almost imagine Timothy throwing his hands in the air like, "I get it, Paul." until he sees the Greek conjunction that Paul uses to start verse 14 when Paul says, "Hey, I know what everyone else seems to be doing. I know that you're suffering. I know that you're poised to suffer even more. But don't forget that you must continue in the things which you've learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you learn them, and not from childhood. You've known the holy scriptures which are able to make you wise uh able to make you wise uh for salvation THROUGH FAITH WHICH IS IN CHRIST JESUS.

Don't forget Timothy all scripture is given by inspiration of God and it's profitable for doctrine for reprove for correction for instruction and righteousness that THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE COMPLETE thoroughly equipped for every good work. You'll notice a trend. It's a roller coaster. Timothy's on in this letter. It goes from suffering to the word in chapter one, back to suffering, back to the word. The word's invoked again in chapter two, back to trials in in the middle of the chapter. And then again, Paul goes back to the word.

And then in chapter three, we ride that roller coaster back to perilous times and suffering until once more Paul lands on what seems to be the final point, the final remedy. This allimportant truth, the the answer to all that ails, the the weapon that overrides every chain, every struggle, every ongoing or future battle. It builds to this climax in the end where Paul resonates with Timothy's struggle and his limitations, but then reminds him of a power and of an anchor and of a weapon that's without limit and without constraint.

It's as IF HE SAYS, "TIMOTHY, I KNOW YOU'RE DISCOURAGED RIGHT NOW." And it seems like the whole world's turning against you. Even I'm in chains. UH EVEN I'M BOUND, BUT I'VE GOT TO REMIND YOU THAT THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT BOUND. THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT in chain. THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT ENCUMBERED. THE WORD OF GOD IS NOT OVERWHELMED. BUT IN THE FACE OF IT ALL, LET ME TELL YOU WHAT TO DO. YOU MUST CONTINUE. And the things THAT YOU'VE LEARNED AND been assured of, KNOWING WHO PASSED THOSE DOWN THAT FROM CHILDHOOD, YOU'VE KNOWN THAT BOOK WHICH IS ABLE TO MAKE YOU WISE.

ALL scripture is given by inspiration. It's God breathed. It's profitable, Timothy, for doctrine, for reprove, for correction, for instruction, and righteousness. And don't forget, IF YOU'VE GOT IT, you're thoroughly equipped for every good work. Don't forget, Timothy, you've got everything that you need. You are thoroughly equipped for this season and this battle and this struggle and this assignment. YOU'VE GOT THE GOD BREATHED, GOD INSPIRED WORD OF TRUTH. ONE THAT'S BEEN PASSED ON TO YOU from generation TO YOU ARE EQUIPPED FOR every good work. And he doesn't stop there.

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead and his appearing in his kingdom. Here's the answer. Timothy, you want to know what to do? Preach the word. PREACH THE WORD. BE READY IN SEASON AND OUT OF CONVINCE, REBUKE, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they won't endure sound doctrine, but according to their itching ears, they'll heap up for themselves teachers, and they'll turn away from the truth. They'll be turned aside to fables.

But you, you, Timothy, you be watchful in all things. Endure afflictions. Do the work of an evangelist. Fulfill your ministry. And during his last recorded address, staring his own trial and his execution in the face. The apostle, that elder rises in his spirit to get out the last word to his embattled brother. He could have said anything. He could have filled those pages with any other wisdom or advice. He could have spent the entirety of the letter just patting him on the back. I know you can send anything in that text to that person.

I know you can. But let me tell you what Paul sent. Instead, he levels with him. He says,"Tim, you're going to suffer. Make no mistake about it. You're already suffering. I'm mindful of your tears. I know that you're suffering, BUT YOU HOLD FAST TO THE WORD OF TRUTH. You teach it to others. You preach it in longsuffering and humility. You continue in it knowing the power and the wisdom and the origin of that book. IT'S BEEN BREATHED BY THE LORD himself and you will lack nothing.

Lack nothing as you hear it, obey it, heed it, and teach it. Yes, Timothy, I know you're struggling and you're limited and you're tearful and I'm suffering chains myself as a criminal would. We're both shackled in some way by our circumstances and the people around us. I see your tears and your proverbial setbacks. I see your chains. But I remind you, the word of God is not chained. Maybe you're tired. Maybe you're weary. Maybe you're embattled. But the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of the joints and marrow.

It's a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart. Maybe the ground underneath you is unsettled and it's shifty and the terrain is treacherous. BUT THE SOLID FOUNDATION OF GOD stands firm and it's forever settled. AND HE MAYBE YOU'RE UNDER ATTACK from every SIDE AND EVERY ANGLE. BUT PROVERBS SAYS, "EVERY WORD OF GOD PROVES TRUE. HE'S a shield to those WHO PUT THEIR TRUST in him." Again, at the end of his life and to a disciple who's facing what seemed to be insurmountable odds, living in a city in a culture that wanted to chew him up and spit them out or at least just bog him down in distraction.

and the mire and the chains. Paul offers a simple remedy. The one I'm offering today to somebody who's facing your own chains and your own storm. It is the unfettered, unencumbered, unrestricted, unrestrained, unchained, unmatched word of God. It is eternal and infallible. It is quick. It is powerful. It is unlimited. It is undying. This is the antidote to everything you may be facing today. especially those things that WOULD TRY TO TIE YOU UP AND HOLD YOU DOWN and keep you from THE WILL OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE.

YOU WILL BE HEALTHY, GROWING, AND FULL OF love in Jesus' name. You will be free in Jesus name according to the word of God. Today I've come to help somebody. And Paul tells Timothy, confront what you're facing with the truth so we can escape. Today I've come to help somebody. There's some in this room like Timothy, you've been ens snared one way or the other. Maybe it's the cares of life trying to choke out the word. Maybe it's a storm that's trying to drown it out.

Maybe it's an enemy that's trying to snuff it out and cause doubt and turmoil in your mind. Maybe it's a sickness or a pit or a prison or an addiction that's trying to keep out the word. Maybe it's your own heart and your own mind that are consciously or subconsciously trying to shut out the word. Maybe it's unhealth or unforgiveness that's tried to lock out or push out the word. Whatever your chains are today, they cannot keep out, choke out, shut out, or drown out the unchained word of God.

It's a phrase in the text that simply means not bound or unable to be bound. So, here's my 3:00 a.m. sentence. If you walk away with anything, get this. You may be bound today, but the word of God is not bound. This word is not subject to your chains. Your chains are not the the exception to the word of God. You can be free. You ought to you will be free. This is not nor has ever been restricted in any life. It is A WORD AND A WEAPON THAT CANNOT be stopped in any way, shape or form unless we try to reject it all together.

And even then, I still believe it has an effect that it will be unbound in a life or a storm in which it is unleashed. Those same scriptures Paul was telling Timothy about in chapter 3, likely the Old Testament law and prophets, they testify to the power, the unchained nature of the word. Paul and Timothy when he tells them, you know, the holy scriptures are likely leaning on their upbringing. They consider the unchained word of God, the one Psalm 19 talks about. It says, "The law of the Lord is perfect." I just imagine Timothy rehearsing this, converting the soul.

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statue of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The word is right. The one speaking against it is wrong. Let God be true and every man a liar. Someone is wrestling with whether or not this is right. I'm telling you it's right and even your own thoughts may be wrong if it's contrary to the word of God. The commandment of the Lord is pure enlightening the eyes. Isaiah 40 and 7, the grass withers, the flower fades because the breath of the Lord blows upon it.

Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. Maybe you're withering. Maybe you're falling and fading and you're restricted, but the word of God has never been restricted by what restricts you. Isaiah 55, my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor my ways, your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Why don't we ever stop sometime and ask the Lord, what do you think?

I've thought about this all night long. Why don't you tell me from your word what you think, Lord? Because it's probably better than what I'm thinking right now. For as the rain comes down and and the snow from heaven and do not return there, but they water the earth and make it bring forth in bud. It'll give seed to the sewer and bread to the eater. So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth. It shall not return to me void. It shall accomplish what I please.

It shall prosper in the thing for which I s it is just as simple and powerful as that if the Lord said it, IT WILL BE DONE. It will be accomplished. His word will not be contested, resisted, or disputed successfully. It's unchained. This is all the more poignant. And you see a prime example of this in Matthew 4. Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus, the the God of the universe, intentionally limits himself. He makes himself a servant, one who was tempted in every way we are, but without sin.

He's led into the desert to fast and to be tempted. I feel like that's the worst place to fast, the desert. He did it. He's hungry. He's, if you'll let me, he's shackled, if you will, by the limits of his humanity. He's experiencing real pain and weakness and frailty, which you'll notice uh is where Satan tempts him first. He doesn't tempt him with all the cities of the world. It's bread. I'm going to come after you where you're weak. It's going to be bread. I get tempted by bread when I'm not fasting.

He knows Jesus's limit, his human propensity for hunger. What happens next is so remarkable to me. In response to this accuser of the brethren, to this being who has resisted the work and the word of God from the beginning, Jesus unapologetically reaches for the word of truth and all his wisdom. He reaches back to the Old Testament to a passage written over a thousand years earlier, a truth that is unshackled by time. And this is how he responds. He answers and said, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." To a rebellious and obstinate being, Jesus employs the word of truth.

We don't even hear a response or a peep out of Satan. Many know this happens at least two more times in Matthew's account. The counterattack, the formula, Jesus is the same. As it is written, as it is written. as it is written. And verse 11 says this, then the devil left him. I got nothing. Three times, three attempts, same formula, he leaves him. It's the same formula today. Same formula. Be sober. Be vigilant. Because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Resist him. Steadfast in your faith. Paul adds this. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of his might. put on the homer of God that you may be able to stand against the ws of the devil. For we don't wrestle against flesh and blood, but we wrestle against principalities, against powers, against spiritual hosts of wickedness, against the rulers of the darkness of this age. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand or withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand, stand, therefore, having girded your waist with truth, HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, HAVING SHOT OR COVERED your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Above all, take up the shield of your faith, with which you'll be able to quench all, everyone say all. >> All, all the fiery darts of the wicked one. and take the helmet OF SALVATION AND TAKE THE SWORD of the spirit which is the word of God. I find it interesting that the word is defensive and offensive truth. Take that shield of your faith. Oh, and take the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. PRAYING ALWAYS WITH ALL PRAYER and supplication in the spirit.

Whether it's Satan or a spirit of darkness, a storm, a sickness, any other antagonist, the remedy remains the same. And even Satan will concede to the word of God. If Satan will, I believe your storm and your sickness and your circumstance will as well. You may be limited. It may be that you're shackled right here and now. You may be handcuffed by life and trials and opposition. But I've come to encourage you that the word of God, the one you ought to pray every day, the one you ought to speak and quote in the middle of your mess, the one you ought to hide in your heart, the one you ought to memorize, the one that uh that tells you that that our God will never leave you or forsake you.

That word is unlimited. That word is unchanged. Those promises hold true. The purpose of that word will not fail, will not return void. And the God of that word will see to it THAT EVERY WORD OF it is going to be accomplished in your life. His word is unrestricted. Jesus said this in Matthew 24, "Heaven and earth will pass away. My words will by no means pass away." And then John 8, Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you're my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Some of you know, we just talked about this this morning, our pre-ervice meeting.

This is one of our core texts for our core value of truth. We believe that the word of God is the ultimate truth with a capital T. Amen. It's the truth. We believe his word is not bound in any way, shape, or form. His word is actually what sets us free. The truth of the word's been doing that for generation after generation. A couple months ago, we were driving to school. Was talking to Mila and Wesley about this topic today. We memorized one of our other core scriptures and texts, Psalm 119:160.

We were quoting it on the way to school together. Said, "All right, Psalm 119:160." And off they were. They try to say it fast. I have to slow them down. The entirety of your word is truth and every one of your righteous judgments endures forever. The entirety of your word is truth and every one of your righteous judgments endures forever. The entirety of your word is truth. I want to say it until someone believes it. The entirety of your word is truth. And every one of your righteous judgments endures forever.

The entirety of your word is truth with a capital T. And every one of your righteous judgments endures forever. I asked them, "What does that mean?" They were trying to walk through it. And I just thought there's something powerful about hearing another generation quote the word of God with some conviction. And they were doing it because we do it every morning. But they they believe it. They're in the back seat quoting, "The entirety of your word is truth. And every one of your righteous judgments endures forever." There's something powerful about another generation like Timothy knowing that this truth is ever.

Just that scripture alone, if they could get it, will change their life. They won't ever have to go looking for another truth. Someone here today has been looking in all the wrong places for truth. >> And you need to know that the entirety of his word is truth. And every one of his righteous judgments endures forever. >> They don't ever have to go wandering or wondering what truth is. I started to ask him, "What's that mean?" And I explained to them that the word of God is the truth.

That it will never not be the truth. It's forever settled. They know the truth and the truth will make them free. And we started to talk about it for about 30 seconds and Mila pipes up from the back seat. She says, "Dad, I feel Jesus coming close to my heart right now." That's the language we use to describe the presence of God. It was just a passing conversation. BUT WHEN THE WORD OF GOD WAS INVOKED, time is suspended and the GLORY OF GOD. ANYONE FEEL JESUS COMING close right now because we're talking about his word?

Anybody? SOME OF YOU THAT HAVEN'T FELT JESUS? WHY DON'T YOU START READING THE WORD? WHY DON'T YOU START QUOTING THE WORD UNTIL YOU FEEL THE GLORY OF GOD SETTLE ON YOUR LIFE, SETTLE ON YOUR HOME AND FAMILY. It's the language WE USE TO DESCRIBE HIS PRESENCE. And Jesus interrupted that car ride. I feel Jesus in this room right now. He's the way, the truth, and the life. And his word, his eternal word is unfettered, and it can set you free right now. You might be bound in this moment, but the word of God is not.

And God can set you free here in this moment. With that in mind, I speak to somebody facing darkness and oppression that's got you bound. And I don't speak to my own words. I'm just going to quote to you the unchained word of God. In the beginning was the word and THE WORD WAS WITH GOD AND THE WORD WAS GOD. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him AND WITHOUT HIM NOTHING WAS MADE that was made. In him was life and that LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN and light shine into darkness AND DARKNESS COMPREHENDED IT NOT.

AND WE BEHELD HIS GLORY. THE GLORY IS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER, FULL OF grace and truth. That's who will set you free today. Deuteronomy 31 says this, "Be strong and of good courage. Fear not, neither be afraid of them. For the Lord your God, he is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." I speak to someone facing a storm and a cyclone in your life has got you bound up and overwhelmed. And I echo the words of our master who stood on the bow of a ship and said, "Peace be still according to the word and the authority of the word of God." Psalm 107, "For he commands and raises the stormy wind which lifts up the waves of the sea.

They mount up to the heavens. They go down again to the depths and their soul melts because of trouble." Anybody's soul melting recently because of trouble? I've got a word for you. They reel to and fro. They stagger like a drunken man. They're at their wits end, BUT THEN THEY CRY OUT to the Lord in their trouble. And he brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm so that the waves are still. Then they're glad and rejoice BECAUSE THEY'RE QUIET. HE GUIDES them to their desired haven.

That's a word. I speak to someone deprived of strength and rest and fortitude. Someone who's weary. Someone who's exhausted. Second Corinthians. And he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." I speak to you, Galatians 6. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap. If we faint not, I speak to you Isaiah 40, he gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, he increases strength.

Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. THEY SHALL RUN AND not be weary. THEY SHALL WALK AND NOT F I wonder if SOMEONE'S STARTING TO BELIEVE THAT THE WORD OF TRUTH IS UNFOUND AND IN YOUR CHAINS. You're battling sickness and ailments. 107 again, Psalm 107. He sent his word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions. Isaiah 53. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.

Yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted, but he was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. Chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes, we are healed. To those battling anxiety, grief, fear. Hear the word of the Lord. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything my prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. Anyone ever tested this verse? Anybody? Anyone ever found it to be true? Yeah. And the peace of God, he writes this to soldiers, which is interesting.

In the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Psalm 34, the Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saved such as have a contrite spirit. I wonder if anyone's feeling the power of the unchained word just yet. Anybody? If not, let me read to you John 6 and 63. Jesus said, "It's the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life." And with that in mind, I continue with those who are facing the enemy, those who are ins snared, those who are in battle.

And if this is too much scripture for you. All right. Romans 8. WHAT THEN SHALL WE SAY TO these things? IF GOD IS THIS IS OUR BIRTHRIGHT. OH, there's a reason WE LOVE IT. IF GOD IS FOR US, who tell me who who can be against us? He who did did not spare his own son but but delivered him up for us all. HOW SHALL HE NOT WITH HIM also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against GOD'S ELECT? IT'S GOD WHO JUSTIFIES.

WHO IS HE WHO CONDEMNS? IT'S CHRIST WHO DIED. AND FURTHERMORE, he's risen who's at the right hand of God who makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us? who from THE LOVE OF CHRIST shout tribulation or distress OR PERSECUTION OR FAMINE or nakedness or peril or short as it is written. For your sake we're killed all the day long. We're a coward as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am pers quoted with me.

I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, NOR THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of Jesus Christ OUR LORD. WOULD YOU worship the Lord right now? If you believe it, would you magnify the Lord right now? Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Jesus. Oh, we praise you. We believe in your word. We believe in the power of your word. SOMEONE JESUS IS COMING close to you right now.

Jesus is fulfilling his word right now. God's word stands. His word is sure. If you're battling sin, darkness in your life, Peter said, "You ought to repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. For by grace you've been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves.

It's the gift of God. And if you confess your sins, he's faithful and just to forgive you of your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. If he can do that for you, and he has done it for us, he can do anything. Hear me today. Every storm, every snare, every enemy situation and chain, there is an antidote in the word of God. God's word is not bound. Last week, Bishop spoke to those who were battling some skepticism, some cynicism, maybe just some doubt. Maybe you hear what I'm saying right now and you're having a hard time believing it because of one reason or another.

But the word of God will set you free today. I can't set you free. You can't even set you free. The word of God will set you free. Jesus spoke to scribe and Pharisee in Mark 12 teacher what's the greatest law you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul with all your strength he couples at first with O Israel the Lord our God the Lord is one I just imagine that sending shock waves through the crowd love your neighbor as yourself and the scribe says well said teacher verse 34 I love it at the end it says but after that no one dared question him people come to me I'm so honored that you would Pastor, we're facing this.

We don't know what to do. Many things I've never been through myself. I don't have the answers, but I know where to find them. There's an answer for whatever has you bound today. There's an antidote for it. I want you to stand with me right now. Just a moment. We're going to test that and we're going to prove it with the Lord's help. I want my helpers to come if you wouldn't mind. Got some some ushers that are going to come and they're going to spread some scriptures across the front of this place.

Some that you can use if you need. Musicians, you can come while they're doing that to share with you. Couple years ago, I was in a a season prolonged season like some of you are in. I don't even know what I was battling, but it was an everyday thing, an everyday battle. And I would get up in the morning and I go to talk to the Lord. I don't want to step on scripture. It was like I was hitting a wall every single day.

Probably some mental struggle and ailment, probably some exhaustion, and probably most definitely an enemy that was wanting to capitalize on that. He knows what to tempt you with. If he can tempt Jesus, he can tempt us. It was like my prayers were hitting a wall. I knew that they weren't. But every single morning, I would go in and I'd sit with the Lord and I'd read my Bible. I don't know if I even was getting it at the time. There's a difference between reading your Bible and hiding it in your heart, right?

You probably didn't hide every one of those 118 scriptures in your heart. But if you got one, you got enough. You add to it, another day and another day. I'm talking to someone though that's that's bound up right now. Maybe it's been one day, maybe it's been three months like mine was. And every day it was like I was walking through mud to get to the glory of God. I am not content with spending a single day on this planet without connecting with God. I would get into his glory.

I'd do everything I could to get into the presence and the goodness of God like we feel in this room. And it was like I I just was resisted. Lord, are you hearing my I knew he was hearing but I I wondered are you hearing my prayers right now? Because Nothing nothing seems to be changing. Finally, I'd had enough and I opened Psalm one and I read it to my own soul and I read it to my own mind and I read it for anybody to hear, including whatever adversary was trying to rob me of what the Lord wanted to do in my life.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly. Anyone feel that right now? You feel the glory of the Lord? If you don't, you can start quoting it with me. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, stands in the way of sinners, sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.

It brings forth fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so. They're like the chaff that the wind drives away. Maybe maybe you feel like you're being pushed around. You ought to anchor yourself in the word. Go to verse five. Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. Verse six, though, the Lord knows the way of the righteous. He knows. I didn't get another word out for the glory of the Lord.

Enveloped that room and signs followed the word of God just like he promised. Maybe you're bound today and maybe you've been bound a long time, but the word of God is not bound. I don't know how many scriptures it's going to take that you got to quote and pray. Maybe maybe it'll take as many as it needs for you to actually believe it. and you just quote until you actually believe it. But here's what we're going to do today. Here's the entire altar appeal. If you're facing anything, you're facing discouragement, fear, sickness, you're facing an enemy, depression, oppression, maybe you're just battling unbelief and doubt and skepticism.

You need deliverance from addiction. You need deliverance from sin and darkness. I'm going to invite you to pick up your Bible. And if you don't have your Bible, I'm going to invite you, if you got to use your phone, that's fine. There's categories on these handouts right here for peace, for deliverance, for salvation, for victory, hope, and faith, healing, and strength. I want you to come and I want you to pray scripture. Maybe you only know one scripture. Pray it over and over again until the glory of God.

I I believe the Lord is going to accompany his word. If you want to come right now, grab your Bible, grab a scripture, come and lift your hands at this altar and begin to pray the word of God and speak the word of God until Jesus comes to your heart. Whatever you're facing right now, you are not exempt. THE WORD OF GOD has an answer. THE WORD OF GOD HAS an antidote. Would you come right now, look over those scriptures, pick one out, close your eyes, and you begin to speak it.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delights in the law of the Lord. AND IN HIS LAW, HE'LL MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT, AND HE'LL BE LIKE a tree planted by the rivers of water. Oh, just begin to quote that scripture right now. Even if you're doing it quietly, I believe that the deliverance of God is going to come on you. Thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph in his name.

Oh, begin to quote the word of truth right now in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus. Oh, we believe your word has inherent power. We believe your word is effectual. We believe your word is unchained right now. >> You didn't grab a hand out. I wonder if you just quote scripture over the body right now. >> We believe the whole body is going to be healthy, growing, and full of love. We believe that we're going to attain to the the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ >> in the name of Jesus.

Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain. Break every chain.

Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. >> There's an army rising up. There's an army rising up. There's an army rising up to break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. To break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain.

To break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. There's an army rising up. There's an army rising up. There's an army rising up to break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. To break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. To break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus. There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain.

Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. Break every chain. >> >> Brother Bruce, I'm going to ask you to put 2 Timothy 2 and verse 7 back on that screen. Paul tells Timothy on the heels of that opening address in chapter 2, "Consider what I say. think on it. I don't know the exact rendering of that word, but I know that Psalm 1 says his delight is in the law of the Lord, and he meditates on it day and night. There's a decent amount of the application of this message that you're going to have to do beyond this place, which is why we gave you this.

There is power in just quoting a scripture or reading it. There's even more power in meditating on it. We don't like that word. It's a biblical word means to chew the cut over and over and over again. It's like that Philippians 1 that wrecked me one day. For to you it's been granted on Christ's behalf not only to believe in him but to suffer for his sake. That scripture wrecked me for a while, but you don't unlock unless you actually think on it, pray on it, meditate on it.

So, I could give you the tools to overcome one Sunday, a shot in the arm, but that's not Paul's point to Timothy. Timothy, you hold fast to what I'm saying. Don't just hold it yourself, but teach it to somebody and commit it to somebody. Preach the word. Preach it when they don't want to hear it. Preach it when other people are saying there's something contrary to it. Let it be a fixture in your life. One of the ways we can do that, just put that on your fridge.

Memorize it. hide it in your heart because there's going to be a day when not all of us are gathered together and you're going to need the word of truth to free you. And I'm believing this church is going to meditate on it. I'm so thankful that you have such a great knowledge of the word, but the Lord's calling us even higher. One of you just slip it slip a hand to heaven and thank the Lord for his word right now. God, we don't take for granted that we've got it all.

66 books of truth and that it's all for us and we can wield it, Lord, in the face of every struggle, in the face of every battle, in the face of everything that we're up against, every storm. I thank you for the word of truth that's forever settled in heaven. And I pray you'd help me to never take it for granted. And I pray you'd help me, Lord, to meditate on it, to think on it. this word of God that is not chained. Jesus name. Amen.