14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

I. Self-Preservation is a Natural Temporal Desire opposed to the Spiritual Eternal Choice of Self-Sacrifice

Mr 8:34..Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
35  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. 36  For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mt 10:28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

II. Our Desire for Self-Preservation opens the Door to Bondage

A) Self-preservation expresses itself: A) in an unwillingness or inconsistency to spend oneself for the glory of God and the benefit of others; 

B) in a focus on the self’s: interests, security, significance, promotion, needs, desires (power, pleasure, possessions); 

C) in an aversion to risk, conflict & transparency and a devotion to comfort & acceptance.

III. Bondage is Broken by Acting on the Truths of the Bible

-From The Bondage Breaker Chapter 12 by Neil Anderson

A. Name It and Claim It (Identify/Discover Ps 139:23-24, Confess Sin & Claim Forgiveness 1Jn 1:9, Renounce Lies & Practices Ac 19:17-20)

B. Choose to Believe and Live the Truth  Jn 8:32

C. Forgive As You’ve Been Forgiven Mk 11:26 Eph 4:32

D. Replace Rebellion with Submission Rom 13:1; Eph 5:21

E. Replace Pride with Humility 1Pt 5:6; Phil 2:3; 2Tim 2:26

F. Replace Enslaving Habits with Freeing Habits Js 5:16; Rom 6:20-22; 1Pe 2:16; Gal 5:1

G. Renounce Any Possible Satanic Ancestral Influence Ex 20:4-5

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Why do people fear death? What is the Christian way to view death?
2. What are some other ways that self-preservation can be manifested? How does it differ from selfishness?
3. Why is it hard to recognize satanic influence/bondage? What’s a corrective?
4. Which “step” in #III is hardest? Most lacking? Most dangerous to avoid? Why? What help do you need?
5. Is there any area of your life where it could be said you are in bondage? Or has the experiencing the Truth set you free?