Proverbs 5:21‭-‬23 NLT For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness.

Some people are deceived into thinking they’re free because they allow themselves to do whatever their flesh wants to do. If they want to get high, they’ll get high. If they want to have sex with this or that person, they’ll have sex. If they feel the need to steal to get financially ahead, they’ll steal.

This sense of freedom is really a trap. They’ll get hooked to sin won’t know how to turn it off. Using our will power won’t work. That’s why God doesn’t want us to go down these paths in the first place.

But for those who have gone down these paths, there’s good news. The power of God, through Jesus Christ, can destroy the bondage of sin. Understanding we’re forgiven, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us, and totally relying on God is the key to breaking the bondage of sin.

Don’t be deceived into thinking following your flesh equals freedom. True freedom comes when we’re submitted to God.