“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
— Galatians 5:1 (NKJV)
The phrase “stand fast” is an imperative. It emphasizes personal responsibility—you must take charge of maintaining the liberty you’ve received in Christ. No one else can do it for you. You must learn how to walk in and sustain your own freedom.
From my study of Scripture, I’ve come to understand that liberty in Christ is sustained by revealed knowledge of the truth. Many of God’s people are being robbed by the enemy—not because they lack salvation, but because they lack understanding. As the saying goes, knowledge is power.
“A wise man is strong,
Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.”
— Proverbs 24:5 (NKJV)
A person with knowledge is spiritually strong. Jesus illustrated this strength in Luke 11:
“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.”
— Luke 11:21–22 (NIV)
Revealed truth makes you stronger than the enemy. And God's Word is that truth:
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”
— John 17:17 (NKJV)
There are three vital areas of knowledge by which you can stand firm in your liberty:
1. Knowledge of God
Many believers live in fear of the devil simply because they do not truly know who God is. But as your knowledge of God increases, the enemy’s influence in your imagination will begin to shrink—until it disappears entirely. A living knowledge of God and the provisions he has made for your freedom will set you free from the fear of the devil.
Fear opens the door to affliction and oppression. As long as fear dominates your heart, you remain vulnerable to torment. The Bible says that Jesus, through His death, destroyed the devil who holds the power of death
“…and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
— Hebrews 2:15 (NIV)
Notice that it says they were held in slavery by their fear. I speak from experience: fear is often the cause of nightmares and spiritual oppression. If you want to break fear’s grip, pursue a deeper knowledge of God.
“...but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”
— Daniel 11:32b (NKJV)
If the devil seems magnified in your imagination, it is because God is too small in your understanding.
2. Knowledge of the Devil and His Operations
The devil is the one who is determined to not let you walk in your liberty. You must understand who he is—and more importantly, who he is not. Many have an exaggerated and false image of Satan, believing he is all-powerful and unstoppable. This is not true.
Unfortunately, some well-meaning ministers have, through overemphasis on demonic activities, unintentionally reinforced this distorted view of the devil.
But the Word of God is our ultimate authority on this matter. While it would be unwise to underestimate Satan, it is equally dangerous to overestimate him. A careful study of Scripture reveals that he is far less than many imagine.
You must also learn how the devil operates.
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
— Ephesians 6:11–12 (NIV)
Notice the command: stand against the devil’s schemes. The weapons of the devil are his schemes and what we need to stand against is not the demonic hierarchy, but the schemes Satan uses.
What are these schemes?
Fear. Lies. Deception. Anger. Lust. Negative confession. Sinful enticements.
These are the same old tactics—he has no new ones. If you can recognize and resist these schemes, the demonic powers behind them cannot touch you.
3. Knowledge of Your Divine Rights
What you know is what you believe. And what you believe is what you confess.
“It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’ Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:13 (NIV)
When you speak contrary to God’s promises, you may unknowingly empower the enemy.
For example, if you are fully convinced that good health is your divine right, you will confess it—and your confession will break the power of sickness over your life.
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
— John 8:32 (NKJV)
Many believers are being cheated by the enemy simply because they do not know what belongs to them.
Some of you are uncertain about divine healing—not because you haven’t heard it preached, but because you haven’t taken the time to discover it for yourself in the Word. Until that personal revelation comes, doubt will remain, and the enemy will take advantage of it.
Study God’s Word and uncover your kingdom inheritance.
Final Thoughts
All the knowledge you need to walk in liberty is in one book—the Bible.
Sadly, many Christians today are too spiritually lazy to study it deeply. But if you truly want to stand fast in your liberty, there is no alternative.
One error of our time is the tendency to substitute Christian literature for Scripture. While there is much to gain from the insights of others—because, as Scripture says, “we know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9)—there is no greater revelation than the Word of God itself.
Return to the Word.
Build your faith.
Stand firm in your liberty.