Truly Free: Breaking the Snares That So Easily Entangle

by Robert Morris

In Truly Free best-selling author Robert Morris invites us into a glorious truth—that the promise of being set free from the slavery of sin is a promise to be set free completely . Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). As believers, we have Christ and never need to be afraid. Yet it’s also true that we are not immune to the effects of evil. Christ has conquered sin and death, but in his infinite wisdom—for reasons that are often difficult for us to understand—evil is still permitted to exist. Even if we’re saved and trust in Christ, we may still find areas in which we just can’t get victory. Maybe it’s a sin we’ve confessed again and again or a constant struggle with depression, anger, or lust. These long-imbedded patterns of shameful living continue to entangle us day after day, month after month, and even year after year. Although evil is real and Christians can be oppressed by it, we have the promise that the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Jesus saves us, trains us to resist the power of evil, and delivers us from anything that holds us back. With Jesus, we can be truly free forever.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Christianity, Spirituality, Personal Development, Christian Non Fiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2015

About the author

Robert Morris is the founding senior pastor of Gateway Church, a multi-campus church in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Since it began in 2000, the church has grown to more than 39,000 active members. He is featured on the daily television program The Blessed Life and hosts Worship & the Word on radio stations across America. He serves as chairman of the board of The King’s University and is the bestselling author of 14 books, including The Blessed Life, The God I Never Knew, Truly Free, and Frequency.

Reviews

[Blaine Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this as part of a men’s group, chapter by chapter and discussing every other week the questions at the end of each chapter. This book will bring up topics and specific struggles within, but truly bring you a face-to-face with something that is impacting your life that must be let go of. The Christian life isn’t about just healing or letting go these things, but actually being filled by the Spirit to become truly free. I don’t know if we are necessarily good at understanding John 101:0, that Christ came to give us life and life to the full. Most people look at Christianity as a list of do’s and don’ts versus a supernatural way of living with God-given, strength and purpose.

[Maylin Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book to the point where I cried during it several times. It helped me to understand things that I did not know about the roots of bitterness and on overcoming the spirit of pride (those were my two favorite chapters). I thank Mr. Morris for explaining the different types of behavioral traits to better help expose spirits that are not supposed to be there. Overall I truly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who is a believer.

[Leandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Morris was extremely truthful, graceful and educational. As a believer, he gave lots of insights what holds us back as Christians. He challenges old thoughts and is not afraid to confront things that churches today are afraid to confront. He does it in a such a way that is encouraging. You don't feel judged. Even if you are not a Christian, he gives enough info and background to help all break free from whatever lies they continue to tell themselves.

[Jered Forte]

A great book about how God sets uf free from demons and bandage. I highly recommend.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is for Freedom that Christ set us free. Then why do so many Christians live in bondage to sin? Through Jesus and his cross we have been delivered from the power of darkness, and given 'victory, strength and freedom.' But why do so many of us live lives that are held captive to destructive habits and shameful living. Author and pastor Robert Morris believes there is a spiritual dynamic to this. Because of sinful patterns in our life, we may have opened ourselves up to demonic influence.

Morris wrote a book in 2004 that is purported to have 'transformed the act of giving' called The Blessed Life. It may have. I didn't actually read the book, so I am not sure, but some pastor friends I know really like it. Truly Free aims at a similar transformation, bringing greater freedom to us our spiritual lives.Morris's advice rests on a couple of premises. First demons really do exist and our actively at work in the world (8). Second, demons influence and oppress people (even Christians)(12). Morris helps us resist the devil and gain freedom through a combination of discipleship and deliverance. It isn't either/or. It is both/and.

After a few introductory chapters designed to help us recognize the devil and his work in our life, most of the book looks at specific problems that evidence the devil's destructive work in our lives These include the snares of pride, bitterness, greed, lust, our thought life's and areas of past wounding.

This isn't a sensationalized account of personal evil. The demons and spirits that Morris talks about do not make you levitate, projectile vomit or cause your head to spin around like a globe. Nevertheless the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy. Morris posits that demonic influence can be behind bondage to sin, continued illnesses (though not necessarily) and occultic spirituality (25-34). Morris does share some of his own experience of spiritual bondage, but again this is not sensationalized. More his continued struggle with particular sinful habits. Morris doesn't simply say, pray the evil away but gives strategies of living into freedom while praying for deliverance. This doesn't mean sensationalized demonization doesn't take place, but it is not the focus of this book.

I am in agreement with Morris's approach and think he states his description of demonization well. He is careful to state that Christians aren't possessed (owned) by demons, but that this doesn't preclude the reality of demonic influence, even in a believers life. Morris states this in a pastorally sensitive way and then goes on to address some of the sins that so easily entangle us. Each chapter ends with a prayer that God would give greater freedom to his people. I give this four stars.

Notice of material connection: I received this book from the Book Look Bloggers review program in exchange for my honest review

[Mark Merris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding message, advice, direction and encouragement.

[Shannon Hinchcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book I read it along with our church! It helps open your eyes and awakens things to help you work on becoming truly free of things keeping you broken or in a strong hold talks about sin and struggles and forgiveness finances etc so much more
And gives You the steps and prayers and scriptures to back up Gods Word on what is truth to align you with Glorifying Him! Such a great book!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book on breaking away from the traps the enemy has caught you in and closing the holes that you have opened to demonic oppression. Filled with practical way to fight, backed by scripture, and filled with personal experience, Robert Morris goes over every detail, sin, and ways you can be oppressed. It will definitely be a book that I go back to constantly.

[R.S. Veira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thankful my pastor recommended this book. It helped to shine light on parts of my life where I was still in bondage. I brought those things to God be in prayer. God then gave me the strength to apologize to those I wronged and to my surprise I was forgiven. A burden I didn’t even realize was there was lifted and my soul was free. God is so good.

[Sandi Stover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook. I have watched some of his TV programs re this subject and he is very thorough. He certainly knows a lot about this subject & has personal experience. I appreciate his honesty & openness about his past sins.

[Dianne Miley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opening! This book helped me understand the ways Satan and his demonic crew weasel their way into my mind and negatively affect my thoughts, decisions and behavior. Highly recommended to prevent Satan's sabotage of my confidence, self-esteem and relationships.

[Michele Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good book! We read it during freedom sessions at my church and let me tell you, this book hit so DEEP! It is definitely changing how I life my life. It is freeing me from the snares that entrap.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that challenges you to look deeply into hidden areas where you may need to be truly set free but might not realize it. Highly recommend!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. I always enjoy reading Robert Morris and following his teachings. He makes spiritual things more understandable.

[Byron Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un buen libro que hay que leer con la Biblia en la otra mano con tal de sacar lo bueno

[ilsi rodríguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maravilloso

Una excelente herramienta para ser libres espiritualmente. Un estudio profundo de ataduras que a todos nos esclavizan, y los pasos necesarios para romperlas y encontrar una libertad nueva en Jesús.

[CLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos!!!

Contemporary spiritual solutions to old, destructive habits and lifestyles!!! thank you!!!
Easy step by step help for serious problems and spiritual battles!!!

[Beata Gumienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Świetna książka dla każdego chrześcijanina. Daje praktyczne wskazówki jak żyć zgodnie z Bożym Słowem i w mocy Ducha Świętego. Daje uwolnienie.

[Skyler Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Inspiring insightful and filled with helpful scriptural insights.

[Stefan Salonen · Rating 4 out of 5]

En bra genomgång om vilka snaror som kan binda oss, vad vi kan och ska göra för att bli fria med exempleböner!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book review: https://youtu.be/A5fN-ogKdws (review starts at 18:15)

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

If the name "Robert Morris" rings a bell, it's because he is the founding senior pastor of Gateway Church (the 3rd top mega-church in the United States). He as also written two other books, "The Blessed Life" and "The God I Never Knew".

Now, I've never heard of Robert Morris - never read one of his books or listened to one of his sermons. Before I started reading, I checked on Amazon to see how many reviews it was receiving - one of the ways I judge a book before diving in - and I noticed that it had mostly 5 stars. Amazon reviews can be deceiving.

Before I even review the book for you, I will say that I give it a max of 2.5 stars. So in the beginning, I started reading with high expectations. And those expectations were not met.

One of the reasons I wanted to review this book was because it sounds like it can relate to everyone. "Is there an area in your life where you just can't get a victory? You keep struggling with a particular sin, no matter what you do..." I thought it would be a great help to both myself and my husband...and all of you!

The one thing I did love about the book was that it dwells on the goodness, freedom, and power of Jesus. For the first few pages, I was feeling ready to finally tackle the few sins in my life that I struggle with. And then it happened...

This book contains one of the BIGGEST biblical lie I have ever read in a Christian book, especially for a pastor. "Christians can be controlled by demons."

Now, I don't want to get into it because that is a big topic in itself but Christians cannot be possessed, taken over, or controlled by demons. Not when we have accepted Jesus and the Holy Spirit into our life. We can, however, be influenced by demons and/or Satan..case and point: Eve and the forbidden fruit.

Besides this major error, the book reminded me of similar books that I had read in the past. If you want my true opinion, skip the book and read a few Christian blogs. It's free and you'll get wayyy better content.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:
An important reminder on what keeps us from being truly free Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). As believers, we have Christ and never need to be afraid. Yet it's also true that we are not immune to the effects of evil. Christ has conquered sin and death, but in his infinite wisdom--for reasons that are often difficult for us to understand--evil is still permitted to exist. Even if we're saved and trust in Christ, we may still find areas in which we just can't get victory. Maybe it's a sin we've confessed again and again or a constant struggle with depression, anger, or lust. These long-imbedded patterns of shameful living continue to entangle us day after day, month after month, and even year after year.

My Review:
What is it like to totally be free in mind, body, and spirit? What would freedom look like to someone that is bound completely each and every days by so many afflictions, too many to even mention? To that individual freedom seems some what if not impossibly out of reach. We all know at least most of us, that to be in God and following His will is complete freedom, but unfortunately we still live in a sin ridden world that would love to swallow us up rather than see us succeed in Christ Jesus.

In Robert Morris' Truly Free, the author shares with us different afflictions and the causes how to to be delivered from them. You may learn after reading Truly Free, that the most undesirable things that you or someone you know may be doing is actually inviting demonic possession into your home. And that ain't good?! We all need to read Truly Free so that we can begin and continue that life of freedom that God promises us all.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Book Look.

[Tom Burkholder · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the book Truly Free, author Robert Morris invites us to break free from our sins and the things that hinder us from God’s best for our lives. Jesus promised that we would be free and the author gives us practical tools to help us live the overcoming life.
But the premise Morris begins and ends with is a faulty one. Early in the book he states that “…if we define possession in its original sense of gaining control over someone, then it’s within scriptural bounds to say that demonic influence can come from inside a believer.” A Christian cannot be owned by a demon. No way. But can a Christian be influenced by a demon or come under the control of a demon, even from within? Certainly.”
I believe demons are working in our world. But I cannot agree with the premise of this book that Christians can be possessed by demons.
Morris cites Matthew 16:23: “Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Morris then states – “Whether Satan was in Peter or on him or around him or influencing him is unclear from the text.” So if Satan was in Peter when did Jesus cast Satan out of him?
While I did not agree with Morris premise, he does give some good tools to overcome demonic influences and temptations in your life. I would recommend this book with reservations about the premise.

[Alan Hale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first heard Robert Morris preach before he was so well known. That said, I didn't buy this book because it's "*Gasp* OMG! Robert Morris!!"

This book is an expansion of his 'Free Indeed' sermon series from (IIRC) 2013. The book is good and gets into the supernatural part of bondage (i.e. being enslaved to addictions, bad habits, old wounds, etc. to the point they affect your daily life and perception of reality). I think it didn't cover some of the other parts like it should have. The biochemical feedback (neurological) factors, dealing with the past in depth. As someone who's struggled with sexual addiction I found 'Surfing for God' much more holistic.

The best chapter is "Breaking the Snares of Past Wounds." I don't care who you are, everyone has past wounds. It's worth a read. In fact, I'd read that first, then start on other chapters. Because habits like lust, etc. are usually just medicating the symptoms of the pain caused by a past wound.

Final recommendation: Get it and read it. But like someone said, taking care of the spiritual part only gets you on a level playing field to deal with your issues and past.

[Lana Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book in which you reflect on a concept for a while after reading a section. It delves into things that a Christian might have trouble letting go of, i.e. Bitterness, Lust, Pride, etc. The difference in this from other books is it is written from the standpoint that a person lets go by the power of God.

The author goes into the possible roots of these elements, lists scripture truths that apply, and leads the reader in prayer. One of the biggest surprises I found was reading a chapter that didn't really apply to me and finding a vivid image of the thinking process. - Thoughts run through our minds like Grand Central Station. Trains pull in and out every second. Some of those "trains" come from the enemy. Our destination depends on which "train" we board.

I was reminded of the phrase,"follow that train of thought." I adapted that concept to those pesky negative thoughts that try to crop up from time to time, "I refuse to get on that train."

A well-written book full of scripture and excellent content.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temptation, illness, insecurity, whatever keeps you from freedom, "Truly Free" has warning signs that the will help you to know the difference between if you're opening yourself up to the enemy, how to overcome him, where to find freedom, what a problem is and what are truly trials in your life. This book truly is so helpful. Struggling with some really deep seated insecurity due to illness often leaves you crippling with fear, doubt, shame and wounded feelings. However, this book brings hopes, healing and shows you exactly where you have been mislead wrong in your believe and the only one who can fix those mis-beliefs. I loved this book and HIGHLY recommend it!!! SO, SO GOOD! Robert is so authentic about his own struggles and the journey he was on with God through his own struggles with temptation. A wonderful book and a great addition to any library!

[Nancy Kroneberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book full of Biblical teaching regarding evil spirits and the power that Satan can gain in our lives in various forms and various means. We studied in it a small group, watching a video that went along with the book in broad spectrum and general concepts, but did not coordinate chapter by chapter. I like Robert Morris, I like his teaching style, and I believe he expounds on the Bible in an accurate, truthful, and often unique way. This book made me much more aware of Satan's presence, tactics, and his desire to ruin us.

[Seantaneous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many of us wonder why we cannot overcome certain habits, actions, strongholds or wounded emotions. In Truly Free, Robert Morris plainly lays out the reasons why so many people are stuck and in bondage. He provides scriptural, down-to-earth steps on how to truly be free. This book is in depth but also an easy read at the same time.

[Fritters · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this, I was freed from being hungry all the time and focused so much on food. After that, I was healed from my auto-immune disease. No joke. This is a great book, read it. It will change your life. And no, I wasn't paid for this review.