Breaking Chains: The Transformative Power of Deliverance and Freedom – Mentoring Minute

Anxiety, depression, and stress levels in the lives of people are at an all-time high, and even Christians reflect these statistics as well. If you can relate to this, know that behind this unrest and struggle is a living, adversarial influence, the devil and his minions that you are empowered in Christ to defeat, evict, and banish from your life, your situation, and the lives of those around you. This victory doesn’t just happen. There are things involved that you will want and need to act on and apply to your life, through prayer, renewing your mind, setting boundaries and maintaining wholesome and proper self-care for the temple that is your body. Let’s explore the concept of spiritual authority and how to break free from curses and generational bondage.

The Peace of God

“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” – Colossians 3:15

When we say “let the peace of God rule in our hearts,” it is more than a concept of tranquility. Eph. 2:14, speaking of Jesus, declares that “He is our peace…” Your peace is a person. His name is Jesus, and if He is ever going to rule in your heart, if He is ever going to be the peace in your inner man that passes understanding, our verse in Col. 3 above says it will be, it will come about because we “Let it” happen. You play a part in prayer, in renewing your mind, in living in a state of God-consciousness and awareness throughout your day that shields you from every contaminating influence. Peace is not the absence of conflict. True peace comes from within, a settled assurance in Christ that transcends the chaos of this world. It is a fruit of the Spirit, a divine gift bestowed upon those who walk in obedience to God. This peace does not derive from a psychologically induced sense of bliss, but a deep-seated tranquility in God, in the Living Lord Jesus, that guards the heart and mind.

Subduing Evil Spirits

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7

Just as Col. 3:15 says, we are to “Let (allow) the Peace of God to rule in our hearts…” James 4:7 also declares what our part is, what your part is in collaborating with the Throne of Heaven to defeat all the works of the devil. God will do and is doing His part, but remember that we are called to our part by resisting the enemy and standing firm in our faith. We have been given authority in Christ to subdue the works of darkness. Through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the influence of evil spirits that seek to hinder our spiritual growth and well-being.

Breaking Free from Bondage

“For the Son of God, Jesus, hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” – Colossians 1:13

Contrasting the psychological recovery model, you are not going to “grow” out of bondage; you are going to break out of bondage by the power of the Holy Spirit. In Christ, we are no longer bound in an inevitable or obligatory way by the chains of sin and the dominion of darkness. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have been set free from the power of evil. We can now walk in the light of His love and experience the freedom that only He can provide.

First Step: Repentance and Renunciation

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

This information is more than a source of motivation. There is your part to play. Jesus said the kingdom doesn’t come with observation, you have to do something, or change will not come. Repentance is a crucial step in the process of deliverance. It involves acknowledging our sins before God, turning away from them, and seeking His forgiveness. What is sin? In most cases, it is obvious according to the testimony of our own conscience. Sometimes, however, discernment is clouded, and we find ourselves in difficult areas of life to reconcile with the heart of God, not being sure or willing to admit whether you are actually in a gray area or not. What to do? When in doubt, when you have to ask, you have your answer – it is sin and doesn’t reflect God’s best for your life. What then? Renounce! Renunciation is the act of breaking free from any allegiance or association with evil spirits and the influences of darkness.

Breaking Curses

“Surely there is a reward for the righteous: verily there is a God that judgeth the earth.” – Psalm 58:11

When we allow in our hearts and lives influences, captivities, and patterns that contrast with God’s heart and character, sin must be repented of (turned away from) and renounced. This act triggers the weakening of the difficulties, challenges, and captivities that the enemy could rightly impose against you BEFORE you repented, but now that power is broken! Understanding this is understanding what curses really are. Curses can have a powerful impact on individuals and families. However, we can break the power of these curses through prayer, the authority of God’s Word, and the blood of Jesus Christ. The limitations of our past or the weight of ancestral curses do not bind us, once the blood is applied through intercession, declaration, decree, and prayer.

Deliverance and Freedom

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:32

True freedom comes from knowing the truth of God’s Word and walking in obedience to His will. This is what deliverance is – getting free, being made free from any and every undue influence robbing you of your joy, faith, and victory in Christ. We have to jettison the archaic superstitions and legalism that characterize the deliverance movement among Charismatic and Evangelical Christians today. Deliverance is a process of spiritual restoration, where we are set free from the bondage of sin, the influence of evil spirits, and the limitations of our past. It’s the process of embracing humility, looking at oneself honestly, repenting, turning away, renouncing, and then redirecting one’s energies and purpose in life to the things of God, the heart of God, and in seeking out and serving God’s plan for one’s life. 

Reflection and Review

This message has explored the importance of spiritual warfare and the power of deliverance. We have learned that we have authority in Christ to resist the enemy and break free from the chains of darkness. Through repentance, renunciation, and the authority of God’s Word, we can experience true freedom and walk in the fullness of God’s blessings.

Call to Action:

• Seek God’s face in prayer and study His Word.
• Repent of your sins and renounce any allegiance to evil spirits.
• Claim the promises of God and declare His victory in your life.
• Stand firm in your faith and resist the temptations of the enemy.
• Share your testimony of God’s faithfulness with others.