The Bondage Breaker®

1. Recognize the reality of spiritual warfare in the Christian life

"We often tell people who come to our ministry for help that they will struggle with thoughts such as, Don't go; they can't help you—or they will think disruptive thoughts in first-person singular, like I don't want to go, or I've tried this before, and it didn't work."

Spiritual battle is real. Christians face an ongoing struggle against unseen spiritual forces that seek to undermine their faith and effectiveness. This battle primarily takes place in the mind, where Satan and his demons attempt to plant doubts, fears, and negative thoughts.

Recognize the enemy's tactics:

• Deception: Planting false beliefs about God, self, and others
• Accusation: Constantly reminding of past failures and sins
• Temptation: Enticing to act independently of God

Understanding this reality helps believers prepare for and actively engage in spiritual warfare, rather than being caught off guard or living in denial of its existence.

2. Understand your identity and authority in Christ

"Nothing is more foundational to your freedom from Satan's bondage than understanding and affirming what God has done for you in Christ and who you are as His child."

You are a new creation. When a person becomes a Christian, they receive a new identity as a child of God. This identity is not based on personal performance or feelings, but on the finished work of Christ.

Key aspects of a believer's identity in Christ:

• Forgiven and cleansed from all sin
• Adopted into God's family
• Seated with Christ in heavenly places
• Given authority over spiritual forces of darkness

Understanding and embracing this identity is crucial for living victoriously and resisting the enemy's attempts to keep believers in bondage to old patterns of thinking and behavior.

3. Guard your mind against deception and negative thoughts

"Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Renew your mind. The battlefield of spiritual warfare is primarily in the mind. Christians must actively guard against deception and negative thought patterns by filling their minds with truth from God's Word.

Practical steps for guarding the mind:

• Regularly study and memorize Scripture
• Identify and reject lies about God, self, and others
• Replace negative thoughts with biblical truth
• Practice gratitude and positive thinking

By consistently renewing the mind, believers can experience transformation and freedom from destructive thought patterns that keep them in bondage.

4. Break free from spiritual bondage through truth and repentance

"Freedom from spiritual bondage and conflicts is not a power encounter; it's a truth encounter."

Truth sets you free. Lasting freedom from spiritual bondage comes through encountering and embracing God's truth, not through dramatic spiritual encounters or rituals. This process involves identifying areas of deception or sin, confessing them to God, and choosing to believe and act on His truth instead.

Steps to freedom:

1. Acknowledge areas of bondage or struggle
2. Confess any known sin or agreement with lies
3. Renounce false beliefs and destructive behaviors
4. Choose to believe and act on God's truth
5. Seek accountability and support from other believers

True repentance involves a change of mind that leads to a change in behavior, allowing believers to experience the freedom Christ has already secured for them.

5. Forgive others to experience freedom and healing

"To forgive is to set a captive free, then realize you were the captive."

Forgiveness liberates you. Holding onto bitterness and resentment keeps a person in emotional and spiritual bondage. Choosing to forgive, even when it's difficult, allows believers to experience healing and freedom.

Key principles of forgiveness:

• It's a choice, not a feeling
• It doesn't excuse the offense
• It releases the offender to God's justice
• It frees the forgiver from ongoing pain

Forgiveness is a process that may take time, but it's essential for spiritual and emotional health. It reflects God's forgiveness towards us and removes a potential foothold for the enemy in our lives.

6. Submit to God-ordained authority and resist rebellion

"Rebelling against God and His established authority leaves us spiritually vulnerable."

Submission protects. God has established various authorities in life (government, church leaders, parents, etc.) for our protection and growth. Rebelling against these authorities can open doors for spiritual attack and hinder our relationship with God.

Areas of submission:

• To God's Word and commands
• To governing authorities (unless they require disobedience to God)
• To church leadership
• To parents (for children and youth)

Cultivating a submissive heart doesn't mean becoming a doormat, but rather aligning oneself with God's design for authority structures. This attitude provides spiritual protection and promotes personal growth.

7. Help others find freedom in Christ through discipleship

"We are told to submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7). What if we don't?"

Equip and empower others. Christians are called to help fellow believers experience freedom in Christ through discipleship and counseling. This involves teaching others about their identity in Christ, how to recognize and resist spiritual attacks, and how to walk in freedom.

Key elements of helping others:

• Teach foundational truths about identity in Christ
• Guide through a process of repentance and renouncing lies
• Pray for and with them
• Provide ongoing support and accountability

By equipping others to walk in freedom, believers multiply the impact of their own journey and help build a stronger, more resilient body of Christ.

Last updated: September 6, 2024