Text: Psalm 146 berse 7 to 8
Introduction
In our journey through life, we encounter various forms of bondage and oppression that can weigh us down and hinder our progress.
He is the chain breaker, the slave freer, and His blood was a ransom paid to liberate your soul from sin and death. Setting the prisoners free was the theme of Jesus’s life and death. This didn’t stop after Jesus died. It continues today.
Whether it be the chains of addiction, hurtful relationships, or emotional burdens, the longing for freedom is universal. However, as we seek freedom from these chains, we are reminded of the powerful promise of God’s ability to break every chain and set us free.
Our total liberation and freedom lies in the sovereignty of God’s power to break every chain tying us down.
”“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. ” He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”“
Luke 4:18-21 NLT
In this our Month of Fulfilment to fulfill our mission and purpose we must identify the chains that tied us down
Different kinds of chain that can hold believers down
- Chains of Sin: The burden of sin can weigh heavily on believers, but the Bible assures us of freedom in Christ. (Galatians 5:1)
- Chains of Fear: Fear can paralyze believers, hindering them from living in the fullness of God’s promises. (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Chains of Guilt and Shame: Believers may feel chained by guilt and shame, but the Bible encourages us to find forgiveness and freedom in Christ. (1 John 1:9)
- Chains of Addiction: Whether it’s substance abuse or other destructive behaviors, believers can find themselves trapped in addiction. However, through Christ, there is hope for deliverance. (John 8:36)
- Chains of Doubt: Doubt can hinder believers from fully embracing God’s promises, but the Bible reminds us to have faith and trust in Him. (Mark 11:22)
- Chains of Unforgiveness: Holding onto unforgiveness can create chains that bind believers, but the Bible urges us to forgive as we have been forgiven. (Ephesians 4:32)
- Chains of Despair: In times of hardship and difficulty, believers may feel chained by despair, but the Bible offers hope and assurance of God’s presence. (Philippians 4:13)
- Chains of Pride: Pride can enslave believers, hindering humility and dependence on God, yet the Bible teaches us to humble ourselves before the Lord. (James 4:6)
- Chains of Busyness and Distraction: Bei consumed by the worries and distractions of life can chain believers, but the Bible reminds us to seek first the kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33)
- Chains of Unworthiness: Feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness can chain believers, but the Bible reminds us of our identity as children of God. (1 John 3:1)
- Chains of Comparison: Comparing oneself to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy and discontent, but the Bible encourages believers to find their worth in Christ alone. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- Chains of Busyness and Distraction: Being consumed by the worries and distractions of life can chain believers, but the Bible reminds us to seek first the kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33)
How to provoke God to break our chains
- Surrender and Humility: We can provoke God to break our chains by surrendering ourselves completely to Him and approaching Him with humility. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
- A genuine Repentance: Sincere repentance from our sins can provoke God to break the chains of guilt and shame in our lives. (Acts 3:19)
- Prayer and Seeking God: Persistent prayer and seeking God’s presence can provoke Him to break the chains of bondage in our lives. (Matthew 7:7)
- Faith and Trust: Demonstrating faith and trust in God’s power and promises can provoke Him to break our chains and bring about deliverance.(Hebrews 11:6)
- Obedience: Willingly obeying God’s commands and aligning our lives with His will can provoke Him to break the chains of disobedience and rebellion. (James 1:22)
- Praise and Worship: Engaging in heartfelt praise and worship can provoke God to break the chains of despair and hopelessness in our lives. (Psalm 34:1)
- Fasting: Fasting with a sincere heart and seeking God’s intervention can provoke Him to break chains of bondage and oppression. (Matthew 6:17-18)
- Seeking Justice and Mercy: Proactively seeking justice, mercy, and compassion for others can provoke God to break the chains of injustice and oppression. (Isaiah 1:16-17)
- Forgiving Others: Extending forgiveness to those who have wronged us can provoke God to break the chains of bitterness and unforgiveness in our hearts. (Matthew 6:14)
- Standing on His Promises: Standing firmly on God’s promises and declaring His word can provoke Him to break the chains of fear and doubt.(Romans 10:17)
People in the Bible who got their chains broken
- Peter: In the book of Acts, Peter was imprisoned by King Herod and was bound with chains between two soldiers. However, an angel of the Lord appeared, and Peter’s chains fell off as he was led out of the prison (Acts 12:6-7).
- Paul and Silas: While they were in prison in Philippi, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God when suddenly there was a great earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison. The doors flew open, and everyone’s chains were loosened (Acts 16:25-26).
- Joseph: Joseph, the son of Jacob, experienced being bound in chains when he was falsely accused and thrown into prison in Egypt. However, through God’s providence, Joseph eventually rose to a position of authority and his chains were metaphorically broken as he became a ruler in the land (Genesis 41:41-44).
- David: Although not physically chained, David often expressed his feelings of being trapped and in distress. Through his faith and dependence on God, he found release from the emotional and spiritual chains that bound him, as expressed in Psalms such as Psalm 18 and Psalm 31.
- Israelites: The Israelites experienced physical bondage and enslavement in Egypt, but through God’s intervention and miraculous deliverance, they were freed from their chains and led out of Egypt to the Promised Land (Exodus 14).
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: These three young men were thrown into a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar for refusing to worship a golden image. Though they were bound in their garments, when the king looked into the furnace, he saw them walking unharmed, and they were eventually released from their chains by the power of God (Daniel 3).
- Samson: The strong man Samson, who was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines, found himself physically bound with ropes by his enemies. Through the strength that God gave him, he broke free from the ropes and defeated his adversaries (Judges 15:14-15).
- The Gadarene Demoniac: This man, possessed by multiple demons and living among the tombs, was uncontrollable and shackled with chains and fetters. However, Jesus freed him from the demonic oppression, and he was found later sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind (Mark 5:1-15).
- The Israelites in Babylonian Captivity: The Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, and many of them felt spiritually and emotionally chained and oppressed. However, God promised to deliver them, and after 70 years of exile, they were allowed to return to their homeland (Jeremiah 29:10).
- The Woman with the Issue of Blood: This unnamed woman had been suffering for 12 years with an issue of blood and had spent all her money seeking a cure. When she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment in faith, she was instantly healed and freed from her affliction (Mark 5:25-34).
- Mephibosheth: Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth was crippled in both feet, living in Lo-debar, and seemingly chained to his circumstances. However, King David showed him kindness for the sake of Jonathan, and Mephibosheth’s life was changed, as he was given a place at the king’s table and treated as one of the king’s sons (2 Samuel 9).
What happens to you when your chains are broken?
- Joy and Celebration: When chains are broken, believers experience a sense of joy and celebration. This is reflected in Psalm 30 v 11 to 12
- Renewed Strength: The breaking of chains brings about renewed strength and endurance. Isaiah 40:31
- Restoration: Believers are restored and given new life after their chains are broken. Psalm 23:3
- Freedom to Serve God: Galatians 5:13 emphasizes that believers, having been set free, are called to serve one another in love.
- Victory over Fear: Romans 8:15 reminds believers that they have received the spirit of adoption as children, by which they can cry, “Abba, Father.” This signifies victory over fear and a newfound relationship with God.
- Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Acts 1:8 When chains are broken, believers receive empowerment from the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s purposes.
- Peace that Surpasses Understanding: Philippians 4:7 Believers experience a deep sense of peace and security once their chains are broken.
- A New Identity in Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:17 Those whose chains are broken find a new identity and purpose in Christ.
- Fruitfulness and Abundance: John 10:10 Once freed from bondage, believers experience abundant life and bear spiritual fruit.
- Hope and a Future: Jeremiah 29:11 assures believers that God has plans to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give them hope and a future. When their chains are broken, believers can look forward to a hopeful and promising future.
In conclusion,
Christ is the chaim breaker. Access Him today