Do you feel weighed down by spiritual hindrances you just can’t shake? You were never meant to live in chains. Freedom in Christ isn’t a distant dream—it’s a promise for right now. The power of Jesus can break every hindrance as you step into a life fully surrendered and alive in Him. This week, we’re exploring what true spiritual freedom looks like and how to start walking in it—today. Want to go deeper? Check out the eighth chapter of Multiplying Movements for more on breaking chains and living free in Christ, so that you can fulfill your God-given purpose!
What Is True Christian Freedom?
Do you feel heaviness in your soul, like you’re trying to sprint with ankle weights? That’s what spiritual hindrances do. They slow you down, distract you, and steal joy. Hebrews 12:1 calls us to “. . . lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance” (ESV). The good news is freedom in Christ is not just a theory; it’s a daily way of life.
Where the Spirit of the Lord Is, There Is Freedom
We were made for freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (ESV). Galatians 5:1 adds, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (NIV). So why do we still feel stuck? Often, we accept partial freedom in our lives and miss the fullness of what Jesus wants us to have, like a prisoner with an open door who chooses to sit back down. Today, let’s name the chains and break them in Jesus’ name.
Chain 1: Unconfessed Sin and How to Overcome It
Unconfessed sin is a quiet anchor. It holds you even when you try to move. Scripture is clear:
- 1 John 1:9 (NASB): “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins. . .”
- James 5:16 (NASB): “Therefore, confess to one another… that you may be healed.”
Confession is not punishment. It’s a key. Years ago in a coffee shop, Philippians 2:3 exposed pride in my heart. God nudged me to ask a classmate’s forgiveness. Awkward, yes. But when I confessed and asked the person for forgiveness, the chain fell. Ask: Is there any sin I’m trying to hide from God or that He wants me to confess to another? Freedom in Christ grows in the light.
Chain 2: Believing Lies
John 8:32 says, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (CSB).
What happens if we don’t know the truth? We can become trapped by lies that bombard us from every direction, keeping us from God’s purposes. Lies about who God is and who we are can penetrate our hearts and minds.
The Word of God is our defense and one of the best ways to find freedom in Christ. Reading, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture equips us to recognize and resist deception. Studies show that regular Bible engagement leads to greater joy, freedom from sin, and boldness in sharing the Gospel.
The truth of God’s Word breaks chains and empowers us to walk fully in His purposes. Whatever it takes, we must pursue it with everything we have. Ask: are there any lies I’m holding onto that need rebuked by God’s truth? His truth brings freedom.
Chain 3: Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness feels like it keeps us safe, but it actually poisons the soul. Colossians 3:13 tells us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. How does God forgive? Freely, unconditionally, generously, immediately, without hesitation.
Picture if an arrow was shot into your leg. You would do everything to get it removed fast. The decision to forgive is like removing the arrow. Healing can take time, but the removal can happen today.
Ask: Who do I need to forgive today? Say their name to God and pray, “Lord, I choose to forgive them as You forgave me.”
Chain 4: Unhealthy Relationships
Some relationships help you run your race. Others hold you down. Scripture warns:
- 1 Corinthians 15:33: Bad relationships corrupt good character.
- 1 Peter 3:7: Husbands, respect your wives, or your prayers will be hindered.
- Ephesians 5:24-25: Wives honor husbands; husbands love sacrificially.
- 1 Corinthians 6:16: Sexual intimacy outside marriage ties your heart in ways God never intended.
God isn’t limiting your joy. He’s protecting it. Give anyone’s voice more weight than God’s, and you’ll see the problems start to show up. Take inventory. Where do you need boundaries, repentance, or courageous honesty? In prayer, ask God to be the loudest voice in your life as you turn away from ungodliness in relationships.
Chain 5: Generational Patterns
Sometimes what is holding you back doesn’t start with you. 1 Peter 1:18 says that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you. Jesus broke the pattern at the cross, but we must walk out of it.
Do you see family patterns—addiction, anger, division, despair, bitterness, pride? Pray: “Jesus, I reject this pattern and receive Your new way. Start a new story with me.” This is breaking spiritual chains for generations to come.
Chain 6: Spiritual Warfare
Not every headwind is random. The enemy prowls like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). He steals, kills, and destroys (John 10:10). If you pursue Jesus, you’ll face resistance. Don’t fear it. Recognize it. Resist it.
While serving among the Hadzabe in East Africa, our local partner Mary—usually marked by deep peace—suddenly felt heavy turmoil. As we prayed, she discerned it was a targeted attack to hinder the Gospel. We stood on Jesus’ authority and rebuked it. Peace returned. The mission moved forward.
You are not powerless. Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7).
Biblical Weapons for Breaking Spiritual Chains
- God’s Word: Jesus answered Satan with Scripture. Hide it in your heart. Speak it out loud.
- The Name of Jesus: There is real authority in His name. Prayerfully declare His name out loud.
- The Armor of God: Read Ephesians 6:11-17. Discover how putting on the armor of God equips you to stand firm.
- Prayer: Pray at all times. Depend on God’s power, not your own.
- Praise: Worship drives out darkness. Fill your home and heart with praise.
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Freedom in Christ
- Look to Jesus: Freedom is a Person before it’s a plan. Fix your eyes on Him.
- Name Your Chains: Write them down. Be specific—unconfessed sin, believing lies, unforgiveness, unhealthy relationships, family patterns, spiritual darkness.
- Pray Through Each Chain:
- Confession: “Lord, I confess my sin. Forgive me and cleanse me.”
- Truth: “Lord, I rebuke the lies I have been believing in Jesus’ name and receive Your truth.”
- Forgiveness: “I forgive _____. I place them in Your hands.”
- Relationships: “Jesus, I am sorry for stepping out of bounds in this relationship. Will you be the loudest voice, and give me courage to set boundaries, obeying You.”
- Generational Patterns: “I renounce this pattern in Your name and receive Your new way.”
- Warfare: “I submit to You, God, and resist the enemy. In Jesus’ name, any demonic spirits must leave.”
- Invite Accountability: Freedom grows with trusted brothers and sisters.
- Keep Walking: Overcoming hindrances is both a moment and a journey. Run light. Run daily.
Run Your Race: Breaking Spiritual Chains for Good
Picture yourself at the starting line. The chains are off. Your lungs are clear. Your eyes are on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). This is where it all begins! You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses cheering you on. You have a race marked out for you. Real people to love. Real Kingdom work to do. Real joy to carry.
This is true freedom in Christ. Not freedom to drift, but freedom to run. Freedom to love God with everything. Freedom to love the person right in front of you.
Your Next Step Toward Freedom in Christ
- Take ten minutes today. Ask, “Lord, what chains am I carrying?”
- Listen, write what comes to mind, and pray through each one.
- Tell a trusted friend what God is doing and ask them to check in this week.
Breaking spiritual chains is possible. Overcoming sin is possible. Finding this freedom in Christ is your inheritance.
Let’s get after it. Run light. Run free. Eyes on Jesus.
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