Breaking Chains: Finding Freedom Through Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Subtlety of Small Compromises

The enemy often binds us with chains one link at a time through small compromises and temptations. It's crucial to recognize these incremental steps and turn to Jesus to break these chains before they become strongholds. [51:53]

In our daily lives, we often face small decisions that seem insignificant at the moment. These small compromises can gradually lead us away from God's path. The enemy uses these tiny steps to bind us with chains, making it harder to break free as time goes on. It's essential to be vigilant and recognize these subtle temptations for what they are—attempts to lead us into bondage. By turning to Jesus, we can break these chains before they become strongholds in our lives.

Jesus offers us the power to overcome these small compromises. By staying close to Him and seeking His guidance, we can avoid the traps set by the enemy. It's important to remember that no chain is too strong for Jesus to break. He is always ready to set us free and lead us back to the path of righteousness.

Bible Passage:
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:33-34, ESV)

Reflection:
Think about a recent small compromise you made that seemed insignificant. How can you turn to Jesus today to break that chain and prevent it from becoming a stronghold?

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Day 2: Equipping Ourselves with Scripture

Just as Jesus responded to Satan's temptations with the Word of God, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture to stand firm against the enemy's attacks. This spiritual discipline equips us to fight back effectively. [01:19:57]

When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He responded with the Word of God. This powerful example shows us the importance of knowing and using Scripture to resist temptation. By immersing ourselves in the Bible, we equip ourselves with the spiritual tools needed to stand firm against the enemy's attacks. Scripture provides us with the wisdom and strength to overcome any challenge we face.

It's not enough to simply read the Bible; we must internalize its teachings and apply them to our lives. This means meditating on God's Word, memorizing key verses, and seeking to understand its deeper meanings. By doing so, we build a strong foundation that helps us resist temptation and live according to God's will.

Bible Passage:
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify a specific area in your life where you face frequent temptation. What Scripture can you memorize and meditate on to help you resist this temptation?

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Day 3: The Importance of Prayer and Thanksgiving

When faced with temptation or chaos, turning to prayer and expressing gratitude to God can shift the spiritual atmosphere. It brings Jesus into the center of our struggles and makes it difficult to fall into sin. [01:15:57]

Prayer and thanksgiving are powerful tools that can transform our spiritual atmosphere. When we face temptation or chaos, turning to God in prayer and expressing our gratitude can shift our focus from our struggles to His presence. This act of bringing Jesus into the center of our challenges makes it harder for us to fall into sin and helps us find peace in the midst of turmoil.

By cultivating a habit of prayer and thanksgiving, we invite God's presence into our lives and acknowledge His sovereignty over our circumstances. This practice not only strengthens our relationship with Him but also empowers us to overcome the challenges we face. It's a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is always with us, ready to provide the strength and guidance we need.

Bible Passage:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed or tempted. How can you incorporate prayer and thanksgiving into your response to similar situations in the future?

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Day 4: Repentance and True Transformation

Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins but making a decisive turn away from them and towards God. This genuine change of heart is essential for breaking free from the cycle of sin. [01:18:32]

True repentance goes beyond merely feeling sorry for our sins; it involves a decisive turn away from them and towards God. This genuine change of heart is crucial for breaking free from the cycle of sin and experiencing true transformation. Repentance requires us to acknowledge our wrongdoing, seek God's forgiveness, and commit to living according to His will.

This process of repentance and transformation is ongoing. It involves daily self-examination, confession, and a commitment to align our lives with God's Word. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who helps us grow in righteousness and holiness. True repentance leads to lasting change and a deeper relationship with God.

Bible Passage:
"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus." (Acts 3:19-20, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on an area of your life where you need true repentance. What steps can you take today to turn away from sin and towards God?

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Day 5: Removing Sources of Temptation

To maintain our freedom, we must actively remove sources of temptation from our lives. This might mean changing our environment, friendships, or even using tools like accountability apps to safeguard our purity. [01:24:09]

Maintaining our freedom from sin requires us to actively remove sources of temptation from our lives. This might involve making significant changes to our environment, friendships, or daily habits. By identifying and eliminating these sources, we create a space where we can grow in our relationship with God and live according to His will.

Practical steps to remove sources of temptation include setting boundaries, seeking accountability, and using tools like accountability apps to safeguard our purity. It's important to be proactive in this process and to seek God's guidance in identifying the areas that need change. By doing so, we protect ourselves from falling back into old patterns of sin and ensure that we remain on the path of righteousness.

Bible Passage:
"If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell." (Matthew 5:29-30, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify a specific source of temptation in your life. What practical steps can you take today to remove this source and safeguard your purity?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to experience the peace and presence of the Holy Spirit, especially for those who have had a chaotic week. We began by expressing our gratitude to God for His blessings and the breath in our lungs. We then transitioned into a time of worship and announcements, highlighting the upcoming tent crusade and the need for volunteers. We also shared the exciting news of a guest speaker, Sean Foy, who will be joining us soon.

The core of today's message revolved around breaking the chains of sin, addiction, and strongholds in our lives. I shared a personal testimony of my struggle with alcohol and how God delivered me from it. The enemy often tries to bind us with chains, one link at a time, through small compromises and temptations. However, Jesus has the power to break every chain and set us free.

We explored the story of Jesus being tempted by Satan in the wilderness and how He responded with the Word of God. This serves as a reminder that we must be equipped with Scripture to resist temptation. We also discussed practical steps to overcome sin, including prayer, repentance, immersing ourselves in the Word, resisting temptation, fleeing from sexual immorality, and removing sources of temptation from our lives.

We concluded with a call to be like David, rising up to fight the Goliaths in our lives, whether they be addictions, strongholds, or generational curses. The altars were opened for those seeking prayer and deliverance, emphasizing that God is ready to break every chain and set us free.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Small Compromises: The enemy often binds us with chains one link at a time through small compromises and temptations. It's crucial to recognize these incremental steps and turn to Jesus to break these chains before they become strongholds. [51:53]
2. Equipping Ourselves with Scripture: Just as Jesus responded to Satan's temptations with the Word of God, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture to stand firm against the enemy's attacks. This spiritual discipline equips us to fight back effectively. [79:57]
3. The Importance of Prayer and Thanksgiving: When faced with temptation or chaos, turning to prayer and expressing gratitude to God can shift the spiritual atmosphere. It brings Jesus into the center of our struggles and makes it difficult to fall into sin. [75:57]
4. Repentance and True Transformation: Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins but making a decisive turn away from them and towards God. This genuine change of heart is essential for breaking free from the cycle of sin. [78:32]
5. Removing Sources of Temptation: To maintain our freedom, we must actively remove sources of temptation from our lives. This might mean changing our environment, friendships, or even using tools like accountability apps to safeguard our purity. [01:24:09]
### [84:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[30:50] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[31:34] - Introduction and Announcements
[32:02] - Connect Cards and First-Time Guests
[33:35] - Tent Crusade and Volunteer Call
[36:21] - Guest Speaker Announcement
[37:46] - Offering and Declaration
[40:14] - Churches on Fire Conference
[47:43] - Prayer for Healing
[49:08] - Personal Testimony and Struggles
[50:20] - The Enemy's Tactics
[51:53] - Breaking Every Chain
[53:12] - Life as a Chess Match
[54:30] - Struggles with Alcohol
[55:55] - Moving Back to Wisconsin
[57:03] - Consequences and Redemption
[58:24] - Hidden Sin and College Life
[59:38] - Emptiness and Seeking God
[61:02] - Turning Point and Deliverance
[62:28] - Desire vs. Temptation
[63:44] - Demonstration with Chains
[65:27] - The Devil's Strategy
[67:11] - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
[70:08] - Different Forms of Addiction
[71:25] - Jesus as the Deliverer
[72:51] - Marriage Triangle Analogy
[74:23] - Walking with God vs. the World
[75:57] - The Power of Prayer
[77:09] - Peter's Imprisonment and Deliverance
[78:32] - True Repentance
[79:57] - Importance of the Word
[81:17] - Consuming the Word
[82:44] - Resisting the Devil
[84:09] - Removing Temptation
[85:30] - Accountability and Transparency
[86:56] - Being Set Apart (Kadash)
[88:23] - Breaking Chains and Generational Curses
[89:48] - Paul and Silas' Deliverance
[91:09] - Rising Up as Davids
[92:36] - Closing Prayer and Altar Call

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the three temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness, and how did He respond to each one? ([07:11])
According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to someone who is in Christ? ([01:02:28])
In Psalm 107:10-16, what actions did the people take that led to their deliverance from chains and darkness? ([01:28:23])
What practical steps did the pastor suggest for overcoming sin and temptation in our lives? ([01:14:23])

Interpretation Questions

How does Jesus' use of Scripture during His temptation in the wilderness serve as a model for us when facing our own temptations? ([07:11])
What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ, and how should this transformation impact our daily lives? ([01:02:28])
Psalm 107 describes people crying out to the Lord in their trouble. How does this passage illustrate the importance of turning to God in times of distress? ([01:28:23])
The pastor shared a personal testimony about his struggle with alcohol. How can personal testimonies of overcoming sin and addiction encourage others in their faith journey? ([49:08])

Application Questions

Jesus resisted temptation by quoting Scripture. What specific Bible verses can you memorize to help you resist temptation in your own life? ([07:11])
Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant change after coming to Christ. How did becoming a "new creation" affect your actions and decisions? ([01:02:28])
The pastor mentioned the importance of removing sources of temptation from our lives. What are some specific sources of temptation you need to remove, and what steps will you take to do so? ([01:24:09])
How can you incorporate more prayer and thanksgiving into your daily routine to help shift the spiritual atmosphere in your life? ([01:15:57])
The sermon emphasized the power of small compromises leading to strongholds. Can you identify any small compromises you have made recently, and how can you turn to Jesus to break these chains? ([51:53])
The pastor called for us to be like David, rising up to fight the Goliaths in our lives. What "Goliaths" (addictions, strongholds, generational curses) are you currently facing, and how can you take steps to overcome them? ([01:31:09])
How can you support someone else in your life who is struggling with sin or addiction, based on the practical steps discussed in the sermon? ([01:14:23])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "If you've had a week of chaos, a week of struggle, let this be a place of refuge, a place of rest, and a place of peace. Lord, I thank you for each and every single person who has been here this morning. I thank you, Lord, for the breath in our lungs. And we do return that to you with shouts of praise, with worship, to exalt you in the glory of Jesus Christ." [30:50] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "People in our community are hungry to hear about the gospel of Jesus Christ so if I would encourage anybody if at all you can make it I know not only would you be a blessing to others but it will bless you as well to be able to minister." [35:20] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "How many people know that Jesus Christ wants to break those addictions off of people today? He wants to break those strongholds off of people today. And I want to say this. If you're struggling with addiction, if you're struggling with strongholds, you're not the bad guy. You're not the bad guy. Satan is the bad guy. He has made you to be a victim, at least in your own mind. And Jesus is the deliverer." [01:11:25] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "No matter where you're at, God wants to break off every chain of addiction, every chain of grief, every chain of generational curses and iniquity off of your life. You know, it says in Psalm 107, we'll put up on the screen behind us, those who sat in darkness and at the shadow of death, bound in affliction and irons because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High." [01:28:23] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God is raising up Davids to fight the Goliaths that are in their workplace. God is raising up the Goliaths to fight the Goliaths in their family. God is raising up, hear me, church, God is raising up Davids to kick out the Goliaths over their children, over their grandchildren, over the prodigals in their family. God is raising up Davids." [01:31:09] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "How many people know like when the Lord gives you a word the enemy is going to try to do everything he can to sow confusion and to sow chaos and to make it difficult for you and I just threw out this whole trip like knowing I needed to be there for my family but I also had to put this together to just get alone with the Lord and figure out I knew all the points that he wanted me to talk about but it's like how do you put these puzzle pieces together right." [50:20] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And so what I'm saying is through all of this, through all of like the chaos and through all of the confusion, the one thing that I really learned through all of this, is I've just got to take my hands off. I've just got to let the Holy Spirit do what the Holy Spirit's going to do. And the outcome's going to be what the outcome's going to be. I don't ever want to do this under my own anointing, under my own strength. I just want like, Lord, let it be my lips and your words and their ears." [53:12] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Addiction can come in many forms. For me, it was alcohol. For others, it can be drugs. For some, it can be lust, pornography, gambling. For some people, it can be in the form of gossip. You know, gossip can be just as damaging to people as drugs and alcohol and pornography and lust. Jody and I used to work together at a company in the private sector before we came on board here. And I swear, there was a spirit of gossip within that company. People just loved to gossip." [01:10:08] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you look at the temptations of Jesus, when he was up on the Mount, what did he do? He responded with the word. The first temptation from the devil came and he was all armored up, man. He was ready to go. He pulled pulled out an arrow from his quiver, he pulled back his bowstring, he released it. It was a word. It is written. The enemy came with a different temptation. He came with a different word. It wasn't the same one over and over. Pulled out a different arrow from his quiver, pulled it back, let it go." [01:19:57] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Just be holy. Just focus on you. Don't focus on others. If you're leading your family, focus on your family. If you're married, focus on you and focus on your wife. If you've got kids, focus on your kids too. If you're single, just focus on you and what the Lord wants to do in your life. And I'm saying this because I'm not trying to beat anybody up here. I shared my testimony of what I walked through, what the Lord sent me free from." [01:28:23] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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