Breaking Generational Chains: Finding True Freedom in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Breaking Generational Bondage

Generational bondage can manifest in various forms, such as financial struggles, lustful desires, and abandonment issues. These are chains we did not place on ourselves but inherited from our families. Recognizing these chains and being honest about them is the first step to breaking them. We must strive to pass down not just material wealth but also spiritual freedom and righteousness. By acknowledging the positive legacies of faith and righteousness from our ancestors, we can build a foundation for spiritual freedom for future generations. [00:45]

Exodus 20:5-6 (ESV): "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."

Reflection: Identify a generational struggle in your family. How can you begin to break this chain and replace it with a legacy of faith and righteousness?

Day 2: God's Assurance in Our Inadequacy

Like Moses, we often feel unqualified and abandoned. However, God's promise, "I will be with you," assures us that we are never alone. Our circumstances do not dictate our faith; instead, we should model our lives after Jesus, who achieved victory through suffering and sacrifice. Even when we feel inadequate, God's presence empowers us to fulfill our calling. Trusting in His assurance allows us to overcome our fears and insecurities, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [19:39]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel inadequate? How can you rely on God's promise to be with you in those moments?

Day 3: Freedom is a Mindset

The Israelites continued to multiply and thrive even under oppression, teaching us that freedom is a mindset, not a position. We can be physically bound but free in our minds and spirits. This freedom in Christ allows us to thrive despite our circumstances. By focusing on God's promises and maintaining a mindset of freedom, we can overcome any physical or emotional bondage we face. This mindset shift enables us to live victoriously, regardless of our external conditions. [10:05]

2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Reflection: Think about a situation where you feel oppressed or restricted. How can you change your mindset to experience freedom in Christ despite your circumstances?

Day 4: God Hears Our Cries

God is always aware of our struggles and has a plan for our deliverance. He saw the misery of the Israelites and decided to rescue them. We must be patient and trust His timing, knowing that He hears our cries and is concerned about our suffering. Trusting in God's plan requires patience and faith, even when we do not see immediate results. By holding onto His promises, we can find hope and strength in the midst of our trials. [15:33]

Psalm 34:17-18 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God was not hearing your cries. How can you trust in His timing and plan for your deliverance today?

Day 5: Reverence for God

Approaching God with reverence is crucial. We must acknowledge His greatness and our dependence on Him. Our prayers and actions should reflect this reverence, showing that we understand who God is and who we are in relation to Him. This reverence transforms our relationship with God and aligns us with His will. By humbling ourselves before Him, we can experience a deeper connection and a more profound sense of His presence in our lives. [25:08]

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

Reflection: How can you incorporate a greater sense of reverence for God in your daily prayers and actions? What changes can you make to show your dependence on Him?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delve into the profound topic of freedom in Christ, exploring what it means to truly be free. We often declare our freedom in Jesus, yet find ourselves bound again shortly after. This cycle of bondage and fleeting freedom is something we need to address head-on. Many of us are bound by generational curses—chains we did not place on ourselves but inherited from our families. These generational bondages can range from financial struggles to lustful desires, and even abandonment issues. We must recognize that these chains can be broken if we are honest and open about our struggles.

Moses faced a similar dilemma when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his feelings of inadequacy and his less-than-perfect background, God assured him, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). This promise is crucial for us to understand. Even when we feel unqualified or abandoned, God is with us. We must not let our less-than-ideal circumstances dictate our faith and actions. Instead, we should model our lives after Jesus, who achieved victory through suffering and sacrifice.

Generational bondage is not just about the negative traits passed down but also about the positive legacies we often overlook. We are quick to remember the flaws and failures of our ancestors but slow to acknowledge their faith and righteousness. Joseph, for example, went from the pit to the palace by following God's will, and his legacy continued to bless the Israelites even after his death. However, a new king arose who did not know Joseph and saw the Israelites as a threat. This new king oppressed them, yet they continued to multiply and thrive. This teaches us that freedom is a mindset, not a position. We can be bound physically but free in our minds and spirits.

God hears our cries and is concerned about our suffering. He saw the misery of the Israelites and decided to rescue them, promising to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey. This shows that God is always aware of our struggles and has a plan for our deliverance. However, we must be patient and trust His timing. Many of us quit just before our breakthrough because we want to control the narrative and timeline of our lives. We must learn to wait on God and trust that He hears us.

Moses, despite his imperfect beginnings, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He questioned his worthiness and asked God what he should say when people questioned his authority. God responded, "Tell them the I AM has sent you" (Exodus 3:14). This name, "I AM," signifies God's eternal presence and power. We must approach God with reverence, acknowledging His greatness and our dependence on Him. Our prayers and actions should reflect this reverence, showing that we understand who God is and who we are in relation to Him.

In conclusion, finding freedom in Christ involves recognizing and breaking generational bondages, trusting God's presence and promises, and approaching Him with the reverence He deserves. We must make the conscious decision to release our chains and live in the freedom that Christ offers.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Generational Bondage and Freedom: Many of us are bound by generational curses that we did not place on ourselves. These can range from financial struggles to abandonment issues. Recognizing these chains and being honest about them is the first step to breaking them. We must strive to pass down not just material wealth but also spiritual freedom and righteousness. [00:45]
2. God's Assurance in Our Inadequacy: Like Moses, we often feel unqualified and abandoned. However, God's promise, "I will be with you," assures us that we are never alone. Our circumstances do not dictate our faith; instead, we should model our lives after Jesus, who achieved victory through suffering and sacrifice. [19:39]
3. Freedom is a Mindset: The Israelites continued to multiply and thrive even under oppression, teaching us that freedom is a mindset, not a position. We can be physically bound but free in our minds and spirits. This freedom in Christ allows us to thrive despite our circumstances. [10:05]
4. God Hears Our Cries: God is always aware of our struggles and has a plan for our deliverance. He saw the misery of the Israelites and decided to rescue them. We must be patient and trust His timing, knowing that He hears our cries and is concerned about our suffering. [15:33]
5. Reverence for God: Approaching God with reverence is crucial. We must acknowledge His greatness and our dependence on Him. Our prayers and actions should reflect this reverence, showing that we understand who God is and who we are in relation to Him. This reverence transforms our relationship with God and aligns us with His will.

### [25:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Understanding Freedom
[01:26] - Generational Bondage
[02:53] - Breaking Chains Through Honesty
[03:39] - Introduction to Exodus
[04:17] - Legacy of Joseph
[05:14] - Generational Equity
[06:25] - New King, New Threat
[07:12] - Freedom as a Mindset
[08:00] - Oppression and Multiplication
[09:11] - Awareness of Environment
[10:05] - Thriving Under Oppression
[11:06] - Finding Freedom
[11:55] - Releasing Chains
[13:01] - Freedom in the Storm
[14:09] - God Hears Our Cries
[15:33] - God's Plan for Deliverance
[17:23] - Moses' Calling
[18:42] - Moses' Inadequacy
[19:39] - God's Assurance
[20:46] - Returning to Worship
[21:40] - Identity and Generational Trauma
[22:48] - Facing Opposition
[23:50] - The I AM
[25:08] - Reverence for God
[26:17] - Approach to Worship
[27:11] - Humble Prayer
[27:56] - Conclusion

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were some of the generational bondages mentioned in the sermon that people might inherit? ([01:26])
How did God respond to the cries of the Israelites in Exodus 3:7-12?
What was Moses' initial reaction to God's calling, and how did God reassure him? ([18:42])
According to Exodus 1:6-12, how did the Israelites thrive despite their oppression?

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to be bound by generational curses, and how can recognizing these chains be the first step to breaking them? ([02:53])
How does the story of Moses illustrate God's assurance in our inadequacy and feelings of unworthiness? ([19:39])
In what ways can freedom be considered a mindset rather than a physical state, as demonstrated by the Israelites' experience in Egypt? ([10:05])
How does approaching God with reverence transform our relationship with Him and align us with His will? ([25:08])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life. Are there any generational bondages you recognize? How can you begin to address and break these chains? ([02:06])
When have you felt unqualified or abandoned in your faith journey? How can you remind yourself of God's promise, "I will be with you," in those moments? ([19:39])
Think about a time when you felt oppressed or bound by circumstances. How did your mindset affect your ability to find freedom in that situation? ([10:05])
How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, especially when you feel like quitting just before a breakthrough? ([17:23])
In what ways can you show reverence for God in your daily life, acknowledging His greatness and your dependence on Him? ([25:08])
Identify one area in your life where you need to release chains and find freedom in Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to move towards that freedom? ([27:56])
How can you pass down not just material wealth but also spiritual freedom and righteousness to the next generation? ([02:53])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "There are some people in your life who don't care about anything you came from, but just the thought of you being alive is a threat. Why? Because the people before you did something and they stopped at death and you continued it after living. And the people around you, if you're not careful, you are trying to find favor in the eyes of individuals who think their life is better with you not existing. Are we making friends with enemies? Is my generational bondage because of my decisions or is it because I'm not self-aware of my environment?" [08:00]( | | )

2. "You have to seek freedom from the bondage. And here's the thing. I'm finding freedom even while yet still being bound. The Israelites made the decision that though yet you oppress me, you bound me with chains. I still can be free inside of my circumstance. Freedom is a mindset, not a position. I'm free in mind before I'm free in physical. That's why it's interesting to see some people who go through chemo who have a mindset of breaking out of it. And getting on the other side healed versus people who made the decision that it's better off without me. The same cancer cells can spread at a faster rate when you choose not to fight." [13:01]( | | )

3. "The Lord said I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying. Crying out because of their slave drivers and I am concerned about their suffering pause right there. I want to literally cause the lie of the enemy that has been in your mind that has been plaguing your thoughts that has been spoken over you since you were a child. Can I tell you that the Lord hears every single one of our cries and he is yet concerned. There is nothing that can separate you from the love of Jesus and no matter how far you feel no matter how deep you believe you're in God cares." [14:09]( | | )

4. "Some of us got free and got quiet. We got free. And we never returned to the mountain. Jesus. We were infatuated with the freedom that we never possessed and we never made it back to worship. That's why some of us show more praise in the direct deposit. All of a sudden I see people jump when their direct deposit hits. I don't know. Maybe it's just me. I see people's little Bank of America notification go off. Oh, Jesus, baby, put the hot pockets down. We're going to the crab boil. This excitement just overwhelms." [20:46]( | | )

5. "What do I tell my children after I raised them in the righteous ways of the Lord? And they're presenting an attitude with me that makes me want to knock their head smooth. What do I do? How do I stand in the trial and the storm? And it goes on in the next scripture. And it says, This is what you are to say to the Israelites. The I am has sent me to you. I am has sent me to show up to this job even though you want to fire me. The I am that I am has told me to come back into this master bedroom even though I want to smother you. The I am that I am. Has told me to stand up in the midst of all my haters, in the midst of all my critics, He says, Just tell them the I am has sent me to you." [23:50]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "The first step in freedom, a generation of bondage and choosing to be free in Christ is first off. You have to find your freedom. Write that down. Find freedom. You got to find freedom." [11:06]( | | )

2. "Moses makes this decision in verse 11. It goes on to say Moses said to God, who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israel Israelites out of Egypt in verse 12. It says and God said I will be with you. Good God Almighty. If I thought I was. At 1 4 6 5 4 Joplin Road at motivate church. I would render up the loudest shout of praise. I had because what I'm seeing here in this Texas though. I'm not qualified though. I'm not presented in the best light though. I wasn't birthed into the perfect family though. I wasn't set up with a trust fund though. I wasn't criticized by everybody in my life. You're saying go ye therefore I will be with you. God. Everyone could leave me. Everyone could critique me. No one can meet me on the other side of this promise. But as long as you're with me, I'll keep walking." [19:39]( | | )

3. "I didn't choose to be bound in lustful desires. But when I came out the womb, I was raised by the internet and TV and not by a parent. I didn't take this on. I didn't want to be an abandoner or leave my duty or my responsibility. But everyone in my life I saw get away with picking up their stuff and walking away. Everyone got away with it. But you want me to make a decision to stay? Today, generational bondage is the things that have been passed down. I can pass down a good name. I can pass down legacy. I can pass down finances. I can also pass down bondage. I can hand it to you. And here's the thing. I can even do it without malicious intent, but I'm handing it to you because I'm not teaching you how to get free. So many chains of generational bondage could be broken if we just talk. If we were to just be real, just be honest. We could find ourselves free." [02:53]( | | )

4. "The question is can you wait while God hears your cry? I think some of us if we're honest, we don't like this side and I'm about to tiptoe all on the toes of the snowflakes of America. But if I'm honest a lot of us quit on the other side of right when we're about to get our breakthrough because here's the thing. I want to control the narrative and I also want to control the timeline. I want to control what I go through how I go through it and how long I go through it. And if I can't I quit I quit this God can't be good. He's not he's he doesn't love me. What do you mean you've done dumber things and he protected you and you don't want to wait inside of the journey." [15:33]( | | )

5. "Yo, grandmama got over because she was calling on the name of Jesus. I'm calling on the I am that I am. I don't know where that baby is in the world right now, but Lord, cover them. Lord, protect them. Lord, I know they're not making the greatest decisions, but Lord, I want you to cover them. Here we are with no reverence, no honor, no decency, no decorum. We've heard in American gospel and church that Jesus is my homeboy. Oh, I'm about to work. We have this ideal that I can follow someone that I can relate to. Your blood don't work like that. We have this idea that if I can bring God down to my ability and my lack, that I can then trust and walk with someone who seems like me. No, I find faith. And knowing that I'm... I'm small in comparison to the I am that I am, which means I approach you differently." [25:08]( | | )

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