Breaking Free From Bondage

BREAKING FREE FROM BONDAGE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 8:36 – "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 61:1, Galatians 5:1, Romans 8:1-2

INTRODUCTION

Bondage is any condition that keeps a person in captivity, preventing them from fulfilling God’s purpose for their life. It manifests in various forms, including spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, financial, social, and generational bondages. Many people, even believers, struggle under unseen chains that hinder their joy, progress, and relationship with God. However, the good news is that Jesus came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18). No matter the nature of the bondage, there is power in Christ to break every chain and bring complete deliverance.

Many times, bondage is not just physical but spiritual in nature, affecting the mind, emotions, and even family lineage. The enemy seeks to keep people enslaved through fear, guilt, sin, and oppression. Some are bound by addictions, unhealthy habits, or demonic strongholds that keep them from experiencing true freedom. Others struggle with financial setbacks, ancestral curses, or toxic relationships that drain their strength and destiny. The reality of bondage is evident, but even greater is the power of God to break it.

To break free from bondage, one must recognise its existence, seek divine intervention, and apply biblical principles for deliverance. True freedom comes when a person surrenders completely to Christ, renews their mind with God’s Word, and walks in obedience to His instructions. Through prayer, fasting, faith, and the power of the Holy Spirit, every chain can be broken. Today, as we engage in the Word and prayers, may every yoke of bondage be destroyed in Jesus' name!

1. SPIRITUAL BONDAGE

Spiritual bondage is the most dangerous form of captivity because it affects a person's soul and eternal destiny.

a) Enslavement to Sin

Romans 6:16 – Sin makes a person a slave to the devil and separates them from God. Those who live in sin remain in spiritual chains.

b) Idolatry and False Worship

Exodus 20:3-5 – Serving other gods, engaging in occult practices, or relying on superstitions can place people under spiritual bondage.

c) Demonic Oppression

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – Involvement in witchcraft, sorcery, or ancestral covenants allows demonic forces to control a person's life.

d) Religious Legalism

Galatians 5:1 – Some people are enslaved by religious traditions that replace faith in Christ with rituals and human doctrines.

e) Biblical Example: The Demon-Possessed Man (Mark 5:1-20)

A man in Gadara was bound by demons until Jesus set him free, proving that no spiritual bondage is too strong for God's power.

2. EMOTIONAL BONDAGE

Emotional bondage keeps people trapped in feelings that hinder their joy and progress.

a) Fear and Anxiety

2 Timothy 1:7 – Fear keeps people from stepping into their God-given destiny.

b) Depression and Hopelessness

Psalms 42:5 – Many people suffer from depression due to past experiences, loss, or failure.

c) Rejection and Low Self-Worth

Isaiah 49:15-16 – Feeling unloved or unwanted can lead to emotional isolation.

d) Anger and Resentment

Ephesians 4:26-27 – Holding onto anger can lead to bitterness and an inability to forgive.

e) Biblical Example: Elijah’s Depression (1 Kings 19:1-10)

After defeating the prophets of Baal, Elijah became afraid and depressed, but God restored him through divine encouragement.

3. MENTAL BONDAGE

Mental bondage affects the way people think, leading to destructive behaviours.

a) Negative Thought Patterns

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – Wrong thinking leads to wrong actions.

b) Deception and False Beliefs

John 8:44 – The devil deceives people into believing lies about themselves and God.

c) Addictions to Unhealthy Habits

Proverbs 23:7 – Addictions, whether to drugs, pornography, or harmful lifestyles, keep people in bondage.

d) Self-Condemnation and Guilt

Romans 8:1 – The enemy uses past mistakes to keep people in shame.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24)

The prodigal son was mentally enslaved by wrong choices until he came to his senses and returned to the Father.

4. PHYSICAL BONDAGE

Physical bondage limits a person’s ability to live freely.

a) Sickness and Disease

Luke 13:11-13 – Some illnesses are a form of satanic oppression.

b) Addiction to Substances

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Drugs, alcohol, and other addictions enslave people.

c) Sexual Immorality

1 Corinthians 6:18 – Sexual sins open doors to physical and spiritual affliction.

d) Poverty and Lack

Deuteronomy 28:47-48 – Financial struggles can limit a person’s ability to fulfil God's purpose.

e) Biblical Example: The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)

She suffered for twelve years until she encountered Jesus and was set free.

5. FINANCIAL BONDAGE

Many people are enslaved by money problems, affecting their peace and faith.

a) Debt and Financial Mismanagement

Proverbs 22:7 – Debt makes a person a slave to creditors.

b) Greed and Materialism

Luke 12:15 – Some people pursue wealth at the cost of their souls.