Breaking the chains of Spiritual Captivity
By
Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.
OPENING: - The greatest illusion mankind faces all the time is that they are free from the oppression of the devil when in actuality Satan has captured their soul, body and spirit. This is a dangerous situation. It is not entirely wrong to be captured because in nature we mankind were born into captivity (sin), However, what is wrong is to remain in this situation unchecked, unperturbed, and unwilling to change the situation. Throughout history people have longed for freedom from captivity and oppression, people today long to be free from captivity, spiritual bondage, and oppression. Enemies such as fear, anxiety, anger, loneliness, sadness, depression, addictions, and guilt war against our souls and holds us bound by the yoke of spiritual captivity, but the Bible says that the anointing destroys the yoke. Freedom from oppression, anxiety, addiction, guilt, etc. doesn't have to be a distant dream. For whom the Son has set free is free indeed.
PRAYER: -
Scriptures:- Luke 4:18 says “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised”.
Ephesians 6:12 says “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.
2 Corinthians 10:14 says “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds”.
The exact phrase spiritual captivity does not appear in the Bible, but Scripture does speak of being in bondage to sin Acts 8:23 says “For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity” Romans 6:6 says “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin, verse 16 says “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness”. verse19 says “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness”. Romans 7:14 says “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin”. 2 Peter 2:19 says “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage”. John 8:34 says “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin”. Vs 32 says “The truth shall make you free”.
Sin has a way of taking hold in a person’s life, guilty consciences are deadly, shame is painful, self-pity eats like a cancer, and bad habits are hard to break. Considering the condition of our hearts before God changes us into a new creature, we are dead in trespasses and sin, captive to ungodly pleasures, and blind to the beauty of Christ. Therefore, sin forms a chain that only God can break.
UNDERSTAND: - Captivity is defined as the state of being captured, imprisoned, detained or held against one’s will. It is a state of being demobilized as a result of the forces of darkness. The inability to fulfill one’s destiny, the state of operating below the capacity ordained by God, the absence of substantive or identifiable progress in the lives of man, the state of being grind to a halt, lack of capacity to excel in well-being, lack of progress in all ramifications, inability to enjoy good health, or a good marriage. In very case the one that is being held captive, is being held or detain by some physical means such as: a prison cells, hand cuffs, shackles, chains, fetters or even by another person.
Spiritual captivity is the state of being captured without any tangible, physical or material evidence of that captivity. However, your life displays all and more of the signs and evidence of one that has been detained or imprisoned due to the inability to succeed or make progress.
To be imprisoned, detained, or captured, firstly, restricts or limits one of their freedoms. Better yet, they can see success, freedom, joy, peace and all things good they desire but do not possess the ability to possess or achieve it because of the obvious; they are being restrained or held against their will.
Even though the definition of captivity is defined as the state of being captured, there exists two types of captivity and they are the physical captivity that we see where people are in fetters, chains, handcuffs and then the one that we do not see which is Spiritual captivity where people are bound in the confines of the minds. It is this one that we do not see that can be the most challenging and frustrating. Challenging and frustrating because we cannot see what is keeping us from progressing and succeeding. There is nothing visible or has been presented as evidence to this imprisonment or detention, but we know we are bound because of our lack of progress.
STORY: - There is a story about how to train an elephant. It states that to train an elephant for the circus they would put a chain around the elephant’s leg and the other end would be attached to a pole or something that the elephant could not just pull up. After so long of trying to pull free the elephant would get a sore on its leg that caused the elephant pain, because the elephant did not like the pain he would stop pulling at the chain. Once he stopped pulling at the chain the trainers could unhook the elephant from the chain and he wouldn’t go anywhere WHY because his mind had become conditioned to pulling the chain caused pain and therefore wouldn’t move because he didn’t want to feel pain.
Comparatively the devil has convinced people that they are bound, chained to a certain way and there is no hope of being set free. In their minds they are bound, they have been conditioned to believe that the way something currently is, that the bondage that they are in, that the guilt and oppression, depression, anxiety, sickness, and unhappiness they are feeling now is something that they have to live with. UNDSTAND: - That is what the Bible calls a stronghold, but God has given us power to pull down strongholds and today we are going to break the chains that have people spiritually bound.
STRONGHOLDS: - are a mindset that is impregnated with hopelessness, anxiety, oppression, doubt, depression, and loneliness and accepts as unchangeable a particular course in someone’s life even though it goes contrary to the Word of God. Strongholds / Spiritual bondage is any area of our lives where we come into agreement with a lie from the enemy that is in direct opposition to God’s Word. In those areas, it gives the demonic realm legal access, and operates like an open invitation for them to come and torment us.
Understand that there is a difference between possession and oppression. The difference between oppression and possession is that oppression is the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner while possession is something that someone possesses, but to which he does not necessarily have private property rights, the demonic force is a squatter. In demonic oppression, the demonic influence does not directly attack the person but effects their behavior and the person’s entire life. The person under demonic oppression might exhibit abnormal or changes in personality, attitude, and manners. Even with demonic influence, they will retain control over their physical body and mind.
However, on the other side, demonic possession is the state where the demon gains full command of a person’s body. The demon takes away the person’s ability to use his physical body, will, consciousness, and freedom. The body adopts the personality, voice, and actions of the demon. By using the person’s body, the demon communicates to other people by using a different voice and ways like shouting profanity and taunts.
Both demonic oppression and possession need a certain degree of acceptance into the human person’s body.
Understanding the State of Spiritual Captivity.
Captivity is being a slave or in servitude, under some tyrant or cruel enemy, who may have seized the captive as a prisoner of war or stolen him from his peaceful home for the purposes of servitude. Spiritual captivity is not being stolen but is being in bondage and servitude to the adversary.
John 8:34 says “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin”. Sin rules and reigns in him.
** Let me give you a quick definition of sin – means to miss the mark. One who is a slave to sin continues to miss the mark. They fail to achieve the result that was intended. The Greek word is Hamartia, it was first used to describe archers who arrows missed the target. Although missing the mark doesn’t exhaust the meaning of sin in scripture, it offers a perspective on transgression. Sin is not only crossing the line and breaking God’s law like stealing, killing, but is also the failure of doing all that the Lord requires.
2 Peter 2:19 says “They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you”. So whatever you let control you that is contrary to the Will and Word of God means you are in spiritual captivity.
2 Timothy 2:26 says “Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants”. When you are in spiritual captivity you do whatever the devil wants you to do.
Ephesians 2:2 says “You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.[fn] He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God”. Spiritual captivity for those that refuse to obey God is having the devil work in their hearts
Spiritual captivity implies bondage and those in spiritual captivity are in a state of darkness. It was customary in ancient times to put out the eyes of some prisoners of war, and in some way or other to maim them. In spiritual captivity Satan blinds the sinner's mind!
Spiritual captivity also implies that they are bound with fetters. These are called the "bonds of iniquity." "The opening of the prison to those who are bound," Isaiah 6:1. When you are in spiritual captivity you are bound with the fetters of a hard heart, of ignorance, of prejudice, of unbelief, lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life.
Spiritual captivity has a person in state of wretchedness and misery.
A captive is frequently in a state of disease, Isaiah 1:5- 6 says “Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment”.
WATCH THIS:- Spiritual Captivity is not limited to the sinner! Job was in a state of Spiritual Captivity. The Bible says in Job 42:10 “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job”. Job was not being held against his will by any physical means, but he was being prevented from achieving or succeeding like any normal human being? Job lost all he had, his wealth, his kids, his health, he had boils all over his body, his friend accused him, he was in a state of wretchedness and misery.
Some people are bound by the Spiritual Capacity of Religion. The word religion comes from a Latin word called ligare meaning “to bind fast.” The idea behind the term religion is that the one is bound under an obligation of some sort. Religion can easily turn into a type of spiritual captivity when we allow our fears of hell, judgment, or demonic activity to control us or when we adopt a religious mindset that says, “If I don’t perform such and such a ritual, there will be bad consequences.” We are not saved by rituals we perform; in fact, Jesus said that ritualistic religion does nothing but “load people down with burdens they can hardly carry” Luke 11:46.
Some effects of Spiritual captivity: - John 10:10 The Bible says “the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy”.
He uses the spirit of captivity to steal your:
Identity: - Spiritual Captivity keeps you from feeling as if you fit in with the rest of the family of God and being able to see yourself as having an integral part in the kingdom.
Anointing: - Spiritual Captivity causes you to stop sensing God's presence. You lose your ability to worship freely and intimately. When you attempt to worship, you feel empty and dry, and your mind goes back to your problem.
Vision: - Spiritual Captivity takes away your sense of purpose in life. You find yourself wandering from one thing to another, trying to find satisfaction. You don't have any long-term goals, vision or confidence in your talents. You quit using your talents to do anything significant, and your struggles become larger than your goals.
Authority: - Spiritual Captivity neutralizes your warfare. You become paralyzed by certain events and reminded of the times you have failed before. You determine there is no point in trying to overcome the problematic issue in your life because you will probably fail again. You see yourself as an inadequate warrior with little anointing to stand victorious against evil forces.
Confidence: - Spiritual Captivity undermines your confidence. You feel as if you can't finish anything. You become apologetic and unsure of yourself. Even when you venture into something new, you have no fruit to show for it.
Besides stealing from you, the spirit of captivity leaves you feeling:
Bombarded. Have you ever felt as if you couldn't see a way out because there were too many problems to handle? When captivity tries to take all that God has imparted into your life, you feel bombarded and overwhelmed by your circumstances.
Unfulfilled. You feel as if you cannot get a fresh word or direction from the Lord. It is almost as if there is some sort of blinder over your spiritual insight. You don't know what Scripture to read or even how to begin in prayer. You become desperate for a word, prophecy, dream or Scripture that will speak to you.
Intimidated. You run from your problems because you are too intimidated to address them.
Confused. Because you had a plan for your life and things aren’t going the way you thought so you become confused. Confused people are also divisive and disagreeable. They can't seem to get along with anything or anyone because they don't know where they are headed in life.
Blind. Spiritual blindness prevents you from seeing how God is or will move in your life and what purpose he has for you.
Are you in spiritual captivity? If so, Jesus is the one and only answer for you. Could it be that where you are in your life right now, no job, no money, bills are over-due, kids are sick, pains and diseases have invaded your body, and the list goes on. You have prayed consistently, fasted over and over again, sent in monetary seeds to different ministries for that miracle, break through and ABSOLUTELY nothing has happened as a matter of fact things are getting worst and you feel as if God is ignoring you. Could it possibly be God has removed your hedge and allowed Satan to have power over all that you have so that you can be introduced to the real you?
Psalm 126:1-2 says, “When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them”. Jesus wants to turn your captivity around. Just like He did for Job and gave him double for his trouble. Just like He did - The Nobleman’s son in John 4:47 “When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death”.
The Centurion’s servant in Luke 7:2 “And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die”.
Jairus’ daughter she died before Jesus arrived. He had to raise her from the dead. Mark 5:23 “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” At the darkest hour of this man’s life, when he received the news of his only daughter’s death, Jesus encouraged him to believe.
Only someone who knows things are not over could encourage like that. Most would simply sympathize with his loss, and try to comfort him, but Jesus knew it was not over. Faith had already been released when the man declared in verse 23, ‘come and lay your hands on her, that she may be healed’ and Jesus was already on the job. Because the man believed, He received a miracle.
The Woman with issue of blood had spent all she had Mark 5:25- 26 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. That there is nothing that is past God being able to help. Nothing has gone ‘too far’.
When Lazarus was dead and in his tomb, Jesus came on the scene and said, ‘Take away the stone” John 11:39. He was declaring, ‘I am no done here yet I’m gonna turn this situation around!’. Then He raised Lazarus from the dead.
Often when we face challenges, we roll the stone of hopelessness and despair in front of the situation and give up all hope that it can change, but Jesus is saying to us, ‘Move that stone out the way, I am going to turn captivity around’!
God can still turn it around. Do not give up hope. Do not think there is nothing that can be done. God can change anything and turn any situation around. Even when doctors have given up all hope and say there is nothing that they can do, Jesus still can.
Do not give up hope. Do not think there is nothing that can be done. God can change anything and turn any situation around. Even when doctors have given up all hope and say there is nothing that they can do, Jesus still can.
He can do what is needed; He can do what is necessary. When we put our faith In Him, He can turn it around.
Put your Faith in Jesus
No matter what you are facing, put your faith and confidence in God who can break every chain of spiritual captivity.
It’s the Anointing that destroys the yoke. Let Jesus set you free for whom the son has set free is free indeed.
And once your captivity has been turned around - joy returns.
And once your captivity has been turned around - Peace that passes all understanding returns.
Once your captivity has been turned around – you’ll be able to sing the song I am free Praise the Lord I’m free no longer bound no more chains holding me My soul is rest resting it’s just a blessing praise the lord hallelujah I’m free.
Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.
