BORN TO EXCEL BUT TIED DOWN
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 49:3-4
Key Verse: “Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.” (Genesis 49:3-4 KJV)
Supporting Texts: Mark 11:1-10; Mark 2:3-12; 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
INTRODUCTION:
Excellence is God’s original design for every believer. You are not an accident; you are divinely programmed to stand out and to manifest the glory of God wherever you are planted. Just as God spoke of Reuben as “the excellency of dignity and power,” so has He spoken good concerning your destiny. But many live far below their divine potential because something ties them down.
Life’s situations, family patterns, sin, or fear can act like invisible ropes that restrict destinies. The colt in Mark 11:2 was born to carry the King of Glory, yet it was tied where no one could see its purpose. In the same way, many people have heaven’s greatness upon them but are unable to manifest it because they are restricted.
This sermon will help you to identify those limitations, understand God’s power to set you free, and show you the steps to walking in your excellence. You are born to excel, and today, every rope of limitation will be broken in Jesus’ name.
1. GOD’S ORIGINAL DESIGN IS FOR YOU TO EXCEL
God never created anyone to fail or remain in mediocrity. His plan is for His children to be the head and not the tail.
a) Created in God’s Image (Genesis 1:26-28)
God made you in His likeness to reflect His glory and have dominion on earth.
b) God Delights in Your Prosperity (Psalm 35:27)
He rejoices when you walk in success and fulfil your purpose.
c) Destined for Greatness (Jeremiah 29:11)
God’s plans for you are good, filled with hope and a glorious future.
d) Redeemed for Excellence (Galatians 3:13-14)
Through Christ, you inherit Abraham’s blessings and divine excellence.
Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 41:38-44) — Though betrayed and enslaved, Joseph rose to excel as ruler in Egypt.
2. IDENTIFYING WHAT TIES PEOPLE DOWN
Many destinies remain stagnant because unseen forces or choices hold them back.
a) Sin and Disobedience (Romans 6:16)
Sin enslaves and cuts off God’s blessings.
b) Generational Curses and Negative Patterns (Lamentations 5:7)
Family strongholds can transfer limitations across generations.
c) Fear and Doubt (2 Timothy 1:7)
Fear paralyses your potential and prevents progress.
d) Wrong Associations (1 Corinthians 15:33)
The company you keep can either release or restrict your destiny.
Biblical Example: Reuben (Genesis 49:3-4) — Though excellent by birthright, instability tied down his potential.
3. DIVINE INTERVENTION BREAKS LIMITATIONS
When God steps in, every rope holding you must be loosed.
a) God Unties Destinies (Mark 11:2-4)
The colt was loosed to fulfil its prophetic purpose.
b) Jesus Sets Captives Free (Luke 4:18)
Christ’s anointing breaks every chain of bondage.
c) Prayer and Fasting Release Power (Matthew 17:21)
Persistent prayer and fasting break stubborn strongholds.
d) The Anointing Destroys the Yoke (Isaiah 10:27)
God’s power removes burdens and limitations.
Biblical Example: Lazarus (John 11:43-44) — Raised from the dead but still tied until Jesus commanded, “Loose him, and let him go.”
4. STEPS TO WALK IN YOUR EXCELLENCE
Excellence requires intentional steps of obedience and alignment with God’s Word.
a) Surrender Completely to Christ (Romans 12:1-2)
Yielding your life to Jesus aligns you with His purpose.
b) Renew Your Mind with Scripture (Joshua 1:8)
Meditation on God’s Word empowers you to prosper and succeed.
c) Break Ungodly Ties and Habits (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Separate yourself from anything that limits your growth.
d) Surround Yourself with the Right People (Proverbs 27:17)
The right company will sharpen and propel you into greatness.
Biblical Example: Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) — Though tied by sorrow, he prayed and became more honourable.
5. WHEN GOD UNTIES YOU, YOUR EXCELLENCE MANIFESTS
Freedom releases your potential to shine and glorify God.
a) Your Gifts Begin to Shine (Proverbs 18:16)
Freed destinies manifest their God-given talents.
b) Divine Doors Open (Revelation 3:8)
God grants access to opportunities no man can shut.
c) You Experience Divine Speed (1 Kings 18:46)
God enables you to recover lost time and overtake delays.
d) Your Life Glorifies God (Matthew 5:16)
Your excellence becomes a testimony of God’s power.
Biblical Example: The Colt for Jesus (Mark 11:7-10) — Once untied, the colt carried the King of Glory, fulfilling prophecy.
CONCLUSION:
God did not design you to be tied down or stagnant. You are born to excel, to influence, and to shine for His glory. Whatever has held you back—sin, fear, curses, or wrong relationships—must release you today in Jesus’ name.
As you identify and break free from those limitations, divine intervention will set you on a path of excellence. Step out in faith, renew your mind, and walk boldly into the greatness God has ordained for you. Your season of manifestation has come.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for creating me for excellence.
2. Lord, expose and destroy every power tying me down.
3. Every generational limitation, break in Jesus’ name.
4. Untie every area of my life for Your glory.
5. Lord, fill me with courage to walk in my divine purpose.
6. Break every ungodly association holding me back.
7. Release divine speed for my delayed breakthroughs.
8. Let my gifts make room for me in high places.
9. Holy Spirit, empower me to live in obedience and holiness.
10. Lord, let my life reflect Your glory and excellence.
