The God Who Releases You From Spiritual Prison Series

THE GOD WHO RELEASES YOU FROM SPIRITUAL PRISON

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 12:5-11

Key Verse: “And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.” — Acts 12:7 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 42:6-7; Psalm 107:13-16; Luke 4:18; Acts 16:25-26; Zechariah 9:11-12

INTRODUCTION:

Many people today are not behind physical bars, yet they are bound by invisible chains. These are spiritual prisons situations that restrict, limit, and confine destinies. They include fear, guilt, addiction, oppression, delay, sickness, or satanic bondage. Spiritual prisons keep people in cycles of pain and prevent them from fulfilling divine purpose.

When Peter was imprisoned by Herod, the church prayed earnestly, and God intervened. He sent an angel who broke the chains and led Peter out of confinement. The same God who released Peter is still in the business of setting captives free today. No prison is too strong for Him to open, and no chain is too thick for Him to break.

God’s desire is for His children to walk in freedom. Jesus declared in Luke 4:18 that He came “to preach deliverance to the captives.” Every spiritual prison represents the enemy’s attempt to silence your destiny, but when God steps in, every gate is forced open, and every yoke is destroyed.

1. UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL PRISONS

Before deliverance can come, you must understand what spiritual prisons are and how they operate. They are invisible confinements that restrict a person’s movement or progress.

a) Spiritual prisons are invisible cages (Isaiah 42:6-7): Satan blinds people and locks them in ignorance, sin, or fear.

b) They limit potential and progress (Lamentations 3:7): Chains of limitation prevent people from rising to their full capacity.

c) They manifest as repeated cycles of failure (Judges 6:1-6): The Israelites were trapped in oppression until they cried out to God.

d) Spiritual prisons can come through sin, disobedience, or demonic attack (John 8:34): Whosoever commits sin becomes a servant of sin.

Biblical Example: Samson, once anointed and strong, found himself in a literal and spiritual prison when he disobeyed God (Judges 16:20-21).

2. GOD’S POWER BREAKS EVERY CHAIN AND OPENS EVERY PRISON GATE

No matter how long you’ve been bound, God’s power is greater than any captivity. His light penetrates even the darkest prison.

a) God specialises in breaking chains (Psalm 107:13-16): He breaks the gates of brass and cuts the bars of iron in sunder.

b) His presence brings light into darkness (Acts 12:7): The angel of the Lord brought light into Peter’s prison cell.

c) God’s power releases divine intervention (Isaiah 45:2): He goes before His people to make crooked places straight and break gates of iron.

d) The Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk free (2 Corinthians 3:17): Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas were imprisoned, but their praise provoked divine power that shook the prison and set them free (Acts 16:25-26).

3. PRAYER AND PRAISE ARE KEYS TO SUPERNATURAL RELEASE

When the church prays and believers praise, prison doors open and chains fall off.

a) Prayer invites divine intervention (Acts 12:5): The church prayed without ceasing, and God sent an angel to free Peter.

b) Praise breaks the atmosphere of bondage (Acts 16:25): Worship releases divine energy that shakes foundations.

c) Intercession releases others from captivity (Job 42:10): When Job prayed for his friends, his own captivity was turned.

d) Persistent prayer keeps the heavens open (Luke 18:7): God responds to the cries of His elect who call on Him day and night.

Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah worshipped in the face of their enemies, and God sent ambushes against their adversaries (2 Chronicles 20:21-24).

4. ANGELIC HELPERS EXECUTE DIVINE DELIVERANCE

God sends His angels as messengers and warriors to bring His people out of captivity.

a) Angels are instruments of divine release (Acts 12:7-10): Peter’s deliverance came through angelic intervention.

b) Angels respond to God’s word (Psalm 103:20): When God commands, they act swiftly to fulfil His purposes.

c) Angels guard the righteous (Psalm 34:7): The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them.

d) Angels enforce victory for the saints (Daniel 6:22): God sent His angel to shut the lions’ mouths and preserve Daniel.

Biblical Example: When Israel was trapped between Pharaoh and the Red Sea, the angel of God moved between them and their enemies (Exodus 14:19-20).

5. WALKING IN CONTINUED FREEDOM

Deliverance is not the end but the beginning of a life of obedience, holiness, and purpose.

a) Freedom must be preserved through obedience (John 5:14): Jesus told the healed man, “Go and sin no more.”