Bringing Down Generational Strongholds
Bringing Down Generational Strongholds • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Please turn to 2 Cor. 10 and Pro. 3.
So last week I challenged us to look back in our family history and acknowledge if any iniquity or unhealthy behaviors have been passed on to us. I also challenged us to look forward to our children and grandchildren and see if we are passing on iniquity or unhealthy behaviors. Many of you responded, I believe to the Holy Spirit and I am amazed. This tells me that God is stirring our hearts, and that generational iniquity is a serious issue within the body of Christ, and it is something that needs to be addressed and dealt with. And writing it on a piece of paper is a great first step, but that’s not going to solve it. The hard work is about to begin, but it’s worth it.
Understand, we are encroaching upon enemy territory and the enemy will not go down without a fight (spiritual forces of darkness, devil – etc.). But also understand, it’s not really the enemy’s territory. If you are in Christ, Jesus has purchased you with His blood, and you belong to Christ. If you’re not in Christ, then you are in enemy territory. And so this territory (lives, families) that the enemy has claimed is not really his. And so part of moving forward is claiming the authority of Jesus Christ that He has given us and empowers us to trample on snakes and scorpions (demonic forces) and has secured for us a victory over iniquity and sin and transgressions. But we need to stand in that authority and victory.
So how do we do that and move forward with what we began last Sunday? For some, you simply need to make some decisions and reorient your lives around making your relationship with Jesus Christ a priority. For others, you might need to talk with a counselor or a therapist or an accountability partner or pastor. And for others, this will require spiritual warfare – fighting a supernatural enemy with supernatural weapons - and you will need the help of trusted people who will pray over you and with you.
Over the next several weeks I'm going to try to address some spiritual principles that will help us navigate the breaking of these generational iniquities and/or unhealthy behaviors so that we and our families can find freedom in Christ. Freedom often takes spiritual warfare, taking back lost territory.
So, let’s begin with 2 Cor 10 which will be our key passage for the next few weeks. Paul wrote,
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
God has given us powerful divine or spiritual weapons, to not only engage the enemy but more importantly to be victorious over the enemy. And these supernatural weapons often seem counterintuitive – even weak. But we must trust that the weapons God provides have immense power to overcome the enemy. We’re talking spiritual warfare – and spiritual warfare is fought differently than physical warfare. Understand that
Spiritual warfare begins in the heart and mind.
Doesn’t begin with casting out demonic forces or confronting devils. Begins in our hearts. Here are two powerful supernatural weapons – to the best of my knowledge,
Spiritual warfare begins with confession and repentance.
Being in a right relationship with God. God said, “If my people humble themselves (confession) and repent ….”
A simple explanation of confession is this – there are two aspects. One, we confess our sin or wrongdoing. We agree with God (confession) that what He calls sin is sin. Period. We do not have the authority or wisdom to redefine sin. Secondly, we confess, agree with, who God is as He has revealed Himself in Scripture – Father, Son, Spirit – loving, compassionate, forgiving, sovereign, just ….
The purpose of confession is a proper alignment with God, others, self.
There is blessing and protection when we are aligned with God. When we live in darkness, lies and sin, redefining sin – we become emotionally and spiritually misaligned – we drift – causes death. Confession is realignment and life-giving – but it must go beyond mere words and belief. Talk is cheap.
Authentic confession must be accompanied by trust, or active-belief .
Demonic entities believe in God, but they don’t trust him or act upon that belief. They are not in alignment with God.
Repentance is the decision to turn away from that which is sinful, unhealthy or distracting and turn toward God.
Repentance is choosing to reorient our days, so Christ becomes the center of our lives.
It's saying no to the things God wants us to say no to and say yes to the things God wants us to say yes to. Repentance is choosing to do life according to God’s will and God’s ways.
Contrary to popular belief, confession and repentance are good! These are powerful tools – they are gifts that God has given us to implement our healing and restoration and victory. (James 5). No wonder the enemy will do anything to keep us from confessing and repenting. So the first step in breaking generational iniquity or unhealthy behavior – the first step to freedom and healing is confession.
Now, this is critical. Humans tend to minimize or justify or redefine sin. Here’s an example. Years ago at a previous church, a woman caught her husband with porn on his computer. Susan and I went over to their home to discuss this. He confessed to watching porn and was remorseful, but he had difficulty calling it what it was – adultery. He struggled to believe that he was guilty of infidelity, unfaithfulness to his wife. He had believed the lie that it was just images, therefore not adultery. Took a long conversation, but he eventually agreed with God that it was adultery. That confession began their healing journey.
If we want to break the strongholds in our lives, we must confess, agree with God and call it what God calls it. When we do that,
Confession and repentance will initiate your journey toward healing and freedom.
– as it did mine many years ago. So don’t beat around the bush - call it what it is.
We’re just opening the can today and we have much more to talk about. For some, confession will be fairly easy. For others, it will be difficult – and might be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. It might feel impossible to do. For some, it might be traumatic – as you recall horrible and painful memories.
Let’s be honest – confession and repentance might make things worse for a while. Not everyone appreciates godly confession – especially the enemy. He does not want you to do this – this will be a battle. So choose wisely to whom you confess.
But here's the biggest thing I want to leave you with this morning.
Trust God with your confession and/or repentance.
Confession rarely makes sense because we don't see or understand or believe that God will do something good with this. Listen closely to
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Homework - Next week we’ll take an in-depth look at Psalm 32 and see the benefits, blessings and the promises of God regarding confession and repentance. Meditate on it.
What is the Spirit saying to you this morning?
Have you been minimizing, redefining …?
What is one thing you can do this week to move toward authentic confession and repentance?
