STEP 1: COUNTERFEIT VERSUS REAL
The first step to freedom in Christ is to renounce our previous or current involvements with satanically inspired occultic practices or false religions. You may have tried many ways in the past for resolving your spiritual problems and finding meaning in life. Any activity or group which denies Jesus Christ, offers guidance through any source other than the absolute authority of the written Word of God, or requires secret initiations must be forsaken. No Christian has any business being part of a group that is not completely open about all they do (1 John 1:5,7). If the leaders of any group demand absolute authority instead of serving the needs of their constituents, do not submit to them.
The early church included in its public declaration of faith, "I renounce you, Satan, and all your works and ways." The Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and many other liturgical churches still require this renunciation as part of confirmation.
In assessing counterfeits to Christianity, no criterion is more important than the Person of Jesus Christ.
Other
religions and cults may talk about Jesus, but they present Him in another way
than He is presented in Scripture. They may talk about the same historical
Jesus, but not about the Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, and the great I AM.
Jesus said, "Unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins" (John 8:24).
If you believe in Jesus in any other way than how He is presented in the Bible, you will receive an altogether different spirit from the Holy Spirit and an altogether different gospel from the gospel of grace.
In order to help you assess your previous spiritual experiences, complete the "Non-Christian Spiritual Experience Inventory" below by making a list of all the Non-Christian experiences or religions that you have knowingly or may have unknowingly participated in.
The list is not exhaustive, but it will guide you in identifying non-Christian involvements.
Note all those that you have participated in:
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Out-of-body experiences
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Wicca
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Ouija board
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Black and white magic/The Gathering
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Bloody Mary
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Paganism
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Charlie Charlie
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Reiki
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Occult games such as Light as a Feather
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Channeling/Chakras
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Magic 8-Ball
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Reincarnation/previous life healing
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Table or body lifting
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Mediums and channelers
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Spells and curses
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Mormonism
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Mental telepathy/mind control
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Freemasonry
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Tarot cards
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Christian Science
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Automatic writing
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Church of Scientology
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Astrology/horoscopes
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Nature worship (Mother Earth)
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Palm reading
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Unitarianism/universalism
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Fortune telling/divination
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Hinduism/Transcendental Meditation
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Blood pacts
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Silva Mind Control
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Sexual spirits
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Buddhism (including Zen)
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Séances and circles
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Islam
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Trances
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Witchcraft/sorcery
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Spirit guides
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Bahaism
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Clairvoyance
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Spiritism/animism/folk religions
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Rod and pendulum (dowsing)
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Ancestor worship
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Hypnosis
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Jehovah’s Witnesses
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Satanism[1] __________________________________________________________________________________ |
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[1]
Anderson, N. T. (2019). The bondage
breaker® (pp. 217–218). Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.
| __________________________________________________________________________________ |
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Dear heavenly Father, I ask You to reveal to me all the occultic practices, false religions, and false teachers with which I have knowingly or unknowingly been involved.
Write down everything God brings to mind. After you are sure your list is complete, pray the following for each practice, religion, and teacher:
Lord,
I confess that I have participated in____________ . I ask Your forgiveness, and
I renounce_____________ as a counterfeit to true Christianity.
When you have prayed the above prayer, for each item on your list, conclude with a verbal: Amen.
Step 1 is completed.
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STEP 2: DECEPTION VERSUS TRUTH
Truth is primarily the revelation of God's Word, but it also includes truth in the inner self (Psalm 51:6). When David lived a lie he suffered greatly. When he finally found freedom by acknowledging the truth, he wrote, "How blessed is the man… in whose spirit there is no deceit" (Psalm 32:2). We are to lay aside falsehood and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15,25). A mentally healthy person is one who is in touch with reality and relatively free of anxiety. Both qualities should epitomize the Christian who renounces deception and embraces the truth.
(Listen to the accompanying podcast for further comments and teaching associated with Step 2 or proceed with the prayer and doctrinal affirmation below)
Begin this critical step by expressing aloud the following prayer:
Dear heavenly Father,
I know that You desire truth in the inner self and that facing this truth is the way of liberation (John 8:32). I acknowledge that I have been deceived by the father of lies (John 8:44) and that I have deceived myself (1 John 1:8). I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that You, heavenly Father, will rebuke all deceiving spirits by virtue of the shed blood and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. And since by faith I have received You into my life and am now seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 2:6), I command all deceiving spirits to depart from me. I now ask the Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth (John 16:13). I ask You to "search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way" (Psalm 139:23,24). In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
This step is designed to declare that we believe what God’s word says about us.
Historically the church has found great value in publicly declaring its beliefs. The Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed have been recited for centuries.
Read aloud the following affirmation of faith, and do so again as often as necessary to renew your mind and take your stand according to the truth.
(We recommend that you read it daily for several weeks as a devotional practice to solidify your identity in Christ, especially if you are just resolving a personal spiritual conflict.)
Doctrinal Affirmation
I recognize that there is only one true and living God (Exodus 20:2,3), who exists as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that He is worthy of all honor, praise, and worship as the Creator, Sustainer, and Beginning and End of all things (Revelation 4:11; 5:9,10; Isaiah 43:1,7,21).
I recognize Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1,14). I believe that He came to destroy the works of Satan (1 John 3:8), that He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public display of them, having triumphed over them (Colossians 2:15).
I believe that God has proven His love for me, because when I was still a sinner Christ died for me (Rom 5:8). I believe that He delivered me from the domain of darkness and transferred me to His kingdom, and in Him I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Col1:13,14).
I believe that I am now a child of God (1 John 3:1-3), and that I am seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Eph 2:6). I believe that I was saved by the grace of God through faith, that it was a gift and not the result of any works on my part (Eph 2:8).
I choose to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (Eph 6:10). I put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3), for the weapons of my warfare are not of the flesh (2 Cor10:4). I put on the whole armor of God (Eph 6:10-17), and I resolve to stand firm in my faith and resist the evil one.
I believe that Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt 28:18), and that He is the head over all rule and authority (Col 2:10). I believe that Satan and his demons are subject to me in Christ because I am a member of Christ's body (Eph1:19-23). I therefore obey the command to resist the devil (James 4:7), and I command him in the name of Christ to leave my presence.
I believe that apart from Christ I can do nothing (John 15:5), so I declare my dependence on Him. I choose to abide in Christ in order to bear much fruit and glorify the Lord (John 15:8). I announce to Satan that Jesus is my Lord (1 Cor 12:3), and I reject any counterfeit gifts or works of Satan in my life.
I believe that the truth will set me free (John 8:32), and that walking in the light is the only path of fellowship (1 John 1:7). Therefore, I stand against Satan's deception by taking every thought captive in obedience to Christ (2 Cor 10:5). I declare that the Bible is the only authoritative standard (2 Tim 3:15-17) I choose to speak the truth in love (Eph4:15).
I choose to present my body as an instrument of righteousness, a living and holy sacrifice, and I renew my mind by the living Word of God in order that I may prove that the will of God is good, acceptable, and perfect (Rom 6:13; 12:1,2).
I ask my heavenly Father to fill me with His Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18), to lead me into all truth (John 16:13), and to empower my life so that I may live above sin and not carry out the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). I crucify the flesh (Gal 5:24) and choose to walk by the Spirit.
I renounce all selfish goals and choose the ultimate goal of love (1 Tim 1:5). I choose to obey the greatest commandment, to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, and mind, and to love my neighbor as myself (Matt 22:37-39).
Conclude praying aloud the above Doctrinal Affirmation with a verbal: Amen.
Step 2 is completed.
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STEP 3: BITTERNESS VERSUS FORGIVENESS
Most of the ground that Satan gains in the lives of Christians is due to unforgiveness. We are warned to forgive others so that Satan cannot take advantage of us (2 Cor 2:10,11). God requires us to forgive others from our hearts or He will turn us over to the tormentors (Matt 18:34,35). Why is forgiveness so critical to our freedom? Because of the cross. God didn't give us what we deserve; He gave us what we needed according to His mercy. We are to be merciful just as our heavenly Father is merciful (Luke 6:36). We are to forgive as we have been forgiven (Eph 4:31,32).
(Listen to the accompanying podcast for further comments and teaching associated with Step 3 or proceed with the prayers and instructions affirmation below)
How do you
forgive from the heart? First you acknowledge the hurt and the hate. If your
forgiveness doesn't visit the emotional core of your past, it will be
incomplete. This is the great evangelical cover-up. Christians feel the pain of
interpersonal offenses, but we won't acknowledge it. Let God bring the pain to
the surface so He can deal with it.
This is where the healing takes place.
Ask God to bring to your mind those you need to forgive as you read the following prayer aloud:
Dear heavenly Father,
I thank You for the riches of Your kindness, forbearance, and patience, knowing that Your kindness has led me to repentance (Romans 2:4). I confess that I have not extended that same patience and kindness toward others who have offended me, but instead I have harbored bitterness and resentment. I pray that during this time of self-examination You would bring to mind only those people that I have not forgiven in order that I may do so (Matthew 18:35). I also pray that if I have offended others You would bring to mind only those people from whom I need to seek forgiveness and the extent to which I need to seek it (Matthew 5:23,24). I ask this in the precious name of Jesus.
Amen.
As you pray, be prepared to have names come to your mind that have been blocked from your memory.
Make a list of all those who come to mind that have offended or harmed you, that you need to forgive.
For each
person on your list, say: "Lord, I forgive (name) for (offenses)."
When you have prayed the above prayer for everyone on your list and for all the offenses they need to be forgiven of, conclude this step with a verbal: Amen.
Step 3 is completed.
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STEP 4: REBELLION VERSUS SUBMISSION
We live in a rebellious generation of individuals who feel it is their right to sit in judgment of those in authority over them. Christians are no exception.
Rebelling against God leads to nothing but trouble.
We are also tempted to rebel against human authority. We have two biblical responsibilities in regard to authority figures: pray for them and submit to them. The only time God permits us to disobey earthly leaders is when they require us to do something morally wrong before God.
Being submissive to human authority demonstrates faith. As you submit to God's line of authority, you are choosing to believe that God will protect you and bless you, and that all will go well with you.
Ask God to forgive you for those times you have not been submissive, and declare your trust in God to work through His established lines of authority.
From the list below, allow God to show you any specific ways you have been rebellious, and use the prayer that follows to confess those sins He brings to mind.
• Civil government (including traffic laws, tax laws, attitude toward government officials) (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Timothy 2:1–4; 1 Peter 2:13–17)
• Parents, stepparents, or legal guardians (Ephesians 6:1–3)
• Teachers, coaches, school officials (Romans 13:1–4)
• Employers (past and present) (1 Peter 2:18–23)
• Husband (1 Peter 3:1–4) or wife (Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:7) (Note to Husbands: Ask the Lord if a lack of love for your wife could be fostering a rebellious spirit within her. If so, confess that as a violation of Ephesians 5:22–33.)
• Church leaders (Hebrews 13:7)
• God (Daniel 9:5,9)
For each way that you have been rebellious, use the following prayer to specifically confess that sin:
Heavenly Father, I confess that I have been rebellious toward [name or position] by [specifically confess what you did or did not do]. Thank You for Your forgiveness. I choose to be submissive and obedient to Your Word. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
(Anderson, N. T. (2019). The bondage breaker® (pp. 234–235). Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.)
After you have confessed any willful rebellion to God, pray the following prayer aloud:
Dear
heavenly Father,
You have said that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23). I know that in action and attitude I have sinned against You with a rebellious heart. I ask Your forgiveness for my rebellion and pray that by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ all ground gained by evil spirits because of my rebelliousness would be canceled. I pray that You will shed light on all my ways that I may know the full extent of my rebelliousness and choose to adopt a submissive spirit and a servant's heart. In the name of Christ Jesus my Lord.
Amen.
Step 4 is complete.
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STEP FIVE
Pride Versus Humility
Pride comes before a fall, but God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1
Peter 5:1–10). Humility is confidence properly placed in God, and we are
instructed to “put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3). We are to be
“strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).
Proverbs 3:5–7 urges us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and to not lean
on our own understanding. Use the following prayer to ask for God’s guidance:
Dear heavenly Father, You have said that pride goes
before destruction and an arrogant spirit before stumbling. I confess that I
have focused on my own needs and desires and not those of others. I have not
always denied myself, picked up my cross daily, and followed You. I have relied
on my own strength and resources instead of resting in Yours. I have placed my
will before Yours and centered my life around myself instead of You. I confess
my pride and selfishness and pray that all ground gained in my life by the
enemies of the Lord Jesus Christ would be canceled as I repent and overcome
these sinful flesh patterns. I choose to rely upon the Holy Spirit’s power and
guidance so that I will do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit. With
humility of mind, I choose to regard others as more important than myself. I
acknowledge You as my Lord, and confess that apart from You I can do nothing of
lasting significance. Please examine my heart and show me the specific ways I
have lived my life in pride. In the gentle and humble name of Jesus I pray.
Amen. (See Proverbs 16:18; Matthew 6:33; 16:24; Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3.)
Pray through
the list below, then use the prayer that follows to confess any sins of pride
the Lord brings to mind.
·
Having a stronger desire to do my will than God’s will
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Leaning too much on my own understanding and experience
rather than seeking God’s guidance through prayer and His Word
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Relying on my own strengths and resources instead of
depending on the power of the Holy Spirit
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Being more concerned about controlling others than in
developing self-control
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Being too busy doing “important” and selfish things
rather than seeking and doing God’s will
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Having a tendency to think that I have no needs
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Finding it hard to admit when I am wrong
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Being more concerned about pleasing people than pleasing
God
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Being overly concerned about getting the credit I feel I
deserve
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Thinking I am more humble, spiritual, religious, or
devoted than others
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Being driven to obtain recognition by attaining degrees,
titles, and positions
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Feeling that my needs are more important than another
person’s needs
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Considering myself better than others because of my
academic, artistic, athletic, or other abilities and accomplishments
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Not waiting on God
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Other ways I have thought more highly of myself than I
should
For each of
the above areas that has been true in your life, pray,
Dear heavenly Father, I agree I have been proud by [name
what you noted above]. Thank You for Your forgiveness. I choose to humble
myself before You and others. I choose to place all my confidence in You and
none in my flesh. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.[1]
Step 5 is complete.
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[1] Anderson, N. T. (2019). The bondage breaker® (pp. 236–238). Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers.
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STEP 6: BONDAGE VERSUS FREEDOM
The next step to freedom deals with habitual sin. People who have been caught in the trap of sin-confess-sin-confess may need to follow the instructions of James 5:16: "Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." Seek out a righteous person who will hold you up in prayer and to whom you can be accountable. Others may need only the assurance of 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Whether you need the help of others or just the accountability of God, pray the following prayer:
Dear heavenly Father,
You have told us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Romans 13:14). I acknowledge that I have given in to fleshly lusts which wage war against my soul (1 Peter 2:11). I thank You that in Christ my sins are forgiven, but I have transgressed Your holy law and given the enemy an opportunity to wage war in my members (Ephesians 4:27; James 4:1; 1 Peter 5:8). I come before Your presence to acknowledge these sins and to seek Your cleansing (1 John 1:9) that I may be freed from the bondage of sin (Galatians 5:1). I now ask You to reveal to my mind the ways that I have transgressed Your moral law and grieved the Holy Spirit.
The following
list contains many sins of the flesh. Look
over the list below and ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your mind the sins you
need to confess. He may reveal others to you as well. For each sin the Lord
shows you, lift up a prayer of confession from your heart. There is a sample
prayer following the list.
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Stealing
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Quarreling/fighting
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Jealousy/envy
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Gossip/slander
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Complaining/criticism
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Sarcasm
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Swearing
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Apathy/laziness
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Lying
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Drunkenness
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Hatred
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Anger
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Cheating
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Avoiding
responsibility
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Greed/materialism
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Any Sexual Acts
Outside of Marriage |
Dear heavenly Father, I confess that I have sinned against You by [name the sins]. Thank You for Your forgiveness and cleansing. I now turn away from these expressions of sin and turn to You, Lord. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I will not carry out the desires of the flesh. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
After you have confessed all known sin, pray:
I have confessed these sins to You and claim through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ my forgiveness and cleansing. I cancel all ground that evil spirits have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I ask this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Step 6 is completed.
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STEP 7: ACQUIESCENCE VERSUS RENUNCIATION
The last step
to freedom is to renounce the sins of your ancestors and any curses which may
have been placed on you. In giving the Ten Commandments, God said: "You shall
not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on
the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them
or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and fourth generations of
those who hate Me" (Exodus 20:4,5).
(Listen to the accompanying podcast for further comments and teaching associated with Step 7 or proceed with the prayers and instructions affirmation below)
In order to
walk free from past influences, pray the following prayer:
Dear heavenly
Father,
I come to You
as Your child, purchased by the blood of the Lord
Jesus Christ. I here and now reject and disown all the sins of my ancestors. As one who has been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son, I cancel out all demonic working that has been passed on to me from my ancestors. As one who has been crucified and raised with Christ and who sits with Him in heavenly places, I reject any and every way in which Satan may claim ownership of me. I declare myself to be eternally and completely signed over and committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. I now command every familiar spirit and every enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ that is in or around me to flee my presence and never to return. I now ask You, heavenly Father, to fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I submit my body as an instrument of righteousness, a living sacrifice, that I may glorify You in my body. All this I do in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Step 7 is complete
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Thank you for listening or reviewing this information if you would like to be led through the Steps to Freedom in Christ by a trained encourager go to: Click this link to get Help from Freedom in Christ Ministries
