Introduction
You were created for freedom, purpose, and abundance. Chains of limitation are not from God—they are from the enemy, self-doubt, and the world. Today, we break them!
Let me ask you:
How many people have ever seen a pet especially a dog walking with it owner in a busy place the first thing you see is, it has a chain in it neck and why is that, to limit its movement and to keep it as close as possible to it owner otherwise it might wonder away and get lost or even attack someone. Based on this illustration:
“How many of you feel like they are: stuck… held back… unable to move forward no matter how hard you try?”
Galatians 5:1– “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
You are not alone even:
Paul and Silas in the prison in Acts 16:25-26) their bodies were held by chains, but worship and prayer broke the chains of limitation and released their miracle.
What Is A Chain?
1. In the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible)
- The Hebrew word שַׁרְשֶׁרֶת (sharsheret), meaning chain or linked chain, appears around 8–10 times depending on context.
- Chains are mentioned in contexts of:
- Physical imprisonment (e.g., Judges 16:21, Samson bound in chains)
- Metaphorical bondage (e.g., Psalm 107:10–16 – breaking chains of oppression)
Other Hebrew terms like עֶבֶד / עֲבֹדָה may imply bondage, but they are not literal “chains.”
2. In the New Testament (Greek Scriptures)
- The Greek word ἁλύσσω (halysso) = “to bind in chains,” appears around 16–18 times.
- Greek terms for chains also appear as:
- ἁλυσίς (alysis) – literal “chain”
- δεσμοί (desmoi) – “bonds, fetters”
- Chains in the NT are often associated with prisoners of faith or spiritual trials, e.g., Paul in Acts 28:20.
3. Combined Estimate
- Across most standard Bible translations (KJV, ESV, NASB):
- Chains / fetters / bonds appear roughly 25–30 times.
- Exact count varies with translation choice (e.g., some versions use “shackles” instead of “chains”).
Now that we recognise what is a chain lets recognise our own chains.
1. Recognize Your Chains
- Psalm 107:14 – “He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains.”
- Your limitations are only as real as you allow them to be. Chains can be:
- Types of Chains and Their Spiritual Lessons
| Type | Example | Lesson |
| Literal chains | Samson bound, Paul in prison | God can deliver from human oppression |
| Spiritual chains | Psalm 107:10 | Sin, addiction, spiritual bondage can hold people captive, fear (‘I can’t do it,’ ‘It’s impossible’) |
| Chains of oppression | Isaiah 58:6 | Social injustice, exploitation, or yokes of leaders, Generational curses, attacks from the enemy. Self-limitation (Laziness, procrastination, negative self-talk) |
| Chains of adversity | Lamentations 3:7 | God may allow restrictions to teach patience or faith |
| Chains for God’s purposes | Acts 16:24; 2 Cor 11:23 | Trials and chains can serve God’s greater plan |
Let me Illustrate my point:
- Imagine a lion trapped in a cage. God never intended for you to live caged by limitation. He wants you to roar and walk freely in your destiny.
- Picture a bird trying to fly but weighed down by a chain. That is what limitation does to your purpose.
- A story is told of a young elephant which was captured in the forest and when brought home it wanted to break free and go back so badly that nothing kept it tired until a very big chain was tied to its leg and then it couldn’t go anywhere because every time it tried to put itself from the chain it felt pain and then it stop then as days when on the owner noticed that it stopped trying to escape and he changed the chain to a rope which was identical to the chain and still the elephant never escaped because it thought that this rope was that chain which hurt it. Moral: Our limitations are often self-imposed or conditioned by others. Courage to step out breaks chains we never thought we could escape.
- Brothers and sisters name silently one chain in your life that you want God to help you break it.
2. Identify The Source Of Limitation
God does not give us walls without doors. Seek the door and walk through.
- Enemy: John 10:10 – He comes to steal, kill, destroy
- Self-imposed barriers: Fear, excuses, negative thoughts
- Spiritual forces or past generational curses may impose limits. Do not be imprisoned by the boundaries of your past; your future knows no limits.
- Society/Environment: People, circumstances, or even traditions that discourage your God-given purpose
Illustration:
- A student told they would never succeed. They believed the words. But when they trusted God and acted in faith, chains of limitation broke, and they became an achiever.
Point: Knowing the source helps you target it with the right weapon—God’s Word, prayer, and faith.
3. How to Break Chains
Brethren always remember that what you tolerate today will imprison you tomorrow. Also don’t forget that chains are meant to be broken, not worn. So, step into your freedom starting from today. In life you don’t outgrow limitations—you confront and defeat them.
Step 1: Speak the Word
- Matthew 4:4,7,10– “It is written”
- Jesus overcame the devil by reminding him that it is written so do the same just look for the verses which relate to your case and read them over and over again and you will be free.
- Always remember that : Micah 2:13 “The breaker is come up before them… and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.”Explanation:God introduces Himself as “The Breaker”—the One who goes ahead to destroy barriers. Where people hit walls repeatedly, God creates divine access.John 8:36 “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”Explanation:True freedom is not partial or temporary. Jesus breaks limitations completely, restoring people beyond their former restrictions.
Step 2: Speak Life Through Declarations
- Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”
- Limitation is reinforced by negative self-talk. Speaking faith-filled declarations releases God’s power.
- So, replace Your limitation with God’s Promise. Chains are like fog in the morning temporary. Once the sun rises, the fog disappears. God’s promises are the sunlight of freedom. Repeat the following verse to yourself:
- Galatians 5:1 – Stand firm in your freedom
- Isaiah 54:2 – Enlarge your vision, expand your territory
- Romans 8:37 – More than a conqueror
- Declare freedom to yourself: “Chains of limitation, I break you in Jesus’ name! You have no hold over my life!” “I am more than a conqueror. I walk in divine favor and supernatural breakthrough.”
Step 3: Guard Your Thoughts and Emotions
- Philippians 4:8 – “…whatever is true, whatever is noble…think about such things.”
- According to this verse we see that limitation thrives on worry, fear, and envy. Positive focus frees you.
- What should you do: Have a daily gratitude journaling and keep meditating on the blessings God has given you this will shift your mindset to expansion.
Step 4: Pray in Faith
- Luke 4:18 – “…to proclaim freedom for the oppressed.”
- According to this verse we see that chains of limitation are spiritual and mental; prayer releases divine intervention.
Step 5: Act in Faith, Not in Fear
- James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
- According to this verse we see that faith without action is dead. So, start moving toward your purpose. Take the first step, even if it’s small.
- Remember that limitations will often disappear when you move in obedience despite fear.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
- Identify fears holding you back and take one bold step today toward what scares you. Step out of comfort zones—start that business, ministry, or project God has placed on your heart.
4.Maintain Your Freedom (Persist Through Challenges)
- Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- According to this verse we see that we should Keep going on even when results are slow. Record small wins to maintain momentum.
- Always remember the story of The Ant and the Log: A tiny ant wanted to climb over a log. It failed many times, but it kept trying from different angles. Eventually, it succeeded and reached the other side. Moral: Persistence, ingenuity, and refusing to give up are keys to overcoming limitations, no matter how small or insignificant one seems.
Even Thomas Edison faced so many limitations: He struggled with formal education; was labeled as a “difficult” in school. But he still achieved so much because he Invented the light bulb and over 1,000 other inventions because of his persistence.
- Brethren always avoid:
- Negative thoughtsComparing yourself with others
- Returning to old habits
- Build a lifestyle of victory:
- Daily prayer and declarations
- Consistent study of God’s Word
- Surrounding yourself with faith-filled believers. Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Join a spiritual or professional community of people who challenge and encourage you.
5. Conclusion
“Today, chains are broken! Limitation is over! You are free to pursue your purpose, your destiny, your miracle. Do not allow fear, doubt, or the enemy to bind you again. Rise in faith. Move forward. Walk in freedom.”
Pastor Nathaniel
