Chain Breaker

Romans 8:1–2 CEB

1 So now there isn’t any condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Galatians 5:1 CEB

1 Christ has set us free for freedom. Therefore, stand firm and don’t submit to the bondage of slavery again.

Chain Breaker

Let me tell you a story about the elephant. In some parts of the world, elephants are trained using a very simple method. When the elephant is still very young, it is chained by one leg to a sturdy post. The baby elephant pulls and tugs, trying to break free, but the chain is strong, and after a while, the elephant gives up.

Over time, as the elephant grows into a massive, powerful animal capable of pulling down trees, it still believes that the same chain binds it. Yet, this same elephant, with its immense strength and power, could easily break free. It remains chained not by physical force, but by a belief it’s been conditioned to accept.

What’s fascinating is that the chain isn’t really what’s holding the elephant anymore—it’s the memory of the chain, the belief that it’s still powerless to break free. This enormous, majestic animal lives in captivity, not because it can’t break free, but because it doesn’t realize it can.

Like that elephant, many of us are walking around bound by chains—chains of sin, fear, guilt, addiction, or even our past mistakes. Those chains might have had a real grip on us at one point. But through Christ, those chains have been broken. The problem is that we often live as if we're still bound, tied to the things that once held us captive.

In Galatians 5:1, Paul says, "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." Jesus has already broken the chains that hold us. Yet, so many of us still live like we're chained—like the elephant tethered to something it could easily pull away from.

Today, we will discuss those chains, how Jesus breaks them, and how we can step into the freedom He offers. We're not meant to live bound by the things that hold us back. Jesus is the Chain Breaker; through Him, we can experience true, lasting freedom.

Identifying the Chains – What’s Holding You Back?

Like the elephant in the story, many of us carry invisible chains—things that hold us back and keep us from experiencing the complete freedom that Christ offers. The problem is that these chains can become so familiar that we might not even realize they’re there. We’ve grown used to the weight of them, and over time, we’ve convinced ourselves that this is just how life is.

But what are these chains? For some, it’s the chain of sin—a habit or behavior we know is wrong but we can’t break free from it. Maybe it’s an addiction that started small but has now taken over, controlling our decisions, emotions, and even our relationships. Or maybe it’s the chain of fear—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown. These chains, though unseen, are very real, and they keep us from stepping fully into the life God has for us.

Paul speaks powerfully in Romans 8:1-2 about the freedom we have in Christ. He says,

Romans 8:1–2 NKJV

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

This means that the chains of sin and death no longer have power over us. The problem isn’t that the chains are too strong; the problem is that we sometimes forget that Jesus has already broken them.

Imagine a prisoner who has been locked up for years. The door swings open one day, and they’re told they’re free to go. But instead of walking out, they stay inside the cell. Why? Maybe it’s because they’ve spent so long in that cell that it feels safer than the uncertainty of the outside world. Or maybe they don’t fully believe that the door will stay open, that their freedom is permanent.

The truth is, many of us do the same thing. Christ has unlocked the door to freedom—He’s broken the chains—but we continue to live as though we’re still bound. We stay in the prison of fear, addiction, or sin because it’s what we’ve known. We don’t realize that Jesus has already opened the door and invited us to walk out.

There are many different types of chains, so let me mention just a few.

Sin: For some, the chain is a particular sin-perhaps it's anger, jealousy, or dishonesty—something we've struggled with for years, maybe even something that's become a secret part of our lives. We've tried to stop, we've tried to change, but we keep falling back into the same pattern. It feels like no matter what we do, we can't escape it. This is the chain of sin, and it's one of the most powerful tools the enemy uses to keep us bound.

Addiction: Addiction is another chain that holds many people captive. Whether it's substance abuse, pornography, gambling, or any other form of addiction, it can feel like you're trapped in a cycle that's impossible to break. The more you try to break free, the tighter the chain pulls.

Fear and Anxiety: Fear can be just as binding as any physical chain. It can paralyze us, keeping us from stepping into Christ's freedom. Fear of the future, rejection, failure—all of these can keep us from living in the fullness of the life God has planned for us. When we live in fear, we're not living in the fullness of the life God has planned for us. Fear can keep us from taking risks, following God's call, or experiencing the joy and peace He promises.

Guilt and Shame: Some of us are bound by chains of guilt and shame over things we've done in the past. We carry the weight of regret, believing that we can never be forgiven or unworthy of Christ's freedom. These chains of guilt can paralyze us, preventing us from moving forward into the life God intends.

What Chains Are You Carrying?

It's essential to take time to reflect and identify the chains in our own lives. Sometimes, we don't even realize the extent of the bondage we're in until we stop and take inventory of what's holding us back. What patterns, habits, or fears keep you from living in the freedom Christ has won for you? What chains have you been dragging behind you, maybe for years?

The first step in breaking free is recognizing the chains for what they are. A chain is something that binds, something that holds us back from living fully in Christ. Whether it's a chain of sin, addiction, fear, or shame, these chains are not meant to be a part of your life. Jesus didn't come to help you manage your chains—He came to break them.

Freedom in Christ – How Jesus Breaks Our Chains

Once we’ve recognized the chains that are holding us back—whether it’s sin, addiction, fear, or shame—the next step is understanding how Jesus sets us free. The freedom Christ offers isn’t something we can earn or achieve on our own; it’s a gift He gives us through His death and resurrection. The chains that once held us are broken, not by our power, but by His.

Paul writes in Romans 8:1-2

Romans 8:1–2 NKJV

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

This scripture declares our complete and total freedom in Jesus. We are no longer condemned. The law of sin and death, which once had power over us, no longer holds us captive. Christ has broken the chains and given us the freedom to live in the Spirit.

Imagine a person who has been locked up in chains for years. They've tried everything to break free—tugging at the chains, trying to pry them open, but nothing works. Then, Jesus walks in with a key. He doesn't force the chains off; He offers the key. All the person has to do is let Him unlock the chains and set them free.

This is what Jesus does for us. He doesn't force us to be free—He offers us the key to freedom, and that key is found in Him. Our efforts can't break the chains of sin, addiction, and fear. No amount of willpower or self-discipline will set us free from the things that bind us. But when we surrender to Jesus and let Him unlock those chains, we experience true and lasting freedom.

Jesus can set us free because of what He accomplished on the cross. When He died, He didn't just pay for our sins—He broke sin's power over us. In His resurrection, He defeated death, proving that the chains of sin and death no longer have the final word. Through His sacrifice, we are no longer slaves to the things that once held us captive.

Through the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sin once and for all. The guilt and shame that sin brings no longer have to weigh us down because Jesus took that burden upon Himself. In Him, we find forgiveness and freedom from sin's power.

Addiction can feel like an unbreakable chain, something that controls every aspect of your life. But Jesus' power is greater than any addiction. He can break the chains of addiction and bring healing and restoration to the areas of your life that have been damaged.

Fear and anxiety often keep us from living in the freedom Christ offers. But Jesus tells us in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." In Him, we find peace that overcomes fear. This peace is not dependent on our circumstances but rooted in His unshakable love for us.

Many of us carry the weight of shame and guilt over our past mistakes. But Romans 8:1 reminds us that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Jesus doesn't just forgive us—He removes the condemnation, allowing us to live without the crushing weight of guilt and shame.

What Does Freedom in Christ Look Like?

Freedom in Christ isn't just about being released from the things that bind us—it's about being given a new life and identity. When Jesus breaks our chains, He doesn't just leave us where we are—He calls us to walk in a new way of living, empowered by His Spirit.

One of the most powerful aspects of our freedom in Christ is that we are no longer condemned. The things we've done in the past no longer define us. We are forgiven, washed clean, and made new in Christ.

Romans 8:2 talks about the "law of the Spirit who gives life." When Jesus breaks our chains, He fills us with His Spirit, giving us the power to live in freedom daily. The Holy Spirit guides us, strengthens us, and helps us live in the freedom Christ has won for us.

Freedom in Christ isn't just about being set free from something—it's also about being set free for something. Jesus frees us so that we can live the life He created us to live. We're called to walk in purpose, using our gifts and talents to serve others, glorify God, and build His Kingdom.

The truth is Jesus has already broken the chains. The work is finished. But the question is, have you allowed Him to unlock those chains in your life? Have you surrendered your chains of sin, addiction, fear, or guilt to Him? Or are you still trying to break free on your own?

Freedom in Christ requires us to let go of control and trust Him to do what only He can do. It means surrendering our chains to Him and believing He has the power to free us.

Now that we have a better understand of how Jesus breaks our chains, the next step is learning how to live in that freedom every day. It's one thing to be set free, but it's another to walk confidently in that freedom, resisting the temptation to fall back into old patterns of bondage. Let's explore how we can embrace and live in the freedom Christ offers.

Living in Freedom – Embracing and Walking in the Freedom Christ Offers

Being set free by Christ is one thing, but living in that freedom every day is another. When Jesus breaks our chains, He’s not just helping us leave behind old habits or fears—He’s inviting us into a new life of joy, peace, and purpose. But what does it look like to live as people who have been truly set free by Christ? How do we embrace this freedom and walk in it daily?

Paul writes in Galatians 5:1

Galatians 5:1 CEB

1 Christ has set us free for freedom. Therefore, stand firm and don’t submit to the bondage of slavery again.

Christ didn’t set us free just for the sake of it—He did it so we could truly live. But this freedom also comes with responsibility. Paul urges us to “stand firm” and not let anything pull us back into the old chains that once held us captive. The freedom that Christ offers is real, but we need to be intentional about walking in it daily.

Picture this: A prisoner who has been locked away for years is finally released. They step out into the sunlight, breathe in the fresh air, and begin to experience freedom. But after a few days, they walk back to the prison cell, lock the door behind them, and settle in as if they never left. It sounds absurd, right? But sometimes, this is what we do with our spiritual freedom.

Why would the prisoner go back? Maybe it’s because the prison, though confining, felt familiar. Or perhaps they don’t fully believe that life outside the walls is possible for them. The same thing happens when we fall back into old patterns of sin or fear. Christ has already set us free, but sometimes, we go back to the things that once bound us.

Living in freedom means trusting that Jesus’ work is complete—that we don’t have to return to those chains. We can walk in the freedom He’s given us.

What Does Living in Freedom Look Like?

When Paul says, “stand firm,” he’s reminding us that freedom requires vigilance. It’s easy to drift back into old habits, especially when life gets tough or temptations arise. Living in freedom means actively resisting the things that try to pull us back into bondage.

Whether it’s a sin we’ve struggled with for years, an addiction we’ve been freed from, or a fear that once gripped us, these old patterns don’t just disappear overnight. Living in freedom means recognizing those temptations and standing firm in Christ’s power, choosing not to fall back into old ways.

Walking in freedom requires us to surrender to Christ every day. It means waking up each morning and choosing to trust Him with our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Freedom isn’t a one-time event—it’s something we must live in daily. We have to keep turning to Him for strength, especially when old chains try to creep back in.

One of the most important ways to walk in freedom is by living according to the Spirit. Romans 8:2 talks about the “law of the Spirit who gives life.” When we live by the Spirit, we’re no longer controlled by the desires of the flesh or by the things that once held us in chains. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in freedom, giving us the strength to resist the pull of old chains.

The Holy Spirit is our constant companion, helping us live in the freedom Christ has won for us. When we feel tempted to return to old patterns of sin or fear, the Spirit gives us the power to stand firm. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead now lives in us. Through Him, we have the strength to walk in freedom.

Living by the Spirit doesn’t just mean avoiding sin; it means stepping into a new life. The Spirit frees us for something greater—He leads us into a life of purpose, joy, and peace. He helps us see beyond our past chains and fully live in the freedom Christ offers.

Galatians 5:13 adds an important point about our freedom: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

Freedom in Christ isn’t just about living for ourselves. It’s about using that freedom to love and serve others, just as Christ loved and served us. When we’ve been set free, we’re not just free from our chains—we’re free to step into our God-given purpose, which includes loving and serving others.

Living in freedom means we’re no longer bound by selfish desires or fear of rejection. We’re free to love others without expecting anything in return, knowing that our value and identity are secure in Christ. Our freedom gives us the opportunity to live out Christ’s love in tangible ways.

The freedom we’ve received isn’t just for us—it’s meant to be shared. When we walk in freedom, we help others experience the same freedom in Christ. We point them to the One who set us free and help them see that they too can be released from their chains.

Reflection: How Are You Living in Freedom?

The question we have to ask ourselves is this: Are we living in the freedom Christ has given us, or are we allowing old chains to sneak back into our lives? Freedom is a gift, but it’s something we need to be intentional about. It requires vigilance, surrender, and purpose.

Are you standing firm in the freedom Christ has won for you?

Are there areas of your life where you feel tempted to fall back into old patterns of sin or fear?

How can you live out your freedom by serving others and building God’s Kingdom?

As we conclude this message, I want you to consider the chains in your life that may have held you back or kept you bound for far too long. Maybe they've been with you for years or are new struggles. Whatever they are, the truth remains: Jesus has already broken those chains.

In Christ, you are free. But freedom isn't just about leaving the old behind—it's about stepping into something new. It's about living daily in the freedom Jesus has secured for you. Freedom to walk without the weight of guilt, fear, or addiction. Freedom to live out your purpose. Freedom to serve and love others as Christ has loved you.

But here's the challenge: It's easy to let those chains sneak back in, to fall back into old habits or mindsets that make us feel bound. However, remember, Paul urges us in Galatians 5:1 to "stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." This is a call to action, a reminder of our power to resist and stand for our freedom. We have to be intentional about not letting anything pull us back.

So, as you leave today, I encourage you to make the decision to live in freedom. Don't go back to the things that once held you captive. Trust in Jesus's work—His victory is complete, and He has given you everything you need to walk in freedom.

Remember, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you. Through Him, you have the power to resist the pull of old chains, stand firm, and live the life of freedom He's called you to. And as you walk in that freedom, let it transform not only your life but the lives of those around you. Use your freedom to serve, to love, and to share the message of the Chain Breaker, strengthening our community and spreading the good news.

Let's commit today to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us, to walk boldly in the new life He offers, and to live as people who are truly set free.