Breaking Bondage: Walking in the Steps to Freedom in Christ
Many believers love Jesus but still feel stuck, trapped by fear, bitterness, sinful habits, or lies they can’t seem to shake. Scripture reminds us that, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). The enemy has no legal right to control a child of God, but he will exploit open doors in our lives.
The Steps to Freedom in Christ are a prayerful process of repentance and truth, helping believers close doors to the enemy and walk boldly in their identity in Christ. Below are the seven steps, along with teaching points, Scriptures, and prayers you can use personally and when ministering to others. These are based on Neil T. Anderson’s framework, which we endorse as a church staff.
If a certain situation calls for it, I will often walk someone through renouncing the lies of the enemy and confessing what the Bible says. “Life and death is in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) Because we are not brought up to think this way, it becomes very easy for us to profess faith in the wrong Kingdom. These 7 different prayers help realign if needed. You can lead yourself through them if you feel you need a fresh cleansing.
Step 1: Counterfeit vs. Real
Teaching Point:
The enemy often gains access through counterfeit spiritual practices (occult, fortune-telling, horoscopes, spiritism, etc.). Any ground given must be renounced so that Christ alone is Lord.
Scripture:
- “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too.” (1 Corinthians 10:21)
- “Salvation is found in no one else.” (Acts 4:12)
Sample Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I confess any involvement in counterfeit spirituality or false religions. I renounce every practice that does not honor You and declare that You alone are my Lord and Savior. Thank You for Your forgiveness and for setting me free from every false power. Amen.”
Step 2: Deception vs. Truth
Teaching Point:
The devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). Freedom comes when we replace the lies we’ve believed with God’s truth.
Scripture:
- “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)
- “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Sample Prayer:
“Father, I renounce the lies I have believed about You, myself, and my future. I choose to believe the truth of Your Word. I am Your child (John 1:12), completely forgiven (Colossians 1:14), and deeply loved (Romans 8:38–39). Help me walk daily in Your truth.”
Step 3: Bitterness vs. Forgiveness
Teaching Point:
Unforgiveness is one of the enemy’s favorite footholds. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing sin; it means releasing the offender to God and choosing freedom for ourselves.
Scripture:
- “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
- “In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11)
Sample Prayer:
“Lord, I choose to forgive [name]. I release them from my bitterness and entrust them to You. I forgive them from my heart and ask You to heal the wounds they caused. Thank You for forgiving me so completely.”
Step 4: Rebellion vs. Submission
Teaching Point:
Rebellion, against God, His Word, or rightful authority, gives Satan an opportunity. Submission to God restores order and authority in our lives.
Scripture:
- “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
- “Everyone must submit to governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1)
Sample Prayer:
“Father, I confess attitudes of rebellion against You and against those You’ve placed in authority. I choose to submit my life fully to You and to honor the authority You’ve established. Strengthen me to walk in humility and obedience.”
Step 5: Pride vs. Humility
Teaching Point:
Pride blinds us and opens the door for destruction. Humility closes the door to Satan’s schemes and positions us for God’s grace.
Scripture:
- “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (James 4:6)
- “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
Sample Prayer:
“Lord, I confess my pride and self-reliance. Forgive me for trying to live in my own strength. I humble myself before You and declare that apart from You, I can do nothing (John 15:5). I depend fully on Your grace.”
Step 6: Bondage vs. Freedom
Teaching Point:
Persistent sin and destructive habits can become spiritual strongholds. These must be confessed, renounced, and broken by the authority of Jesus Christ.
Scripture:
- “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” (Romans 6:12)
- “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Sample Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I confess the sin of [specific sin]. I renounce it and break its hold over my life in Your name. I commit my body and mind as a living sacrifice to You. Thank You that by Your blood, I am cleansed and free.”
Step 7: Curses vs. Blessings
Teaching Point:
In Christ, believers are delivered from the kingdom of darkness. Generational sin patterns or curses are broken at the cross, and we now walk in blessing as God’s children.
Scripture:
- “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13)
- “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” (Colossians 1:13)
Sample Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, I renounce every generational sin pattern and break any curse over my life in Jesus’ name. I thank You that in Christ, I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). I receive the blessings of Your kingdom and walk in the light of Your truth.”
Final Word to the Prayer Team
These steps are not a formula; they are a guided process of repentance, forgiveness, and truth. The goal is always restoration, not confrontation. As you minister, remind those you pray with that freedom is already theirs in Christ; these steps simply help them walk into it. What we are willing to confess is what we truly believe.
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