"There was a time when I allowed things that happened to me to become chains. And even what I believed about myself formed chains in my life. Perhaps you are familiar with these invisible but weighty forms of chains—fear, shame, rejection, disappointment, guilt, and the past.
We might carry chains for so long, we forget God meant for us to live in freedom.
But along the way, I encountered Jesus in a way that changed everything.
Yes, salvation gave me forgiveness of my sins. But Jesus also came to set captives free, heal broken hearts, give me a new identity, and teach me how to walk in the freedom He purchased for me. The things that once defined me no longer have the authority to determine who I am or where I’m going.
I’m not saying I never struggle. I’m saying my struggles don’t own me. My past doesn’t own me. My failures don’t own me. Fear doesn’t own me. Shame doesn’t own me. Sin doesn’t have the final say over my life.
Jesus does.
So let’s look at how Jesus breaks our C.H.A.I.N.S.
C — Captivity Is Cancelled
What once held me captive no longer has ownership over me.
- Luke 4:18 — Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captives.
- Romans 6:14 — “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” (ESV)
I may have a history of bondage, but I have a present-day freedom through Christ.
H — Healed from Hurt
Some chains form through wounds, rejection, disappointment, and painful experiences. Jesus doesn’t just forgive our sin; He cares about our broken places.
- Psalm 147:3 — The Lord heals the brokenhearted.
- Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.” (ESV)
What hurt me doesn’t have to hold me.
A — Authority Has Changed
Before Christ, sin was our master. But Christ transfers us into a new kingdom with Him as Lord.
- Colossians 1:13 — “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” (ESV)
- Romans 6:12–13 — Don’t let sin reign in your mortal body.
The enemy may still fight me, but he doesn’t have to win the battle. Jesus fights for me.
I — Identity Is New
Freedom begins when we stop allowing our past to define us.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 — A new creation in Christ.
- Galatians 2:20 — I am crucified with Christ.
I don’t have to answer to the name my past gave me. God has given me a new identity. I take my cue about who I am from the Great I AM.
N — No Condemnation
Guilt and shame can become invisible chains, but Christ has removed condemnation from those who belong to Him.
- Romans 8:1 — “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)
- 1 John 1:9 — God forgives and cleanses us from unrighteousness.
Conviction draws me back to God; condemnation tells me to run away. I don’t have to live under condemnation.
S — Stand in Freedom
Freedom is something we must intentionally walk in. We shouldn’t keep picking up the chains Christ has already broken.
- Galatians 5:1 — Christ set us free for freedom.
- 2 Corinthians 3:17 — “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (ESV)
Don’t go back to what Jesus brought you out of.
Jesus Sets Us Free
C — Captivity Is Cancelled
I was bound, but Jesus set me free.
H — Healed from Hurt
What happened to me doesn’t have to control me.
A — Authority Has Changed
Sin and Satan don’t own me anymore.
I — Identity Is New
I’m not who I used to be.
N — No Condemnation
My failures don’t have the final word.
S — Stand in Freedom
I’m going to walk in what Christ purchased for me.
Fear has no claim on me.
Shame has no claim on me.
Sin has no claim on me.
My past has no claim on me.
Condemnation has no claim on me.
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