EN|@|A|005|1/3@Basic Teaching English@2026(ver.9)@A group@Relationship with God
05 Breaking false covenants 25/04/23
We are made new in Christ, but the "past" often tries to pull us back from walking in this new life.
Even if we joyfully begin our life of faith, many people find that over time things feel heavy, spending time with other Christians becomes burdensome, or they fall back into old, unhealthy habits.
What causes this to happen?
[02]
A friend of mine owned a broken-down motor scooter. However, since he didnft officially cancel its registration, he kept getting taxed for it every April. As a result, he ended up paying taxes unnecessarily for three years.
[03]
In fact, something similar can happen in our spiritual life.
Contracts unknowingly made with evil spirits in the past can remain even after one comes to believe in Jesus and begins a joyful, renewed life.
These spiritual ties can negatively affect our walk of faith to varying degrees?they can hinder relationships and, in some cases, even pull us away from God.
[04]
These spiritual bondages are a separate issue from the forgiveness of sins.
Sometimes they overlap with inner healing, so multiple perspectives are necessary, but in this message we will especially focus on contracts made with evil spirits.
[05]
Believing in Jesus brings forgiveness of any and all sins.
However, whether or not the resulting spiritual bondages or contracts are automatically broken is another matter.
While they may sometimes disappear on their own, if therefs something that troubles your heart, itfs wise to examine it carefully or speak with someone you trust.
[06]
You might feel a bit embarrassed in the moment, but living in freedom and peace for the rest of your life is far more worthwhile.
Those who have been believers for many years may struggle with pride, thinking, gI canft bring this up now after all this time.h
So, in a way, those who are new to faith may be more open to receiving this kind of helpB »ĢĶ·±µA
[07]
For example, having sex outside of marriage is also a contractual act.
Sexual intimacy is not just a physical or emotional matter?it creates a spiritual connection.
[08]
(1 Corinthians 6:16?17)
gDo you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, eThe two will become one flesh.f
But whoever is united with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.h
[09]
Sex is not merely a physical act?it is a spiritual act that unites you with the other person.
You may also be affected by their spiritual bondages, generational curses, and other spiritual influences they carry.
[10]
Therefore, not only do we need to repent of past sins, but we must also proactively break these past contracts.
[11]
Even if wefre not aware of it, participating in certain religious rituals can create spiritual ties.
For example, getting your fortune told is essentially appointing someone influenced by evil spirits to act as your priest. This opens the door to spiritual bondage.
[12]
In Japan, many people believe in a multitude of gods. But in reality, there arenft many gods, nor are they neutral entities.
As Deuteronomy 32:17 says, gThey sacrificed to demons, which are not God.h These are not neutral spirits?they are evil spirits.
[13]
Some people believe that all religions ultimately lead to the same god?like many trails up the same mountain leading to a single summit.
However, this is not true.
[14]
The Bible clearly teaches that we are not to worship any god other than the One who created heaven and earth (Matthew 4:10).
Some may see this as exclusive or arrogant, but consider this: if a husband tells his wife, gYou are my one and only,h does that make him arrogant or overly exclusive? Of course not.
[15]
You can have many friends, but a spouse is someone unique and irreplaceable.
Our relationship with the one true God is like that of a parent and child, or husband and wife?it cannot be substituted.
[16]
The Bible compares worshiping other gods or practicing idolatry to having sex with someone outside of marriage.
Thatfs why this is called gspiritual adulteryh in Christian terms.
Marriage was designed on earth to reflect the relationship between the one true God and His people.
[17]
Many Japanese customs unknowingly bring spiritual bondage.
Take gShichi-Go-San,h for example?a traditional festival where children are taken to a shrine to pray for protection.
This is actually a form of spiritual contract?gWe offer this child to you, so please protect them.h
[18]
Even family religions practiced merely as cultural traditions can still have an influence.
New religions like Soka Gakkai, Mahikari, or Jehovahfs Witnesses can have even greater effects.
Those raised in Jehovahfs Witness households, for example, often carry deep legalistic trauma and need inner healing as part of their recovery.
[19]
As Exodus 20:5 says, the contracts made by onefs ancestors three or four generations ago can still bring bondage to the present generation.
[20]
Mental illness, alcoholism, promiscuity, or family histories of diseases like cancer can also be influenced spiritually.
These may be rooted in genetics or psychological trauma, but they can also have spiritual roots, or become entry points for demonic activity.
[21]
The extent to which cultural customs, family religions, and related factors affect someone varies from person to person.
Some experience minimal impact, or may even be completely freed upon coming to Christ.
But in many cases, people suffer spiritual losses unknowingly, and these hidden ties hinder their relationship with the true God.
[22]
Whether or not the person themselves made the contract, even those made by parents give evil spirits a claim over the personfs life?until the contract is broken.
Therefore, itfs wise for everyone to pause and examine themselves.
[23]
How to Break Spiritual Covenants
While it is possible to do this alone, it is more effective to do it with someone you trust.
Just like itfs easier to be pulled up from a hole than to climb out on your own.
[24]
1. Become aware of the issue.
[25]
2. Pray and invite God to intervene in that specific area.
[26]
3. Confess a prayer that breaks the bondage. The more specific, the better?but general is fine too.
For example, gAt the time of ___, I offered ___ at ___ shrine. That was a false contract. I now break it in the name of Jesus Christ.h
[27]
4. If someone is praying with you, have them declare that the bondage has been broken.
For instance: gWe declare in Jesusf name that the contract ___ made at ___ is now broken and that ___ is set free.h
[28]
5. Invite God into the area that was released, and pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
[29]
Points to Note and Follow-Up
This ministry of deliverance is a supportive tool:
1. within the broader framework of church life and fellowship,
2. within the area of healing for mind, body, and spirit,
3. and as a supplement to counseling.
It is not something that can replace ongoing church life.
We recommend that you continue participating in healthy fellowship and receive ongoing soul care.