Hand-me-Down Emotions & Hang-ups
Matthew 4:17 [NKJV], "REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Repent means, "to turn away."
Galatians 5:1, Stand fast...in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Matthew 4:17 [NLT], "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the KINGDOM of Heaven is near."
Repentance is the vehicle by which we come into the kingdom.
What is the kingdom? "The kingdom is God's way of doing things."
Sin
Iniquity
Transgression
Trespasses
Sin means, "to miss the mark."
Iniquity means, "to bend, twist or distort."
Iniquity is often described, "as a tendency toward a sin or error because of the influence of one's parents or family history."
Generational Bondages
1. Recognize the Iniquities
"An iniquity is any form of behavior you recognize in your parents' lives or family history as being unbiblical, as not being representative of the character of God, and as having a generational influence." -Jimmy Evans
Common iniquities
anger
gossip
prejudice/racism
bitterness
judgmental
unforgiving
chauvinism
dominance
control
manipulation
moral impurity
sexual abuse
physical abuse
verbal abuse
substance abuse
pride
worry
fear
emotionalism
negativity
depression
root of rejection
sarcasm
irresponsibility
codependent behavior
rebellion
2. Forgive
"Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door to freedom in the area of iniquities."
3. Repent
"The reason sin destroys families is because we fail to recognize it and deal with it properly. However, if we will call sin for what it is, forgive those who have sinned, and repent for our own sins, the blood of Jesus will erase the power of that sin from our lives."
Isaiah 53:5 [NKJV], But He was wounded for our transgressions, HE WAS BRUISED FOR OUR INIQUITIES; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
4. Submit
As we submit the Holy Spirit will lead us into the truth the will "straighten out" every "bent and twisted" area in our lives.