Under The Surface 
Breaking Free 

Pastor Kirk, Sept 29nd, 2019 

Scripture: Romans 7:15-8:15, Genesis 37-41 

Summary:    Our past and our family’s past still affects us today. Jesus want to break you free from the chains of the past.

Main Thought: The Holy Spirit within you breaks the chains that bind you.

Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here):   

• Have you inherited something before? Does it hold a special meaning to you? 
• Do you have a trait or a mannerism in your family that is shared by a few people? A distinctive characteristic that let people know you are family? 

Going Deeper:   

1. Abraham lied about who Sarah was to foreign powers. He claimed she was his sister when she was his wife. In fact, he did this twice (Gen 12:10-20, 20:1-18). How did these lies affect his family for generations? Use your groups biblical knowledge to discuss. (Gen 25:19-28, 26:6-11, 27:1-41, Jacob deceives Gen 28-31)  
2. What was the family sin pattern that Joseph had to overcome? What was he tempted and confronted with that gives us clues? How did he overcome? Genesis 37-41. 
3. Honoring those who came before us is important how does dealing with family sin patterns honor our ancestors? 
4. Both the examples above are pre-Resurrection examples. Pastor Kirk talked about how family sin patterns can affect us post-Resurrection, not that children will be punished for their parent’s sins, but that it will be passed on like an unwanted heirloom. Do you agree or disagree with his perspective?  
5. In Romans 7:15-8:15 Paul talks about how he sees another law at work in him that opposes the law of God. Have you ever felt like what these verses describe? Do you resonate with the words of Paul in your pursuit of honor God with your life, but feeling conflicted inside? 
6. The sufficiency of Christ’s forgiveness is not in question. How does dealing with family sin patterns connect to Sanctification? We are saved and secure in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The process of sanctification is bringing everything about ourselves under Jesus sovereignty. How do you use the spiritual discipline of confession to bring everything into the light? 

Apply it: 

• Listen to the Holy Spirit and write down if anything is brought to your mind about sin patterns. 
• Sit down with a family member and ask about what was brought to mind. See if there is a connection with a family member from your past.
• Pray for freedom with a friend or your group. Bring it into the light.

 Pray without ceasing: 

Use this guide to pray freedom over one another. If the person desires.

Participant: Holy Spirit I break the chains of____________ that was passed to me by my parents, grandparents, and all other family members. Amen 

Group Leader: Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven and I declare that these chains are broken. (John 20:23) Holy Spirit come and fill _____ completely, speak to him, reveal your presence, fill ____ with your love, let ______ know they are your child and they are free in you. 

Pause and ask if they heard anything. 

Community Reading Plan: 1 Samuel 26-31 

 This week add 1 Samuel 26 to 31 to your devotions. Read a chapter a day up to and including chapter 31. Look at the relationships that are present in these chapters and keep two questions in mind.  

•  What do I need to know from this chapter (a truth about my reality or God or a life lesson)?  
• What do I need to grow (Is there something God is trying to teach me through His Word)?  

 Keep a journal nearby and write down any questions or thoughts you can share with your Community Group.  Remind and encourage each other to participate in this group devotion.