Breaking Curses: Understanding Their Sources and Solutions

Breaking Curses: Understanding Curses.

In the world today, many people, including Christians, struggle under the weight of curses without realizing it.

These curses manifest as spiritual stagnation, poverty, sickness, and other forms of hardship.

While Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, many still live in bondage due to ignorance.

In this message, we will explore the origins of curses, the curse of the law, and how believers can break free through the knowledge of their authority in Christ.

The Beginning of Curses – Genesis 3:14

The concept of curses finds its roots in the early chapters of Genesis.

After Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, God pronounced curses upon the serpent, the ground, and humanity. In Genesis 3:14, God said to the serpent:

“So the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.’” (Genesis 3:14, NIV)

This moment marked the beginning of curses on earth. The fall of man opened the door to sin, which brought about the curse of separation from God, resulting in spiritual death, sickness, and poverty.

These three categories form the core of the curse of the law as explained in Galatians 3:1.

The Curse of the Law – Galatians 3:1 and Its Three Categories

Galatians 3:1-14 provides profound insight into the curse of the law.

The apostle Paul explains that those who rely on the works of the law are under a curse because the law reveals sin but cannot offer salvation.

The curse of the law can be broken down into three main categories:

1. Spiritual Death: When Adam sinned, humanity became spiritually separated from God. Spiritual death is the root of all other forms of death. Without a relationship with God, humanity became subject to darkness and condemnation.
2. Poverty: Poverty, in a biblical sense, is not just the lack of money but the absence of divine provision and abundance. Deuteronomy 28:15-68 outlines the many curses that come with disobedience, including lack, famine, and financial struggles. Poverty reflects the curse because it hinders people from fulfilling God’s purpose for their lives.
3. Sickness: Sickness is another manifestation of the curse of the law. Deuteronomy 28 lists various diseases that afflict those who are under the curse. Yet, Isaiah 53:5 provides the solution, showing that by Christ’s wounds, we are healed.

Isaiah 53:3-6 – Christ Paid the Price

Isaiah 53:3-6 gives us a powerful picture of Christ’s sacrifice. It describes how Christ bore our sins and sicknesses, and by His stripes, we are healed.

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4-5, NIV)

Jesus took upon Himself the full weight of the curse—spiritual death, poverty, and sickness. Through His death and resurrection, He redeemed us from the curse of the law. Galatians 3:13 confirms this, stating, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.’” (Galatians 3:13, NIV)

However, a vital question arises: Why do Christians still fall sick or remain in poverty if Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law?

Why Do Believers Still Suffer?

The answer lies in ignorance, not in Christ’s redemptive work. Hosea 4:6 declares, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

Although Christ has fully redeemed us, many believers fail to access the blessings of redemption due to ignorance of their authority in Christ.

The devil is not the problem; rather, it is the lack of knowledge.

Romans 12:1-2 emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds. It is through knowledge that we are transformed and able to live in accordance with God’s will.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2, NIV)

Ignorance keeps believers in spiritual darkness, much like Psalm 82:5-6 says:

“They know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’” (Psalm 82:5-6, NIV)

Even though believers are children of God and have been given authority, ignorance keeps them bound.

Knowledge is light, and just as light dispels darkness, so does knowledge break the chains of curses.

Enforcing Authority Through Knowledge – Romans 5:15-17 and More

The key to to breaking curses and living free from curses is enforcing our authority in Christ, which comes through knowledge.

Romans 5:15-17 speaks of the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness through which we reign in life.

As believers, we have the authority to rule over sickness, poverty, and spiritual death, but we must exercise this authority through understanding and applying the Word of God.

Ephesians 3:10 speaks of the church’s authority to make known the manifold wisdom of God to principalities and powers.

Believers must realize that they are not powerless; they have the authority to bind and loose (Matthew 18:18).

Second Corinthians 10:3-5 teaches that the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God, enabling us to pull down strongholds.

These strongholds are often rooted in ignorance, which keeps believers from walking in the fullness of their inheritance.

The Role of Knowledge in Breaking Curses

Romans 12:1-2 emphasizes the transformation that comes through renewing the mind:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

This shows that believers need to renew their minds through the knowledge of God’s Word to access their inheritance in Christ.

Similarly, Psalm 82:5-6 declares:
“They do not know, nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are unstable. I said, ‘You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.’”

This passage underscores that ignorance keeps people in darkness and instability, even though they are children of God.

The problem is not the devil but ignorance. When a believer lacks understanding of their identity and authority in Christ, they remain under the effects of curses.

Enforcing Authority in Christ

Christians can break free from the effects of curses and enforce their victory by recognizing their position in Christ and using the Word of God as their weapon.

The following verses provide a clear roadmap for enforcing authority:

1. Romans 5:17:
   “For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
   Believers are called to reign in life through Jesus Christ.
2. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5:
   “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
   Spiritual authority is exercised through spiritual weapons, primarily the Word of God.
3. Ephesians 3:1:
   “For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles…”
   This verse highlights the believer’s responsibility in spiritual warfare, standing firm in the finished work of Christ.

The Importance of Knowledge and Light

In the Greek language, knowledge is often synonymous with light, while ignorance is equated to darkness.

Jesus, the Light of the World, came to dispel the darkness of ignorance (John 8:12).

Without knowledge, even a believer can live in spiritual darkness, making it impossible to access the freedom Christ provides.

As Ezekiel 18:5 says,
“But if a man is just and does what is lawful and right…”

This verse suggests that walking in knowledge of God’s laws brings justice and righteousness, freeing individuals from curses.

The Power of Speaking and Meditating on the Word

There can be no breaking of curses or spiritual liberation without first liberating the mind. Deuteronomy 6:7 instructs us to meditate and teach God’s Word consistently:
“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Similarly, John 5:39 urges believers to search the Scriptures for life:
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”

Breaking Curses Through the Word

The Bible makes it clear that curses often come through verbal pronouncements, but similarly, blessings and freedom come when believers speak, meditate, and declare God’s Word.

Job 22:22 reminds us of the importance of receiving God’s Word and keeping it:
“Receive, please, instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart.”

Believers must speak out the promises of God to break curses.

Colossians 2:5 encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and be rooted in the Word, while Jeremiah 31:29-33 promises a new covenant where God writes His laws on the hearts of His people, bringing true transformation and freedom.

The Power of Verbal Pronouncement – Breaking Curses with the Word

Curses operate through verbal pronouncements, and just as curses are spoken, they must be broken through spoken words.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the power of life and death is in the tongue.

A believer who understands this will not only memorize the promises of God but will speak and declare them continuously.

John 5:39 instructs us to search the Scriptures for they testify of Christ. Colossians 2:5 highlights the importance of standing firm in our faith and knowledge.

A believer must actively meditate on and declare the Word of God to enforce their authority and break free from any lingering curse.

Mind Liberation Precedes Land Liberation – Job 22:22, Deuteronomy 6:7, and More

Breaking curses begins with mind liberation. As we embrace the truth of God’s Word, we experience transformation.

Job 22:22 encourages us to receive God’s instruction and lay up His words in our hearts.

Deuteronomy 6:7 commands believers to teach the Word diligently to their children, to talk about it at home and on the way.

This act of continuously engaging with Scripture ensures that the truth of God permeates every aspect of our lives, breaking the cycle of ignorance.

Ephesians 2:19 reminds us that we are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with God’s people, members of His household.

We are part of the kingdom of God, with full rights to His promises.

The Greek Understanding of Light and Knowledge

In Greek thought, knowledge (gnosis) is often associated with light, while ignorance (agnosia) is linked to darkness.

This distinction is powerful because it mirrors spiritual truth. Jesus, the Light of the world, came to dispel the darkness of ignorance and sin.

As believers, when we walk in the light of knowledge, we free ourselves from the darkness of curses.

Ezekiel 18:5 underscores the need for righteousness and justice. A believer who walks in the knowledge of God’s Word will walk in righteousness and break free from generational curses.

Speak, Meditate, and Declare the Word of God

To break curses and live in the fullness of Christ’s redemption, believers must actively engage with the Word of God.

It is not enough to know the Scriptures; we must speak them out loud, meditate on them, and declare them over our lives.

Job 22:28 tells us, “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you.” Curses are broken when believers speak the promises of God and enforce their authority in Christ.

In Deuteronomy 6:7, we are reminded to keep the Word of God constantly on our lips.

Ephesians 2:19 assures us that we belong to God’s kingdom, where curses have no power over us.

And Jeremiah 1:12 promises that God is watching over His Word to perform it.

By continuously speaking and meditating on the Scriptures, we break the power of curses and step into the abundant life that Christ has promised.

Let us not remain in ignorance, for knowledge is the key to walking in victory.

Christ’s Headship Over Principalities and Christians Reigning with Him

1. Ephesians 1:20-22
   “Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church.”
   This passage shows Christ’s supremacy over all spiritual forces and His authority as the head of the church.
2. Colossians 2:9-10
   “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”
   Christ is head over all powers, and believers are made complete in Him.
3. Colossians 1:16-18
   “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church…”
   This verse shows that Christ holds supremacy over all creation, including spiritual authorities, and reigns as the head of the church.
4. Ephesians 2:6
   “And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
   This verse indicates that believers reign with Christ, sharing in His authority and position of power.
5. Romans 5:17
   “For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”
   Christians are given the gift of righteousness and grace, enabling them to reign in life through Christ.

Encouraging Christians to Saturate Themselves with the Word of God

1. Colossians 3:16
   “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
   Believers are called to let the Word of God saturate their hearts, guiding them in wisdom.
2. Joshua 1:8
   “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
   Meditating on the Word of God continuously is crucial for success and alignment with God’s will.
3. Psalm 1:2-3
   “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
   Meditation on God’s Word day and night leads to spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
4. Romans 12:2
   “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
   Renewing your mind with the Word is essential for transformation and spiritual growth.

These verses make it clear that Christ is the head of all principalities and powers, and believers share in

His reign. At the same time, Christians are urged to let the Word of God dwell richly within them, renewing their minds and shaping their lives.

Conclusion

To break curses and access God’s promises, believers must have knowledge of their authority in Christ. Ignorance is a greater enemy than the devil for Christians.

Without understanding, they cannot enforce their victory over spiritual death, poverty, and sickness.

Through the consistent speaking, meditating, and chanting of Scripture, believers can break free from every curse and live in the abundant life Christ has provided.

Let the Word of God saturate your mind and heart, for only then can you walk in complete freedom and reign with Christ over every principality and power.