Breaking Free from the Spirit of Religion

Religion in our life focuses on outward rituals, rules, and traditions rather than a true, personal relationship with our heavenly Father. As a negative influence, it shifts our focus from joyful obedience to God and a transformed life to simply doing the right things and abstaining from the wrong ones. It is known for its mask and appearance, which is no greater than skin deep. Religion is disguised as piety or strict adherence to religious practices, and this negative influence traps us in a cycle of performance and self-righteousness, giving us a false sense of security based on external actions instead of inner transformation.  

As Jesus taught the message of the Kingdom of God, He frequently challenged this influence in the Pharisees and religious leaders, who valued strict obedience to the law over mercy, love, and faith. A major cause of the negative influence of religion is the stifling of spiritual growth, leading to judgmental attitudes, pride, and a sense of superiority. It ultimately keeps us from experiencing the freedom and emotional healing from God that He desires. 

To see freedom from the negative influence of religion, we must make the choice to move from legalism to a vibrant, genuine faith. This happens as we recognize and renounce any controlling, judgmental, and prideful attitudes that religion fosters. Repentance is necessary to break the stronghold of relying on self-righteous actions, as we must refocus on God’s grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

When we embrace freedom from religion, we will see our focus on Christ restored, humility nurtured, and genuine love for God and others inspired in our souls. We are offered a divine exchange for being driven by dry religious duty. Through Christ, we can experience a joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling relationship with God, guided by a faith rooted in love and devotion rather than rules and self-righteousness. 

Questions to Ask: 

1. How has religion caused problems in your daily life? 

   1. What emotions/feelings arise when you think about these issues? (Reflect and write them down) 

2. Reflect and journal in detail about your life when religious issues began. 

   1. What was your walk with God like during that time? 

3. Have you ever performed Christian duties but lacked passion and hunger for God? 

   1. Have you ever felt like you can never be good enough to earn God’s favor? (How so?) 

4. Do you feel the need to have recognition and titles in church, or do you seek to have identity needs met in an attempt to gain God’s favor? 

   1. Describe your internal monologue in these moments (joyful, peace-filled, angry, resentful, or envious) 

   2. How secure do you feel in your relationship with God?  

   3. Describe and reflect on your salvation story. 

5. Are there any lies you believe about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by religion?  

Connected Influences: Antichrist, denominationalism, division, rules, false faith, hypocrisy, legalism, religious control, scrupulosity, traditionalism, works-based salvation, spiritual control, spiritual abuse. 

Scriptural Truth:  

“And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, 20 so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.” (Ezekiel 11:19-20) 

“But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum? When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” 13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Matthew 9:11-13) 

“Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?” (Galatians 3:1-3)

“You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.”(Colossians 2:20-23) 

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) 

How to Pray for Breakthrough from Religion:

You may pray aloud, using each step below:

1. REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"

   
   

2. RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."

   1. "Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”

   2. "Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"

      
      

3. REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent of partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”

   1. Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).

      
      

4. RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"

   1. What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)

You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.

Encountering Abba's Heart