No Longer Bound: Men, Stop Being a Slave to Your Life
Break the lies. Renounce the chains. Step into the freedom you were created for.
By Philip K. Hardin, MA, MDiv, LMFT, LPC
Break Free from the Bondage That Enslaves the Heart
“But today I am freeing you from the chains on your wrists… Go wherever you please.”
Jeremiah 40:4
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”Galatians 5:1
Many of us go through life unaware of the subtle agreements we've made—agreements not with God, but with the enemy of our souls. These quiet lies, birthed in moments of pain, disappointment, or fear, become invisible chains that tighten around our hearts.
Even though Christ has already purchased our freedom, we often still live as prisoners—believing we are bound by our failures, tethered to fear, or unworthy of love.
But here’s the truth:
You were made for freedom.
God desires for you to live fully alive—walking in His love, His authority, and His power. It’s time to go deeper, break old agreements, and step into the freedom that Jesus ransomed for you.
🔥 The Battle You Didn’t Know You Were In
“Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength… Free yourself from the chains on your neck.” — Isaiah 52:1-2
1. An Epic Battle for Your Heart
John Eldredge reminds us: the story of your life is the story of a brutal assault on your heart. Why? Because the enemy sees your potential—and fears it.
2. Agreements: The Subtle Chains
Whether it’s “I’m not enough” or “I’ll never trust again,” these inner vows are agreements with the enemy. They quietly bind us to lies, giving darkness access to our lives.
3. The Religious Spirit: A Deadly Deception
The most dangerous lie? That there is no battle. The religious spirit numbs us into complacency, silencing our authority and distracting us from true freedom.
🌿 Embracing True Freedom
“Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives be rescued from the fierce?... I will contend with those who contend with you.”
Isaiah 49:24-26
1. Fierce Mastery: You Were Meant to Rule
Genesis 1:26–28 makes it clear: you were created to govern as an image-bearer of God. But this takes courage. Jesus said we’d be like lambs among wolves. This freedom journey is not for the faint of heart.
2. Three Anchoring Truths
The Enemy is Real: You’re in a battle, and your heart is the target.
Agreements Matter: Lies believed become chains.
You Must Fight: Freedom is intentional—rooted in prayer, truth, and spiritual warfare.
💧 The Four Rivers That Lead to Freedom
Inspired by John Eldredge’s teaching:
1. Walk with God – Trust His Leading
Your intimacy with God is the source of your strength. Listen for His voice in stillness. Ask Him to uncover lies you've believed.
2. Counseling – Listen to Your Story
Therapy shines a light on our wounds. It helps us see where the enemy crept in and gives space for God to heal what’s hidden.
3. Deep Healing – Break Childhood Vows
“I’ll never need anyone.”
“I’ll always be strong.”
These self-protective vows need to be named and replaced with truth. Healing begins where honesty lives.
4. Warfare – Command the Enemy to Flee
Jesus gave us authority (Luke 10:19). Use it. Speak truth. Rebuke darkness. Declare freedom over your life in Jesus’ name.
✍️ Journal Your Way to Freedom
Use these prompts to uncover, process, and invite God’s healing:
Who really cares about you?
Reflect on the people God has placed in your life to reveal His love.How do you treat yourself?
Are you living like a beloved child or as someone still in bondage?How is self-care a form of spiritual warfare?
When you nourish your body and soul, you defy the enemy’s narrative.
🔓 Taking the First Step
1. Renounce & Break Agreements
Ask God to reveal lies. Say aloud:
“I break agreement with the lie that ___. I receive Your truth instead: ___.”
2. Invite God into Your Story
Sit with your story. Ask the Spirit to reveal where healing is needed.
3. Step into Your Authority
You are not helpless. You are not small.
You are a son or daughter of the King.
💎 You Are not a slave
You were never meant to live in chains.
You were made to live fully alive—to walk in love, purpose, and holy power.
So rise up.
Break the agreements.
Fight for your heart.
And help set others free.
Further Resources:
Teaching series: No Longer Bound
Wild at Heart — John Eldredge
Waking the Dead — John Eldredge
Captivating — John & Stasi Eldredge
The Screwtape Letters — C.S. Lewis
The Bible (NIV)
Phil Hardin works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Hardin Life Resources practicing in both Jackson, MS and Fairhope, AL. Phil’s heart is for men to personally experience God’s redemptive plan through sharing their story with a community committed to whole, authentic living. Check out Men’s Coaching Weekends to learn more.
Phil and his wife, Karla LPC-S, lead Couples Connect Workshop, incorporating their own redemptive story with Biblical and research-backed principles for healing and strengthening marriages for over 25 years.
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