Welcome back to bible study, as we discuss week two from Breaking Free by Beth Moore. This week we examined the five primary benefits God extends to His children. Beth writes “the absence of any one benefit will become a very helpful indicator of captivity.” The purpose in recognizing the benefits is to become aware of any captivity in your life. Beth Moore says as “A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life of God planned for her.” When you are lacking in one or more of the five benefits, you’re probably in captivity and it’s time to break free.
Recognize that breaking free is not always easy, and you can expect some pushing and pulling from Satan as he clings to his captives. He’s not letting go without a fight and the longer your captivity, the harder you’ll feel spiritual warfare. Wouldn’t you agree that knowing God, believing God, finding satisfaction in God, glorifying God, experiencing God’s peace and enjoying God’s presence are all WORTH fighting for?
Are you revealing God’s glory to others, or are you revealing the shame and worry Satan has placed upon your back? As you continue the journey to break free, you’ll reclaim the five benefits from being a Daughter of the King. Your journey does not begin and end in one or two bible lessons, it’s a process over time. Stay with us…even when the ride gets uncomfortable or Satan whispers “the study is too hard, you don’t have the time, it’s just too much for you.” Stay the course and know freedom from captivity.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2 NLT
Beth reminds us that as you grow in spiritual maturity, Christ is more recognizable in you. You must be honest with God and with yourself to make this journey. Surrender your thoughts and feelings to God. You can’t duct-tape your past, put a bandage over the wounds and expect to know full joy and peace through Christ in you. It’s time for all captives to be set free and know the joy of living with the peace of God, who surpasses all human understanding. Phil 4:7 NIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Prepare your hearts and minds for the joy of God’s presence. Through Breaking Free with Beth Moore, you will notice a new mindset and attitude towards your past and your future. Your commitment and participation are essential to this journey.
Last week when we discussed Breaking Free Week One we asked you to find a scripture verse to resist pride. There are 360+ women doing this study at the Womens Bible Cafe and 25% of you participated in last week’s discussion. Let’s do better this week! Pray and ask God to reveal to you any areas of captivity in your life. Ask Him to reveal this so you can break free from bondage and live in freedom through Christ.
Praying For My Small Group and the Bible Cafe Leaders
If you’re struggling with the online format or the workbook itself, please check in with your small group leader or contact me. Don’t think for one minute that your answers don’t matter! They are important to this study and we all learn from one another. I know you can do better this time…so please post a comment below and join the group discussion!
Prayer Requests
Our Prayer Wall has many requests, so please visit the page during the week and pray for these women who are asking for your help. If you have a prayer request for our prayer wall, post a comment on the wall.
Beth Moore Quotes
- One of the most beautiful elements of salvation is it’s simplicity.
- God is anxious to help us overcome our unbelief.
- God makes us aware of hindrances so He can set us free.
- The most obvious symptom of a soul in need of God’s satisfaction is a sense of inner emptiness.
- Obedience is the mark of authentic surrender to God’s authority in any matter.
- Christ’s presence is the basis for courage in our storms.
For Next Week
- Read Week Three in your book.
- Listen to Audio Session Four or Video Session Four (optional due to cost)
- Check in with your Small Group Leader for prayer requests and fellowship
Group Discussion- Answer one question or as many as you like
- Describe the God that you know and believe. (page 34)
- Can you remember a time when you sensed God’s presence in your life? What happened?
- Which of the 5 benefits on page 52 do you need to strengthen in your life?
- Share your thoughts about this week’s study.
Please post your comments below…we all learn when we share together.
God is good, always!
I’m one week behind, so I’ll just answer these as I come to them!
1.The God I know and believe is faithful and truth. He is love. And His love is unconditional. He is 100% just and 100% merciful. He is patient and kind and forgiving. He is for me and has great plans for my life. He is always redeeming.
2. I sensed God’s presence most clearly when I was on a year-long mission trip in Australia. He removed all obstacles from my life and ensured that I would trust Him and lean on Him alone. It was incredible, the work that He did during that time.
3. I need to find satisfaction in God.
4.For some reason I was met with some resistance this last week. Illness for myself and then my daughter, family visiting, death of my grandfather along with an overall resistance within my spirit gives me a sense that God is wanting to do some work here and I need to press in and be open to it.
It pleases me that you are posting late and not worried about reading behind the group schedule. Sometimes we need to hear a specific lesson or verse and it will be in God’s timing, not ours. You are wise to continue at your own pace and listen to the Spirit as he leads you through the journey. Praying against the warfare and knowing warfare often comes before a blessing.
I had a tough time finding week 2, sorry. I got started late, and was trying to catch up. I am finding myself so involved in this study. I wanted to share that there was one statement that is keeping me going in the Bible Study. Week 2, day 2: “Today’s lesson may have been difficult for you. You may feel like… Instead, I hope you see the magnificent potential He planned for you to fulfill.”
I love this study and need it. I have listened to videos 1 to 3 and now that I have my book, I am going thru as many as I can digest. It’s tough to put down.
It’s a powerful and life-changing study and Beth Moore speaks from her own experience. Many women who break free from their past will see God and themselves in a new light. Keep reading and staying in the word. If you need support and encouragement, contact me or your small group leader so we can pray for you.
I am posting late week 2 that finished last week. I’m reading week 3 at this time.
I know a God that has been more than good to my and family, merciful, that even in situations that I don’t see the light he brings light and guide me to the right path. He is the only one I can trust, he is loving, forgiving and my redeemer. I felt peace when I felt his presence in my life knowing that He had everything in control. I believe that I need God to strengthen each benefit in my life. The power of God’s word have open my spiritual eyes to see that captivity comes or are in many ways. I just pray that He continues to show me anything that is captivating my life so I can continue to grow and be a strong Christian.
1. To me God is my one and only help though there are times when I look up to people to help me or console me. But God has always been teaching me through many experiences that I have to talk to Him first no matter how messy and awful my thoughts and heart. Recounting back, yes He enabled me to stand up again and again. He taught me lessons, soften my heart, guide me to find Him and teach me how to be more patient and humble through the people around me. Actually God is good, He has helped me just in time but it is I and my fear that makes matter worst.
2. Yes there are a few times when I sensed His presence in my life especially when I was struggling dealing with a problem. I sensed His presence and I had an answer for my problem even though yes I was in stormy times because I trusted Him enough that He’ll definitely gave me an answer.
3. I still have a lot to learn …. I need to learn to know God and believe Him even more, my attitude is far from reflecting God’s glory ( I’m still perfectionist, critical, judgmental ). I still have to learn to find satisfaction in God…..in some ways I understand and realized that nothing can ever satisfy my soul, the world offers something temporary that creates more hunger to the worldly desires. And for sure my biggest challenge is to experience God’s peace and enjoy His presence in stormy season as well as to trust Him. These 3 areas are the areas in which I need to work on harder.
4. I am very blessed by the study though I’m far behind, but I enjoy this week lessons. As when I started this bible study I am hoping to so much to be helped out to face my fears, my insecurities. I was so much wrapped up in fear that fear itself has made me feel so helpless, limp and many more. The uncertainties in life made me feel frustrated yet I know there’s nothing I can do.
I have found week one and two of the Breaking Free study to be a challenging one. I’m asking God to show me any hinderances that prevent me from living an abundant Spirit filled life. I love Galatians 5:1. It is for freedom that Christ has set us (me) free. Stand firm then,…..do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. I am also asking the Lord to allow me to focus on the opposite of pride, unbelief, prayerlessness, legalism and idolatry. My focal points:: humility, prayer/intercession and grace. I could NOT think of a one word opposite for idolatry. Any suggestions? Oh, God that I may know you more dearly and experience your glory too..