BREAKING STUBBORN FAMILY ALTARS

BREAKING STUBBORN FAMILY ALTARS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Exodus 34:11-16

Key Verse: "You shall tear down their altars, break their pillars, and cut down their Asherim." (Exodus 34:13, ESV)

Supporting Texts: Joshua 24:14-15; 2 Kings 18:4; 2 Chronicles 34:3-7; Judges 6:25-27

Description: A message about identifying and destroying persistent generational patterns of sin and idolatry that hinder God's purpose for families.

INTRODUCTION:
Throughout Scripture, we see God's concern not just for individuals but for entire family lines. The sins of the fathers can indeed impact generations to come, creating patterns of bondage that seem impossible to break. These persistent strongholds, which we might call "family altars," serve as points of demonic access and legal grounds for oppression in our bloodlines.

Yet, our God is a covenant-keeping God who desires to set families free. He has provided both the authority and the strategy for His people to confront and dismantle these ancient strongholds. The journey from generational curse to generational blessing requires both revelation and decisive action.

This message is particularly relevant today as many believers struggle with recurring patterns of addiction, financial lack, relational brokenness, and spiritual oppression that seem to trace through their family history. God is calling His people to rise up and break every chain, establishing new godly legacies for generations to come.

1. RECOGNISING THE EXISTENCE OF FAMILY ALTARS
We must first acknowledge that generational patterns of sin and bondage exist before we can effectively confront them. Many spiritual strongholds operate in families because they have never been identified and renounced.

a) Patterns of Sin (Exodus 20:5): Recurring sinful behaviours, addictions, or failures that appear across generations such as anger, lust, alcoholism, or financial mismanagement.

b) Cultural and Traditional Strongholds (Jeremiah 10:2-3): Inherited practices that contradict God's Word, e.g., ancestral worship, consultation with mediums, or cultural traditions elevated above Scripture.

c) Physical and Emotional Markers (John 9:2): Generational illnesses, premature deaths, or emotional struggles with possible spiritual roots.

d) Spiritual Resistance (Acts 7:51-53): Opposition to salvation and consistent backsliding within a family line.

Biblical Example: Achan’s sin at Jericho caused destruction for his descendants until the issue was dealt with (Joshua 7:24-26).

2. DISCERNING THE NATURE OF THE ALTARS
Not all generational strongholds are identical, and effective dismantling requires discernment.

a) Ancestral Idolatry (Deuteronomy 18:9-12): Engagement in occult practices, secret societies, or false worship.

b) Covenants with Death (Isaiah 28:15): Ungodly agreements and vows made by ancestors, including blood covenants or dedicating children to idols.

c) Bloodshed and Violence (Numbers 35:33): Murder, abortion, or violence bringing defilement to a family line.

d) Sexual Immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18): Adultery, incest, pornography, or abuse that corrupts generational purity.

Biblical Example: The house of Ahab and Jezebel operated under witchcraft and idolatry until judgment came (2 Kings 9:7-10; 10:11).

3. UNDERSTANDING YOUR AUTHORITY IN CHRIST
Believers are not helpless. We have authority through Christ’s finished work.

a) Legal Rights Cancelled (Galatians 3:13-14): Christ redeemed us from every curse.

b) New Creation Reality (2 Corinthians 5:17): We carry a new spiritual DNA in Christ.

c) Authority of the Believer (Luke 10:19): We have power to destroy strongholds.

d) Prayer and Proclamation (Matthew 16:19): Through prayer and declaration, we bind and loose in alignment with God’s will.

Biblical Example: Jesus delivered the man with a legion of demons, breaking generational bondage (Mark 5:1-20).

4. PRACTICAL STEPS TO DEMOLISH FAMILY ALTARS
Spiritual warfare requires divine power and practical obedience.

a) Repentance and Renunciation (Ezra 10:11): Repent on behalf of ancestors and renounce evil covenants.

b) Breaking Curses (James 4:7): Declare every curse broken in Jesus’ name.

c) Replacing with Blessing (Proverbs 10:6): Establish generational blessings through obedience and declarations.

d) Ongoing Vigilance (Ephesians 6:11): Remain watchful in prayer, Word study, and holy living.

Biblical Example: King Josiah destroyed all idolatrous altars and restored true worship in Judah (2 Kings 23:1-25).

CONCLUSION:
The battle against generational strongholds is real, but victory is guaranteed through Christ. The blood of Jesus delivers us from the power of darkness and empowers us to establish godly foundations. Do not accept bondage as your inheritance. Rise up in authority, break every stubborn altar, and release blessings that will impact your children and generations after you.

5. ESTABLISHING GODLY ALTARS FOR GENERATIONAL BLESSINGS
It is not enough to break down evil altars; we must also raise new godly altars that honour God and secure blessings for generations to come. Empty spaces must be filled with God’s presence, or the enemy will try to return (Matthew 12:43-45).

a) Family Worship and Devotion (Genesis 12:7-8): Abraham built altars to God wherever he went, showing the importance of family prayer, Bible study, and worship as spiritual foundations.

b) Covenant Commitment (Joshua 24:15): Choosing to serve the Lord as a household sets the tone for future generations.

c) Teaching and Transmission of Faith (Deuteronomy 6:6-7): Parents must diligently teach God’s Word to their children, passing down a legacy of obedience and faith.

d) Sacrificial Service (Romans 12:1): A godly altar involves surrender, service, and sacrificial living that continually honours God.

Biblical Example: Jacob, after encountering God at Bethel, built an altar and consecrated the place as “the house of God,” establishing a generational connection with God’s covenant promises (Genesis 28:16-22; 35:1-7).

PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, reveal every hidden altar and generational stronghold operating in my family line.
2. I repent for all idolatry, witchcraft, and occult involvement by my ancestors.
3. I renounce every ungodly covenant and agreement made by my forefathers.
4. By the blood of Jesus, I break every generational curse over my life and family.
5. I cancel every assignment of destruction, sickness, and poverty from my bloodline.
6. Holy Spirit, fill every void left by destroyed strongholds with Your presence.
7. I establish the covenant blessings of Abraham over my family for generations to come.
8. Father, give me wisdom to recognise and reject recurring patterns of sin.
9. I pray for complete deliverance for every family member still in bondage.
10. Lord, make me a breaker of cycles and establisher of new godly legacies.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall discover and dismantle every hidden altar in your family line.
2. Generational curses are broken off your life forever in Jesus’ name.
3. You shall experience unprecedented freedom from family bondages.
4. Your children shall inherit blessings instead of curses.
5. The yoke of ancestral oppression is destroyed from your neck.
6. You shall become a catalyst for deliverance in your entire family.
7. New cycles of grace, favour, and breakthrough are established through you.
8. Every legal right the enemy claimed over your bloodline is cancelled.
9. You shall walk in complete victory over generational strongholds.
10. Your family line shall be known as a people who serve the Lord.