I REFUSE TO REMAIN UNDER THE TABLE

I REFUSE TO REMAIN UNDER THE TABLE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 1:4-7
Supporting Texts: 2 Samuel 9:6-10, Matthew 15:26-28, Psalm 23:5

INTRODUCTION:
Many people today live below their divine potential, settling for less than what God has ordained for them. Just like Adonibezek, who was subdued and made to live under the rule of others, there are forces that seek to keep people in a place of limitation. However, God’s plan for His children is not to remain under the table but to sit at the King’s table, reigning in dominion. This message is a prophetic charge to rise from every limitation and walk in the fullness of God's promises.

1. UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE UNDER THE TABLE

a) A Position of Defeat and Slavery (Judges 1:6-7)
Adonibezek had conquered seventy kings and forced them to eat under his table, symbolising oppression. Being under the table means being controlled by forces of limitation.

b) A Place of Leftovers and Insufficiency (Matthew 15:26-27)
The woman from Canaan acknowledged that even dogs eat the crumbs under the table. Being under the table signifies receiving only leftovers instead of enjoying the fullness of God’s provision.

c) A Symbol of Shame and Rejection (2 Samuel 9:6-7)
Mephibosheth, though of royal lineage, was living in Lodebar until David restored him to sit at the king’s table. Remaining under the table represents living in shame instead of honour.

d) A Sign of Spiritual and Financial Hardship (Deuteronomy 28:13)
God’s will is for His children to be the head and not the tail. Being under the table can signify struggling financially or spiritually when God has destined us for more.

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites in Egypt lived under oppression until God delivered them and made them a great nation.

2. REASONS PEOPLE REMAIN UNDER THE TABLE

a) Ignorance of Their Divine Position (Hosea 4:6)
Many remain in limitation because they lack knowledge of their covenant rights in Christ.

b) Fear and Low Self-Esteem (Numbers 13:33)
The ten spies saw themselves as grasshoppers, which made them unfit for the Promised Land. Fear keeps people under the table.

c) Demonic Oppression and Bondage (Luke 13:11-12)
The woman with the spirit of infirmity was bent over for eighteen years, a picture of demonic limitation.

d) Generational Curses and Foundational Strongholds (Judges 6:15)
Gideon saw himself as the least in his family due to generational oppression, but God called him a mighty man of valour.

e) Biblical Example: Mephibosheth was living in Lodebar, a place of no communication, until divine favour lifted him to the palace.

3. HOW TO BREAK FREE FROM LIVING UNDER THE TABLE

a) Accepting Your Identity in Christ (Ephesians 2:6)
You are seated with Christ in heavenly places, not under oppression.

b) Renewing Your Mindset with God’s Word (Romans 12:2)
Transformation comes by changing your thinking through the Word of God.

c) Breaking Free from Every Limiting Power (Isaiah 10:27)
The anointing destroys yokes of oppression that keep people under the table.

d) Walking in Faith and Boldness (Joshua 1:9)
Faith is the key to stepping into the fullness of God’s blessings.

e) Biblical Example: Jabez refused to remain under the table of sorrow; he prayed, and God enlarged his territory (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

4. GOD’S PLAN TO SET YOU AT THE TABLE OF HONOUR

a) God Prepares a Table of Blessing (Psalm 23:5)
God sets a table before His children, even in the presence of their enemies.

b) Divine Lifting and Promotion (Psalm 75:6-7)
God is the one who lifts and promotes His children to positions of honour.

c) Restoration of Lost Glory (Joel 2:25-26)
Whatever has been lost due to oppression, God is able to restore.

d) Access to the Fullness of God’s Blessings (Ephesians 1:3)
Believers are not meant to live on crumbs but enjoy every spiritual blessing in Christ.

e) Biblical Example: The prodigal son was restored to his father’s table after realising his true identity (Luke 15:22-24).

5. PROPHETIC ACTIONS TO RISE FROM UNDER THE TABLE

a) Reject Every Spirit of Limitation (Matthew 11:12)
It takes spiritual violence to break free from limitations.

b) Speak the Word of God Over Your Life (Proverbs 18:21)
Declare God's promises daily to move from under the table to your place of dominion.

c) Engage in Fasting and Warfare Prayers (Mark 9:29)
Some yokes and bondages will not break except through prayer and fasting.

d) Sow Seeds of Faith for Breakthrough (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
Giving to God’s work positions you for financial and divine lifting.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah moved from barrenness to fruitfulness through prayer, faith, and dedication to God (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

CONCLUSION:
God never designed you to live under the table of struggle, oppression, or lack. Just as Adonibezek confessed that what he did to others was done to him, every power keeping you under the table shall be judged by God. It is time to arise and step into the fullness of your divine inheritance. You belong at the King’s table, not under it!

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, every power keeping me under the table, I break free in Jesus’ name!

2. Lord, lift me from every place of shame and rejection to my place of honour.

3. Every demonic limitation placed upon my life, be broken by fire!

4. I declare that I will not live on crumbs but enjoy the fullness of God’s provision.

5. Father, restore every blessing that has been stolen from me.

6. I reject the spirit of fear and inferiority; I walk in boldness and victory.

7. Every generational curse keeping me in limitation, be destroyed in Jesus’ name!

8. Lord, set a table of honour for me in the presence of my enemies.

9. I decree and declare that I am moving from Lodebar to the palace.

10. By the anointing, I am breaking free from financial, spiritual, and marital limitations!

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Every demonic power keeping you under the table is destroyed in Jesus’ name!

2. You shall sit at the King’s table and enjoy divine abundance!

3. Every delay and stagnation in your life is over; you are stepping into new levels!

4. You shall walk in divine favour and occupy your place of honour!

5. Whatever the enemy stole from you shall be restored sevenfold!

6. The anointing to rise above limitations is coming upon you now!

7. You will no longer eat crumbs; you shall feast on God’s provision!

8. Your season of shame and reproach is over; you are walking in glory!

9. Every power that oppressed you shall bow before you!

10. You are no longer under the table; you are seated in heavenly places with Christ!

You will not remain under the table! The Lord is lifting you to a place of honour, victory, and supernatural abundance.