THE DANGER OF BREAKING YOUR VOWS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Deuteronomy 23:21-23
Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 5:4-6, Numbers 30:2, Psalm 15:4, Judges 11:30-40, Acts 5:1-11
INTRODUCTION:
A vow is a solemn promise or commitment made to God, often in response to a desire, prayer, or divine instruction. The Bible warns us against making vows carelessly and failing to fulfil them. When a person makes a vow to God, it becomes a binding obligation. Breaking a vow is not only an act of dishonesty but also a sin that can lead to serious spiritual consequences. God expects us to honour our commitments to Him, as breaking them can hinder our blessings, bring judgment, and damage our spiritual integrity.
1. THE SERIOUSNESS OF MAKING A VOW
- a) A Vow is a Sacred Commitment (Deuteronomy 23:21)
When you make a vow to God, you enter into a divine agreement, and He expects you to fulfil it. - b) God Does Not Take Vows Lightly (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)
It is better not to make a vow than to make one and fail to fulfil it. - c) Breaking a Vow is a Sin (Numbers 30:2)
A vow is a personal obligation before God, and breaking it is equivalent to lying. - d) God Holds Us Accountable for Our Vows (Matthew 5:33-37)
Every word we speak carries weight, and God expects us to keep our promises. - e) Biblical Example: Hannah (1 Samuel 1:11, 26-28)
Hannah vowed to give her son Samuel to God, and she fulfilled her vow, leading to great blessings.
2. CONSEQUENCES OF BREAKING YOUR VOWS
- a) Loss of Divine Favour (Psalm 15:4)
Those who keep their vows, even when it is difficult, receive divine favour. - b) Hindrance to Prayers (Ecclesiastes 5:6)
Breaking a vow can cause God to be displeased and block answers to prayers. - c) Spiritual and Financial Setbacks (Malachi 3:8-10)
Those who make financial vows and fail to keep them may experience lack. - d) Exposure to Divine Judgment (Acts 5:1-11)
Ananias and Sapphira made a financial commitment to God but broke it and faced severe consequences. - e) Biblical Example: Jephthah’s Vow (Judges 11:30-40)
Jephthah made a rash vow and was bound by it, leading to painful consequences.
3. WHY PEOPLE BREAK THEIR VOWS
- a) Lack of Understanding (Hosea 4:6)
Some people do not realise the seriousness of making and breaking vows. - b) Forgetting Their Commitment (Deuteronomy 8:18-19)
Many people forget their promises to God after receiving their blessings. - c) Fear and Pressure from Others (Matthew 26:69-75)
Like Peter’s denial of Jesus, fear and external pressure can lead people to break commitments. - d) Lack of Faith in God's Provision (Matthew 6:30-33)
Some fear that fulfilling their vows will leave them in lack, not trusting God to provide. - e) Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
They vowed to give all the proceeds from their land but held back part of it, leading to divine judgment.
4. HOW TO AVOID BREAKING YOUR VOWS
- a) Think Before Making a Vow (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
Do not make rash vows; be deliberate and sincere about your commitments. - b) Write Down and Remember Your Vows (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
Keeping a record of your vows helps you remain faithful to them. - c) Pray for Grace to Fulfil Your Vows (Philippians 4:13)
Ask God for strength and provision to keep your commitments. - d) Be Honest and Faithful (Luke 16:10)
If you are faithful in little, God will entrust you with more. - e) Biblical Example: Jacob (Genesis 28:20-22, 35:1-7)
Jacob vowed to serve God and build an altar if God blessed him, and he later fulfilled his vow.
5. WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BROKEN A VOW
- a) Repent and Seek God's Mercy (1 John 1:9)
Confess your failure and ask for forgiveness. - b) Renew Your Commitment (Psalm 51:10-12)
If possible, fulfil your vow or make a new commitment with sincerity. - c) Make Restitution If Necessary (Luke 19:8-9)
If your broken vow affected others, seek to restore what was promised. - d) Trust God for a Fresh Start (Lamentations 3:22-23)
God’s mercies are new every morning, and He gives fresh opportunities. - e) Biblical Example: Jonah (Jonah 2:9-10)
Jonah initially disobeyed his vow to God but later repented and fulfilled his mission.
CONCLUSION:
Vows are serious commitments that should not be taken lightly. Breaking them can lead to loss of favour, divine judgment, and spiritual setbacks. However, through repentance and faithfulness, we can restore our commitment to God and receive His blessings. Let us be mindful of our promises to God and fulfil them with diligence.
PRAYER POINTS:
- Father, give me wisdom to make commitments that honour You.
- Lord, help me to be faithful in fulfilling my vows.
- Father, forgive me for any broken vows and cleanse me from unfaithfulness.
- Holy Spirit, remind me of any unfulfilled vows so I can fulfil them.
- Lord, help me to walk in integrity and honesty before You.
- Father, remove every spirit of fear and doubt that hinders me from keeping my vows.
- Holy Spirit, give me the grace to trust in Your provision as I fulfil my vows.
- Lord, restore every blessing I have lost due to broken vows.
- Father, teach me to walk in obedience and faithfulness in all my commitments.
- Lord, let my life reflect integrity and faithfulness in keeping my promises to You.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
- You shall be known as a person of integrity, keeping your vows before God.
- Every broken commitment in your life is restored by God’s mercy.
- The grace to fulfil your vows is released upon you today.
- No more delay in fulfilling your divine obligations—God will provide all you need.
- Your obedience will open doors of divine favour and breakthrough.
- Every lost blessing due to broken vows shall be restored sevenfold.
- You shall walk in divine wisdom before making commitments to God.
- The power of fear and doubt over your commitments is broken in Jesus’ name.
- Your faithfulness in little will lead to greater divine assignments.
- From today, you will fulfil every vow with joy, and your life will be a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
May God grant you the grace to walk in integrity and fulfil all your commitments to Him. Amen!
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