TLDR;
Apostle Femi Lazarus discusses breaking generational barriers, emphasising that believers in Christ cannot be cursed. He highlights the importance of knowledge and awareness of one's identity in Christ to overcome mental and spiritual limitations. The sermon addresses dysfunctional family structures, economic implications, and the need to shift mindsets to achieve true potential and break free from cycles of poverty and limitation.
- Believers in Christ cannot be cursed.
- Knowledge and awareness of one's identity in Christ are crucial.
- Dysfunctional family structures can lead to economic limitations.
- Mindset shifts are necessary to break free from cycles of poverty.
- Generational limitations can be overcome through faith and action.
Introduction: Breaking Generational Barriers [0:01]
Apostle Femi Lazarus introduces the sermon on breaking generational barriers, stating that limitations, both mental and spiritual, will be smashed. He emphasises the importance of understanding biblical stories to gain insight and aims to teach in a way that helps others learn how to teach. The teaching is presented as a mentorship session to reveal the underlying truths.
The Story of Jabez: Overcoming a Name of Sorrow [1:35]
The story of Jabez from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 is examined, highlighting how Jabez, whose name meant "sorrow," called on God to bless him and enlarge his territory. Apostle Femi explains that names often reflect characteristics, and in Jabez's case, his life was expected to be full of crisis. He points out that curses can form mental barriers, but believers should be more conscious of the potency of blessings.
The Believer's Inability to Be Cursed [6:57]
Apostle Femi asserts that a believer in Christ cannot be cursed by any force. He explains that prayers to break generational curses are necessary because many believers are unaware of this truth and have ignorantly accepted curses. Knowledge in the spiritual realm unlocks what believers already possess. He reinforces that even parents cannot curse a believer in Christ.
Redemption from the Curse of the Law [10:51]
Referring to Galatians 3:13, Apostle Femi states that Christ has redeemed believers from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for them. He explains that everything Christ became on the cross was to prevent believers from becoming the same. He addresses the struggle some have in believing they cannot be cursed, particularly in regions where curses are frequently spoken.
The Scandal of Grace and Refusing Suffering [12:53]
Apostle Femi discusses the "scandal of grace," where the provision of redemption is so great that it's hard to believe. He notes that people often become accustomed to suffering and dysfunction. He encourages the congregation to refuse suffering and embrace the new life in Christ, where they cannot be cursed.
Mental Issues as a Source of Bondage [16:06]
Apostle Femi identifies mental issues as a major cause of bondage for believers. He urges listeners to shift their mindset and reject the notion of generational curses. He uses the parable of the sower to illustrate how affliction can challenge one's belief in blessings. He encourages embracing the pattern that Christ started.
Revelation 1:18 and Romans 6: Resurrection Power [18:02]
Referencing Revelation 1:18, Apostle Femi declares that Christ holds the keys to death and hell, meaning nothing should prematurely take a believer's life. He warns against pride that convinces people their time should be short. He also references Romans 6, explaining that believers are in the image of the resurrected Christ, operating in a new model of life.
The God Kind of Life and the Importance of Knowledge [24:06]
Apostle Femi emphasises that believers have the "God kind of life" (Zoe), a life of high quality and quantity. He explains that believers enter Christianity complete, and their knowledge determines what they gain. He encourages believers to be angry at living a life that doesn't reflect what Christ has done for them, urging them to maximise the dividends of redemption.
Numbers 23: Balam's Inability to Curse Israel [28:35]
Apostle Femi reads from Numbers 23, recounting how Balam was hired to curse Israel but could not because God had not cursed them. He highlights that believers don't need external rituals or costumes to access their power; they already possess it. He stresses the importance of being aware of one's identity in Christ.
Marriage as a Type of Christ and the Church [37:06]
Apostle Femi uses the analogy of marriage to illustrate the oneness of the church with Christ. He asserts that any attack on a believer is an attack on Christ. He dismisses the idea of spiritual spouses or sex in dreams as rape by evil spirits, urging believers to resist such attacks.
Dysfunctional Families and Economic Implications [39:36]
Apostle Femi discusses how dysfunctional family structures can lead to economic problems. He notes that the devil attacks families to undermine individuals from their foundation. He stresses the importance of positioning children for opportunities and giving them a competitive edge. He criticises parents who neglect their children for personal pursuits.
Parenting and Fulfilling God-Given Potentials [43:54]
Apostle Femi advises parents to prayerfully discern the kind of children God has given them and prepare them accordingly. He warns against forcing children to fulfil unfulfilled dreams and encourages allowing them to pursue their god-given potentials. He also criticises the outdated educational system and the pressure on children to conform to traditional academic paths.
Breaking Mental Barriers and Embracing the Future [48:09]
Apostle Femi encourages listeners to break mental barriers and embrace the future. He notes that many Nigerians who have travelled abroad will return with valuable experience and investment. He criticises the reliance on foreign standards and the need for educational reform to align with the future.
The Future of Education and Family Backgrounds [49:54]
Apostle Femi discusses the changing landscape of education with advancements like microchip implants. He laments that many family backgrounds do not provide the advantage needed to prepare for the future. He criticises the lack of practical training in schools and the need to experiment and innovate.
Overcoming Limitations and Giving the Next Generation Opportunities [52:15]
Apostle Femi encourages listeners to rise above their limitations and provide the next generation with opportunities they didn't have. He stresses that travel should be a basic freedom and not a measure of success. He challenges the notion of the "seven mountains of influence," adding AI as a new strategic point in society.
Poverty as a State of Mind and Audacious Thinking [56:04]
Apostle Femi defines poverty as a state of mind and encourages audacious thinking and risk-taking. He criticises the habit of saving every penny without investing in opportunities. He notes that the most successful people are not always the smartest but the most audacious. He also criticises parenting styles that stifle boldness and courage in children.
Breaking the Cycle of Small-Mindedness and Affirmative Parenting [58:06]
Apostle Femi urges listeners to break the cycle of small-mindedness and adopt affirmative parenting. He encourages parents to affirm their children with love and pride, rather than projecting pressure on them. He criticises the practice of treating children differently based on their parents' status.
Challenging Cultural Norms and Redefining Reality [1:01:48]
Apostle Femi challenges cultural norms around food and rewards, noting that scarcity mindsets can lead to stealing. He stresses that the solution is not just more money but a change in mindset. He encourages listeners to live a better quality of life and empower others to do the same.
Pursuing Dreams and Visions Despite Past Mistakes [1:05:11]
Apostle Femi encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and visions, regardless of past mistakes or limitations. He asserts that it's never too late to get an education or pursue a passion. He urges them not to give up and to redefine reality.
Poverty and Instant Gratification [1:08:16]
Apostle Femi defines poverty as a mindset and criticises the belief in instant gratification. He notes that poor people often prioritise immediate cash over long-term investments. He encourages listeners to make decisions that may not bring immediate returns but will benefit them in the long run.
Breaking Mental Barriers and Adjusting the Model [1:12:20]
Apostle Femi encourages listeners to break mental barriers and challenge the notion that good things are not for them. He criticises systems designed to violate people and urges them to demand respect. He stresses the need to adjust the current model and work towards a better future.
Detachment from Limitations and the Story of David and Goliath [1:14:15]
Apostle Femi uses the story of David and Goliath to illustrate the importance of detaching from limitations. He explains that David was able to defeat Goliath because he didn't have the same mental construct as the rest of the Israelite army. He encourages listeners to leave environments that communicate limitations and break free from negative information.
Transgenerational Limitations and Excuses for Mediocrity [1:18:38]
Apostle Femi warns against transgenerational limitations communicated through words and family discussions. He urges listeners to detach themselves from such information and avoid making excuses for mediocrity. He stresses that people from Africa are breaking through despite the challenges.
Wisdom and Avoiding Harmful Lifestyles [1:19:55]
Apostle Femi advises listeners to be wise and avoid lifestyles that can trigger hereditary conditions. He encourages them to prepare their bodies for the journey ahead, confess the word, and go for regular medical check-ups. He stresses that faith should not be confused with ignoring practical steps to maintain health.
Breaking Generational Barriers and Changing Narratives [1:22:22]
Apostle Femi leads a prayer for listeners to break generational barriers and limitations. He declares that they are different and will change the narratives in their families. He encourages them to remove limitations from their minds and walk in their true identity in Christ.
A Generation Rising and Thinking Differently [1:23:34]
Apostle Femi declares that a generation is rising that is thinking differently and demanding change. He asserts that they will not leave the world behind in chaos but will address and change the patterns. He encourages listeners to think beyond global and embrace inter-planetary thinking.
The Strategy of God and Building Something New [1:28:22]
Apostle Femi declares that listeners are the strategy of God for handling generational patterns. He encourages those who have been sacked from their jobs to see it as an opportunity to build something new. He stresses the importance of having a mindset that doesn't respect limitations and encourages listeners to pursue their dreams with boldness.
The Power of Vision and Breaking Through [1:30:45]
Apostle Femi shares the story of his church's growth and his vision for a hosting platform for TV stations across Africa and Europe. He encourages listeners not to allow limitations to form on their minds and to always be thinking about the next thing. He declares that something is shifting in their minds and they are breaking through.