The Invisible War - Session 8

III. THE MINISTRY OF DELIVERANCE

EPHESIANS 6:18-20

How to Gain Deliverance from Demonic Influence

A. It's Validity

• Jesus regularly exercised this ministry. (Mark 1:27, 39) 25% of his ministry!
• The apostles regularly exercised this ministry. (Luke 10)
• So did the early church. (Acts 16)
• The New Testament provides clear direction concerning it. (James 4:1-10)
• Contemporary, balanced deliverance ministries do exist today and help many.

B. It's Problems

• Extremism & fanaticism tend to negatively color this ministry.
• Confusion concerning demon possession versus oppression of believers clouds this ministry's validity among Christians.
• Fear & ignorance have caused many to simply ignore it.
• Those engaged in it are often tempted by pride or become so singularly focused they fall into theological error.
• Assigning blame of all one's problems to demonic influence versus assuming personal responsibility and using Biblical common sense.

C. The cause(s) of Demonic Influence (Continuum of Demonic Possession)

• Yielding to sin (John 8:34)
• Spiritual rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23)
• Participating in the occult (Deuteronomy 18:10-11)
• Attempting to contact the dead (Deuteronomy 18:11)
• Unresolved anger and bitterness (Ephesians 4:26-27)
• Association with those involved in Satanic activity (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

D. New Testament Evidences of Demonic Influence

• Severe sickness (Matthew 12:22)
• Divination - telling the future (Acts 16:16)
• Unusual physical strength (Mark 5:3)
• Fits of rage (Mark 5:4)
• Split personality (Mark 5:6-7)
• Resistance to spiritual help (Mark 5:7)
• Other voices from within (Mark 5:9)
• Occult powers (Deuteronomy 18:10-11)

E. The Cure for Demonic Influence

  General Purpose

1. Victory is through the cross of Christ (Colossians 2:14-15)
2. Victory is in the name of Christ (Matthew 10:1, Acts 5:16)
3. Victory is in the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:4)

  Specific Steps for Deliverance from Demonic Influence

1. Accept Christ (John 1:12)
2. Confess sins (1 John 1:9)
3. Renounce works of the devil (2 Corinthians 4:2)
4. Destroy occult objects (Acts 19:17-20, see also 2 Chronicles 14:2, 23:17)
5. Break friendship with occultists (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)
6. Rest in Christ's deliverance (Colossians 1:13)
7. Resist the devil (James 4:7-10)
8. Meditate on and apply the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17, Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)
9. Engage in corporate prayer (Ephesians 6:18, Matthew 18:19)
10. If necessary, exorcism in the name of Christ (Acts 16:16)

           a. By a spiritually qualified counselor (Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 5:18)

• Who maintains humility (James 4:7)
• Who wears spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:12)
• Who knows the Word of God (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10)
• Who is supported by prayers of believers (Ephesians 6:18, Matthew 18:19)

F. Additional Resources For Help When You Suspect Demonic Influence

    The Adversary - Mark I. Bubeck
    Overcoming The Adversary - Mark I. Bubeck
    Powers of Evil - A Biblical Study of Satan & Demons - Sydney H.T. Page