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There are myths, misunderstandings and misinformation concerning the ministry of deliverance. The first battleground is in the minds of men, where Satan has sown questions, doubts and fears which become hindrances to involvement in this valid, biblical ministry.

We need not spend time with those who are unteachable and argumentative. Jesus sometimes gave a simple, straightforward answer to His critics, but spent His time ministering to the people who were receptive and to teaching His disciples. We do well to follow His example.

Those who want an answer should be given an answer. Ignorance, prejudice and fear are hurdles that some sincere Christians must get over before they are willing to become involved in spiritual warfare. We must teach those who are receptive.

The only way to deal with the devil and demons is through direct confrontation. Furthermore, God has given the Christian and His Church the commission to cast out demons (See: Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:17-19; Mark 16:17). Some believers have false opinions that prevent them from accepting deliverance as a vital ministry. Before one can bring himself to obedience to deal with the devil and demons, the following obstacles must be overcome in one's mind.

1. Fear and terror at the mention of demons, devil or deliverance

(1) The concept of demons held by many has been taken from fiction, mythology and superstition rather than from Scripture. The fear that some have of deliverance has been fostered in part through such films as "The Exorcist" and "Rosemary's Baby" which are designed to create mystery, sensationalism, violence and fear rather than to convey truth.

(2) The Christian should look at his resources and know that he is stronger than the enemy. Light dispels darkness. Fear and terror will leave when people embrace the truth. Faith overcomes fear. Rom. 10:17.

2 . Unbelief: There Is No Such Thing As The Devil or Demons

(1) Wrong concepts of the devil have been programmed by the world. He is not running around in a red suit with a pitchfork. He is not the ruler over hell. One day he will become the chief prisoner in hell. (Rev. 20:10) (2) The Bible is filled with truth about Satan and demon spirits. Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free" John 8:32. If we expect to be free we must know the truth about the devil. The Bible is the basis for our beliefs.

(3) When Jesus spoke about demons He was not, as some contend, accommodating Himself to the opinion of men. The Word of God is true. Demons exist.

(1) We must not think that the devil is void of power and weapons, yet we must not think of him as having unlimited access into our lives.

(2) The devil can do no more than he is allowed to do. He must work through accusation, deception and temptation.

(3) Jesus defeated Satan through the cross and the resurrection. We are seated with Christ and have power over the devil. (See: Eph. 1:18 - 2:7)

(4) As believers in Christ, we have complete power over the devil and his demons. We can tread upon them and they are powerless to retaliate. (Luke 9:1; 10:19)

4. Deliverance Is Valid; However, It Should Be Left To Experts

(1) Who is an expert? We agree that a Christian should have knowledge of demons and deliverance. If one thinks deliverance is for experts then he should set himself to become one! Jesus expects all believers to cast out demons (Matt. 12:30).

(2) Christ's commission is given to the Church. Mark 16:17 says that those who believe shall cast out demons. Deliverance is a part of the Gospel of salvation which is for the whole man -- spirit, soul and body. Casting out demons is a simple, basic sign that should accompany the ministry of witnessing believers. (Mark 16: 15, 17)

5. Christians Cannot Have Demons

(1) In the Bible no distinction is made between believers and unbelievers having demons. The reason: both alike can have demons..

(2) Deliverance is called "the children's bread" (Matt. 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30). which means it is for God's own sons and daughters; purchased by the blood of Jesus. Therefore, a distinction IS made as to who is qualified for deliverance. It is for God's children -- believers.

(3) When demons are cast out of a person, the "house" must be filled. (Matt. 12:43-45) How could an unbeliever fill his house? He is void of spiritual resources.

(4) The Christian is a Temple of the Holy Spirit. a. There were three areas to the Temple, and there are three areas in us. Body, soul and spirit are parallel to the Outer Court, The Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. When the Temple was dedicated, God's presence indwelled the Holy of Holies. When we are saved, our spirit is quickened and indwelled by God.

b. Jesus cleansed the temple. He "cast out" all that defiled. Only the outer court needed cleansing. It had become a "den of thieves". God's presence was in the Temple - in the Holy of Holies.

c. Matt. 8:16,17 - Deliverance and healing are provisions of Christ's atoning blood.

(6) If is were impossible for a Christian to have a demon, then neither could he become sick, for both healing and deliverance are benefits of the cross. (Matt. 8:16, 17)

(7) It is better to acknowledge that you have a demon (if you do), and cast it out rather than deny you have a demon and keep it.

(8) II Cor. 10:3-5 is addressed to Christians who have strongholds in their minds. The remedy requires spiritual weapons to pull down the devils strongholds.

(9) II Cor. 11:4 is a warning to Christians that it is possible to "receive another spirit" other than the Holy Spirit.

6. Demons Have No Activity In Civilized Countries . They are active only in remote countries where witchcraft and idolatry prevail

(1) Demonic activity IS intense in countries where witchcraft and idolatry prevail.

(2) Witchcraft and the occult have made great inroads into all civilized countries.

(3) There are many activities of demons other than through witchcraft and the occult.

(4) This is one of Satan's deceptions. As long as one thinks he is too intelligent or cultured to be demonized, he is blind to how demons gain entrance and how they function.

(1) The Bible does not teach that demons WILL come back in greater numbers and force, but that it is POSSIBLE for them to do so.

(2) True: we need to be wise as to whom we minister deliverance. How would a lost man have anything with which to fill his "house"?

(3) Deliverance is "the children's bread". We should not fear partaking of deliverance-bread any more than we would in eating physical bread. Each are good for us!

(1) Jesus consistently cast out evil spirits in public. There is no clear reference to private deliverance. So, the

scriptural pattern favors public ministry.

(2) Fear makes some people seek private deliverance They have

fear of demon manifestations, of offending others, exposure and things getting out of control. The minister may fear possible failure (nothing will happen), or fear of exposure (something in himself brought to light).

(1) By this some mean that if they have faith then God will automatically take care of all demons. BUT, God has given us authority and responsibility to deal with demons directly. (Matt.10:1; Luke 9:1; Mark 16:17).

(2) Faith IS important to deliverance, for we must believe that when we speak to a demon it must obey. Demons know when we do not have faith and take advantage of it.

(Acts 19:13-17)

(3) The disciples were unable to cast out a certain demon because of their unbelief. They were not to believe that it would go away, but that they could cast it out. Fasting and prayer builds faith to cast out demons. (Matt. 17: 14-21)

(4) "Faith, if it has no works, is dead" Jas. 2:17. The one who has active faith will speak to the "mountain". Demonization should be considered a "mountain" to be removed by speaking in faith. (See: Mark 11:22, 23)

(5) Passive faith is contrary to Scripture's command that we engage in warfare and "wrestle" against principalities and powers, "resist" the devil and "cast out" demons..

(1) There were manifestations when Jesus ministered deliverance. For example, a young man was thrown to the ground as though having a seizure; a demon spoke through a man in the synagogue; and spirits cried in loud voices. (Lk. 9:39; Mk. 1:26; 9:20,26). Therefore, we should not expect all manifestations to be eliminated.

(2) However, there are often unnecessary manifestations. Demons will manifest when given the opportunity. They are prideful beings, and they enjoy attention. Note: In spiritism demons manifest because they are given permission, and manifestations are sought. The same will occur in deliverance when demon manifestations are courted. The goal of deliverance is not to get demons to manifest but to cast them out.

(3) Manifestations are not the criteria for judging the validity of deliverance. Freedom from bondage and peace are the earmarks of successful deliverance. Manifestations should not be sought or required.

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11. Demonology And Deliverance Glorify The Devil . We Should Keep our Minds on Jesus

(1) This sounds good, but it is false reasoning. The Bible does not teach us to ignore the devil but to confront, resist, wrestle, stand against and cast him out.

(2) Jesus is glorified when we are engaged in spiritual warfare because we are exalting His Name, His precious blood and His Word. We often battle with praise and worship. Satan gets no glory through being defeated. All the glory goes to the One who is stronger than the devil, and the devil is humiliated when his house is spoiled.

(1) This error has been promoted by a few ministers of deliverance. Note: Sometimes ministers wrestle against flesh and blood and get wounded.

(2) To say that demons can retaliate is contrary to Luke 10:19. We can tread upon serpents and scorpions, and they can in no wise harm us.

(3) If the deliverance minister is fearful or doubts his authority it will give demons grounds to attack him..

(4) We are equipped with "the whole armor of God" Eph. 6:11. If one is wounded in spiritual battle he should check his armor to be sure it is all in place.

(1) The devil would like for us to adopt this position. It would mean that he could work against us without challenge.

(2) Agreed: a person can become too demon conscious. We are to be Jesus conscious, and rejoice because our names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20

(3) There is widespread misunderstanding as to what is meant by Jesus defeating the devil. Jesus did not destroy the devil; he destroyed the "works" of the devil. (I John 3:8). The devil has not yet been chained and put into the bottomless pit. He is still "roaming about" (I Pet. 5:8). He remains the "god of this world" (II Cor 4:4), where he rules as "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2). The church has been commissioned to

destroy him in his "gates" (Matt. 16:18).

There was once a man in the synagogue who had a demon. When Jesus cast the demon out, it caused much questioning among the people. They asked, "What thing is this? what new doctrine is this?" Mark 1:27. Today, these same questions, and others, come up when deliverance is taught or witnessed. Jesus patiently answered the inquiries of those who were sincere, but He was not turned aside into debate by those who were obstinate and unteachable.

The teaching given here is with the prayer and hope that any whose unsettled questions have prevented his involvement in deliverance will now be able to go forth in obedience to the Lord. God has not called us to debate deliverance but to do it! For, "These signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out demons" Mark 16:17.

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