“Jesus didn’t put people with demons out of the church. He put demons out of the people in the church!”
This is from the notes I took today from the Mission 24 School of Mission and Ministry here at Ivy Church from a great teaching session.
Deliverance: Wayne Hudson at Manchester SOMM
The Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit
- God is omnipresent, but as we yield ourselves more, we experience more of Him.
- Want more of the Holy Spirit? Become a good target—press in!
- When the Spirit comes, He sets people free, bringing freedom to the bound.
Authority Over Demons
- Jesus has given us authority over demons – to cast them out.
- Deliverance then is not for a select few; it’s for everyone.
- No fear, no shame—shame itself is bondage, and Jesus breaks all chains.
- In the West we think this is unusual and weird. When he goes to other nations eg in Africa, it’s considered unusual if there’s NO deliverance happening!
Prayer, Fasting, and Authority
- Matthew 17: What if Jesus says, “This kind only comes out by prayer and fasting,” He’s not talking about the demons but addressing the disciples’ lack of faith.
- Prayer and fasting don’t change God; they change us, lowering our resistance and raising our spiritual temperature.
- The power is in the Name above all names, not in our spiritual disciplines!
A Warning from a Python Story
One woman slept nightly with her pet python sprawled across her body. Eventually, the snake stopped eating so she was worried about it. A vet discovered the snake was curling itself around her to size her up, and starving itself as preparation to devour her!
The lesson?
Be cautious – what are you allowing close to you? Don’t get comfortable with darkness. Cast out what seeks to consume you, before it’s too late.
Living in Authority
- Jesus sent the 72—not superstars—with all authority to trample serpents, scorpions, and all the power of the enemy.
- Authority over every unclean spirit, sickness, and disease is still available to us.
Jesus’ Compassion and Deliverance
- Jesus loves people and desires their freedom.
- The Gerasene demoniac cried out for deliverance so Jesus:
- Restored him to his right mind.
- Jesus does not accept worship from demons – they had their chance in heaven before they fell and were rejected and will be destroyed. And our God is a God of order, he doesn’t let the drama carry on here but he –
- Showed compassion to the man (not the demons – they were only doomed to destruction).
- Deliverance was normal in Jesus’ ministry and that of the apostles it should be in ours.
Mark 16: The Call to Cast Out Demons
- It says, “These signs will follow those that believe; in My name, they shall cast out devils…”
- BUT there’s no comma in the original.
- Consider: The power comes from belief in His name! “those that believe in My name shall cast out devils..”
Mark 1:21-28 – Authority in Action
- Jesus’ first ministry encounter – he cast out an impure spirit in the synagogue, commanding, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”
- Key takeaway: Jesus didn’t remove people with demons from the church; He removed demons from the people.
Common Questions
- Can a Christian be demon-possessed? No, but they can be influenced (demonized).
- We can have as much authority as we believe God for.
Recognizing Demonic Influence
- What does it sound like?
- Enticements to sin.
- Excuses to justify wrong actions.
- Intrusive thoughts during prayer or worship.
How It Progresses:
- Weakness → Fascination → Habit → Secret → Stronghold → Bondage.
- Demons tempt, enslave, and seek to destroy you.
Tests for Discernment
- Is it from God (upstairs), the enemy (downstairs), or your own flesh (your stairs)?
- Apply these checks:
- Can it be done by faith?
- Will it glorify God?
- Does it disturb your peace?
- Would Jesus do it?
Deliverance and Freedom
- Deliverance is the other side of the healing coin. Healing’s on the outside, deliverance is on the inside.
- It’s not a substitute for spiritual disciplines but reveals their need.
- Jesus never leaves us bound—He desires complete freedom.
- If you’re desperate enough, call out! He will deliver you.
A Call to Freedom
No secrets. No darkness. Nothing but freedom.
Today can be your day of deliverance. Go to Jesus and claim the freedom He offers!