I am talking here about demons or evil spirits. It’s a big subject and lots of controversy, so I can only scratch the surface here. These are my own views and opinions based upon a few years experience and quite a bit of Bible study. The first and most important thing to say up front is this – DO NOT try to minister in this area on your own or without someone of experience with you. Only the very experienced will attempt this on their own. It is always better to have two or more people so that each can confirm the others as the process is followed.
Anyone can have a demon. In not-yet-Christians a demon can lodge himself anywhere. In Christians he can only lodge himself in the flesh or soul, but not in the spirit because, the Bible tells us, that is where the Holy Spirit has His residence – where Holy and un-holy cannot mix.
Many times, we would never know that someone has a demon at all unless the demon manifests his presence, thus identifying the fact that he is there. They do this in a variety of ways which have to be learnt by experience, but demons do show their presence by manifesting in one way or another. The next step is identifying the demon. Again this is done by experience although a demon will also identify itself if you work at it. By far the most common means of identification is by words of knowledge given to the person ministering or those assisting. Again much of this comes by experience and practice.
An interesting facet of deliverance ministry is that of the legality of a demons presence. He is there quite legally in an unsaved person and deliverance ministry in their case is most inadvisable. As it says in scripture, if the house is not swept clean, then you may throw him out but he will return with seven more nasty than him. Also, a person may unwittingly give the demon permission to be there. This has to be rescinded before deliverance can take place
One early step to take in deliverance is binding and loosing. Jesus said that what we bind on earth is bound in heaven and what we loose on earth is loosed in heaven. So we bind demons and loose the Holy Spirit to do His work. After this, the job of identifying can start – if it hasn’t already been done. In many cases, there is more than one demon and each one has to be identified and dealt with. Often the demon is linked with past sins or pre-salvation experiences. A demon can “lie dormant” for years before he manifests himself.
Each demon and associated past experience (sin) has to be dealt with separately. The sin must be specifically repented and renounced – the demon too. This can be a lengthy process if done at the same time as “soul ties”. A soul tie is usually formed when an ungodly or unbiblical relationship is entered into. The “tie” remains for years after the relationship is long gone and has to be dealt with in the same way as we deal with a demon.
The only way to deal with a demon is to bind him, cast him out, and loose Holy Spirit into the space he leaves behind. This can take a while as many demons are very reluctant to leave, often having been comfortable where they are for a considerable time. An experienced minister will know when success has been achieved, although some demons make quite a noisy fuss when forced to leave. It is different with every case.
As previously noted, deliverance ministry should not be entered into lightly, nor alone, nor with little or no training or experience. Deliverance ministry can be described as “hard core Christianity at its most dangerous” because, just like the spooky books – albeit much more rarely – the demon can turn round and enter the delivering minister. Don’t be put off by this. Cover yourself with prayer and if possible have others praying elsewhere. Seek training and experience with a good team. Watch and learn but be eager to join in when invited.
Jesus did tell us to do it - didn’t He?
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