They Shall Expel Demons

1. Jesus's Ministry: Expelling Demons as Core Mission

I can find no basis anywhere in the New Testament for an evangelistic ministry that does not include the expelling of demons.

Jesus's consistent pattern. Jesus's earthly ministry consistently involved healing the sick and casting out demons, a pattern He never changed. From His first public encounter in a Capernaum synagogue, where a demon challenged Him, to His final commission to His disciples, expelling demons was central. This demonstrated the superiority of God's Kingdom over Satan's.

Authority transmitted. Jesus not only performed these acts Himself but also transmitted His authority to His followers. He never sent anyone to preach the Gospel without specifically equipping them to take action against demons. This was evident with the twelve apostles and the seventy disciples, who joyfully reported demons being subject to them in Jesus's name.

New Testament evangelism. The ministry of Philip in Samaria, the only person in the New Testament explicitly called an "evangelist," serves as a clear pattern. His evangelism included preaching Christ, seeing miracles, and unclean spirits crying out and leaving people. This demonstrates that expelling demons is not an optional "extra" but an integral part of New Testament evangelism, confirming the message that "the kingdom of God is at hand."

2. Demons Are Real: Understanding Their Nature and Terminology

In English the important distinction between daimon and daimonion is obliterated by the fact that both words are normally translated by one and the same English word: demon.

Disembodied spirit beings. Demons are real, disembodied spirit beings with personality traits like will, emotion, intellect, self-awareness, and the ability to speak. They intensely crave to occupy physical bodies, preferring human bodies but willing to enter animals rather than remain disembodied. Their origin is debated, but they appear to be earthbound, unlike fallen angels who reside in "heavenly places."

Accurate terminology matters. The Greek New Testament uses distinct terms:

• Daimonion: The most common term, translated as "demon."
• Unclean spirit and evil spirit: Used interchangeably with daimonion.
• Diabolos: Means "slanderer," and is almost exclusively a title for Satan himself (the one devil), not demons.
• Daimonizo: The verb meaning "to be subject to demonic influence," not "to be possessed" (which implies ownership, a concept not supported by the Greek).

Impact of mistranslation. The traditional translation of daimonion as "devil" and daimonizo as "possessed" has caused widespread confusion and fear. It incorrectly suggests that Christians can be "owned" by the devil, when in reality, they can be "demonized" or influenced in areas of their personality not fully yielded to the Holy Spirit. Using precise language like "demonized" helps clarify the true nature of demonic influence.

3. Demons Gain Entry Through Weaknesses and Sin

Remember, the devil chooses the weakest moment and the weakest place.

Vulnerability points. Demons exploit moments and places of weakness to gain access to human personalities. Just as a weakened immune system allows cancer, spiritual unhealthiness or emotional weakness makes a person vulnerable to demonic attack. This is why correct diagnosis—flesh or demons—is crucial, as the remedies are different: crucifixion for the flesh, expulsion for demons.

Common entry points:

• Family background: Occult or false religions (Exodus 20:3-5 warns of consequences to the third and fourth generations).
• Prenatal influences: Resentment or hatred towards an unborn child, leading to spirits of rejection.
• Early childhood pressures: Broken homes, parental conflict, abuse, leading to anger, fear, rebellion, depression.
• Emotional shock/pressure: Frightening accidents, sudden trauma, or persistent stress (e.g., unemployment, criticism) opening doors to fear, anger, or hopelessness.
• Sinful acts/habits: Deliberate wrongdoing (e.g., lying, shoplifting, sexual sin) or persistent sinful habits (e.g., masturbation, gluttony) providing legal ground for demons.
• Laying on of hands: Imparting evil spirits from an unholy source.
• Idle words: Thoughtless utterances (e.g., "I wish I were dead," "I'm sick and tired") inviting corresponding spirits.

The "empty house" warning. Jesus warned that an expelled demon might return to an "empty, swept, and put in order" house, bringing seven worse spirits. This emphasizes the need to fill the delivered space with Jesus as Lord, ensuring no "vacancy" for demons to re-enter.

4. The Occult and Witchcraft: Satan's Primary Channels

The word occult is derived from a Latin word that means "concealed" or "covered over."

Hidden evil. The occult represents deceptive systems that divert humanity's innate longing for the unknown into bondage to Satan. These practices are "concealed" because their satanic source is hidden, often appearing desirable or harmless. The Bible equates turning to false gods with "spiritual adultery" and strongly warns against all forms of occult involvement.

Two main branches:

• Divination: Seeking supernatural knowledge about people, events, or the future (e.g., fortunetelling, psychic readings, horoscopes, Ouija boards). Even if seemingly true, the source is demonic bait.
• Sorcery: Using various means to impact physical senses (e.g., drugs, potions, charms, magic, spells, incantations, certain music forms like acid rock). The Greek word for "sorceries" literally means "drugs," often linked to murder, sexual immorality, and theft.

Witchcraft's pervasive influence. Witchcraft is the universal, primeval religion of fallen humanity, rooted in rebellion against God. It aims for control through manipulation, intimidation, and domination. Modern forms operate on various levels:

• Open/Public: Worship of Satan (e.g., Church of Satan).
• Underground: Covens meeting for sacrifices (animal, sometimes human) and binding covenants.
• Fifth Column: Disguised within society and the Church (e.g., New Age cults, hypnosis, acupuncture, certain music).
• Work of the Flesh: Habitual manipulation or intimidation in relationships, opening the door for a spirit of witchcraft.

5. Christians Can Be Demonized and Need Deliverance

I have not been able to find any passage of Scripture suggesting that demons will automatically leave at that time.

Challenging tradition. The common belief that Christians cannot have demons is unscriptural and can hinder deliverance. While salvation is transformative, it doesn't automatically expel all pre-existing demonic influences. Philip's ministry in Samaria shows demons being driven out after people believed and were baptized, indicating that deliverance is often a separate, necessary step.

Post-conversion vulnerability. Being born again does not grant immunity from demonic pressure; in fact, Satan may increase attacks, especially on those who become a threat to his kingdom. New Testament epistles, addressed to Christians, contain urgent warnings to be vigilant against deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, implying that believers can "depart from the faith" through demonic influence.

"Another Jesus." Paul warned against accepting "another Jesus," a "different spirit," or a "different gospel." This highlights how Christians can open themselves to demons by embracing false teachings that present an unbiblical Christ (e.g., Marxist, New Age, humanistic, or "Father Christmas" versions). Such deception leads to receiving a "different spirit"—a demon—and necessitates deliverance.

6. The Holy Spirit Indwells to Empower, Not Just Cleanse

The Holy Spirit will dwell in a vessel that is not totally clean, provided that He has been given access to the central, controlling area of human personality: the heart.

God's mercy and grace. Contrary to the belief that the Holy Spirit only indwells a perfectly clean vessel, biblical examples like King David (guilty of adultery and murder yet retaining the Spirit) show God's mercy. David prayed, "Do not take Your Holy Spirit from me," indicating the Spirit remained despite his defilement, enabling his repentance.

Progressive sanctification. While God's standard of holiness is fixed, our journey to it is progressive. Hebrews 10:14 states Jesus "has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." The Holy Spirit comes to help us in this ongoing process, not just after we achieve perfection. He gently convicts, empowers, and works with us to establish Christ's victory.

Essential requirement: a purified heart. The key is a heart purified by faith, as seen with Cornelius's household in Acts 10. This means giving the Holy Spirit access to the central, controlling area of our personality. The Holy Spirit is realistic about our failings and will not withhold help if demons are present, but will empower us to expel them, provided we are genuinely repentant and willing to cooperate.

7. Demons Manifest Through Emotions, Mind, Body, and Addictions

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, without walls.

Personality as a city. The human personality is like a city with various areas, and demons exploit broken "walls" (inner defenses) to take residence. A person lacking self-control is vulnerable, and demons can infiltrate emotions, the mind, the tongue, sexual areas, and physical appetites.

Areas of demonic activity:

• Emotions/Attitudes: Rejection (a common "door-opener"), leading to self-pity, loneliness, depression, despair, suicide (passive reaction), or anger, hatred, rebellion, witchcraft, violence, murder (aggressive reaction).
• Mind: Doubt, unbelief, confusion, forgetfulness, indecision, compromise, humanism, insanity. These attacks often target those who rely heavily on intellect.
• Tongue: Lying spirits (compulsive lying, exaggeration), gossip, criticism, slander. Idle words can open doors to these.
• Sex: Compulsive sexual aberrations (masturbation, pornography, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, perversions). These often stem from deep-seated wounds or generational sin.
• Physical Appetites: Gluttony, addiction to alcohol, nicotine, drugs, coffee, soft drinks, or even seemingly harmless things like nail polish sniffing. Anything compulsive and enslaving can be demonic.

Demons of sickness and infirmity. Demons can cause physical pain and sickness, as Jesus demonstrated by healing the mute, deaf, blind, and those with epilepsy or spinal curvature by expelling spirits. Discernment is needed to distinguish demonic causes from natural ones. Negative emotional spirits (rejection, fear, unforgiveness) can also hinder physical healing.

8. Preparing for Deliverance: Nine Essential Steps

You do not have to win the victory for yourself. You can enter into the victory that Jesus, by His death and resurrection, has already won for you.

Claiming Christ's victory. Deliverance is not about earning freedom but appropriating the victory Jesus already secured on the cross. This sacrifice is the sole basis for release from every demonic force. If human help is unavailable, turning directly to Jesus, the Deliverer, is always an option.

Nine steps to deliverance:

1. Personally Affirm Your Faith in Jesus: Proclaim Jesus as Son of God, Savior, and Lord, who died for your sins and rose again.
2. Humble Yourself: Renounce pride and self-righteousness, acknowledging your need for God's grace. Be willing to choose deliverance over dignity.
3. Confess Any Known Sins: Be honest with God about specific sins, calling them by their true names (e.g., gluttony, lust, hatred).
4. Repent of All Sins: Accept personal responsibility and turn away from sin completely, hating it as God hates it.
5. Forgive All Other People: Unconditionally forgive everyone who has harmed or wronged you, releasing bitterness and resentment. This is a decision of the will, not an emotion.
6. Break with the Occult and All False Religion: Sever all ties with occult practices or false religions, including disposing of associated objects (preferably by burning them).
7. Prepare to Be Released from Every Curse: Claim release from any generational or personal curses based on Jesus being made a curse on the cross.
8. Take Your Stand with God: Submit your will and life to God, taking a firm stand against all sin, evil, and demons. Verbalize your resistance.
9. Expel! Actively expel demons, usually through the mouth, by blowing them out. Keep the exit clear and cooperate with the Holy Spirit, who may guide the process.

9. Keeping Your Deliverance: Ongoing Discipline and Armor

To keep your deliverance, all you have to do is live the Christian life as it is depicted and demonstrated in the New Testament.

Satan's counterattack. Deliverance is not the end; Satan will attempt to reassert control. To maintain freedom, one must immediately begin rebuilding spiritual "walls" and ensure Jesus is absolute Lord of every area of life. This involves a radical, disciplined Christian lifestyle.

Seven principles for maintenance:

• Live by God's Word: Make God's Word preeminent in thoughts, speech, and actions, meditating on it day and night.
• Put on the Garment of Praise: Cultivate a lifestyle of continuous praise and thanksgiving, which demons find intolerable.
• Come under Discipline: Embrace self-discipline in communion with God, controlling emotions, desires, and especially the tongue. Submit to God-instituted authorities.
• Cultivate Right Fellowship: Associate with believers who encourage spiritual growth and sever ties with harmful influences.
• Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Continuously be filled with the Spirit, singing praises, being thankful, and submitting to one another, leaving no vacant areas for demons.
• Pass through Water Baptism: If not already done as a believer, get baptized to signify separation from Satan's kingdom and claim legal freedom from demonic activity.
• Put on the Whole Armor of God: Equip yourself with the full spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:13-18): belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation (hope), sword of the Spirit (spoken Word), and all prayer.

The divine paradox. To truly save (protect) one's soul, one must "lose" it by denying self and taking up the cross. This voluntary crucifixion of the ego prevents demonic influence, as pride is Satan's main target. There are no shortcuts; obedience is the sole condition for immunity from demonic oppression.

10. Hindrances to Deliverance: Unaddressed Spiritual Issues

Most of the people who have prayed the prayer outlined in Chapter 22 have received deliverance from demons – but not all.

Common barriers. While many receive deliverance, some do not, often due to unaddressed spiritual issues. It's crucial to identify and resolve these hindrances to ensure complete freedom. Deliverance is for the desperate and those with right motives, not for selfish pleasure or attention.

Ten potential hindrances:

• Lack of repentance: Unwillingness to renounce rebellion against God and submit to Christ's Lordship.
• Lack of desperation: Not recognizing the severity of demonic bondage or the sole reliance on Christ for help.
• Wrong motives: Seeking deliverance merely to escape unpleasant consequences or for selfish pleasure.
• Self-centeredness/desire for attention: Using "problems" to remain the focus of others' concern rather than genuinely seeking freedom.
• Failure to break with the occult: Retaining any subtle links or objects connected to occult practices or false religions.
• Failure to sever binding soulish relationships: Maintaining controlling or manipulative ties with others, even family members.
• Lack of release from a curse: Not claiming freedom from generational or personal curses through Christ's sacrifice.
• Failure to confess a specific sin: Holding back a particular sin that opened the door to the demon, preventing God's forgiveness and cleansing.
• Not "separated" by water baptism: Lacking the outward act of obedience that signifies complete separation from Satan's kingdom.
• Part of a larger battle: Being a strategic target in a broader spiritual war, requiring deeper intercession and discernment of heavenly forces.

Prayer and fasting. For particularly stubborn cases, Jesus's words "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting" (Mark 9:29) may apply. This emphasizes the need for sustained spiritual warfare and commitment when facing entrenched demonic opposition.