Jesus ministry had three major components
(Luke 4:14-5:26): Teaching, healing and setting people free from spiritual
bondage. Jesus confronted demonic powers and freed people from their influence
(Luke 4:31-37, 41). The early church carried on the ministry of Jesus as the
apostles focused on these same three areas of ministry (Acts 5:12-16). We
should do the same – go about doing good, teaching, healing, and helping people
find freedom from the work of the enemy. The result will be many people being
set free and added to the kingdom of God.
Christians cannot be “demon possessed”, as
God owns us. However, demons can influence Christians both in the form of
various attacks (oppression, affliction, torment, etc) and if we give them a
“foothold” through various access points (see Eph.4:26-27). Paul tells us not
to give place to the devil, which means it’s obviously possible. If we give
place to the devil, we can give demonic spirits the opportunity to have a
negative influence on aspects of our lives. At times people have to be loosed
or set free from this kind of demonic involvement.
Four Possible “Access Points” for Demonic
Influence:
1. Lack of Forgiveness – Hurts are unhealed wounds from the past that may come from things
such as abuse, rejection and unresolved conflicts. Unless we forgive those who
have hurt us, we can open ourselves up to spiritual “torment” (Mt.18:34-35.
Eph.4:27).
2. Involvement in the Occult – Involvement in things such as the occult and false religion can open us
up to the influence of the evil one and therefore need to be renounced (Deut.18:9-14.
Acts 19:18-20).
3. Negative Generational
Influences – The affect of sins from previous
generations can influence us if they are not renounced (Ex.20:5-6. Neh.1:6. John
9:2. 2 Cor.5:17). This does not take away personal responsibility and we can
begin a new godly generation through appropriating the work of Jesus on the
cross.
4. Unrepentant Sin – Unless we confess and turn from our sin (“repent”), it can give the
enemy an opportunity to take advantage of us (Eph.2:1-2. Prov.28:13. Luke 22:3.
Acts 5:1-6. 1 John 1:9-10).
Thankfully, full victory over every work of
the enemy is available to us in Christ (Jas.4:7. Rom.16:20. 1 Pet.5:8-9. 1 John
4:4). Jesus Christ came to set us free from every chain and bondage (Luke
4:16-21. John 3:32, 36. 2Cor.3:17. Acts 10:38).
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you think there is too much or too little emphasis on the demonic by churches today?
2. Do you know of anyone that has
been influenced by demons?
3. Paul warns us not to give the
devil a “foothold” (Eph.4:27). Consider the four possible “access points” to the
enemy shared in this message and consider any others .
4. In many ways, demons are
like flies in that they’re attracted to wounds and garbage. Instead of just
swatting at the flies and causing quite a commotion, it is wiser and more
effective to help bring healing to the wound and to remove any garbage that may
be attracting them. Dealing with symptoms without getting to the root cause
will not be helpful. Spend some time reflecting on this “word picture” and the
balanced approach it implies in this area of ministry. Prayer ministry is not as an isolated or
stand-alone ministry that is the cure-all for everything, but part of a wider
approach to ministering wholeness to people’s lives.
5. Below are the prayers that
we said publicly as a congregation. Read them out loud them and maybe have some time
praying over them again and applying personally as appropriate. The objective is to deal with anything in our
lives that may be hindering our walk with God and thereby give no opportunity
for the devil to negatively influence us (John 10:10). Obviously, this must be
an ongoing action and not just a one-off event (read Eph.6:10-18. 2Cor.2:11).
Prayers of Freedom
Salvation
– “Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me so much
that you sent Jesus to die for my sin. Please forgive me for everything I have
done wrong. Fill me with your Spirit, Make me your child. I will live for you.
I will serve you all the days of my life. And when my life is over, I know I
will spend eternity with you. Amen.”
Forgiveness
– “Father God, I
admit that other people have hurt me through their words and actions. Today I
choose to let go of all anger, bitterness and resentment. Thank you for
forgiving me. By an act of my will, I now choose to forgive those who have hurt
or offended me and I let go of any desire to hurt them back. Help me to show
them the love and mercy you have shown me. Amen.”
The
Occult – “Heavenly Father, I renounce all
involvement in the occult, in various cults or in false religion. I renounce
any group, practice or belief that does not glorify Jesus. I confess Jesus
Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I claim the release and freedom promised by
Jesus Christ. The past is dealt with. My future is assured. Today, I will enjoy
the abundant life that is available to me in Christ. Thank you for your
righteousness, your peace and your joy. Amen.”
Negative
Generational Influences – “Father God, I confess and renounce every sin that my parents or my
ancestors may have committed which has influenced my life, and I ask for
forgiveness and cleansing. In the name of Jesus I break every curse or sinful
tendency that may have been passed on to me from my family or previous
generations. I am now ‘in Christ’ and I have begun a new generation. I thank
you that Jesus took every curse for me on the cross of Calvary. He died and
then rose again so that I might be completely set free. Amen.”
Unrepentant
Sin – “Heavenly
Father, I repent of every sin, wrong action or attitude. Thank you that every
sin is completely forgiven and thoroughly cleansed by the blood of Jesus. I now
choose to forgive myself for the things you have forgiven me for. I turn from
my sin. Give me discernment to recognise temptation when it comes and the
strength to resist it. I now declare that Satan has no
foothold in my life. I am free in Christ! Help me to live in that freedom. Amen.”
May we walk in the freedom Jesus won for us two thousand years ago!