INNER HEALING and DELIVERANCE

Transcription

1 INNER HEALING and DELIVERANCE Summary Overview This is not a focus on deliverance. We operate with a conviction, borne out by some experience, that proper inner healing will, of itself, effect much deliverance. Our primary goal is to destroy Satan's legal ground to stay, to dismantle his habitations, to remove all the handles by which he has been able to hold his victim. This is done through inner healing, that is, the healing that comes to both soul and spirit as a result of thorough repentance. A review of the inner healing process we have learned: 1. Complete forgiveness of others 2. Confession of all personal sin and sinful reactions (bitterness, hatred, etc.) against others 3. "Absolution": The counsellor declaring God's forgiveness over all confessed sins 4. The renunciation of every thing (bitter root judgments, vows) and every one (controlling figures) that needs to be renounced. 5. Genuine acts of repentance to dismantle the carnal structures formerly inhabited by demons. This means a conscious, deliberate putting off of old habits and practices of the flesh (Col. 3:5-10) 6. The ministry of Truth: Scripture, wheel & line, octopus, books, tapes, etc. After thorough inner healing, there sometimes remains the need to expel a demon, that is, "to minister deliverance." We will attempt to define demonic activity, how a person comes under demonic activity, and how to go about ministering deliverance from demons. I. Demonic Activity Defined A great deal of misunderstanding and unnecessary division in the Christian community has arisen because of the kind of language that has been used to describe demonic activity. A. Can a Christian have a demon? In the past, it has been common to talk about people being "demon-possessed," and this was often the only perception some Christians had of demonic activity. The problem is really with the most commonly used English translations of the New Testament which talk about "being possessed by a demon." Because these translations have been accepted without question as being accurate, many Christians have concluded that it is impossible for a Christian to be "demon-possessed" because possession implies ownership. On the basis of I Cor. 6:19, 20, so the logic goes, dual ownership is not possible. 69

2 B. The problem is a false one. The Bible nowhere, in the original languages, uses the term demon-possession or the phrase possessed by a demon. 1. Matthew 11:18 - The man has the demon, not the other way around. Luke 8:27... a man of the city who had demons... (Gadarene demoniac) 2. Mark 1:23; 5:2 - To be in or with a demon! (Greek word means in or with ) In both texts, a man is (in or with) an unclean spirit. 3. Mark 1:32 arnd Luke 8:36 are examples of several passages that use the Greek word µµ (daimonidzomai). This is the term most frequently translated demon-possessed. More modern translators are now simply transliterating this Greek word to produce the word demonized. Once we get away from the notion of demons possessing people, we can begin to see from scripture that believers can indeed have demons, be with a demon, or be "demonized." Let us demonstrate: C. We can roughly describe four levels of demonization. None of this is absolute. It simply provides a helpful framework for understanding different levels of demonic involvement. Different teachers use different terms, or the same terms with some different meanings. 1. TEMPTATION - Matthew 4:1 says that Jesus was tempted by the devil. Temptation is demonic activity, and we are told in Hebrews that Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, yet without sinning. In that sense, even the sinless Son of God was demonized, meaning he was the object of demonic activity. 2. OPPRESSION - A term used in Acts 10:38: Jesus went about healing all who were oppressed by the devil... Luke 13:11-16 (physical, a bent back) II Tim. 1:7 (Soul: Fear, guilt, anger) 3. INFESTATION - Mark 1:23 talks about a spirit of divination I know who you are The Holy One of God. Mark 9:20-22 is about a boy who is often thrown into the fire or the water. These are transitory visitations of evil, which may be violent and destructive, but are temporary and fleeting. 4. INUNDATION (Some have described this with the unbiblical term of "classic demon possession") - The personality of the human victim is completely overshadowed by the personalities of several demons. The Gadarene demoniac (Mark 5:1-20), continuously and completely out of his right mind, is an extreme example. At any rate, the classically "possessed" have been quite rare. It may become more common with an active, open resurgence of witchcraft, Satanism, and the like. 70

3 Sandfords use similar terms to the four above, but with significantly different meanings: 1. Infestation - demons gathered, like swarming bees, around a person or a family. 2. Inhabitation - Demons become resident in a practice of the flesh. Anger -> rage. 3. Obsession - Demon(s) becomes resident in a character structure, like control. 4. Possession - Total inundation, as used above. The important thing to see is deepening levels of involvement, regardless of what terms might be used to describe it. D. Activities of demons. They SPECIALIZE, and each has a limited scope of activity. Because they are neither omnipotent nor omnipresent, they usually must work together. The Gadarene demoniac had between 2,000 and 6,500 demons, the number in a Roman legion! Some of their "specialties": 1. Physical affliction. Luke 13:10-16 (back trouble). Matthew 9:32-34 (dumbness). Luke 9:37-43 (epilepsy). Luke 4:38-39 (fever "rebuked"). A word of caution: These symptoms can be caused by many other things! Scripture clearly differentiates between deliverance and healing, although they may be interrelated. 2. Emotional or mental deception. Genesis 3:1-5, John 8:44. Satan is called "The father of lies" and "the deceiver of the whole world." His only real power is the power of delusion, and the delusion itself has no power -- apart from our faith! Note especially Acts 5:2 -- Indeed, can Christians be demonized, even to the point of their own destruction? 3. Emotional disturbance. II Tim. 1:7. A spirit can create an environment of fear, fatigue, depression, etc. for a believer even one of apostolic stature, like Timothy. 4. False Teaching. I Tim. 4:1-5 (the doctrines of demons), I John 4:1,2. This is a warning to spirit-anointed believers! II. How does one become demonized? A. This objection is commonly raised: "The idea that a Christian can have a demon negates the doctrine of sanctification (the cleansing, purifying, maturing work of the Holy Spirit)." Now, are we saying that demons can overpower the Holy Spirit's work in our lives? No! But we can make a choice! 1. In every case in the New Testament where a reason is given for demonization 71

4 (often no reason is given), the demonization was proceeded by a choice to sin. John 13:21-27 Satan entered into Judas heart after he hatched his plan to betray Acts 5:1 ff. After the decision to lie, Satan filled the heart of Ananias I Tim. 6:9, 10 The desire to be rich precedes temptation and spiritual ruin II Tim. 2:25, 26 & James 4:7 tell how to pro-actively escape the snare of the devil 2. Eph. 2:2. µ (energidzomai) the spirit that is at work in the sons of disobedience. Satan energizes the sons of disobedience! Disobedience is man s choice; it gives Satan something to energize. 3. Eph. 4:26, 27 is a warning "to give no opportunity to the devil." By his own wrong choices, a believer can become demonized. B. As counsellors, we must be alert to sins and sin structures (habits, practices of the flesh) which have become so much a life stance that the counsellee is often unaware of them. These sins and sin-structures become apparent when we contrast them with that which defends us from Satan. Armour of God, Eph. 6:10 ff. Armour of Satan, Luke 11:20-22 Righteousness Truth Peace Faith Self-righteousness, defensiveness, accusation Lies, deception, blame-shifting Discord (Proverbs 6:16-19), strife Fear, unbelief, and control Repels attack Repels darkness Repels Satan Repels death Invites attack Invites darkness Invites Satan Invites death We cannot wear both God's armour and Satan's. Our stance in relationship to the cross will determine whose armour we wear. Col. 2:13-15 or Phil. 3: What do you think it means to "live as enemies of the cross?" C. The expulsion of a demon (or demons) begins by first dealing with the sin(s) which give it access. Remember John 14:30? He has nothing in Me. Some common points of access: 72

5 1. Voluntary a. Prolonged personal sin (Romans 6:16): Unresolved anger and bitterness (Eph. 4:26 ff.), lust, perversion, pornography, jealously, hatred (King Saul). b. Involvement in the occult (Deut. 18; Lev. 19:26, 31; 20:6, 27), cults, drugs, (sorcery - Gal. 5:20), violence. 2. Involuntary a. Ancestral sin (Ask "Has your family ever been involved in..."): Occult religion, occult "healings" (charming), divination, etc. b. Exposure to evil (from ministry to others; objects dedicated to demonic activity). See Sandford s Inner Healing and Deliverance, Pp c. As the victim of violence or other severe trauma, including surgery under general anaesthesia. d. The object of a curse, of witchcraft or voodoo. See Leanne Payne, The Healing Presence, Pp III. Ministering Deliverance A. When a proper foundation of inner healing is laid down and there are no significant manifestations of heavy demonization, deliverance can be done in the privacy of the counselling relationship, quietly and with calm authority, and without the aid of a team. This will be your most common and frequent experience of deliverance. In such cases, it is sufficient to say such things as: "I break the power of (fear, perversion, deception, rejection) and bring it to death on the cross of Jesus." "In the name of Jesus, I destroy the lie of rejection over this person, and bring it down under the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ." "Fear, I see the victory of Jesus over you." "In the name of Jesus, I lift off from your body the spirit of affliction and pronounce you free of its power and influence." B. You may, however, encounter cases that are more difficult and you will sense a need for help and support. 73

6 The following things, either from the personal history, or from observation, may point to the kind of heavy demonization that requires the help of a team: Complete, or nearly-complete inundation of the human personality, is extremely rare. On occasion, however, you may encounter someone who violently reacts to the presence of the Holy Spirit (often exposed at large conferences where there is a powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit and a very high level of faith), to the name of Jesus, or at the mention of the blood or the cross of Christ. The reaction may include foul language or cursing, physical signs (flopping, foaming), different voices, screaming or growling, unusual eye roll-back, localized pain or chills, a desire to flee, "voices" of threat heard in the mind, violent shaking or stiffening, or sudden sleepiness. C. TEAM MINISTRY: For ministering to someone who is heavily demonized, it is wise to work with a team of people. Over time, it is a good idea to develop a team that will always work together, just like a worship team. (We have worked with several, interchangeable team members) 1. Who should participate on such a team? Ministry to the demonized is not for the unstable or immature (See Ephesians 4:13). In addition to stability and maturity, it is a ministry that requires considerable faith (I John 5:4), obedience to the Holy Spirit, and some holy boldness. The person who ministers to the demonized must have the compassion of Jesus and a sense of having been called and commissioned (Luke 9:1,2) to move in this area of ministry. Furthermore, it should be a person who is secure in his/her identity in Christ, able to see what the Father is doing, and able to follow the anointing of the Holy Spirit to move effectively in His gifts and power. You need this to be the leader of a deliverance team, and "on the way" in order to be a learner and an effective team member. When you find it necessary to use a team, make sure to ask your counsellee's permission to use a team, and let the counsellee veto anyone you might have in mind. You do, however, need to have a team that combines revelatory gifting with much calm faith and authority. 2. There are numerous benefits to team ministry: a. Collective power, Matthew 18:19-20 if two of you agree... b. Collective gifts: Revelation, discernment, wisdom, knowledge, faith with authority. c. Collective observation No one can see everything. Consult. d. Rest Take turns leading, ministering. The anointing may move from 74

7 person to person. e. Protection Some hold the sword, some hold the trowel f. Follow-up Many hands make light work 3. Discernment: You will soon discover that discernment is a most vital ingredient to successful deliverance ministry. Called the gift of "the distinguishing (discernment) of spirits (I Corinthians 12:10)," this gifting is manifested through situational anointing at the time of need and may develop into a ministry gift. This gift helps to differentiate the workings of the Holy Spirit, the human spirit, and the demonic spirits. This gift can manifest in a variety of ways. Everyone is different: Some will feel chills. Some will experience a sudden rising up of authority within their chest. Others will see visions. Some will experience a felt sense of evil influence. One might "see" the evil in the mind's eye: "I see a dark cloud over you." Some actually see into the spiritual realm and behold a demon. Some may see words, hear the voice of God, or have a mental picture. Some will just "know," and not know how or why! Don't be discouraged! Discernment is clearly something that is developed and sharpened by practice (Heb. 5:11-14). You have to start somewhere! 4. Team ministry requires team-work! a. Recognize who is the team leader (based on relationship, experience), and recognize where the anointing is at any given moment (based on revelation, faith and authority). b. Maintain unity, and remain free from inner strife. Serve one another. D. Be prepared for the Ministry of Deliverance 1. Confession of your own sin - Hebrews 10:22, John 14:30. Go in with a clear conscience so the enemy can't defeat you with accusations. Neither do you want to wound the recipient of ministry with your own stuff. 2. Keep relationships clear with mate, church leaders, etc. Unity is essential -- this is war! You can't have team harmony if you are out of harmony with your mate or the spiritual authorities over you. 3. Prayer with fasting is always a good practice, but usually not necessary for deliverance. Jesus, however, says that the expulsion of certain demons requires 75

8 E. The Ministry Time this kind of discipline to be effective (Matthew 17:19-21). This assumes that one has plenty of time beforehand to spend time fasting and praying before entering into the confrontation. The value of prayer with fasting: a. Humbling yourself under God s authority increases your authority over the demonic. b. Fasting is a way to subdue your own flesh which is, by virtue of the fall, inclined to be in league with the world and the devil. c. Prayer, intensified by fasting, will develop intimacy with the Father, nurture your own spirit, and build faith. 1. As you enter into the time of ministry, don't make a big deal out of it! Make relationship a big priority! Be Yourself! Resist all fear and unbelief. 2. It is not necessary to command the demons to identify themselves (Mark 5). They can be addressed according to their obvious function. ( You unclean spirit ) 3. Contrary to teaching and modelling from years past: Do not require a manifestation, and don't adopt yelling as a method! Look confidently at the victory of Jesus, calmly tell the demon what you see, and expect total obedience to your command to send it away. 4. If the spirit manifests, or speaks, bind it and command it to stop in the name of Jesus. Don't converse with a demon. (See Genesis 3 if you forget why!) 5. Address the spirit by its function (or name, if you know it), and command it to leave in the name of Jesus. 6. The person receiving ministry often knows when the demon is gone. You can ask them, "What's going on?" 7. Don't feel like you have to "get it all now because everyone is watching." Do what you sense God is doing, and follow the anointing. 8. Sometimes you might be led to tell the demon(s) not to return. Jesus did this once (Mark 9:25), apparently for the sake of the frightened father. 9. Where the person has a past history in the occult, it is necessary to "hide them away" from the enemy's view. See Sandford, Inner Healing and Deliverance, P. 308 on No safe dabbling. Genesis 19:10-11 The angels snatch Lot from the men at the door, blind the attackers with heaven s light, and bring him safely inside the house. 76

9 Psalm 91:1-4 live in the shelter... abide in the shadow... cover you with his pinions... under his wings you will find refuge... Colossians 3:3 Your life is hid with Christ in God. 10. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill, cleanse, heal, and restore all that has been defiled. Their personal spirit has been wrenched, sprained, dislocated, shifted off its foundation. 11. Give prophetic encouragement as the Lord gives utterance. Expect it. Ask for it. It will do the opposite of what the demon did -- upbuild, encourage, console (I Corinthians 14:3). 12. Be sure to instruct the person how to stay free. Luke 11:24-28; James 1: Hear the Word of God and keep it. Be doers of the word, not hearers only In some cases, follow-up care is required. The delivered person may need: Assurance of your acceptance; help in dealing with counterattacks ( Now you command it. Say, Be gone in the name of Jesus! ); further healing of related areas; and integration, or reintegration, into the Christian community (fellowship in a small group, worship with the celebrating assembly on Sundays, baptism, communion, opportunities to serve and be discipled, etc.). 77