STEPS TO DELIVERANCE

Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer

Main St. Baptist Church - 252 W. State St. - Doylestown, Pa. 18901

215-348-8086 jerry@schmoyer.net

http://mainstreetbaptist.org or http://www.sw-mins.org

 

When one is surrounded the best thing to do is to attack. That is what God wants us to do, too, when seemingly surrounded by Satan's forces. We are to FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE of the apostles. They did what they did following Jesus' example and in His power (Matthew 10:1,8; Mark 3:15; 6:7; Luke 9:1). We, too, are given power over the enemy (Luke 10:19; Matthew 10:1; Zechariah 3:15). We have the authority and power to bind demons and loose oppressed believers (Matthew 16:18-19). This must all be done in the power of Jesus' name (Matthew 8:22; Luke 9:49) for that is the only thing demons will obey. Always refer to His full name: "The Lord Jesus Christ." We, however, must be a clean vessel for Him to fill and use for deliverance (Revelation 12:10-11).

Before anything can be said about how to bring about deliverance, there must be no doubt about whose power is in deliverance. It cannot be done in our own strength, we do not have any power to remove demonizing (Mark 9:14-18). In fact, we can cause more damage than good doing this in our strength and not Jesus' (Acts 19:13-20). Even Michael let God rebuke Satan and wouldn't do it himself (Jude 9). We must be strong in the power God gives us. Not our own. We can only be strong in Jesus' strength and power (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are strong "IN" Jesus (Ephesians 6:10-18), not just "from" Jesus. Strength only comes from a close personal relationship and dependence on Him. This is because Jesus has defeated Satan (Eph. 1:20-22; Philippians 2:9-11; Col. 2:15; Heb. 2:14; I John 3:8; Luke 4:18).

In Jesus we have both power ( dunamis dunamis - Luke 9:1; 24:49; Acts 1:8; 4:33; 6:8 Ephesians 1:18-23; Hebrews 2:14-15) and authority ( exousia exousia - Luke 10:1,17-20; Matthew 10:1,8; Mark 3:15; 6:7; I John 4:4). Power comes from the Holy Spirit within (Acts 1:8), authority comes from our relationship as a child of Jesus (John 1:12). A policeman has both authority (badge) and power (gun or club). Both come from a source outside himself, as do ours (Colossians 12:9-10). Satan also has power (Luke 10:19; I Corinthians 15:24; I Peter 3:22) and authority (Luke 4:6; Acts 26:10; I Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 1:21; 2:2; 3:10; 6:12). Demons have these, also (Revelation 9:3,10,19; Colossians 1:16; 2:10; I Peter 3:22). God's power and authority is superior to that which Satan & the demons have. Men without Jesus do not have power or authority anywhere near to Satan and his demons, though.

In all areas it is Jesus' strength, not ours, that gives us victory (Philippians 4:13). God promises to give us power (II Timothy 1:7; II Thessalonians 3:2-3). God is faithful to keep His promise to strengthen us (Numbers 23:19; Philippians 1:4-6; Hebrews 10:22-23). Our part is to use His strength. We are to fight, but in His strength. We must put on the armor God provides and stand in His strength (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are promised what when we resist Satan in God's strength that Satan will flee (James 4:7; I Peter 5:8-9). Victory is assured when we fight in His might (I Corinthians 15:57; II Corinthians 2:14; I John 5:5). French Painter Emile Ranouf, in a painting called "A Helping Hand," depicted an old man dressed in fisherman's garb, seated in boat with little girl beside him. Both have hands on an oar. He is looking down fondly and admiringly at her. Apparently he has told her that she may assist him in rowing the boat, and she feels she is doing a great share of the task. It is easy to see it is his strong, muscular arm doing the work. That's how it is with us and Jesus! It’s all by His grace!

Therefore we need not fear Satan or his forces (Joshua 1:9; 10:8; 23:9-11; Leviticus 26:8; Exodus 14:13; I Samuel 17:45-47; II Samuel 22:33-35,40-41). They must have God's approval for all they do (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Luke 4:35). God protects His people (Luke 10:19; II Thessalonians 3:3; Revelation 9:4; I Samuel 18:10-11; 19:9-10). Nothing can get us away from God (Romans 8:38; John 10:29). When we ask, God will put a hedge around us or those we are praying for (Job 1:10; 3:23; Isaiah 5:5). God's power is greater than Satan's (Exodus 7:12; 8:18; I Jn 4:4).

First PRAY FOR GOD'S PROTECTION around us, our families and our properties as we begin (Job 1:10; 3:23; Isaiah 5:5). Ask for protection from the enemy’s interference, that all things would be done decently and in order that angels would be present to minister and protect, that the demons would not hide or interfere and that the Holy Spirit would lead and guide in all that will happen. Claim your authority and power over the place, time and people involved. Forbid anything to interfere, distract or embarrass as the session continues. Ask God to take their power and authority away, as Jesus did when He rebuked the demons (Matthew 17:18; Luke 9:42). Seeing God's power over Satan's forces today brings glory to God (Psalm 149:6-9). God promises victory, saying we will see Satan crushed under our feet (Romans 16:20). The very gates of hell cannot prevail against God's work on earth today (Matthew 16:18-19).

Blessed Heavenly Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I desire to walk in the Spirit today. I know that only as You manifest the life of Jesus Christ in me will I be able to have victory of sin and selfishness in my life. I pray Your Spirit may produce Your fruit within my whole being. Give me a greater love and devotion for You in all I say, think and do.

Forgive me for the many times I have grieved You by my sin and disobedience. Show me my sins so that I can confess and remove them. Give me a greater desire to pray, read Your Word and become more like the Lord Jesus Christ.

Fill me with Your presence and control me by faith. Fill me with Your power and authority that I may live in victory over the attacks of the world, the flesh and Satan. Reveal Your will to me. Show me anything You would have me do to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray you would put a hedge of protection around us, our families and our property. In Jesus’ name we forbid any of Satan’s forces to anything to confuse, distract, hide or in any way work against the good work God will be doing this day. Fill us with your presence and wisdom. In James you promise abundant wisdom to those who ask and we are asking for your wisdom, guidance and leadership in what will take place.

We commit all this to you for your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Before anything positive can happen the person must be WILLING TO SUBMIT THEIR WHOLE LIVES TO GOD (Romans 12:1-2) and be willing to deal with any sin in their lives (1 John 1:9). There can be no known sin they are holding onto, no immorality or pride. They must be committed to daily Bible reading and prayer as well as regular attendance at a Bible-believing church. If they are not willing to obey and submit to God they won’t find deliverance. Ask them to pray confessing any sin that is still in their life and to reaffirm their total submission to Jesus and their willingness to deal with whatever He shows must be dealt with. It is not in response to our faith that God delivers, but faith in Him is of the utmost importance. It’s not that if we have enough faith good things will happen and if we fall short they won’t. God’s deliverance isn’t determined by nor limited to our faith. Still, faith in God to be able to deliver and trust in Him to bring to light what is necessary are primary ingredients for God to work.

Now it is time to START GATHERING INFORMATION . Before a doctor writes a prescription or gives treatment he first gathers all the facts he can. He will then know by the symptoms and patterns what to prescribe and how to proceed. The same is true in spiritual warfare. These are some of the questions I ask those I am counseling. Other questions might arise depending on their answers.

  • Can you briefly tell me what some of your earliest memories are? (this can shed light into childhood events, trauma, etc., that may have contributed to the demonizing)
  • When did your problems and difficulties begin happening? (going back to the start is very helpful in understanding why they began. If they’ve always been there then generational spirits can be assumed)
  • Do you know of any event that may have caused the first one? (this can show an opening that needs to be taken back or a sin that needs to be confessed)
  • How long have you been a Christian? (make sure they understand what it means to be a believer and really have trusted Jesus. Seeing when they became a Christian in relationship to when the demonizing started is helpful as well.)
  • Does anyone else in your family or any ancestors have/had the same things happening to them? (this shows generational demonizing)
  • Where are your parents spiritually? (this can show if it is generational as well as how the person was influenced)
  • Are you married? Where is your mate at spiritually? (through the sexual union and through soul bonding demons can claim access to the other person)
  • Have you ever been sexually involved with anyone outside of marriage? (through the sexual union and through soul bonding demons can claim access to the other person)
  • Is there any sin you are allowing to remain in your life? (God will convict them of this. If they aren’t honest not much good will proceed from here.)
  • Have you experienced any trauma in life? (abuse, car accidents, extreme fear can break down a person’s defenses and take control of their lives out of their hands, thus creating an opening for the demonic.)
  • Do you have a church you attend? (the Bible commands we are to not forsake the assembling of ourselves. If this command is being broken it is sin and disobedience and must be changed for God to work in their lives. Only in very extreme, rare circumstances is it all right to not be attending a church.)
  • What denomination is it? (this can tell you something about their beliefs and practices.)
  • Were you ever involved in occult or demonic activities? (many people have used Ouija boards of something similar in the past and this is a definite opening to demonizing.)
  • Do you speak or pray in tongues? (I and many others in spiritual warfare have found that a false tongue, really a demon, is present and entered through one asking for a spirit of tongues)
  • Did anyone ever lay hands on you to receive the gift of tongues, healing or any other reason? (when someone lays hands on another and prays for them, anything demonic he or she may be open to can be transferred to the person they are praying for)

At this point I may ask them to fill out the LIST OF SYMPTOMS of demonizing and or the list of sins that lead to demonizing (page 32-33, 37-38) if I feel more detailed information is needed. I may have them fill those papers in before we meet or at the very start. I will use these papers and notes I have taken as I’ve asked them the questions to guide my praying. Don’t rush this stage, the final product will only be as good as your gathering of this information has been. Like a doctor, the results depend on this part of the process.


I. COMPULSIVE THOUGHTS

    • Extremely low self image (feel unworthy, unclean, no good, etc) Luke 8:2
    • Constant confusion in thinking (especially about spiritual things), restlessness
    • Inability to believe spiritual truths which you hear or read
    • Mocking and blasphemous thoughts (esp. when hearing spiritual truths)
    • Perceptual distortions (thinking others are angry at you when they are not)
    • Repetitious dreams or nightmares (sexual, horror-filled, fearful, etc)
    • Violent thoughts or actions (of suicide, rape, murder, self-abuse, cutting, etc.)

II. COMPULSIVE FEELINGS

    • Hatred and bitterness toward others for no justifiable reason
    • Tremendous hostility, fear, restlessness when challenged about demonizing
    • Deep depression and despondence (frequent and long)
    • Irrational fears, panic, and phobias (Rom. 8:15 Luke 9:39)
    • Irrational anger or rage (Mt. 8:28)
    • Irrational guilt and extreme self-condemnation, not forgiving self

III. COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR

    • Desire to do right but inability to carry it out
    • Sudden personality & attitude changes (like, and then hate someone)
    • Strong aversion to Scripture reading & prayer
    • Lying compulsively, then often wondering why (Acts 5:3)
    • Stealing compulsively, if you need the thing or not
    • Drinking or using drugs (prescription or not) compulsively, if you really desire to or not
    • Eating compulsively (or reverse, bulimia or anorexia nervosa)
    • Sexual sins that are compulsive (especially perversions) Matthew 15:5 Luke 8:27
    • Irrational, inappropriate laughter
    • Irrational violence (compulsion to hurt self or someone else) Mt. 17:15; Mk. 5:5; Lk 9:39
    • Sudden speaking of a language not previously known
    • Reactions to the name and blood of Jesus (uncomfortable, move away, etc.)
    • Uncontrollable cutting and mocking tongue and language
    • Vulgar language and actions (Luke. 4:33-34)
    • Uncontrollable greed, which drives you on (Acts 5:3)

IV. CONSCIOUSNESS PROBLEMS

    • Loss of time (little or a lot, not knowing how you got someplace what you did)
    • Extreme sleepiness around spiritual things (Bible study, prayer, etc.)
    • Demonstration of extraordinary abilities (ESP, telekinesis, out of body, disassociating)
    • Voices heard in the mind (mock, intimidate, accuse, threaten, bargaining
    • A voice speaking from you refers to you in the third person ("he" "she”)
    • Supernatural experiences (haunting, movement or disappearance of objects, etc.)

V. ABNORMAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS

    • Seizures (Mk. 1:26 Mk. 7:24-30 Mk. 17:15) (may or may not be demonic)
    • Pain without justifiable explanation, problem doctors can’t cure
    • Physical ailments alleviated by a spiritual command (epileptic seizure, asthma attack, headache, nausea, etc., which stops when commanded in Jesus' name to be gone)
    • Sudden interference with bodily functions (buzzing in ears, irritability to speak or hear, increased hypersensitivity in hearing or touch, sudden chills, etc.)

Don’t forget to CONFESS SIN that has been identified (1 John 1:9). The person themselves must be the one to pray and confess the sin. You can’t do it for them. Demons are like rats attracted to garbage, so get rid of the garbage to get rid of the rats.

SEXUAL SINS

    • Fornication
    • Adultery
    • Pornography
    • Bestiality
    • Incest
    • Lust (fantasies)
    • Masturbation
    • Homosexuality
    • Rape
    • Exhibitionism

DRUGS

    • Illegal (name the drug):
    • Legal (name the drug):
    • Alcohol
    • Nicotine

IDOLATRY

    • Eastern religions (name):
    • Meditation - Chanting, Mantras, Invocations
    • Cults (name them):
    • Catholicism
    • Secret Orders (name ):
    • Material things (name):
    • People (name ):

OCCULT PRACTICES

    • Astrology
    • Fortune telling or Tarot cards
    • Ouija Board
    • ESP
    • Séances
    • Hypnotism
    • Out of Body experiences
    • Witchcraft, Satan worship, Wicca
    • Mind Control
    • Psychic healing
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Other (name):

FEAR

    • Worry
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Hopelessness

UNBELIEF

    • Doubts
    • Lack of trust

ANGER

    • Towards God
    • Towards Self
    • Towards Parents
    • Towards others (name):
    • Bitterness
    • Hatred
    • Revenge
    • Unforgiveness

ENVY

    • Covetousness
    • Jealousy
    • Rebellion - towards authority

PRIDE

    • Self-centeredness
    • Poor self-image
    • Self-sufficiency

LIES

    • Believing Satan's lies
    • Lack of honesty
    • Deceitfulness

STEALING

    • Gambling

CURSING

    • Blasphemy
    • Slander
    • Gossip

VIOLENT ACTS

    • Attempted suicide
    • Abortion
    • Rape
    • Fighting
    • Beating others up
    • Planning how to harm others

UNSCRIPTURAL SEEKING OF GIFTS

    • Tongues (seeking, laying on hands)
    • Visions
    • Healing (seeking ability to heal all)
    • Other (name):

SATANISM

    • Bargain with Satan
    • Worship of Satan

MUSIC

    • Occultist
    • Satanic
    • NonChristian Hard Rock music

SPELLS & CURSES

    • Anything else you feel guilty of (Name):
    • Anything else that came to mind as you went through this list:


Dear heavenly Father, You have told us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Romans 13:14). I acknowledge that I have given in to fleshly lusts which wage war against my soul (I Peter 2:11). I thank You that in Christ my sins are forgiven, but I have transgressed Your holy law and given the enemy an opportunity to wage war in my members (Ephesians 4:27; James 4:1; I Peter 5:8). I come before Your presence to acknowledge these sins and to seek Your cleansing (I John 1:9) that I may be freed from the bondage of sin (Galatians 5:1). I now ask You to reveal to my mind the ways that I have transgressed Your moral law and grieved the Holy Spirit. ... (Then confess each sin that comes to mind one by one.) I now confess these sins to You and claim through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ my forgiveness and cleansing. I cancel all ground that evil spirits have gained through my willful involvement in sin. I ask this in the wonderful name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen."

It is of the utmost importance to make sure that FORGIVENESS OF OTHERS who have hurt them in the past or present, including parents, ex-mates, etc., is dealt with at this time. Ask if there is anyone they hold anything against, anyone they are bitter towards or don’t like to see prosper. You will sense this as they have answered the previous questions but now forgiveness must take place for deliverance to continue. Unforgiven gives demons a solid stronghold from which to work (Ephesians 4:26).

As to forgiveness, what is forgiveness? Forgiveness is not forgetting or letting someone off the hook. Forgiveness is choosing to not desire revenge, to not want to see the other hurt for the hurt they have caused us. When we hurt we want to hurt back, or see the other hurt for the hurt that caused us. This desire for justice is normal but forgiveness means we don't expect justice, we will take our hurt and deal with it instead of turning it into anger at another. Remember, anger is a secondary emotion coming from hurt. To forgive means giving up any right you might have to see the other suffer for what they did to you. You can't forget, but whenever the hurt or anger come back, you make that choice again to give up any right to see them suffer. That's how God forgives us - He gives up any right to see us pay for our sin against Him. Therefore when we forgive we are being like Him and when we don't we aren't. If you have trouble forgiving just tell God you are willing but struggling. As God heals the pain you will better be able to forgive.

PRAYER TO FORGIVE OTHERS

Thank You, Jesus, for dying that I might be forgiven. By an act of my will I now choose to express the desire of my heart and forgive those who have hurt me. ( name the people) I release each and every one of these people into the freedom of my forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Father, I confess that, as a result of being hurt, I have allowed myself to hold anger, resentment and bitterness in my heart against (name). I acknowledge this as sin, and I now repent and turn from this behavior. I ask that You will forgive me and cleanse me. I take back any access this sin has given to any of Satan’s demons. In Jesus’ name. Amen

When you feel ready to proceed first EXPLAIN WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING so they know what to expect. People have all kinds of strange ideas of what ‘exorcism’ is. While this is not exorcism (demons forced out by a religious ritual) but deliverance (free will consent and taking back of access by the person demonized) many may not know the difference. Tell them you will pray and take back access the demons have claimed as well as commanding them to be gone. I explain it like opening a door and allowing someone to enter a room, then realize you shouldn’t have done that. You need to close the door so no one else enters, but you also need to command those who already have entered to leave. Confessing the sin and taking back the access closes the door. Rebuking and commanding them to be gone cleans the room. Both steps must be taken, in that order. Remind them there is nothing to fear (Luke 10:17-21) and that fear is one of Satan’s biggest tools against them. Tell them to be sensitive to anything God is telling them in their mind or heart. If He brings up sins to confess ask them to interrupt the process so the sin can be dealt with at that time. If God says it needs to be removed then it must be removed to proceed.

As you pray for them start with the OLDEST PROBLEMS AND ACCESSES FIRST . Put any claim they make under the blood of Jesus, forbid them to do any more work against the person, and send them immediately and permanently to where ever Jesus wants them to go. Usually starting with generational spirits first is a good idea. Make sure there aren’t any of them working and then go from there.

“Gracious Father over all, I acknowledge before you the sins of my parents and ancestors. I know that they have sinned because all men and women are sinners. And so, I openly confess the sins of my parents and ancestors. I know I cannot do what only they could have done in attaining forgiveness of their sins, but I am sorry for their sins against you and I ask that you cover their sins with the blood of Jesus and not hold their consequences against me or my descendants. I claim the finished work of Jesus Christ, Who bore all my sin upon Himself. In faith I accept that work on the basis of your holy Word. I reclaim any consent given to Satan’s forces by my parents’ sin. Dear Jesus, please set me free from all evil influences coming from my parents and ancestors in the name of Jesus. I know I am a new creation in Christ. Old things have gone and all things have become new. I here and now reject and disown all the sins of my ancestors. As one who has been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son, I cancel out all demonic working that has been passed on to me from my ancestors. As one who has been crucified and raised with Christ and who sits with him in heavenly places, I reject any and every way in which Satan may claim ownership of me. I declare myself and my descendants to be eternally and completely signed over and committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. I now command every evil spirit and every enemy of the Lord Jesus Christ that is in or around me to flee my presence and never to return. I now ask You, heavenly Father, to fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I submit my body as an instrument of righteousness, a living sacrifice, that I may glorify You in my body. All this I do in the name & authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

Next pray about childhood events and experiences: trauma, rejection, etc. Put them under the blood of Jesus, take back any access demons claim through them and send them to where Jesus would have them go.

Then deal with sins and openings that have come since childhood. Take your time and be thorough. There is no hurry and no rush.

As you proceed be sensitive as to who the MAIN RULER (strong man) is. Sometimes it is best to attack him first for he holds the other demons there. Other times he is too entrenched and must be weakened by first casting out the lesser demons, the ones creating the symptoms of sin and difficulties in the person’s life. Ask for wisdom and be sensitive as to how God would lead you in this important step.

Usually it is best to BIND THE MAIN RULER FIRST (Matthew 12:29), then in Jesus name bind up any and all demons involved (Matthew 16:18-19). Demons never work alone. Search out the "root" spirits (the rulers) and pray against them. Quite often this will be a demon named ‘Death’ for that is Satan’s ultimate plan against all of us. Other powerful rulers may be ‘Fear,’ ‘Pride’ or similar works. Each name describes the work of the demon. You can know their name by seeing what they do in the person’s life. Remember, behind every demonic problem lies a flesh problem. By identifying the flesh problem that is at the root of everything the identity of the main ruler can be discovered. However that flesh problem must be completely confessed and renounced. Get rid of the garbage and you’ll get rid of the rats!

You can WEAKEN THEIR STRUCTURE by breaking up their organization, for they do feed off each other. Break off her children and claim them in the name of Jesus. Take back any access through blood line, name, etc., and set them free. You can separate the power structure in her from that in their mate, parent, or whomever you sense is involved. Just bind the demons into those people and forbid them to bind together or help each other in any way. They are often the same demons who share the person but limiting them to one person helps. Divide and conquer. Forbid any other spirits to come take their place or help from without. Satan's tactic is to isolate us, cut us off from other Christians and God, and then when we are weak work against us. The same strategy works against him, too.

Also continue to be sensitive as you proceed to sins that the counselee needs to confess. If God pricks your thoughts go along with this and make sure you stop to deal with any sins that come up. Sins of attitude must be dealt with as well: fear, unforgiven, guilt, pride, revenge, jealousy, etc.

How can you know if the force against you is demonic or not? We are commanded to "TEST THE SPIRITS" to see their source (I John 4:1). Challenge them with the deity (I John 4:11), Lordship (I Corinthians 12:3) and blood of Jesus (I John 5:6-7). Be sensitive to the response in the other person or in your own spirit. Angels do not indwell people, nor do they communicate through people as demons do. Remember that demons always lie and deceive, they may even claim to be God or the Holy Spirit. Be sensitive to thoughts put in your mind or the mind of the one you are counseling. If God supplies someone with the gift of discernment as part of their spiritual gift mix (or if you have that yourself) that can be very helpful (Acts 13:9-10; I Corinthians 12:10).

Remember the things covered earlier: we are safe in Jesus and aren't to run from the enemy. We are to use our power and authority. Make sure all opening are confessed and access taken back.

COMMAND THE DEMONS TO BE GONE in Jesus name (Matthew 10:1; Luke 9;49; 10:17; Mark 8:22). Do it in faith in Jesus (Matthew 17:18-27; John 5:4), not fear (Joshua 1:9; 10:8; 23:9-11; Leviticus 26:8; Exodus 14:13; I Samuel 17:45-47; II Samuel 22:33-35,40-41). Be in an attitude of prayer (communication with and sensitive to God - Mark 9:29). Don't be proud, stay humble and submissive to Christ (Luke 10:10; II Peter 2:11; Acts 19:12-16). When cast out commit the demons to Jesus' authority in where He would have them go, that He would carry out His sentence against them (Psalm 149:6-9; Romans 16:20; Job 30:3-8). Remember the "house" must be filled with God's Holy Spirit when the demons are removed or things could be worse than before (Matthew 12:43-45).

Sometimes God may lead you to LAY HANDS ON the person you are praying for, and on occasion Jesus Himself did this (Luke 4:29; 13:11-23; Matthew 8:15) as did the early church (I Corinthians 1:14f; 12:4; II Corinthians 1:21f; James 5:13-16). Be sensitive to God's leading in this area and do whichever it is He leads you to do. One way is not better then the other. Being obedient to what God would have you do is the determining factor.

QUOTE SCRIPTURE as much as possible (Matthew 4:1-10). God's word is more powerful than and words we may use (Hebrews 4:12) and carry much more weight with Satan's forces. Our authority is God's Word (I Jn. 2:14). Our sword of the Word is our only offensive weapon. Make sure you encourage the person to quote Scripture every time they are attacked and to keep doing it until the temptation/attack leaves. It’s our only way of victory.

Playing CHRISTIAN MUSIC during deliverance or at other times in your home is often very helpful for demons don't like to hear Jesus praised (I Samuel 16:23). There is power in praise (Psalm 22:3), so use praise in your warfare praying. You can praise God in prayer or in song during deliverance or afterwards. Use this whenever attacked.

DO NOT CONVERSE WITH DEMONS , either by having them give messages to a person's mind or to speak verbally through a person's vocal cords. The object in deliverance is not to get in contact with demons but to remove them. Communication with them makes you a medium and God's words forbids that (Deuteronomy 18:9-13). There are good reasons to not communicate with them. Neither Jesus (Mark 1:25) nor Paul would (Acts 16:17). They are liars and deceivers (John 8:44) and you can't believe what they say. God wants you only to be in touch with Him (Deuteronomy 4:24). Through the Holy Spirit we have access to all truth and power (John 8:31-32; I Corinthians 12:7-11). By communicating with them you give them recognition, allow them to stall, make things much harder on all people involved, and open yourself up to pride. Besides, they are total liars and deceivers so nothing positive will come from it.

What about WHEN DELIVERANCE IS SLOW OR NOT AT ALL ? Remember sometimes God has a greater purpose than casting out every demon as soon as we pray. Sometimes there is delay. Jesus even had times when He had to persevere for awhile (Luke 8:31 Greek). Usually deliverance is a process. Its like peeling the layers off an onion. As new sin is revealed and removed, more ground is taken back from Satan's forces. This gradual process allows the person to better fill the ground which has been reclaimed with God's Holy Spirit and gives him time to grow spiritually (Psalm 59:11; 119:50,67,71) before the next 'layer' is removed. That's why the Jews under Joshua only conquered the Promised Land bit by bit instead of all at once. If they would have driven out the Canaanites immediately then lions would have come in and harmed them. There is a learning process involved that can be used to help others, too (II Corinthians 1:3-4). Other times complete deliverance never comes. Paul's thorn in the flesh is an example (II Corinthians 12:7). Paul testifies God then provides the grace needed to withstand. God wants us to learn to depend on Him (Psalm 119:59,92). Of course if the opening is allowed to continue then the demonizing will continue, too (Psalm 94:12-16; 81:11-14).

When you start sensing that as much as will take place has taken place you can begin CHANGING THE DIRECTION you are going. Ask the counselee if he has had any thoughts of impressions that he should share. Deal with whatever these may be. Ask if there is anything they would like to talk about or pray about.

PRAY AGAIN FOR WISDOM , asking God if there is anything else to be dealt with at this time and for His continued leading and guidance. Ask God what else needs to be done. Some times there is lots of spiritual growth and maturity needed. Other times it is consequences of sin that need to be faced. Faith gets tested. Quite often there are other demons or rulers (which are demons, but the leaders) that will need to be dealt with later.

MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND what has happened and what to expect in the next few hours and days. Doubt, unbelief, guilt are quite common tactics of the enemy. Encourage them to stay faithful, pray, read the Bible, memorize and use verses when attacked and write down any questions they might have. If they don’t fill the vacated spaces in their lives then the demons will return in even greater number (Luke 11:24-26; Matthew 12:43-45).

ENCOURAGE THEM TO CALL for prayer whenever needed. That very act on their part can be humbling and work against their pride, thus it can be very freeing. If demons know they will be calling for prayer help they will be more hesitant to attack than if they know the person will try dealing with them alone.

Remind them that this is a PROCESS , not a once-and-done procedure. It's not that clear cut and dried. Remember Paul's thorn in the flesh? Ultimately God has the final say, not the demons. Remember Job? So when demons remain after we think they should be gone the first thing we must do is ask God what He is trying to teach us, what He wants to show us. He uses it all for our growth. Do we need to learn perseverance? Patience? Dig deeper for a root sin? Humble ourselves more? Trust? Are we an example to others (as Job was)? The ultimate answer to the questions you are asking lie in God's will, not in a demon's power.

Close with a PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING and praise for what God has done. Ask God to continue the good work He has started in the person. Pray for their protection and growth. Ask for their memories to be healed and the parts that have been emptied to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Forbid any demons to return or others to do the same work. Ask God to bless them and use them for His honor and glory.

DAILY SPIRITUAL WARFARE PRAYER

“Gracious God, I acknowledge that You are worthy of all honor, glory and praise. I am thankful for the victorious work of Your Son, Jesus Christ at Calvary for me. I apply His victory to my life now as I willingly surrender every area of my life to Your will.

“Thank you for the forgiveness and righteousness that has been given to me as Your adopted child. I trust in Your protection and provision daily. I know that your love for me never ceases. I rejoice in Your victory, my Lord, over all the principalities and powers in the heavenlies. In faith I stand in Your victory and commit myself to live obediently for You my King.

“I desire that my fellowship with You become greater. Reveal to me those things that grieve You and enables the enemy to secure an advantage in my life. I need the Holy Spirit's powerful ministry in my life; bringing conviction of sin, repentance of heart, strengthening my faith and increasing perseverance in resisting temptation.

“Help me to die to self and walk in the victory of the new creation You have provided for me. Let the fruits of the Spirit flow out of my life so that You will be glorified through my life. Fill me with your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.

“Please place your hedge of protection around me, my possession, my family and all my descendants. Protect us from anything the enemy would try to do against us.

“I know that it is Your will that I should stand firm and resist all of the enemy's work against me. Help me to discern the attacks upon my thoughts and emotions. Enable me to stand upon Your Word and resist all the accusations, distortions and condemnations that are hurled against me.

“It is my desire to be transformed through the renewing of my mind, so that I will not compromise with the ways of the world, or yield to the enemy's attacks, but be obedient to Your will. So give me the mind of Christ in order that I may have His perspective, wisdom, compassion, holiness and truth.

“I draw upon those spiritual resources that You have provided me and I attack the strongholds and plans of the enemy that have been put in place against me. I command in the name of Jesus Christ that the enemy must release my mind, will, emotions and body completely. They have been yielded to the Lord and I belong to Him.

“Lord, enable me to become the person You created me to be. Help me as I pray to be strong in faith. Show me how to apply Your Word in my life each day. I know that I wear the full armor of God when I am committed to and stand firmly upon Your Word. I want You to have the supreme place in my life. Give me a hunger and thirst to know You better, to read Your Word more deeply, to pray more readily and to keep you first in all my thoughts all day long.

“I surrender myself completely to You, Lord. You are always faithful and You extend Your grace to me constantly, even when I do not realize it. I claim Your promise of forgiveness and cleansing in its fullness. In faith, I receive the victory today that you have already put in place for me. I do this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior with a grateful heart. AMEN”