Casting Out Demons – Christian Training Online

CASTING OUT DEMONS

JESUS IS OUR EXAMPLE IN CASTING OUT DEMONS. Jesus cast out many demons (Matthew 4:23-24; Mark 1:39, 34). In the Gadarenes He cast demons out of two men (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-17; Luke 8:20). He cast demons out of the daughter of a Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21 Mark 7:20), and cured a demonized man (Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-36). He healed a boy with seizures and demons (Matthew 17:14-20). He cast seven demons out of Mary Magdalene as well as out of other women followers (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9).

HOW DID JESUS CAST DEMONS OUT? Before casting them out He rebuked them (took their power away) (Matthew 17:18; Luke 9:42). Then He “drove” them out (Mark 1:39). He did it verbally (Matthew 8:16), not by a certain ritualistic procedure. He didn’t let the demons speak (Mark 1:34; Luke 4:41), expect Legion and that was just to give his name so others would know that even a great number of demons could not defeat Jesus (Mark 5:9). He never let them say who He was (Mark 1:25; Luke 4:35; Mark 3:11-12). He told them to “be quiet and come out” (Luke 4:35; Mark 1:25). Other times He told them to “go” (Matthew 8; 32). Sometimes He was quite far from the person whom He was delivering (Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30). When He cast them out He forbid them to ever return again (Mark 9:25).

WE HAVE MANY EXAMPLES OF THE DISCIPLES CASTING OUT DEMONS, TOO. Jesus gave them power and commanded them to use it (Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:17; Mark 6:7; 16:17). They cast out demons as a regular part of their ministry (Mark 9:38; Luke 10:17). Paul cast out demons (Acts 16:16-18; 19:12) and so did Philip (Acts 8:7). When trying to do it in their own strength (without dependence on God) they failed (Mark 9:18, 28-29).

HOW DID THE APOSTLES CAST DEMONS OUT? Paul brought deliverance by commanding them to be gone in Jesus’ name. He said, “In the name of Jesus I command you to come out” (Acts 16:16-18). When God was proving that Paul was His spokesman there was a time when just touching a cloth that Paul had used brought deliverance (Acts 19:12). That was a special event, not a pattern to follow! When directed by God, Paul defeated the demons in Elymas (an unbeliever) by making him blind so he’d stop interfering with God’s word (Acts 13:6-12).

AS WE ARE TO DO IT TODAY 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 followed Jesus’ example and ministered 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. We must be a clean vessel for Him to fill and use for deliverance (Revelation 12:10-11).

PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE: If you sense there may be some demonic activity against you or your family you can pray the following prayer. It isn’t the words that bring deliverance but your faith in Jesus and trust in His power. This is a good sample of how to pray for yourself, your family or others. You can say these things in your own words; it is the thought that counts.

“Dear Jesus, we thank you for the salvation you give us in Jesus. We know you are greater than Satan and His demons. We know you have power and authority over them. We know you have given us that power and authority in Jesus’ name. In Jesus name I forbid any demons to work against me or my family. In Jesus name I close the door to any reason they think they can work against me. If I have committed any sin that they use to work against me I put it under the blood of Jesus. In Jesus’ name I forbid them to work and I command them to be gone. In Jesus’ name I break any claim that comes down through my family line. I am a new creation in God’s family. I forbid any claim against me through my name or family line. In Jesus’ name I dedicate the land where my home are to God. I ask for His presence only to fill and use those places. In Jesus’ name I break any claim demons may make through those places. In Jesus’ name I break any curses any one has made against me, my family. Jesus has taken my entire curse on the cross. His power has broken any power of the enemy against me. So in Jesus’ name I forbid any demons to work against me or my family. I commit myself and my family only to God. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Surround me with Your angels. Use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Spiritual Warfare