How much emphasis should be given to demonic deliverance in the Christian life?
How much emphasis should be given to demonic deliverance in the Christian life?
Answer
There are two extremes in people’s thinking about demons. One says that there is nothing supernatural about “demons” and that what we call demons are nothing more than negative thoughts or behaviors. Those who hold this view believe that deliverance from a “demon” comes through counselling, medical intervention, or a 12-step program. The other extreme says that anything negative is the work of evil spirits or demons. Those who hold this view often “rebuke” everything from a common cold to inconvenient rainfall to a drop in the stock market. The correct emphasis on demonic deliverance lies somewhere between these two extremes.
Demons are fallen spiritual beings. They are real, and they interfere in human affairs (Matthew 12:43; Mark 1:26; Acts 8:7). Scripture is matter-of-fact in its presentation of demons and their evil work—a work that continues to this day (see 1 Peter 5:8). It would be an error, however, to over-emphasize the work of Satan. We should not give him more attention than he deserves. Our focus should be on the glory of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), since “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Satan and God are not “equal” or “balanced” opposites, in a yin-yang type of way. Satan is a created, finite being who possesses only the power God allows him to have (see Job 1:9–10).
Jesus cast out many demons during His earthly ministry, and the early church continued to address spiritual warfare after Jesus had ascended back to heaven (Acts 5:3; 8:7; Ephesians 6:11–13; 2 Corinthians 10:3–5). There is no evidence to suggest that Satan and his fallen angels have ceased to torment human beings. However, James 1:13–15 teaches that much of our struggle against sin is due to our own fleshly desires, not a direct attack from Satan.
A Christian cannot be demon possessed, but he or she can suffer demonic oppression. Satan can still wreak a great deal of havoc in our lives. He cannot steal the soul of a Christian or snatch him away from God’s h and (John 10:29), but he can render the believer fruitless and rob his life of joy.
Ephesians 6:10–17 instructs us in combating the forces of darkness. We are told to continually put on the “ full armor of God” (verse 11) and “st and firm” (verse 14). Although Satan and his forces are constantly at work to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10), God has given His children all they need to be victorious against spiritual attacks. We are told to resist the devil (James 4:7), be wary of him (1 Peter 5:8), and not give him room in our lives (Ephesians 4:27).
When a believer needs to be delivered from satanic attacks, he or she must call on the Lord. God will rescue His children in their time of need: “The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). We can pray confidently with David, I say to theLord, “You are my God.” Hear,Lord, my cry for mercy. SovereignLord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle. Do not grant the wicked their desires,Lord; do not let their plans succeed. (Psalm 140:6–8)
When Jesus was tempted by Satan (Luke 4:1–12), He used the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) to rebuke His enemy. Every time Satan came against Him, He replied, “It is written . . . ,” and He applied Scripture to His situation. The best defense against demonic attack is the Word of God.
Christians are in a spiritual battle, and we need to be aware of the spiritual realities we face. But we do not need to look for demons everywhere; our focus should not be on demons but “on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2). That’s where the victory is.