How to Identify the Enemy | Part 1 - Basics of Deliverance | Derek Prince

Name: How to Identify the Enemy | Part 1 - Basics of Deliverance | Derek Prince
Uploaded: 2014-08-12T19:57:33.000Z
Duration: 1 h 48 min 13 s

Basics of Deliverance: How to Identify the Enemy, Part 1

Introduction to Deliverance Ministry

The session aims to cover the basics of deliverance ministry, focusing on demons and their identification. This is part one of a two-part series.

The speaker expresses a desire not to improve upon Jesus' ministry but rather to understand it better, particularly His approach to evil spirits.

Jesus’ Ministry and Evil Spirits

Jesus' unique method of dealing with evil spirits was unprecedented in the Old Testament; other miracles were documented, but not exorcisms.

Witnesses were captivated by Jesus' authority over unclean spirits, which led to excitement and curiosity about His teachings.

Case Study: Capernaum Synagogue

A man possessed by an unclean spirit cried out in a synagogue, demonstrating that the spirit recognized Jesus as "the Holy One of God." This recognition contrasts with His disciples' delayed understanding.

The duality of 'I' and 'we' in demonic speech indicates multiple entities within one individual, exemplified by the man from Gadara who identified as "Legion."

Authority Over Demons

Jesus commanded the unclean spirit to be quiet and come out, showcasing His authority through direct confrontation rather than addressing the man himself. This highlights a distinction between individuals and their afflictions.

The dramatic physical manifestations during exorcism were atypical for synagogue behavior; however, they underscored the power dynamics at play when confronting evil spirits.

Public Reaction and Understanding

Spectators were amazed at Jesus’ authority over demons, leading them to question what new doctrine He was teaching; this reflects ongoing fascination with spiritual phenomena today.

The speaker emphasizes that true Christians cannot be possessed by Satan but can experience areas where they are demonized or influenced negatively by demons. This clarification addresses misconceptions surrounding possession versus influence.

Healing and Exorcism Practices

In Mark 1:32–34, people brought all sick individuals and those afflicted by demons to Jesus for healing; He treated both groups similarly without distinguishing between sickness and demonic influence.

Preferred terminology includes "expel" instead of "cast out," emphasizing a practical understanding of removing negative influences akin to expelling smoke from lungs—an action involving both willpower and physicality.

The Ministry of Jesus: Healing and Deliverance

Jesus' Practice of Preaching and Deliverance

Jesus expelled demons and did not allow them to speak, indicating His authority over evil spirits. He preached in synagogues throughout Galilee while casting out demons.

The Phillips translation emphasizes that Jesus "continued" His ministry, suggesting it was a regular practice rather than isolated incidents.

This consistent approach involved preaching and expelling demons in numerous synagogues across Galilee, highlighting the widespread nature of His ministry.

Misconceptions About Demonic Influence

Many people believe that only criminals or those in mental institutions require deliverance; however, Jesus dealt with ordinary Orthodox Jews who were respectable yet struggled with personal issues.

It is important to recognize that individuals needing deliverance can be good, religious people who may have areas in their lives where they are not fully in control.

The speaker encourages an open-minded perspective on deliverance, noting cultural biases where people accept that others from different nations need help but struggle to see it within their own communities.

Interconnection of Healing and Deliverance

In Luke 4:40-41, the healing ministry of Jesus is shown to be intertwined with deliverance; many who came for physical ailments also required the expulsion of evil spirits for complete healing.

The act of laying hands on those possessed by evil spirits was practiced by Jesus, countering traditions that deemed it unscriptural.

Case Study: The Woman with a Spirit of Infirmity

In Luke 13:11-16, a woman bent double for eighteen years due to a spirit of infirmity illustrates how some physical problems stem from spiritual issues rather than purely medical conditions.

When Jesus laid hands on her and declared her loosed from her infirmity, she was immediately healed. This demonstrates the power of faith combined with action against spiritual afflictions.

Final Insights on Spiritual Discernment

The ruler's indignation at healing on the Sabbath highlights societal resistance to understanding spiritual matters as intertwined with physical health issues.

Recognizing that some ailments classified as physical may actually have spiritual roots requires discernment—a key aspect of effective ministry as demonstrated by Jesus’ actions throughout His life.

Instances where deafness or blindness were caused by evil spirits further illustrate the necessity for both healing and deliverance in addressing human suffering comprehensively.

Understanding the Role of Healing and Deliverance in Ministry

The Foundation of Jesus' Ministry

Jesus emphasized two main activities: casting out demons and performing cures, which were integral to His ministry from start to finish.

Approximately one-third of Jesus' time was dedicated to healing the sick and dealing with evil spirits, highlighting their interconnectedness.

Commissioning Disciples for Evangelism

In the New Testament, no disciple was sent out to evangelize without first being commissioned to confront evil spirits; this is a consistent pattern.

Matthew 10:1 illustrates that Jesus empowered His twelve disciples specifically to cast out unclean spirits and heal diseases before sending them out.

The commission included not just preaching but also tangible actions like healing the sick and casting out demons as part of their mission.

Authority Over Demons

Luke 10:1 describes how seventy others were sent by Jesus, who returned rejoicing over their authority over demons in His name.

Mark 16:15 emphasizes that believers will cast out demons as a sign following their faith, reinforcing the necessity of being equipped for spiritual warfare.

Teaching Future Generations

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructed His disciples to teach all nations everything He commanded them, including how to deal with evil spirits.

This teaching process is intended to continue until His return, indicating a perpetual need for equipping believers against demonic influences.

The Unique Role of Philip as an Evangelist

Philip is noted as the only individual explicitly called an evangelist in the New Testament, contrasting with many apostles.

Acts 8:5 shows Philip preaching Christ effectively through miracles and deliverance from unclean spirits as foundational elements of his ministry.

Understanding Demonic Influence

Philip's initial focus on driving out evil spirits underscores that modern evangelists should also be prepared for spiritual confrontation.

A general understanding of demons includes recognizing them as disembodied persons seeking embodiment; they aim primarily to prevent individuals from knowing Christ or lead them away if they fail at that task.

Understanding the Distinction Between Flesh and Demons

The Nature of Flesh and Demons

The speaker emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the flesh (the old carnal nature) and demons (entities that occupy areas of personality).

A vivid analogy is presented: the flesh is likened to a carcass, while demons are compared to vultures that settle on it, indicating their dependence on human sinfulness.

Remedies for Flesh vs. Demons

The remedy for dealing with the flesh is identified as "the cross," referencing Galatians 5:24 about crucifying the flesh with its desires.

In contrast, demons require expulsion; one cannot apply remedies interchangeably—crucifying demons or expelling the flesh is ineffective.

Identifying Demon Influence

If a committed Christian experiences persistent torment despite prayer and other remedies, it may indicate demonic influence rather than issues related to the flesh.

The speaker plans to outline characteristic activities of demons, suggesting that recognizing these can help identify when deliverance may be needed.

Characteristic Activities of Demons

Enticement

One key activity of demons is enticement; they tempt individuals towards evil through verbal suggestions.

Harassment

Demons also harass individuals by studying their weaknesses and exploiting them at opportune moments, leading to sudden emotional outbursts.

Tormenting Effects

The concept of torment is discussed in relation to Matthew 18; unforgiveness makes individuals targets for tormentors (demons).

Compulsion

Compulsive behaviors such as smoking or overeating are highlighted as potentially demonic influences, emphasizing that compulsions often indicate deeper spiritual issues.

Understanding Demonic Influence and Addiction

The Nature of Garrulity and Enslavement

Garrulity is identified as a problem where individuals cannot stop talking, indicating deeper issues.

Sin in the area of sexuality can lead to enslavement; even after repentance, an intense drive to sin again signifies bondage.

Examples of Enslavement

Masturbation is highlighted as a common example where individuals feel guilt yet struggle to stop, indicating they are enslaved.

A specific demon associated with masturbation manifests physically through tingling fingers, leading to confusion about the sensation.

Addictions and Their Manifestations

Compulsive behaviors combined with enslavement result in various addictions; for instance, some people are addicted to nail varnish.

Television addiction is compared to alcohol dependency, suggesting it may cause more long-term harm than alcohol itself.

Defilement and Spiritual Warfare

Demons can defile individuals by making them feel unclean during worship or Bible reading, often projecting negative images into their minds.

A spirit of slumber can prevent focus on spiritual activities like reading the Bible while allowing engagement with distractions like television.

Deception and Weakness from Demonic Forces

Pride is identified as a gateway for deception; all forms of spiritual deception are believed to be demonic in nature.

There exists a demon of tiredness that affects individuals' ability to engage spiritually or physically, contributing to overall weakness.

Areas of Residence for Demons

Restlessness characterizes those influenced by demons; true peace indicates freedom from such influences.

Proverbs 25:28 illustrates that lack of self-control leaves one vulnerable to evil spirits entering their life.

Emotional Influences and Gangs of Demons

The inner self is likened to a city without walls when defenses are down; this allows various spirits access based on emotional states.

Negative emotions such as anger, fear, loneliness, pride, and jealousy are suggested as indicators that an evil spirit may be present.

Understanding the Roots of Emotional Struggles and Demonic Influences

The Nature of Anger and Rejection

Anger does not inherently indicate possession by a demon; however, if it aligns with certain negative behaviors, it may suggest deeper issues related to a "demon of anger."

Rejection is identified as a primary root problem leading to various emotional states such as loneliness, misery, and ultimately self-destructive outcomes like passive death or active suicide, which the speaker associates with evil spirits.

The Impact of Rebellion on Mental Health

Rebellion can lead to feelings of resentment and hatred, escalating into violence and contributing to problematic social behaviors like gang leadership.

The mind is described as a battlefield influenced by spirits that cause doubt, confusion, and insanity; individuals involved in occult practices often experience significant confusion.

Tongue's Role in Deception

The tongue is associated with various demons, particularly lying. Compulsive liars may be unaware of their dishonesty due to underlying psychological issues stemming from childhood experiences.

A personal anecdote illustrates how an adopted individual developed compulsive lying habits due to parental expectations and disappointment.

Addressing Criticism and Gossip in Church Context

Criticism and gossip are labeled as "churchgoing demons," indicating that these behaviors can manifest within religious communities.

An example is provided where addressing criticism led to multiple individuals experiencing deliverance during a church meeting.

Unpacking Sexual Issues Within Religious Context

Sexuality is often stigmatized in church settings; this leads individuals with sexual problems to seek help outside the church but may result in guilt rather than resolution.

The speaker argues that sex itself is not evil but rather created good by God. Misunderstandings about sexuality contribute significantly to guilt among congregants.

Compulsive Behaviors Linked to Demonic Influence

All forms of compulsive sexual aberrations (e.g., masturbation, adultery, homosexuality) are categorized as demonic influences needing resolution without shame.

Lustful desires are highlighted as perverted appetites resulting from sin and demonic power; they deviate from originally healthy human desires.

Addictions Rooted in Frustration

Addictions are portrayed as branches stemming from frustrations rather than isolated issues; addressing only the addiction fails to resolve underlying problems.

A case study illustrates how frustration can lead someone toward addictive behaviors like alcohol or gluttony when faced with relational dissatisfaction.

Understanding Addiction and the Occult

The Nature of Addiction

The speaker discusses two women with different addictions: one to alcohol and the other to food, highlighting that both are forms of addiction despite their differences.

Emphasizes that addressing these addictions requires understanding the underlying frustrations related to their relationships, particularly with their husbands.

The Realm of the Occult

Introduces the topic of the occult as a vast area filled with demonic influences, suggesting that even seemingly respectable aspects are tainted.

Warns against practices like Yoga, sharing personal experiences to assert that reliance on such methods for health is misguided; true health comes from faith in God.

False Religions and Heresies

Lists various false religions (e.g., Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses), asserting they all have demonic elements and serve as tools for Satan's influence.

Defines heresies as deviations from Christian faith, referencing 1 Timothy 4 to illustrate how some will depart from true faith due to deceptive spirits.

Modern Spiritual Trends

Discusses contemporary trends where individuals adopt extreme spiritual practices (e.g., abstaining from marriage or certain foods), which can lead them away from genuine faith.

Critiques those who make dietary choices a religious issue, warning that this obsession can indicate demonic influence.

Physical Manifestations of Demons

Identifies physical ailments like epilepsy as potentially linked to demonic activity; shares a personal testimony about witnessing deliverance from such conditions.

Concludes by noting that while not every case is demonic, many people experience relief when treated spiritually rather than solely medically.