Transcript: Deliverance from Demons

Deliverance from Demons
By David Feddes 

Today, as we continue to focus on Jesus and the various aspects of his ministry, we will focus on deliverance from demons. Our Bible reading is from Luke 4:31–41:

Jesus had—and still has—tremendous power and authority. In this passage, we see his mighty power to deliver people from the grip of demons. One thing to notice is that someone attending worship—a churchgoer—could be demonized. Jesus was speaking up front, with others in the congregation, when suddenly one of them began acting strangely and shouted that Jesus was the Christ. This reminds us that we can't assume someone isn't troubled or even influenced by a demon just because they happen to be in a place of worship. Some people in worship may not truly know the Lord or walk with him. It's also possible that someone who knows the Lord might, for one reason or another, experience a terrible affliction or influence from a demonic force.

We must recognize that even churchgoers might be unsaved, and even believers can sometimes face external affliction from evil forces. Another thing to notice is that Jesus didn’t spend time trying to figure out what the afflicted person had done wrong or blaming them. A demonized person is not necessarily more wicked or sinful, nor are they in that condition because they did something worse than others. Often, we don’t know exactly why such things happen to people.

It's also important to understand that some translations use the term "demon-possessed," but that can be misleading. No believer can ever be fully possessed or owned by a demon because the demon has no ownership rights over someone purchased by Christ. In fact, a demon has no rightful ownership over anyone. The original text often says that someone "had a demon" or was "demonized." The idea of full possession—being wholly owned—is misleading. Regardless of how someone is afflicted by a demon, we should focus on their deliverance, not on placing blame or investigating every detail of what might have gone wrong.

One of the most striking elements of this passage is that the demons recognized Jesus. They knew who he was and were afraid. The demon cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?” The answer is yes. The Bible says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” In other passages, demons express fear that Jesus will cast them into the abyss. Though Jesus didn’t cast all demons into eternal punishment during his earthly ministry, he did come to destroy the devil and his works. Wherever Jesus went, demons were terrified and had to obey his command.

Sometimes it seems like the presence of Jesus brought demons out of hiding. It’s possible that people had demons without others knowing, but in the presence of Jesus, no demon could stay hidden. His presence exposed them, and his authority terrified them, sometimes prompting them to act out. Yet Jesus did not want testimony from the wrong source. Although the demons knew who he was and identified him correctly, Jesus silenced them.

This pattern continues in other places in the Gospels, where demons cry out, “You are the Son of God!” and Jesus rebukes them. A similar situation occurs in the book of Acts when the apostle Paul is preaching. A girl with an evil spirit declares, “These men are telling you the way to be saved.” Even though she spoke the truth, Paul rebuked her and cast out the spirit. God does not want truth proclaimed by evil sources. Jesus wanted his testimony to come from the Father, from the Holy Spirit, and from his chosen witnesses—not from demons.

Jesus banished demons by the power and authority of his word, and that authority remains the source of deliverance from all demonic activity today. When Jesus speaks, demons must flee. The people who witnessed these events remarked on both Jesus' power and authority. Authority refers to Jesus' rank—he outranks the demons. He also has greater power—he is stronger than they are. That’s why, when he commands them to leave, they must obey.

As we reflect on the Gospels, we see that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. Before performing these acts of deliverance, Jesus faced Satan head-on in the wilderness, resisting his temptations with the Word of God. He then performed many acts of deliverance throughout his ministry, freeing individuals from demonic influence. However, his supreme act of deliverance was accomplished through the cross.

Through his death and resurrection, Jesus delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son. The Bible says he “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, triumphing over them by the cross.” While his earthly ministry involved casting out demons one by one, his greatest victory was at the cross. There, Jesus shed his blood to take away our sins, removing any accusation Satan or his demons could use against us.

When we think of deliverance, we recognize Jesus’ authority and power to command demons to leave. We also understand the bigger picture: at the cross and in his resurrection, Jesus crushed the kingdom of Satan. What remains now is a mop-up operation, where individual cases of demonic affliction are dealt with, but the ultimate victory has already been won. Jesus has conquered once and for all, and we are called to live in that victory today.

When it comes to deliverance from demons today, there are at least two ways to approach it, both of which are worthy of consideration. One is what you might call a power encounter, and the other is sometimes referred to as a truth encounter.

A power encounter is a direct confrontation with a demonic force, where Christ’s authority is used to command the demon to leave a person or a place that has been afflicted. In the name and authority of Jesus Christ, a direct order is given that any demonic power afflicting this person or occupying this place must flee. As followers of Jesus and believers in him, we have the authority and power through the Holy Spirit to issue commands to which even demons must yield.

While it might not be wise to rely solely on power encounters, there are times when they are necessary. Some people may be so afflicted and under the influence of a demon that they are unable to process or understand the truth of the gospel until the demon is commanded to leave. In such cases, a power encounter may be essential for their initial deliverance.

However, in many situations, a truth encounter is more appropriate. A truth encounter involves the renewing of the mind through the help of a fellow believer, the Holy Spirit, and Scripture. As your mind is renewed, you trust more fully in Jesus’ victory. As you embrace that victory, whatever grip the demons had on you loosens, because you realize your identity in Christ and that his blood was shed for you. The demons lose their power, which is often rooted in lies and deception. When those lies are replaced by truth—when you recognize who Jesus is and who you are in him—the demons have no room to operate.

As you put your faith in Christ and are filled with the Holy Spirit, the space in your life where demons could previously work diminishes. This is the normal process of deliverance for most people. It’s important to understand that not everyone under the influence of demonic forces behaves in extreme ways. In the Bible, we see some people who are clearly demonized doing bizarre things—like living among graves or shouting during worship services. But that kind of extreme behavior is not the primary way the devil operates. More often, Satan works through seemingly well-adjusted people who still need to be rescued from his grip. They may not exhibit dramatic behavior, but the devil afflicts and harms them in other ways.

For these individuals, deliverance often comes through embracing the truth of the gospel, allowing the Holy Spirit to take control of their lives more and more. This is why clearing out sin is essential. Using an analogy, if you have a rat infestation in your house, one approach is to chase the rats away with a stick. But if you leave the garbage in the house, the rats will come back. To solve the problem, you need to clean up the garbage. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, if we allow sin to take root, it creates an environment that attracts demonic activity. Simply saying, “Be gone, demons,” is not enough. We need God to clean up our lives, so that there is less and less for demons to latch onto.

However, the analogy has its limits. Just because someone is attacked or afflicted by demons doesn't mean they are more sinful than others. But the principle remains: in a truth encounter, much needs to be cleared out to make room for God to work, leaving no space for Satan to operate.

Some might find it controversial to hear that even Christians can face demonic activity. But the Bible warns believers: “Watch out, because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” Christians are not immune to the attacks of the devil. His attacks may come during times of weakness, and the oppression can be so severe that it affects even a believer's sense of self and agency. It’s similar to the experience of someone who has suffered long-term abuse. Over time, the abuse can warp their sense of identity, making them feel powerless and crushed. In a similar way, a believer under severe demonic oppression may feel overwhelmed and unable to act freely.

Jesus has the power to drive out demons, but he also warns that it’s not enough to cast them out or clean up sin. In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus says: “When an unclean spirit goes out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ When it comes, it finds the house unoccupied, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they enter and dwell there. The last state of that person is worse than the first.”

This passage teaches that the real danger isn’t just the presence of sin or demons—it’s emptiness. It’s not enough to clear out sin and remove demonic influence; the person must also be filled with God’s presence. Without being filled with the Holy Spirit and Christ, the empty space can be taken over again. Jesus explains that if a house held by a bully is cleared out, the only way to secure it is to tie up the bully—the strong man—and make sure someone stronger takes possession of the house. Jesus is that stronger man, and he binds the bully, throwing him out and taking back what is rightfully his.

Therefore, deliverance involves two key elements: submission to God and resistance to the devil. James 4:7-8 says: “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” This highlights the dual nature of spiritual warfare. On the one hand, we resist the devil; on the other, we draw near to God.

Ephesians 4:27 gives further insight: “Do not give the devil a foothold.” This means we should not give him any space or opportunity to operate. At the same time, we are warned in Ephesians 4:30 not to grieve the Holy Spirit. When we grieve the Spirit, his presence may withdraw, creating room for the enemy to act. Therefore, resisting the devil and living in submission to God go hand in hand. When we resist the devil, we do so with the authority and power of Jesus Christ. And when we draw near to God, he draws near to us. True deliverance isn’t just about driving out demons or cleaning up sin; it’s about being filled with God’s Spirit and living in submission to him. That’s the way to secure lasting freedom.

When we think about experiencing fuller and fuller deliverance in various aspects of our lives, we must ensure that we give the devil no place, invite God to reign, renounce the devil and all his works, repent, and turn to God. I will highlight some areas where the Bible connects certain activities with the influence of Satan and his demons.

One such area is idolatry. The Scriptures say, “The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.” Sometimes, when we think of other religions or occult practices, we might dismiss them as empty or just mistaken beliefs. But Scripture tells us otherwise. There are no religions that are merely harmless mistakes—behind all false religions lie personal powers. If it’s not the personal power of the living God through Jesus Christ, it is a malevolent power—the evil power of demons. Paul warns, “I don’t want you to be participants with demons.”

If you desire deliverance, and you’ve been involved with any non-Christian religion or occult practices, it’s important to identify those involvements, renounce them, and declare aloud, “I renounce that. I renounce the devil.” If you’ve engaged in activities with occult connections—whether through games, practices involving magical powers, or speaking words with occult implications—these are not trivial matters. To be free, you must renounce those activities: “I reject that.”

Idolatry is not limited to religion or ritual worship; it can also take the form of misplaced priorities—things that we value more than God. Anything, even good things, that take the highest place in our hearts must be identified and renounced. The Bible uses the term mammon to describe the false god of money. While money itself is not evil—it serves practical purposes, such as paying bills—it becomes demonic when it takes over our hearts and becomes our ultimate priority. Mammon becomes a god, and demonic activity operates through it. So, part of deliverance involves identifying the idols in our lives and confessing in repentance, “Lord, forgive me for my idolatry. I reject every power and priority that is not the true and living God.”

Another significant area is lies. Jesus says that Satan is “a liar and the father of lies.” Deception is one of his primary tools. Many people are held in bondage by lies—both personal and doctrinal. The Bible warns, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” One way the devil operates is by introducing false teachings and heresies into the church. It’s crucial to renounce lies whenever they are detected and to continually evaluate our beliefs against the truth of God’s Word.

Lies can also be more subtle. They may come as feelings or impressions—thoughts that shape how we view ourselves and God. For example, a person might have a lingering sense of worthlessness, thinking, “God doesn’t care about me” or “I have no future with God.” On the opposite end, someone might feel, “I don’t need God. I’m doing great on my own.” These thoughts, whether they make us feel inferior or self-sufficient, are lies from the enemy. We need to ask God to expose these lies and help us reject them.

Whenever you recognize lies—whether about yourself, God, or life—you should speak out against them. Say, “I renounce that lie. I reject the lie that I am worthless. I reject the lie that God doesn’t care about me.” Speak these renunciations as often as needed. Lies must be actively confronted and rejected.

The Bible offers practical guidance for dealing with those who are caught in lies. While Scripture denounces lying, it also instructs believers to approach those trapped in lies with gentleness: “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance, leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” Often, the best way to help someone trapped by lies is to gently and lovingly bring the truth of the gospel to them. As they come to know the truth, the grip of the devil loosens, and they experience freedom.

Another area where the enemy works is through curses. The Bible says, “The tongue is a fire—it sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” This highlights the destructive power of words. While we use our tongues to praise God, we also use them to curse others, even those made in God’s image. The impact of spoken curses can be devastating. Words spoken in anger or frustration—especially by parents, authority figures, or loved ones—can linger in a person’s mind and heart for years, shaping how they see themselves and limiting their ability to thrive.

When words set on fire by hell have taken root in someone’s life, the enemy uses those curses to continue afflicting them. Identifying these curses, often with the help of a friend, counselor, or pastor, is a vital step in deliverance. Once you identify the hurtful words that have impacted you, renounce them: “I reject that curse. I reject the lies spoken over me.” Even if the words came from someone who should have loved you, you must reject the power of those curses.

One heartbreaking way the devil works is by perpetuating cycles of evil. This is sometimes referred to as the Stockholm syndrome. In this condition, people who are kidnapped or held hostage by terrorists begin to sympathize with their captors over time. Evil gains a foothold in their hearts, and they start to align with the ones who abused them. Similarly, demons twist people’s understanding of God, often through distorted teachings or harmful experiences in church or at home. Children raised in environments with a distorted view of God may grow up resenting him, saying, “If that’s what God is like, I want nothing to do with him.” In these cases, they’ve unknowingly aligned themselves with the very forces of evil that deceived them in the first place.

This is one of the most tragic aspects of demonic activity: how it causes people to reject God because of the lies they’ve believed or the harm they’ve experienced. But Jesus offers freedom from these lies and healing from these hurts. We must continually seek his truth, renounce the lies, and invite the Holy Spirit to fill every part of our lives. 

When we think about experiencing fuller deliverance in various aspects of our lives, it’s important to ensure that we give no place to the devil, invite God to reign, renounce the devil and all his works, repent, and turn to God. Let’s consider some other areas where Satan and his demons can exert influence and how we can break free.

One key area is sexual sin, whether someone has been sinned against or has committed sexual sin themselves. A government website reports that 46% of homosexual men say they were molested by someone of the same sex when they were minors, compared to 7% of heterosexual men. Yet, despite such data, we live in a society that dismisses the significance of these experiences, treating them as just a part of life. This is an example of the Stockholm syndrome, where people who have been harmed or abused come to accept or rationalize the harm they’ve experienced.

This syndrome doesn’t just apply to sexual abuse. It can occur in many areas of life. For example, those who were mistreated or beaten by parents may grow up to repeat the same behavior with their own children. This perpetuation of abuse illustrates the demonic strategy: evil captivates people, making them believe that destructive behavior is normal. We must have compassion for those trapped in sin, recognizing that they are often enslaved and controlled by dark forces. Part of the demonic deception is to fool people into thinking that evil is normal or acceptable. That’s why we must resist the temptation to side with those lies and instead turn to God, who offers deliverance and healing.

Another area where we open ourselves to demonic influence is through bitterness and anger. The Bible says, “In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Holding on to anger gives the devil a place to work. Anger grieves the Holy Spirit, and when the Spirit is grieved, the devil gains access. We are instructed to get rid of bitterness, rage, and anger, and instead be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other just as God forgave us in Christ.

Even when dealing with serious sins, the apostle Paul urges forgiveness. In 2 Corinthians, he advises the church to forgive a repentant sinner, saying, “If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:10-11). Unforgiveness plays right into Satan’s strategy.

Forgiving someone doesn’t mean pretending their actions didn’t hurt or matter. It means choosing not to hold the offense against them, even if reconciliation isn’t possible. For example, if a father treated you terribly and continues to do so, you are not obligated to pretend everything is fine. You can forgive him without having to be close to him. Forgiveness means wishing good for the person and praying for them, even if they remain your enemy. As Jesus said, “Pray for your enemies.” Forgiving doesn’t mean excusing or minimizing the offense—it means releasing it to God and refusing to let bitterness take root in your heart.

When you forgive, you set a prisoner free—and that prisoner is often yourself. We must bring our offenses to God, repeatedly confessing our sins and receiving his forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Jesus' blood purifies us, and in the power of that forgiveness, we extend forgiveness to others, denying Satan the chance to trap us in bitterness.

Another area to watch out for is rivalry or selfish ambition. This might seem like a lesser sin, but the Bible warns us: “If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.” (James 3:14-15). The need to be the best, to outdo others, and to step on people on the way up comes from a demonic source. Satan’s original sin was pride—he couldn’t accept his place and wanted to exalt himself above God.

The Bible warns us against promoting people to leadership positions too quickly: “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6). We’ve seen this play out in Christian circles where new believers, especially celebrities, are quickly thrust into the spotlight, only to experience failure. Spiritual maturity takes time, and it’s essential that leaders are chosen based on their character, not their fame or status.

Finally, sexuality is an area where Satan works tirelessly to harm and ensnare people. Paul warns married couples not to deprive one another of intimacy, saying, “Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” (1 Corinthians 7:5). Sexual intimacy is a gift from God, but Satan seeks to exploit it through abuse, immorality, and broken relationships.

Many people carry the wounds of sexual abuse, often inflicted by those they trusted. The devil uses such violations to burden victims with shame, even though the wrongdoing was not theirs. Part of deliverance involves renouncing the shame and lies that result from such abuse. Sometimes, this healing process requires the help of a counselor, pastor, or trusted friend. The Bible teaches that sexual sin creates a deep connection: “Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body?” (1 Corinthians 6:16). Sexual union creates a bond, and wrong sexual connections need to be identified and renounced. In prayer, you can say, “I reject and renounce that sinful act, and I claim freedom through the blood of Jesus.”

We live in a secular culture that treats sexuality as purely physical, driven by hormones and urges. But the Bible reveals a deeper reality: “Bodily purity aids spiritual liberty.” Conversely, bodily impurity can lead to spiritual bondage. We must continually come to the Lord, seeking his truth and freedom in all areas of life, including our sexuality.

Deliverance is not just about expelling demons—it’s about living in the truth, renouncing lies, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. As we submit to God, forgive others, and reject every form of falsehood, we experience the fullness of the freedom that Jesus offers.

Drunkenness is another area that grieves the Holy Spirit and makes us vulnerable to demonic influence. The Bible says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18-19). When we are under the influence, it’s not just a physical issue—it opens our spirit to invasion from evil. Demons exploit addiction, especially when we are not in our right minds. They take advantage of anything that disrupts our connection to God and his Spirit.

Breaking free from addiction requires putting your full trust in God. Part of freedom is recognizing the addiction for what it is. Addiction often lies to us, making us believe we don't need God or can’t change. While the disease model of addiction explains some things, it doesn’t fully capture the spiritual aspect. As those in recovery say, “Stinking thinking leads to drinking.” Addiction clouds the mind, preventing people from seeing their true condition and their need for God. The Bible reminds us that we cannot overcome evil powers by ourselves, but there is one who can—Jesus Christ. We must invite his power into our lives and reject every claim that Satan tries to make over us.

Anxiety is another area that the enemy seeks to exploit. At the end of Peter’s first letter, we read: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” (1 Peter 5:7-9). Some might see these instructions as unrelated, but it’s possible that when we fail to cast our anxieties on God, we become more vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Anxiety can give the devil a foothold, making us more susceptible to his schemes.

This doesn’t mean the Bible downplays the seriousness of anxiety. It acknowledges life’s challenges but teaches us to respond by trusting in God’s greatness. Jesus reminds us, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Matthew 6:34). We overcome anxiety by fixing our eyes on God, knowing that in Christ, we can do all things.

It’s essential to recognize that not every mental or emotional struggle is a direct result of demonic influence. Some mental health issues have biological causes and may require medical treatment. Christians who struggle with mental illness are not more demonized than others. Some of the greatest saints have battled depression, anxiety, or emotional weakness. But in their weakness, they found strength in God. The Bible reassures us that Jesus does not crush the bruised reed or snuff out the smoldering wick (Isaiah 42:3). He doesn’t look for only the strong and healthy—he meets us where we are and works in us, making us more like him over time.

No matter the struggle, Jesus offers a power greater than any other. Whether you are dealing with addiction, anxiety, or another area of vulnerability, freedom comes through a truth encounter with Jesus. You can walk this path alone in prayer, identifying areas where the enemy has gained ground and renouncing his influence in the name of Jesus. If you feel overwhelmed, seek help from a pastor, counselor, or trusted believer to walk with you in prayer.

The good news is that Christ brings deliverance. As Sam Storms puts it, “The key to victory in spiritual warfare is knowing both what Jesus Christ has done for you and what he has done to Satan. Christians too often live in fear of what they think the devil might do but can’t, and in ignorance of what they can do but don’t.” We must not overestimate the devil’s power, because Christ has already triumphed over him. At the same time, we should not underestimate what we can do through Christ’s power within us.

There are times when direct spiritual intervention is needed. If someone is overwhelmed by the enemy, it may be necessary to issue a direct command in the name of Jesus Christ, ordering the demon to leave. This may seem unusual or strange to some, but it is consistent with what we see in the New Testament. Jesus and his disciples commanded demons to leave, and sometimes people today need that same kind of authoritative help.

More often, however, freedom comes through ongoing immersion in God’s truth. As we are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), we realize our identity in Christ: “I am a new creation. I am beloved of God. I belong to the One who rescued me from the domain of darkness and transferred me to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14). When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, there is no room for Satan to operate. And if we do discover areas where the enemy has gained a foothold, we can renounce his influence and invite the Holy Spirit to take control.

May God give each of us the grace to live in the freedom of his deliverance. If you need help, reach out to a trusted believer or pastor who is strong in prayer and wisdom. There is no need to live in fear or bondage when victory is available through Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we thank you for your wonderful and mighty ministry. We praise you for the power with which you expelled demons and unclean spirits from those who were oppressed. Above all, we praise you for your great cosmic deliverance through your death on the cross, where you triumphed over Satan and all his powers. You put them to open shame, and you are now head over all rulers, authorities, and powers.

Lord, help us to live in the freedom you have given us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that there is no room for the enemy to work in our lives. When the truth sets us free, we are free indeed. If anyone here is struggling, may they find deliverance in you. And if you place someone in our lives who needs help, give us the wisdom, compassion, and courage to minister to them. Teach us when to gently instruct and when to speak with authority, rebuking the power of evil in your name.

We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.