Diagnosing Demonization, #6

Posted by owner on March 15, 2010

Follow-up Teaching

The demons are gone.
They’ve been cast out in the name of Jesus. And the person who has been freed feels a wonderful sense of release. A lightness. A bubbly joy,

But our ministry isn’t complete. It’s important to realize this, and to follow up with individuals from whom demons have been expelled. Satan hasn’t given up, and he and his demons will try to make a comeback. We need to equip those who have been freed with the spiritual resources they’ll need to remain free.

What should be involved in follow up? I think the following.
(1) A sure defense.
(2) A support group.
(3) Divine armor.

A sure defense

The Bible says, “resist the devil and he will flee from you.” When the demons seek to return, command them in Jesus’ name to depart. Those who belong to Jesus have been given authority, and to paraphrase Martin Luther, demons may fly around your head, but you don’t need to let them build a nest in your hair.
This basic equipment should be provided as soon as an exorcism takes place.

A support group

The longer demons have had a grip on an individual the more that person will be tempted to fall back into old patterns of thought and action. A person in this situation needs a support group where his or her struggles can be shared, and where he or she will receive concentrated prayer support. In truth, every Christian needs supportive relationships with other believers. But a person freed from demonic attachments is likely to need participation in such a group for at least a year.

Divine Armor

Paul in the Book of Ephesians describes armor that God has provided for those engaged in spiritual warfare. And, as Satan prowls seeking those he can destroy, every Christian needs to understand and wear that armor.

I’ve written about the Armor of God earlier on this blog, and as you know, developed a Friday evening/Saturday FREEDOM WORKSHOP that’s designed to help those who attend not just understand the armor, but put it on. This teaching is so vital that I’m going to summarize again what the armor is and why it’s important.

The helmet of salvation (Eph 1)
Satan is intent on making Christians ineffectual as well as miserable. He uses the sins others commit against us to distort our understanding of who we are. Ephesians 1 affirms our identity as those saved by the intervention of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. That intervention not only provided us with salvation but affirms that we have been chosen, forgiven, sealed and adopted into God’s family. We are Jesus’ people, and Jesus has been exalted far above every power in the material and spiritual universe. Knowing who we are and who Jesus is, we are no longer vulnerable to Satan’s lies, no longer weak or helpless.

The shield of faith
Ephesians 2 affirms faith as the gift of God, not a work but his work in and for us. Because God is trustworthy no circumstances or difficulties Satan may create can thwart our advance toward the good works he has planned for us beforehand. Satan may throw up obstacles, but we trust, and face each new day with confidence.

Sandals of peace
In the cross God decisively judged sin, taking our punishment on himself and demonstrating that justice will prevail. The cross frees us from the burden of pursuing judgment against those who sin against us. We leave justice to God, confident he repays every violation. Thus freed we forgive those who hurt and harm us, enabling us to be at peace with others, with God, and with ourselves. Satan whispers that we must punish evildoers. God frees us to forgive and tells us to leave judgment to him.

The helmet of righteousness
As Gods people know, assured of his love and furnished with the gift of faith, we reject sin and choose to live righteous lives. Satan entices us with the pleasures of sin. God calls us to the joy of holiness, and to freedom from sin’s bondage.

The belt of truth
In the light of God’s word we recognize reality for what it is. We are no longer blinded by the warped desires, values and passions of a world system shaped by Satan to appeal to the corrupt nature of sinful humanity. We exchange a life dedicated to the pursuit of the meaningless for a life that is meaningful and fulfilling,.

As the newly delivered understand and choose the way of life revealed in Ephesians, they are equipped to stand against the Devil and avoid his most subtle schemes.

The role of the local church

Ideally, all that I’ve covered in this series will take place in the local church. Leaders will teach and preach on spiritual warfare. They will take the spirit world seriously, and be open to prayer for healing and deliverance. And they will gear the church’s life not only to free captives, but to nurture every member to maturity in Christ.