AUTHORITY FOR DIVINE HEALING

INTRODUCTION

Down through the ages there have been many great men of God who have experienced healing and who have believed it to be God's will to heal the sick.

John Wesley, the found of Methodism, had tuberculosis at the age of 27; he had it for eleven years.  When he was in the third stage of this dreadful disease God miraculously healed him over a period of three months.   John Wesley was cer-tainly and permanently healed as this testimony of his life shows!

1.    He traveled 250,000 miles on horseback, averaging 20 miles per day for 40 years.

2.    He preached 40,000 sermons and produced hundreds of books: he knew ten lan¬guages.

3.    At the age of 83 he was concerned that he could not write more than 15 hours a day without hurting his eyes and was ashamed he could not preach more than twice a day.  He noted at this time in his journal that there was an increasing tendency to lie late in bed in the morning - until 5:30 a.m. (J. Boyd Nicholson).

What can we do as Christians to help produce a climate of faith, which will see God moving in healing and miracles?......


1.    We can encourage our faith by reading of the healings and miracles in God's Word.  This will produce faith.

2.    We can look back to our forefathers in the faith and read of their miraculous heal¬ings and deliverances.


3.    We can confess who we are in Christ, and what God has wrought for us by the sacrifice of Jesus.

4.    We can spend time in communion and prayer with God.
In this next study we begin to learn about the healing ministry.

AUTHORITY FOR DIVINE HEALING

DIVINE HEALING IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

GOD AS CREATOR

The Lord God is the creator of the heavens and the earth, and of all that inhabits them.  He made man.

"...He knows how we are formed..." (Ps 103:14a)

This being so, it is surely not unreasonable to suppose that he who made us is able to mend us.

THE LORD THAT HEALS

But we do not need to rest on supposition, for God declares himself to be the healer.  So we read:

"...I will not bring on you any of the diseases ... for I am the Lord who heals you." (Ex 15:26b)

"I will take away sickness from among you..." (Ex 23:25b)

These two references could be multiplied by many examples throughout the history of Israel.

TESTIMONIES

Those who loved him most and know him best in Old Testament days referred to God as their healer.

David was a man whom God loved.  He called him a man after his own heart and the Bible says that he was,

"...The man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, Israel's singer of songs."  (2 Sa 23:1b)

And he said,

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.  Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases; he redeems your life from the pit..." (Ps 103:2-4a)

In another place David spoke about some sick people who called on the Lord for heal¬ing.  He described it this way -

"They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death.  Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave."  (Ps 107:18-20)

RAISING THE DEAD

The Bible gives us record of times when the Lord God raised the dead; so surely he is able to heal the living.

By the power of the prophet Elijah the son of a poor widow was brought to life again.  Then some years late the prophet Elisha prayed for the son of the Shunamite and raised him out of death and restored him to his mother (1 Kg 17; 2 Kg 4)

On another occasion a dead soldier, who was being taken for burial, was hastily cast into the tomb of the prophet Elisha.  As soon as the dead man fell and struck the bones of the prophet, he was brought back to life again, and crept out of the tomb to join his friends.  In this way God honoured the faith of the great prophet, and showed his willingness to work a miracle of healing and deliverance (2 Kg 13:21).  If God, through the bones of a dead prophet, could restore a soldier to life, how much easier it must be for him, using the hands and faith of his living servants, to bring simple healing to those who call upon him.

The issues of life and death belong to God, and it is our privilege to trust him for life and life more abundant.

"...Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death." (Ps 68:20)

DIVINE HEALING IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

There are many examples of God healing the sick in the Old Testament -

In response to the prayer of Abraham, the Lord healed king Abimeleck and his wife and the women folk of his household (Ge 20:17-18).

Moses cried to the Lord, and Miriam was healed of leprosy (Nu 12:13-15).
And again when the thousands of Israel were dying from the poison of the fiery ser¬pents of the wilderness, Moses believed God for deliverance: the brazen serpent on the pole was set up and:

"When anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived."  (Nu 21:9b)

How easily Naaman, "Captain of the host of the king of Syria" was healed of his dread¬ful leprosy simply by dipping seven times in the river Jordan (2 Kg 5:1-4).

When King Jereboam repented of his anger against the prophet of God, the Lord gra¬ciously healed him of a withered hand, making his arm normal again (1 Kg 13:1-6).

There was another time when King Hezediah was stricken with a deadly disease and was at death's door, but with all his faith he called to the Lord, and God delivered and healed him.  So willing was the Lord to heal Hezekiah that he shook the foundations of the whole heaven, and caused the shadows to go back 10 degrees.  The Lord God moved heaven and earth just to prove to one man that the Lord would heal him (2 Kg 20:1-11)

A MAN WHO DIED

The Old Testament contains one small but somber account of a man who failed to trust in the healing power of God.  His feet became diseased and gradually sickness spread through his wholy body (2 Ch.16: 12).  His fault was not that he sought the physicians but that he sought only the physicians and did not seek the Lord at all.

THE UNCHANGING GOD

Once God has made a promise he does not carelessly change it.

"God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.  Does he speak and then not act?  Does he promise and not fulfill?" (Nu 23:19)

Whatever God has promised he is both able and bound to do, else he would no longer be God.  Abraham knew this, and it is recorded of him that he was -

"...Fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised."  (Ro 4:21)

Neither is God a respecter of persons -

"...How true it is that God does not show favoritism..." (Ac 10:34b)

It is clear then that the healing power of the Lord was not a foreign thing in the days of Israel.  From that early revelation of himself as 'the Lord that heals you' God went on to prove the fact by healing thousands of his people across the years as they called upon him in distress.

DIVINE HEALING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

1.    Jesus the HEALER

If you read the New Testament without looking for secondary meanings, taking everything just as it is recorded, it becomes plainly evident that healing the sick was the most prominent part of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The four gospels record 33 outstanding miracles performed by Jesus with 24 of them miracles of healing.  This is apart from the number of other references to the crowds surrounding Jesus and beseeching him to heal their sick.  Again and again it is recorded that

"...All who touched him were healed." (Mt 14:36b)

In fact the total number of healing miracles performed by Jesus in the three years of his public ministry must run into many thousands.

The Bible says:

"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people."  (Mt 4:23)

Including palsy, dropsy, paralysis, hemorrhage, leprosy, withered limbs, blindness, deafness, and dumbness, restoring new limbs and raising the dead to life.

And not only did Jesus heal every kind of disease, but he healed every person who came to him: so we read

"(He) healed all the sick."  (Mt 8:16b)

"They sent word to all the surrounding country.  People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed." (Mt 14:35-36)

Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them (Mt 15:30-31; 19:2; 21:14, etc.)

2.    Is God WILLING and ABLE

There are two basic questions people ask concerning healing: Is God WILLING to heal; Is God ABLE to heal?  The Lord answered both those questions very plainly.  To the Leper who said

"If you are willing you can make me clean."

Jesus moved with compassion, said emphatically -

"I am willing, be clean!"  (Mk 1:40-42)

And immediately the leprosy vanished and the man was healed.

Then on another occasion an anguished father pleaded for his sick son and said

"If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."  (Mk 9:22)

In mighty power Jesus spoke a few words and the tormented boy was at once delivered and restored to his father.

For all time the Lord Jesus Christ has established that he is WILLING and ABLE to heal all who believe.

3.    The PURPOSE of Healing

There are several reasons why Jesus placed so much emphasis on healing the sick.  All of these reasons are as relevant today as they were then.  Here are some of them ...

He healed to prove that he was the long promised Messiah of Israel.

"Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God.  For no-one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." (Jn 3:2)

"But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you."  (Lu 11:20)

He healed to prove that he was the Son of God.

"...Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’" (Mt 16:16)

"Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here.  I have not come on my own; but he sent me.’" (Jn 8:42)

"Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does.  But if I do it, event though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."  (Jn 10:37-38)

He healed to fulfill prophecy.

"When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah.  He took up our infirmities and carried our dis¬eases."  (Mt 8:16-17)

He healed because the ability to heal the sick and cast out devils is evidence of a genuine ministry.

"Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see.  All the people were astonished and said, 'Could this be the son of David?'"  (Mt 12:22-23; see also verses 24-32)

He healed because healing was 'the children's bread' - that is the rightful property of the children of God.

"...First let the children eat all they want, he told her, for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."  (Mk 7:27)

He healed to bring glory to God.

"Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them.  The people were amazed when they say the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing.  And they praised the God of Israel."  (Mt 14:30-31)

But perhaps most basic and important of all, he healed out of sheer compassion for suffering and afflicted mankind.

Let these tremendous statements sink into your heart:

"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick."  (Mt 14:14)

"Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.  Immediately they received their sight and followed him."  (Mt 20:34)

"Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.  I am willing, he said, Be clean!  Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured."  (Mk 1:41)

"...he healed those who needed healing."  (Lk 9:11b)

I am convinced that human need is as great now as it ever was.  I am also convinced that the compassion of the Son of God is no less now than ever it was.  I can believe no other than that he is as willing to heal today as he was yesterday.

4.    Further Proof that Jesus HEALED because the People NEEDED Healing.

The Bible tells us that Christ was so burdened with the desperate need of the people that he enlisted the help of as many as he could in his healing ministry, and besought his disciples to pray that still others would have his compassion and go forth in faith to heal the sick as he did.

So we read:

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preach¬ing the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'  He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness." ( Mt 9:35; 10:1)

This being so in the past must be the same today; the nature of God cannot change

"...JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday and today and forever."  (He 13:8)

We also read:

"...all the plans of the Lord stand firm for ever, the purposes of his heard through all generations."  (Ps 33:11)

And again -

"...I am the Lord your God, I do not change." (Mal 3:6a)

And again -

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  (Ja 1:17)

Whatever the Lord was in the past he will be today.

Each of the above reasons is a powerful argument for the reality of divine healing today: taken all together they give us overwhelming proof in favour of the fact that God will heal the sick now just as willingly, just as fully, as he has done in the past.



5.    The DISCIPLES Commissioned to Heal

During his public ministry in Palestine and before his crucifixion, the Lord Jesus Christ gave many of his disciples the right to heal the sick even as he did.  The record is given to us in this way -

"Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits... They went out and preached that people should repent.  They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them."  (Mk 6:7 & 12-13)

Again we read -

"When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."  (Lu 9:1-2)

A complete stranger heard the Lord giving this commission and took it to himself and went out to do likewise.  The disciples tried to prevent him, but Jesus rebuked them for it and encouraged the man to continue healing the sick and casting out devils (Lu 9:49-50)

If this unknown man ( and the seventy other disciples whom Jesus appointed Lu 10:1-9, 17) were able to go out in the name of Jesus and heal the sick, then present day disciples who have faith and courage enough to do the same will see the same result.

6.    The CHURCH Commissioned

Some will say that all this applied while Jesus was here in person but no longer applies since his death and resurrection.  However, the scripture tells us that Christ renewed this healing commission after his resurrection, just prior to his ascension into heaven.

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.  After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it."  (Mk 26:15-20)

The disciples took the Lord at his word, and the Acts of the Apostles abound with references to the great number of mighty miracles wrought in the ministry of the early church (see Ac 3:6-8; 5:12-16; 6:8; 14:3; 19:11-12; 28:8-9; etc.).

As confirming evidence we may also remember the astonishing words of Jesus:

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.  And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.  You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."  (Jn 14:12-14)

This chapter in the gospel of John contains many wonderful promises, which are happi¬ly and gratefully claimed by Christians everywhere.  They should also accept these just quoted: What were the works that Jesus did?  His whole ministry is summed up in these words -

"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preach¬ing the good news of the kingdom and healing every kind of disease and sickness."  Mt 9:35

These are the works we are to do too, and greater than these.  Jesus' ministry was confined to Palestine whereas the church is to go to the whole world.


7.    HEALING in the Epistles

Divine healing is not only found in the historical accounts of the New Testament.  We find also that the doctrinal epistles of Paul and James set down healing as an estab¬lished doctrine and practice of the church.

Healing is spoken of as a gift of the Spirit set in the church (1 Co 12:7-9, 28), and James gives an express command to the sick - a command that is just as emphatic as any to be found in the Bible:

"Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."  (Ja 5:14-16)

8.    HEALING Comes from God

However it must be made clear that no man in himself has power to heal the sick.  Authority to deliver those who are bound is given only as we act in Jesus' name.  Jesus said:
"In my name they will lay hands on sick people and they will get well."  (Mk 16:18)

This is more than just casually speaking the name of Jesus, it is acting in the consciousness of his divine power, as his representative on earth.  Doing what he would do if he were here in the flesh.  There is immense power in the name of Jesus: yet how little his name means to most Christians.  This was not so in the days of the early church.  After performing a mighty miracle of healing on a crippled man, Peter said to the crowd, which came running to see for themselves what had been done:

"Men of Israel, what does this surprise you?  Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?  By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong.  It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see."  (Ac 3:2,16; 4:10)

Some people would have us believe that the apostles had a special power that is not given to the church today.  But Peter plainly disclaimed any such power or holiness and said simply that faith in the name of Jesus had brought healing to the man.  Surely this same faith in his unchanging name will bring the same results today?

Jesus said:

"You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."  (Jn 14:14)

The Jews recognized the power in the name of Jesus and they warned the disciples not to speak to anyone in his name (Ac 4:17; 5:28 & 40).

The apostles were flogged, but they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name (Acts 5:41) and they only prayed more fervently that God would grant them more boldness in preaching, and that miraculous signs and wonders might be done in the name of Jesus.  They prayed also that God would stretch out his hand to heal the sick, acknowledging that God was the healer, but that they were the instruments through which his healing power was conveyed as they laid their hands on the sick in the name of Jesus (Ac 4:29-30).

The pattern is the same today for all those who are bold enough to believe!

DIVINE DELIVERANCE

The deliverance of the demon-possessed occupied an important part of the personal ministry of Jesus as he walked the length and breadth of ancient Palestine.  The Lord frequently faced the challenge of Satanic power, not only against himself, but also in the lives of those whom he came to heal.

"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work."  (1 Jn 3:8b; see also Mt 4:1-11, 23-24; 8:28-34)

Wherever Jesus Christ healed the sick, he also cast out devils; he recognized that people could be directly afflicted by both sickness and Satan.

Accordingly, when he issued his Great Commission to the church the Lord declared, not only

"They will place their hands on sick people and they will get well."

but also:

"...IN MY NAME THEY WILL DRIVE OUT DEMONS."  (Mk 16:15-18)

With great confidence the disciples joined with their master in this divinely appointed ministry, and abundant record of their success has been left for our encouragement.

"The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord even the demons submit to us in your name." (Lu 10:17)

"Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed." (Ac 5:16)

If Christ loosed the demon-possessed, and if the disciples also brought liberty to those who were bound, and if the Great Commission lays the same responsibility upon the whole church, should not this ministry of deliverance be part of our service today?

WHAT ARE DEMONS?

They are the great host of militant forces, which make up what the Bible calls "the kingdom of darkness".  Their chief prince is Satan, and beneath him are ranked many principalities, rulers and powers.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  (Ep 6:12)

"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."  (Cl 2:15; see also Lu 4:6; Ep 1:21; Re 9:11)

The Bible indicates that Satan's original name was 'Lucifer' and that he was once among the most beautiful and powerful beings in heaven.

"How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn!  You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!"  (Is 14:12)

Despite his lofty station, he desired still greater exaltation and rebelled against the will of God.  This led to his abject downfall and exclusion from heaven, along with those angels, which had joined him in his revolt (see Re 12:7-9; and compare also Is 14:12-15 and Ez 28:13-16 where the language obviously goes beyond the merely local scene and points to the pride and the downfall of the devil).

"Devils" or "demons" or "evil spirits" are generally believed to be fallen angels, the devil's angels, which were cast out of heaven with him.  If this is so then to them falls the main prosecution of the devil's work of deception, temptation, possession and destructions.  It is probable that the devil himself and the princes immediately beneath him in the kingdom of darkness, are rarely engaged in the affliction of individual persons, but concern themselves more with the overthrow of nations (see Da 10:12-13 'the prince of the Persian kingdom;' Re 12:9 "Satan, who leads the whole world astray."  Mt 4:8-10, etc.). The temptation and troubling of individuals is no doubt committed largely to the multitude of devils who work in perfect accord with their master's grand design.  In this sense the Bible uses the words "Satan" or "devil" in both a personal and general sense, referring either to "the prince of this world" (Jn 14:30) himself, or else to his minions, whether man or demon (compare Mt 16:23).

EVIDENCE OF DEMON-POSSESSION

Whatever may be the true nature of demons, it is certain that they are spiritual forces, "the powers of this dark world"; they create "spiritual wickedness" they are armed with "flaming arrows", they are "thieves", and their one desire is to "steal, kill, and destroy" as many lives as possible (Ep 6:12; Jn 10:10).

In this warfare against God and man they desperately desire human embodiment so that they may better work wickedness and wreak havoc in human society.  To this end they strive with every means at their disposal to possess or demonize the spirit, or the mind, or the body of a person; and if possible, all three, thus gaining complete control of that personality.

Numerous passages in the four gospels, and the Book of Acts, describe the condition of men and women who were demonized.  The New Testament plainly indicates that mental sickness, chronic diseases of every kind, many infirmities, and moral and physi¬cal breakdown, all frequently stem from the onslaught of these evil spirits.  We read of spirits of infirmity, blindness, deafness, dumbness, uncleanness, etc.

This being so, what are we to say about present day conditions?

What lies behind the mounting tide of mental sickness, and our overcrowded hospitals and rest homes?  What is the cause of raging epidemics, and new and strange diseases which wonder drugs and over-taxed hospitals cannot combat?  Despite our advanced civilization and an abundance of material wealth, crime, delinquency, religious aposta¬sy, drunkenness, gambling, immorality, are everywhere increasing at a frightening rate.

Many modern terms - medical, psychiatric, scientific, philosophical - are used to ex¬plain these trends, but the New Testament identifies the cause in the opposing, oppress¬ing, and possessing power of the evil spirits under Satan's command.

JESUS CHRIST'S VICTORY OVER SATAN

Faced with such dread array of spiritual powers, all ruthlessly bent on our destruction, we might feel inclined to live our days in shivering fear, were it not for three things -

1.    It appears from life that every man and woman has an in-built natural defense against Satanic possession unless, by reason of sin or circumstances, that defense is broken.

2.    When we turn to the pages of scripture we discover that everywhere the devil is spoken of only in terms of total defeat.  Satan is never mentioned without his name being linked to a declaration of his utter subjugation by God, and the perfect victory which the people of God can enforce against him.

The armies of heaven have overwhelmingly crushed the armies of hell!  Certainly in the sovereign will of God and because his purpose requires it, a time of liberty has been allowed the powers of darkness.  Within this liberty the devil is able to "look for someone to devour."  (1 Pe 5:8b)

And especially is this true today, when he knows that his time is short before the return of Christ and his imprisonment in the pit, the devil has come down against men with a very great wrath  (See Re 12:12; 20:1-3.).

3.    And we have the victory because Jesus Christ, in his death on the cross, routed every principality and power, inflicted terrible destruction on the devil's domain, and sweepingly overthrew his kingdom (Cl 2:15).  The final consummation of this tremen¬dous triumph awaits the end of the resurrection and the day of judgment (Re 20:10).  But its promise and power are already offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ.  This is because the Lord wrought the victory, not on his own behalf, for his superiority had been demonstrated ages before with the casting out of Lucifer, but on your behalf and mine.  It was done, not to show the might of God, but to MAKE US MORE THAN CONQUERORS (see Ro 8:37).  When Jesus Christ died and rose again he defeated Satan in five realms:

1.    Jesus Christ conquered him as the author of sin -

"He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.  The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work."  (1 Jn 3:8)

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."  (2 Co 5:21)

2.    Jesus Christ conquered him as the author of sickness -

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted."  (Is 53:4)

"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and ... he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him."  (Ac 10:38; see also Mt 8:16-17; 1 Pe 2:24).

3.    Jesus Christ conquered him in the realm of death -

"...he too shared in (our) humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil - and free (us) who all (our) lives were held in slavery by (our) fear of death."  (He 2:14-15)

"I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever!  And I hold the keys of death and Hades!"  (Rev 1:18)

4.    Jesus Christ conquered him as the ruler of the kingdoms of this world -

"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever."  (Re 11:15; see also Mt 4:8-10)

5.    Jesus Christ conquered him in the realm of universal dominion - heaven, earth, and under the earth -

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knew should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."  (Ph 2:9-11; see also Ep 4:8-10)

Thus the victory of Jesus Christ on Calvary's cross has defeated Satan in heaven, on earth, and beneath the earth, and has made Jesus Christ Lord of all.  Now it can be boldly said that all who believe in him, who know the power of his blood and the authority of his word (Re 12:11) can easily overcome every devilish attack.

DELIVERANCE FROM DEMON POSSESSION

When the seventy-two disciples returned to Jesus, they rejoiced because devils were subject to them when they issued a command in his name (Lu 10:17).  The Lord immediately told them why they had been able to do this.  He said:

"...I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven!"  (Lu 10:18)

It was because Jesus Christ was in the throes of defeating the devil, by his life and death on Calvary, that the servants of Jesus Christ could overthrow the servants of Satan.  The destruction of the chief prince has made certain the ruin of all his lesser spirits.  Having established his own authority over Satan -

"Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out."  (Jn 12:31; see also Jn 16:11).

Jesus is now able to say to his disciples -

"I HAVE GIVEN YOU AUTHORITY TO TRAMPLE ON SANKES AND SCORPI¬ONS, AND TO OVERCOME ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMNY: NOTHING WILL HARM YOU."  (Lu 10:19)

The word 'authority' is from the Greek word "exousia'.  This authority is given to the believer in Christ.  The word 'power' is from the Greek word 'dunamis' meaning strength.  This strength belongs to the evil spirits.  However no matter how strong they are, over all of their power the believe has AUTHORITY IN CHRIST.  Before the authority of the humblest child of God even the devil himself must bow.  So the Lord said again,

"...IN MY NAME THEY WILL DRIVE OUT DEMONS."  (Mk 16:17)

Thus in the name of Jesus we are given authority over every work of the devil; and more, as we are quickened by his Spirit, and walk in his anointing, we are also given power over all the might of the devil.  Christ gave, and gives, his disciples

"...POWER AND AUTHORITY TO DRIVE OUT ALL DEMONS AND TO CURE DISEASES."  (Lu 9:1)

However to carry on such a ministry, real faith is needed, faith generated by:

1.    Identification with Christ

We have to see that we are in Christ, and that in him we share in the fruits of his resurrection and ascension to heaven's glory.

"...and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority."  (Cl 2:10; see also Ep 1:18-20; 2:4-6).

And we have to see that Christ is in us, the hope of glory, and the assurance of victo¬ry.  (See Ga 4:6; 2:20; Cl 1:27).

2.    The Word of God

Like Paul we must be able to say:

"...that Satan may not outwit us.  For we are not unaware of his schemes." (2 Co 2:11)

So to the Word of God we must go and from its pages familiarize ourselves with the works and power, and weakness of our foe.  To know your enemy is an important step toward victory.  In the scripture we can also discover God's invincible armor, and those things which enable us to:

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."  (Ep 6:10-11)

Still further, it is by the Word of God the Lord is able to give birth to faith in our hearts.

"Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."  (Ro 10:17)

This faith will help us to -

"...extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."  (Ep 6:16b)

and to drive out every devil and remove every barrier.

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.  "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, Go throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.  Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."  (Mk 11:22-24)

It is also by the Word of God we learn of the victory which has been secured for us by the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the authority and power he has given us over every devil, and of his command to us to go and cast out devils; so we become emboldened to make a stand against the oppressions of the devil, and to actively resist and destroy him wherever we are.  From the Word of God we learn of our proper warfare, and we learn also of our true spiritual weapons, weapons that are not

"...the weapons of the world.  On the contrary, THEY HAVE DIVINE POWER TO DEMOLISH STRONGHOLDS."  (2 Co 10:4b)

3.    The Name of Jesus

Every believer has the right and privilege to use the name of the highest power and authority in the universe - JESUS.  In the name of Jesus we can rebuke, command, resist, overcome, and deliver from Satan and every evil spirit (Mk 16:17; Acts 16:18; Ph 2:9-11).

When we speak in THE NAME OF JESUS, it is as though Jesus Christ himself spoke.  But we must speak with perfect confidence, being fully assured that every power of darkness must yield before the command which is given in that matchless name.  Devils may often vocally defy us, and resist our right to drive them out (see Mk 5:7; Lu 4:33-34) but we must persist in faith, knowing that if we resist the devil he will be compelled to flee from us.

"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  (Ja 4:7b)

4.    The Blood of Jesus

Satan and all his minions hate and fear the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.  They know the sinless blood of Jesus Christ was shed that their right and authority over believing men and women might be utterly destroyed (He 2:14-15), and also that we who believed in the power of the blood might have perfect redemption and release from all bondage.  So we should plead the efficacy of the blood of Jesus Christ against Satan; we should have absolute faith in the authority the blood gives to us.

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."  (Re 12:11a)

5.    The Power of the Holy Spirit

We must be filled with the Spirit, and learn to rely on the Spirit's divine power.  It was by the power of the Holy Spirit that the Lord cast out devils.

"If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."  (Mt 12:28)

The Holy Spirit, by his power and gifts, can give us adequate equipment to fight against and overcome all the strength and cunning of the kingdom of darkness.  One particular gift of the Holy Spirit which should be coveted in relation to this ministry of casting out devils is the gift of discerning of spirits (literally, to thoroughly assess the nature, strength, and work of a demon; 1 Co 12:10).

We are also taught:

"...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you."  (Ac 1:8a)

By the Holy Spirit supernatural and invincible faith can be given to us (1 Co 12:9).

6.    Prayer and Fasting

This is an often neglected, but essential part of the preparation which is needed before anyone can properly fulfill the Lord's command to "cast out demons."  Jesus indicated that certain kinds of demons would yield only before prayer and fasting (Mt 17:19-21).

So let us do all of these things and we shall discover the joy and godly pleasure of seeing men and women loosed from the bondage of the devil, as we take our stand in the name and authority of Jesus Christ our Lord.



PROTECTION FROM DEMON POSSESSION

Three things are necessary if we are to be sure of complete protection from the attack of devils:

1.    We must be born again and trust completely in the power of the blood of Christ to cleanse us from all sin (see Jn 3:1-7).

And also:

"If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  (1 Jn 1:7-9)

The unsaved have little or no protection against the power of the enemy.  They lie open to the perils of sin and circumstance.  But once we accept the redemption pur¬chased for us by the Lord Jesus Christ we become God's children, and can lay claim to his protection against the power of the enemy.  We are God's redeemed property, and he will keep his own!

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body."  (1 Co 6:19-20.  see also Ps 91; Ep 2:1-10)

2.    We should be filled with the Holy Spirit and KEEP FILLED with the Holy Spirit.

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit."  (Ep 5:18; see also Ac 1:8; 4:31)


The translation of Ephesians "be filled with the Spirit" is literally "be being filled with the Spirit," that is a continuous experience.  The Lord spoke very strongly about the person who has been delivered, cleansed, and freed, but who remains "empty" not progressing in righteousness or the fullness of God; and he issued a grave warning -

"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.  Then it says, I will return to the house I left.  When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.  Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there and the final condition of that man is worse than the first."  (Mt 12:43-45)

So we must be filled with the Spirit of God, and must live "self-controlled, upright and godly lives" every day.

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious ap¬pearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (Tit 2:11-14)

Only thus can we remain

"...strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."  (Ep 6:10)

3.    We must be fully clothed with the armor of God (Ep 6:10-18).  We are exhorted to be ever ready to resist the devil and to live victoriously by shielding ourselves in both defense and attack with the whole armor of God.  Taking hold of this passage let us grasp some of its secrets:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."

i.    Be strong!  Adopt an attitude of strength!  Accept the strength and power of the Lord in your life!  Don't confess weakness, but claim yourself to be more than a conqueror in Christ, strengthened with all power according to his glorious might, able to do all things through him who strengthens you!

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."  (Ro 8:37; see also Ph 4:13; Cl 1:11)

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes..."  (Ep 6:11)

ii.    Remember the devil has no authority over you.  You have to guard, not against his power, but rather against his SCHEMES and DECEPTIONS as he tries to trick you out of your victory in Christ.

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to STAND.  STAND FIRM THEN ..."  (Ep 6:13-14a)

iii.    Don't fight in your own strength, but STAND in the strength of the Lord, com¬plete in Christ.  STAND on the ground of your redemption.  Refuse to believe Satan's lies!

"Put on the armor of ..."

•    TRUTH...
•    RIGHTEOUSNESS...
•    THE GOSPEL OF PEACE...
•    THE SHIELD OF FAITH...
•    THE HELMET OF SALVATION...
•    THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD...
•    AND PRAY IN THE SPIRIT ON ALL OCCASIONS..."

iv.    The devil will always endeavour to deceive men and women out of their standing in Christ, but by grasping hold of this God-given armor we can meet all his deceptions and cast him aside.  Our faith is our protection; the Word of God is our sharp sword.  By these we may defend ourselves and destroy our foe.  The Word of God is sure; the enemy is defeated; the victory of Christ is certain; for all who believe there can be glorious deliverance and complete freedom from all the power of Satan and his forces!