In the first part of this blog, I warned against looking for quick, easy solutions to demonic oppression instead of seeking the reason God is allowing it and what He wants to teach through it.
So, what should you do if you are being attacked? Don’t panic or fear – that plays right into the enemies’ hands. Patiently persevere in keeping your eyes on Jesus, prayer, Bible study and worship. That doesn’t mean ignore the attacks, for we have an enemy we are command to fight (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7).
God wants you to learn how to fight, not find an ‘expert’ to fight your battles for you. There are no shortcuts. The only way we can speed up the process is by turning to Jesus and asking what He is trying to teach us or accomplish in or through us. Then cooperate with what He is doing in your life.
In Jesus we have both power ( dunamis dunamis – Luke 9:1; 24:49; Acts 1:8; 4:33; 6:8 Ephesians 1:18-23; Hebrews 2:14-15) and authority (exousia exousia – Luke 10:1,17-20; Matthew 10:1,8; Mark 3:15; 6:7; I John 4:4). Power comes from the Holy Spirit within (Acts 1:8), authority comes from our relationship as a child of Jesus (John 1:12). A policeman has both authority (badge) and power (gun or club). Both come from a source outside himself, as do ours (Colossians 12:9-10). Satan also has power (Luke 10:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24; 1 Peter 3:22) and authority (Luke 4:6; Acts 26:10; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Ephesians 1:21; 2:2; 3:10; 6:12). Demons have these, also (Revelation 9:3,10,19; Colossians 1:16; 2:10; 1 Peter 3:22). God’s power and authority is superior to that which Satan & the demons have. Men without Jesus do not have power or authority anywhere near to Satan and his demons, though.
In all areas it isJesus’ strength, not ours or anyone else’s, that gives us victory (Philippians 4:13). God promises to give us power (2 Timothy 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3). God is faithful to keep His promise to strengthen us (Numbers 23:19; Philippians 1:4-6; Hebrews 10:22-23). Our part is to use His strength. We are to fight, but in His strength. We must put on the armor God provides and stand in His strength (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are promised what when we resist Satan in God’s strength that Satan will flee (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). Victory is assured when we fight in His might (1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 1 John 5:5). French Painter Emile Ranouf, in a painting called “A Helping Hand,” depicted an old man dressed in fisherman’s garb, seated in boat with little girl beside him. Both have hands on an oar. He is looking down fondly and admiringly at her. Apparently he has told her that she may assist him in rowing the boat, and she feels she is doing a great share of the task. It is easy to see it is his strong, muscular arm doing the work. That’s how it is with us and Jesus! It’s all by His grace!
Therefore, we need not fear Satan or his forces (Joshua 1:9; 10:8; 23:9-11; Leviticus 26:8; Exodus 14:13; 1 Samuel 17:45-47; 2 Samuel 22:33-35,40-41). They must have God’s approval for all they do (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Luke 4:35). God protects His people (Luke 10:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Revelation 9:4; 1 Samuel 18:10-11; 19:9-10). Nothing can get us away from God (Romans 8:38; John 10:29). When we ask, God will put a hedge around us or those we are praying for (Job 1:10; 3:23; Isaiah 5:5). God’s power is greater than Satan’s (Exodus 7:12; 8:18; I Jn 4:4).
Sad to say, I have met some people who are so preoccupied with the difficulties they face in life that they attribute them all to demons and spend all their time thinking and talking about their demons and what they are doing. They have names for many of them and almost seem to revel in the terribleness of being attacked by such powerful spirit beings. They go from one deliverance ministry to another not finding what they want. Their identity seems to be wrapped up in their oppression. It can be how they get attention and sympathy. Some even seem to resist any real help for deliverance but instead just want recognition and sympathy. I sometimes get the attitude from them: “I dare you to deliver me! Go ahead and try!” This breaks my heart for it isn’t Satan’s great power keeping them in bondage but rather their unbiblical response to it.
What about when deliverance is slow or not at all? Remember, sometimes God has a greater purpose than casting out every demon as soon as we pray. Sometimes there is delay. Jesus even had times when He had to persevere for a while (Luke 8:31 Greek word usage says this). Usually, deliverance is a process. It’s like peeling the layers off an onion. As new sin is revealed and removed, more ground is taken back from Satan’s forces. This gradual process allows the person to better fill the ground which has been reclaimed with God’s Holy Spirit and gives him time to grow spiritually (Psalm 59:11; 119:50,67,71) before the next ‘layer’ is removed. That’s why the Jews under Joshua only conquered the Promised Land bit by bit instead of all at once. If they would have driven out the Canaanites immediately then lions would have come in and harmed them.
There is a learning process involved that can be used to help others, too (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). At other times complete deliverance never comes. Paul’s thorn in the flesh is an example (2 Corinthians 12:7). Paul testified that God then provides the grace needed to withstand. God wants us to learn to depend on Him alone (Psalm 119:59,92). Of course, if the opening is allowed to continue then the demonizing will continue, too (Psalm 94:12-16; 81:11-14).
Remember, Jesus is the only one who can bring deliverance. There are no shortcuts, no instant spirituality. Life is a battle we all must fight, but in Jesus there is victory. I hope these blogs have been helpful. If you have comments or experiences you’d like to share please write me at Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(I have an article “SW Steps to Deliverance” on my web site or you can email me and I’ll send you a copy. For more information about spiritual warfare go to CTOtraining and click on Spiritual Warfare. You will find all my books, study courses and articles there. Or you can email me and I’ll send a PDF copy to you. jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org)
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India, Africa & Spanish Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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