Evicting the Enemy – Part 3

One of the unique characteristics of Hungry Generation is that we believe in confronting the demonic. Everywhere Jesus went, He healed the sick, preached the Kingdom, and cast out demons. Deliverance is a part of discipleship. Believers can be in bondage, but deliverance is the children’s bread. Deliverance involves casting out demons, breaking mental strongholds, and receiving inner healing. We don’t counsel demons; we cast them out.

The Lord’s Prayer

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” – Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)

Most theologians will agree that the Lord’s prayer is not just to be quoted verbatim but that it is a framework for effective prayer for the will of God. Jesus teaches us to pray for God to deliver us from evil.

‘ῥῦσαι’ (rhysai) is the word deliver from the root word ‘ῥύομαι’ (rhuomai). It means: to rescue, draw to oneself to deliver from danger, liberate, snatch from, or protect.

ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ (apo tou ponērou) is the phrase from evil / from the evil one. The root is the word πονηρός (ponēros). This means: Evil, wicked, malicious, hurtful, morally corrupt; or “the evil one” (Satan).

Jesus here gives a new-covenantal template of prayer for all disciples. What we can understand from this word study is that deliverance is two fold – both being drawn out of something and drawn closer to God. Deliverance is both casting out demons and being drawn to God. One must lead to the other.

The Emphasis on Forgiveness in Prayer

First portion of the prayer is God-ward, second portion is human-ward.  

It teachers disciples to live in reverence for God’s name, longing for His reign, practical obedience, daily dependance, reciprocal forgiveness and spiritual vigilance. 

• Forgiveness is a bridge, it bridges the gap of offense.
• Forgiveness is a key, it unlocks doors closed by hurt.
• Forgiveness is a salve, it covers and heals the wounds in our souls.
• Forgiveness reconciles families, repairs relationships, restores communication, redeems injustice.
• Forgiveness is not optional; if you cannot forgive, you cannot be delivered.

Unforgiveness is a breeding ground for spiritual contamination. Share on X

Prayer without following through by acting in faith is powerless. We don’t just pray and then do nothing about it. Whatever you might be praying about, there must be an act of faith connected to that prayer. If you pray and believe it will not rain, the act of faith is not to take your umbrella with you.

Five Step Process Of Deliverance

Jesus gives a perfect framework for deliverance. He says to:

1. Trust God’s provision
2. Seek God’s forgiveness (repentance)
3. Forgive those who sinned against you (release forgiveness)
4. Resist temptation
5. Deliverance

Deliverance Glorifies God Not The Devil

Exposing how someone operates is not equal to glorifying their actions. Exposing your enemy is not glorifying him. Apostle Paul told us not to be ignorant of the devil’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). We live in a day and age where we need to know who our real enemy is. If you don’t know who your enemy is, that is when you can believe that someone who does not agree with you politically, look like you racially or think like you theologically is the problem. The enemy is satan, the liar, deceiver, and evil one.

Levels of Demonization

Spiritually, we are like houses. We are created to be dwelling places for someone. 

1. Temptation. The first level of influence. Prayer and fasting and realigning your focus and walk with the Lord solves this.
   
2. Infestation. This is when there is demonic activity or presence in certain specific areas, objects or sometimes animals. This is a perfect example on when to approach with prayer and anointing oil.
   
3. Affliction. Deep level of demonic influence. Often manifests in the form of financial, relational, or physical attacks.
   
4. Oppression. Deeper level of demonic influence. This is the category of people where real manifestations start occurring during deliverance prayers. 
   
5. Subjugation. Even deeper level of demonic influence. At this point, your soul, which consists of your mind, will and emotions are surrendered and submitted to the demons.
   
6. Domination. Final stage of demonization. Such as legion in Scripture.

Prayer 

Lord, we pray that you will guide us into perfect peace and perfect understanding. For now, we prophesy in part and know in part, but one day, we shall know all.

We pray, Lord, let Your name be glorified in our lives, as we come in and go out, may Your Kingdom be glorified, may Your will be done in our lives, today and tomorrow. 

You are our Provider, we thank You for your everlasting, never-ending provision. That You will never leave us nor forsake us. That where You guide, You will provide. 

We pray for forgiveness of our sins, Lord. Wash us with Your Blood. Help us, Holy Spirit, to forgive those who sin against us. We release them out of the prison of unforgiveness.

We pray Lord Jesus, to help us resist the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Help us to resist temptation. We take a stand against all temptation. 

We also come against any unclean spirits, familiar spirits, ancestral spirits, demonic spirits, tormenting the people of God, in Jesus’ name.

Watch The Full Sermon Here: