Achieving deliverance from darkness can definitely be a battle, but by grace complete victory belongs to you, provided that you are prepared, well-clothed and well-armed with God’s every provision (see Ephesians 6:11-18).
In fact, most of your success in battle lies in the preparation. The actual engagement of deliverance does not have to be messy or difficult at all.
Believe it or not, deliverance can be easy!
(Obviously, it is important not to take the enemy lightly or flippantly. For a much more thorough handling of this subject, see my Deliverance from Darkness class or corresponding book.)
The Gospel of Deliverance
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (see 1 John 3:8).
Anointed “with the Holy spirit and with power…He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38, NASB). By healing people and casting out demons, He was bringing in the Kingdom (see Matthew 12:28).
The Gospel of the Kingdom is a message of deliverance. It is a message of freedom and cleansing.
As Kingdom people, we combat invisible powers of darkness that masquerade as ordinary earthly entanglements. “For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere” (Ephesians 6:12, AMP).
The Father’s Love
The power of Jesus comes from the extraordinary love of our Father. Greater than any darkness is the light of our all-loving Father God, the One who sent His best to us—His only Son, Jesus.
His amazing Spirit dwells in the hearts of every believer, thus enabling each one of us to carry on the supernatural work that Jesus did and still does today.
The Father’s love is enormously important in the ministry of deliverance and, quite frankly, it is the missing key from many presentations about deliverance. If we can create a culture based on the revelation of the loving fatherhood of God, we will not need to wrestle so long and so hard anymore.
I came to know Jesus at an early age. In many ways, I knew that Jesus wanted to introduce me to His Father and to make me fully His son. But I could not embrace it—there were hindrances to intimacy for sure.
So the Holy Spirit had to make a way for me to experientially know the Father’s love. Without His direct help, I would have continued to think of God the Father as aloof and even stern—as my own earthly father had been much of my life.
The Father created you and He loves you so very much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to open the way to heaven for you. Your Father did not kick you out of His house when you were a child. Even if you have felt far from Him, He has always been holding out His arms to you.
When you come into a true revelation of the Father’s love for you, you will rise to a new level of freedom.
The hooks of rejection and fear will be removed from your life, and you will be able to move beyond mere techniques and information.
That is when deliverance will become easy.
Correct deliverance procedures and awe-inspiring worship are always helpful, but the most important thing is knowing the One you belong to.
Firming Up Your Freedom
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any places that have blocked you from experiencing the Father’s love in your life.
As you bask in the Father’s love and presence, humble yourself and repent, confessing and disclosing and forsaking all past sins of commission and omission (see Proverbs 28:13; Mark 6:12-13; Acts 19:18).
Forgive anyone who has harmed you (see Matthew 18:34-35). If necessary, resolve to make restitution and to seek reconciliation (see Luke 19:7-10; Matthew 5:23-25). Commit to walk in the light with fellow children of God, helping each other stay in the light (see John 3:19-21; Ephesians 5:8-14; 1 John 1:5-9).
As you secure your stance as the beloved of God, it is important to close any doors that can be access points for darkness:
- Sexual sin and soul ties
- Anger and unforgiveness
- Fear and control
- Occult or false religion
As four key areas of sin, they must be closed (through repentance and forgiveness) to shut out both demonic influences and the consequences of the sin in a person’s life.
Don’t forget to use your spiritual weaponry, which includes the following:
- The high praises of God (see Psalm 149:1, 5-9)
- The blood of Jesus (see Revelation 12:11)
- The name of Jesus (see Mark 16:17)
- Pronouncing forgiveness on behalf of others (see John 20:21-23)
- Resting in God (patience starves out the devil) (see Isaiah 26:3)
How to Keep Deliverance
As you walk in the light of the Father’s love with other believers, keep “short accounts” with God and others, pray and fast regularly, read the Word of God, follow Jesus in everything you do and live by the power of His holy Spirit, then you will be walking in freedom.
Your conversations will reflect the mentality of a conqueror—humble and confident at the same time, and able to bring God’s help to others.
God’s purpose in your struggles is never merely your survival, but your advancement. Your pain is a passageway to purity. Like a brightly colored butterfly, you are in metamorphosis—or maybe you have just emerged from your dark chrysalis!
Yes, deliverance can be made easy when you bask in the reality of the Father’s amazing love!
Receive now the free gift of the love of God through Christ Jesus the Lord. All things are possible—this is the place where the light shines and the darkness flees.
You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free! Always remember: whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!
Blessings to walk in the full love and freedom of Christ Jesus!
James W. Goll
This article was adapted from “Deliverance Made Easy”, Chapter 12 of James W. Goll’s book, Deliverance from Darkness! If you want to learn more about deliverance, we encourage you see James Goll’s Deliverance from Darkness class or full Curriculum. Also, through September 2018, Save 50% on Monthly Streaming for ALL 19 Classes, including Deliverance from Darkness.
You don’t mention generational repentance. What is your teaching on that?
Thanks.
Greetings!
You can only mention so much in one article! I wrote an entire book and Study Guide on this subject called Deliverance from Darkness. You might want to look at it and another series called Prayers that Strike the Mark.
Blessings!
James W Goll