A) INTRODUCTION.

B) DEMONIC POSSESSION.

C) TO THE FORMULA.

 

 

A) INTRODUCTION

 

 

Our Lord specifically states that this is a ministry in which we are to engage:  “(7) And as ye go, preach, saying, The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils:  freely ye have received, freely give.”  Mat. 10:7-8 (carried out in Mark 6:13; see also Luke 9:1).

 

By contrast, to misuse this gift is to invoke a severe penalty (see Acts, Chapter 19, starting with verse 13 and the false “exorcists”).  Therefore, first determine if this is one of your spiritual gifts, or if you are to refrain from this course of action.

 

 

B) DEMONIC POSSESSION

 

 

Demonic Possession is very real, and as we learn from the Scriptures, Demoniacs have these specific characteristics:

 

1) Having certain sicknesses (Mat. 4:24; Mark 1:32).

2) Aggressive behavior (Mat. 8:28; Acts 19:16).

3) Inability to speak (Mat. 9:32).

4) Inability to see (Mat. 12:22).

5) Attempts at self-destruction (Mat. 17:15).

6) Inability to hear (Mark 9:25).

 

In regards to number 1, it is the most controversial aspects of demon possession, in that in almost all cases, it is difficult to distinguish it from epilepsy, or other physical diseases or mental illnesses.  Therefore, whenever possible, we should first seek the advice of physicians or other qualified medical personnel before moving into the casting out of demon’s mode; for demon’s sake.

 

And just what is the casting out of demon’s mode?  Our Lord provided no Biblical formula except for hardened cases such as Matthew 17:21:  “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”  By contrast, the normal way our Lord performed the procedure was simple (for Him), i.e., here is Matthew 8:16:  “When the even was come, they brought unto Him many that were possessed with devils:  and He cast out the spirits with His Word, and healed all that were sick.”  He simply ordered them to leave and they obeyed (Luke 9:49-50; 10:17).  Therefore, ALWAYS use the formula, “In Jesus’ Name.”

 

 

C) TO THE FORMULA

 

 

What is important to remember is that our Lord did give to His disciples the same authority to cast out demons (Mat. 10:8; Mark 3:15; Luke 9:1).  However, the real sense of how that authority was to be used is found in their ministry as depicted in the Book of Acts.  And the way the Apostles applied this ministry is a simple formula.  They simply adjured (commanded) the demon(s), to come out, “in the Name of Jesus Christ,” Acts 16:18 (see also Acts 19:12-13; 3:6; 9:34).

 

Therefore, it must be remembered that it is Christ our Lord that frees the individual, not the Apostle.  There is no dialog (only once did our Lord do this, i.e., Mark 5:7-10, and far be it for us to consider to do so), nor is there a struggle.  Christ’s power was and is effective enough through admonishing them to come out, “in His Name.”  See Acts 16:18.  However, see Acts 19:15-16 before attempting anything like this or outside our Lord’s will.  Remembering:  “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”  Mark 9:29.

 

If, in the fulfillment of the mission to cast out demons, and we have been empowered to do so (you recognize it as a spiritual gift you have been given), and we come into contact with them, then it is by God’s power and instructions that we do so.  However, our primary mission in this life is to proclaim the Gospel and bring others to Christ.  If the demon must first be cast out in order to do so, then that is the will of God.

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