Exercising Your Spiritual Authority
NB. All scripture quotes are taken from the New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise indicated
1. The Apostolic Mandate
1.1 Understanding the Apostolic Mandate
Key Verse: Luke 10:1
“After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go”
Insights:
· Jesus commissioned seventy disciples in addition to the twelve apostles that he had sent out
· ‘Appointed’ - NT:322 - to lift something up to a new level, so as to disclose something that had previously been hidden
· These men were not apostles, they were disciples of Jesus
· ‘Sent’ - NT:649 – Apostello (Greek): to send forth on a mission
· These believers received an apostolic commission to enter new places to prepare people to encounter Jesus
· Apostle - NT:652 - a delegate, an ambassador, one who has been sent on a military mission as a representative of a Kingdom, literally ‘a sent one’
· Apostolic - to be sent forth from a New Testament local church, anointed with supernatural power
· A believer may not be an apostle, but can be sent and equipped with supernatural power just as an apostle
· All believers are to be ‘apostello’: set free, set apart and sent out on a mission into the community with authority and power
· Mandate (Webster’s Dictionary) - a command or authorization to act
- an assignment entrusted to us by a higher authority
- an authorization to act as a representative or ambassador
· Jesus has given an apostolic mandate to believers to go into the entire world to:
ü Proclaim the Gospel
ü Make disciples
ü Do this with signs, wonders and miracles (Mark 16:17-20)
1.2 The First Apostolic Mandate
Key Verse: Gen 1:28
“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the sea, the birds of the air and everything that moves on earth”
Insights:
· Male and female were given the same mandate
i. ‘Be fruitful’ - to bear fruit, grow, increase, be productive
ii. ‘Multiply’ - become numerous, reproduce
iii. ‘Fill the earth’ - cause the earth to flourish and fulfill the purpose for which it was
put in place
iv. ‘Subdue’ - to rule and reign over the earth as an ambassador of heaven, a delegated authority
· Adam and Eve were jointly commissioned, and sent by God into the earth to exercise spiritual authority and power, and to govern it as His representatives
1.3 Jesus’ Apostolic Commission
Key Verses:
Matt 9:35-10:1
“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful but the labourers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of harvest to send out labourers into His harvest .’ And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.”
Insights:
· Jesus demonstrated His authority by healing sickness and disease (Matt 9:35)
· When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they lost the authority and mandate they had received
· Satan usurped their authority and uses it against people (Luke 4:6)
· Jesus came to restore man and woman to relationship with God and empower them to fulfill God’s purpose
· Jesus identified the great need for Holy Spirit empowered labourers (v 37)
· Jesus gave an apostolic commission to His disciples (Matt 10:1, 7-8)
· ‘Power’ - NT:1849 - ‘Exousia’ (Greek) authority to speak and act on His behalf
· Jesus is still looking for men and women who will arise, go forth and exercise dominion on His behalf
1.4 You Are Designed for Dominion
Key Verse: Ps 8:5-6
“For You have made him (man) a little lower than the angels* and You have crowned him with glory and
honour . You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet”
Insights:
· In the original Hebrew language, the word translated as ‘angels’ is the word ‘Elohim’ - God
· Man was designed to rule over angels (1Cor 6:3)
· Man was designed for dominion over all God’s creation
· ‘Crown’ - OT:5849 – the ornamental headgear worn by a sovereign head of state, symbolizing his right to rule
· You were born again by the Holy Spirit into the Family of God – a Royal Family (1Pet2:9)
· You are designed by God to exercise dominion on His behalf
· You are designed by God to subdue opposition to His purpose
Key Verse: Ps 149:5-9
“Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishment on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment - this honour have all His saints”
Insights:
· ‘kings and nobles’ are evil spiritual powers that oppress, and have dominion over, people
· You are called to confront and subdue them
· This is an honor (privilege, majesty, ornament) that God gives to all His people
· The basic weapon of this warfare is ‘words’, spoken by God’s authorized representative
· To take dominion is to rule where God has assigned you, and release His Kingdom in the earth
1.5 You Have been Commissioned
Key Verse: Matt 28:18
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen
Insights:
· Jesus declared He is the one with all the authority in Heaven and earth
· He gave the church a commission; a command, not a suggestion
· The Great Commission is to “disciple all nations” - this includes, but is not limited, to people
· The Great Commission includes government, business, media, sport, arts, science, education, and families
· The Great Commission is a mandate to influence and change the culture of all nations
· This does not take place in church meetings!
· This does take place when believers identify the ‘metron’ God has entrusted to them in the world, and set about advancing the Kingdom of God in it
· Spiritual authority must be understood, embraced, and exercised
1.6 You Are Anointed by The Holy Spirit
Key Verse: Acts 1:8
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth”
Insights:
· Jesus promised to ‘anoint’ us with the Holy Spirit
· The anointing is an empowering to accomplish the apostolic mandate
· The power of the Holy Spirit enables you to fulfill the assignment God has given you
Ø Go!
Ø Preach!
Ø Heal the sick!
Ø Cast out demons!
· You must receive instruction from the Father the same way Jesus did, and exercise authority and dominion over the things the Holy Spirit instructs you to
2. Identifying Your Spiritual Territory
2.1 Every Believer can Move Supernaturally
Key Verse: 1Cor 12:7
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all”
Insights:
· Every believer has been given something that will advance the Kingdom of God
· Every believer is given opportunity to manifest the life and power of the Spirit of God
· Every believer is called to be an ambassador of heaven (2Cor 5:20)
· Every believer needs to be equipped and prepared for apostolic ministry (Eph 4:11-12)
2.2 Every Believer Has a Spiritual Territory
Key Verse: 2Cor 10:13
“We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us — a sphere which especially includes you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment NKJV
Insights:
· ‘Metron’ - NT:3358 - a portioned-off measure, a determined extent, a measure or limit
· ‘Kanon’ - NT:3583 - one’s sphere of activity; a definitely bounded or fixed space within the limits of which one’s authority or influence is confined; a province or region assigned to a person
· Every believer has a ministry assignment entrusted to them by the Holy Spirit
· Your ‘metron’ is a territory that God has measured out and given you responsibility for
· Your ‘metron’ is your ministry assignment and responsibility, your sphere of spiritual influence
· Your metron is a specific location where you have a physical presence and spiritual authority. It could be a physical place, or a position of responsibility, or a group of people
· The Lord measures out to you a specific territory in which you can move in power and make the Kingdom of God known
2.3 How to Identify Your Territory ( ‘Metron’)
Key Verse: 2 Cor. 10:15
“Not boasting of things beyond measure that is in other men’s labours but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere.”
Insights:
· Paul clearly recognized his territory, the area of assignment and responsibility measured out by God to him
· Paul was careful not to go beyond his territory
· Going beyond your territory can empower evil spirits to operate (witchcraft)
· Every person has a ‘metron’, a spiritual territory.
· It is your responsibility to identify your territory and to govern it
· Your territory includes everything over which God wants you to take responsibility
· Your territory includes:
ü Yourself……...spirit, mind, will, emotions, imagination, body, skills
ü Your spouse…your relationship
ü Your Family…..values, culture, training, discipline, boundaries
ü Your money…the management and growth of your finances
ü Your home…. maintenance, management, hospitality
ü Your possessions……….maintenance, management
ü Your job – workplace…spiritual atmosphere, influence
ü Your ministry…………….development and growth
ü Your community……….relationships, spiritual atmosphere, evangelism, justice
(Wherever you are – you are a walking embassy of heaven!)
NOTE
A mature believer develops a strong sense of personal boundaries…constantly aware of what he is responsible for and what he is not.
2.4 Your Key Responsibilities
Key Verse: Gen 2:15
“Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it” NKJV
Insights:
· Adam and Eve were entrusted by God with a territory to govern. They were given two primary responsibilities
“Tend” = OT 5647 = to serve, to work as an act of worship, to cultivate or develop,
“Keep” = OT 8104 = to guard, to watch over, to protect from an enemy
· Adam was given responsibility to cultivate his territory as a representative of God and to bring a flow of the life and creativityof heaven to earth
· Adam was also required to protect his territory from destruction and invasion by an enemy
· Adam failed in governing…he became silent and passive in the presence of a spiritual enemy Gen.3:6
2.5 The Consequence for Failure to Govern
Adams failure to govern and to exercise spiritual authority had devastating consequences:
· Broken Relationships
He damaged his relationship with God and with his wife. Gen3:7-12
· Loss of Spiritual Authority
He lost his spiritual authority and yielded it to Satan. Luke4:6
· Oppression and Sickness
He became oppressed by Satan using the authority he had usurped. Eph.2:1-2
· Generational Problems and Curses
The negative consequences of his failure had generational impact. Rom.5:12
Key Verse: Luke 19:12-17, 26
“12 Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man reign over us.’ 15 And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.’
(v26) “For I say to you that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him”
Insights:
· The nobleman going into a far country (v12) is Jesus Christ Himself
· The servants of the nobleman are believers in Christ
· Every believer is a servant of the Lord, entrusted to advance the Kingdom of God
· God expects every believer to be productive (v13)
· It is your responsibility to use your talents and abilities to establish order and become productive within your territory
· At the coming of the Lord, every believer is called to give an account to Him of how productive they have been (v15)
· Servants who have been productive will be commended, and rewarded with increased responsibility and authority (v17)
· Servants who have failed to be productive will be rebuked and experience loss of opportunity, and authority(v26)
· Notice that God takes pleasure in, and rewards, faith, initiative, and perseverance
2.6 Governing Your Spiritual Territory
i) Hold Your Territory in Your Heart in Prayer (Phil.1:6-7)
· Paul held the Philippians in his heart in prayer.
· He was confident that the Spirit of God would continue to move upon them because he held them in his heart in prayer
· To hold someone or something in your heart you must welcome and embrace them in prayer, and assume responsibility to do what God has entrusted you do
· Hurts, difficulties, disappointments, distractions and passivity can cause us to let people and responsibilities go out of our heart.
· When we then draw back and fail to engage, spiritual forces enter and operate.
ii) Seek Direction from the Holy Spirit (Jn.16:13)
· It is the work of the Holy Spirit to give direction and guidance
· Ask for His help. Ask for wisdom. Ask for understanding. Expect a response
iii) Develop a Clear Vision – a Picture of what is possible (Prov.29:18)
· Use your imagination to see the possibilities for your territory
· Be original and creative…your territory is unique, so are you
· Search the Word of God for promises to take hold of (Exod.23:30)
· Write down some specific goals that focus your attention and give vision substance
iv) Arise in your Spirit and use your voice to: (Heb.11:3)
· Subdue opposing spirits ….Decree they are subject to you, forbid their operation.
· Speak the Word of God…..Decree God’s Word and promises over your territory.
v) Become Physically present and Actively Engaged
· In order to have dominion within your territory, you have to demonstrate you presence.
· Your territory must know you are there! You cannot be hidden and exert authority.
· Actively and continually engage in cultivating and developing your territory.
· When working with people you have to build their trust before you can have access into their lives.
· Expect God to work and be proactive to all opportunities that arise.
· Persevere! Don’t yield when unexpected difficulties or resistance arise (Heb.10:36)
3. How You Exercise Spiritual Authority
3.1 The Example of Jesus
Key Verse: Luke 4:36
“They were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, ‘What a word this is!’ For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out”
Insights:
· Jesus had just cast out an unclean spirit from a man, by exercising His spiritual authority
· ‘Authority’ - NT:1849 - ‘Exousia’ (Greek): the power of rule or government; the delegated legal right to speak and act on behalf of a King
· Authority is a delegated and legal right to speak or initiate action
Ø Example: a policeman in uniform has a delegated right to speak and act on behalf
of the Government
· ‘Power’ - NT:1849 - ‘Dunamis’ (Greek): the supernatural strength and ability to carry out a task
· Jesus received His authority from His Heavenly Father, as part of His commission
· Through intimacy and obedience He maintained His authority and power (John 5:19)
· Jesus exercised His authority by strong forceful verbal command (v 35)
· The power Jesus demonstrated was the Holy Spirit flowing through Him (Matt 12:28)
3.2 What Jesus Accomplished on Our Behalf
Key Verses: Col 2:12-15
“ And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. NKJV
Insights:
· All through Jesus life He walked in obedience and overcame every assault of Satan against Him.
· Jesus acted as the representative of all mankind and disarmed all spiritual principalities and powers by His death and resurrection
· “Disarmed” = NT 554 =to strip off all clothes or weapons, to totally put off
· “Triumphed” = NT = to celebrate a complete and decisive victory over ones enemies
· Jesus victory at the cross caused a complete transfer of spiritual authority to take place from those defeated to the triumphant conqueror.
· Satan lost all “legal rights” over humanity that Adam had surrendered to him in the garden.
· All authority in heaven and earth now legally belongs to him as the triumphant victor and the champion of humanity Mt.28:18
· At the Cross Jesus has legally broken the power of:
Ø Sin Col.2:14
Ø Curses Gal.3:13
Ø Griefs and trauma Is.53:4
Ø Sicknesses Is.53:5
Ø Iniquity Is.53:5
· Followers of Christ, joined to His Spirit and abiding in Him, are raised to a new level to share with Him in His victory and authority
· Followers of Jesus have been delegated authority to speak and act on His behalf to advance His Kingdom
· In spite of the cross the majority of people still give the Devil legal rights to enter and manipulate their lives
3.3 You Have Been Given Spiritual Authority
Key Verse: Luke 10:19
“Behold, I give you the authority (exousia) to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power (dunamis) of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt you”
Insights:
· Jesus was responding to testimonies given by the seventy disciples of their dominion over demons
· ‘Authority’ - NT:1849 - the power or right to give a command or to exercise force
· ‘Serpents and scorpions’ - symbols of evil spirits and demonic powers
· Jesus identifies them as our enemy, ones that hate and desire to hurt us
· God gives every believer spiritual authority
· Spiritual Authority flows out of:
i. Our status (standing ) with God (Rom 5:1-2)
ii. Our continuing relationship with God (John 15:5)
iii. Our yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit, by faith (Matt 12:28)
3.4 Insights on the Believer’s Authority
· We do not own it – it is an entrustment from God (John 6:38)
· We must use it rightly – for the purpose it was given (2 Cor 13:10)
· We must not presume – do not act out of pride or independence (Matt 7:21 -23)
· We are accountable – to the One who gave us authority (Rom 14:12)
3.5 What You have Authority to Do
Key Verse: John 14:12
“Most assuredly I say unto you, he who believes in me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to My Father’
Insights:
· Jesus has entrusted you (a believer) with His authority and power
· You are called to do the supernatural works that Jesus did
· You must choose to exercise the authority entrusted you as a member of God’s family
Examples:
You have been given authority to act as a representative of Jesus and to:
ü Preach the Gospel Mt.28:18-19
ü Make Disciples Mt.28:18-19
ü Bless (Speak empowered words) Mt.10:12-13
ü Break Bondages Is.10:27
ü Break Curses Mt.16:19
ü Cast Out Demons Mt.10:8
ü Authority to Heal the Sick Mt.10:8
ü Raise from the Dead Mt.10:8
ü Bind and Loose Mt.16:19
ü Forgive Jn.20:23
3.6 Keys to Exercising Spiritual Authority
i. Faith: Know Who You Are – Your Standing With God
Key Verse: Rom 8:15-16
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father”. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God”
Insights:
· Your authority flows out of the position (status) that God has given you
· Spiritual authority is part of who you are….who God says you are
· You carry authority in the spirit realm because you are a child of God, a member of a royal family
· To exercise spiritual authority you must be confident who you are – an ambassador!
ii. Humility: Position Yourself Under Authority
Key Verse: James 4:7
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” NKJ
Insights:
· ‘Submit’ – NT:5293 – to place yourself under the authority of a superior officer so as to work together to gain a military victory
· Submission is an attitude of humility that recognizes and yields to the authority of God and to those He has delegated authority to
· Positioning yourself under the authority and direction of the Holy Spirit enables you to move in authority
· e.g. The Centurion in Matt 8: 8-10 – submission to the Word of God= great faith
· ‘Resist”=NT:436=to stand against, oppose, withstand
iii. Revelation : Listen to The Voice of God
Key Verse: John 5:19-20
“ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever he does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.”
Insights:
· Jesus’ authority flowed out of His position as a Son, and also out of personal intimacy
· Jesus never presumed or acted independently
· He was submitted to the Father to do the things that pleased Him
· As you have fellowship and develop intimacy with God, your authority grows
· To exercise authority on behalf of God, you must know what He wants to accomplish
iv. Use Your Voice: Speak Forth Strong Verbal Commands
Key Verse: Mark 11:22-23
“So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.”
Insights:
· The entire invisible spirit world is listening when we direct words toward it
· To assert authority you must do it vocally, by issuing a command
· Command (Webster’s Dictionary) - to issue an order with expectation that it will be carried out
· The spirit world cannot turn a deaf ear to the commands of God’s anointed servants who are speaking and acting on His behalf
· Jesus commanded:
Ø Sickness (Luke 4:39)
Ø Demons (Mark 9:25)
Ø Winds (Luke 8:24)
Ø Trees (Mark 11:14)
Ø Dead people (Luke 7:14)
v. Boldness: Speak as Jesus Representative
Key Verse: Acts 16:18
“And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And he came out that very hour”
Insights:
· ‘In the Name of Jesus’ means you are acting as Jesus’ personal representative upon the earth
· It means you are acting directly under His authority
· It means that you are doing what He requires to be done
· You are Jesus’ ambassador bringing Heaven to earth
· It is not some ‘magic formula’ for power to flow
· It means you speak as the representative of Jesus as He would speak, forcefully
vi. Active Faith: Expect a Response to Your Command
Key Verse: Mark 11: 22-24
“Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. NKJV
Insights:
· Commanding must be forceful, strong, and must flow from within your spirit man
· Spiritual kingdoms are enforced by spirits that ride upon, or are activated by, words spoken by someone with authority to do so
· ‘Not doubt in your heart’ - there must be confident expectation that the words you speak carry weight i.e. will be heard and responded to!
· God’s Word is more than sounds and sentences. It describes reality.
· The words you speak must be empowered by faith from your heart or it is simply sounds and noises
Examples:
· Peter: “In the Name of Jesus Christ rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6)
· Paul: “... said with a loud voice ‘stand up straight on your feet’ ...” (Acts 14:10)
· Paul: “Said to the spirit ‘I command you in the Name of Jesus Christ come out of him” (Acts 16:18)
· Peter: “… turning to the body and said, ‘Tabitha, arise!’ And she opened her eyes”(Acts 9:40)
Note The Pattern:
Revelation + Words Spoken + Active Faith = Manifestation of Holy Spirit
4. Exercising Authority in Your Personal Life
4.1 The First Place to Gain Dominion – Yourself
Key Verse: Eph 4:27
“Nor give place to the devil”
Insights:
· This is written to believers
· ‘Place’ - NT:5117 - opportunity, foothold, legal ground or right
· The first place to gain victory is over your own life
· You must recognize strategies that evil spirits use to manipulate and control your life
· You must close these ‘gates’ or doors or legal rights of entrance
· Jesus gave the devil no place in His life (John 14:30) i.e. no legal right
4.2 Wicked Spirits Seek to Make You Ineffective
Key Verse: 2 Cor. 2:11
“Lest Satan should take advantage of us for we are not ignorant of his devices” NKJV
Insights:
· ‘Advantage’ - NT:4122 - to defraud, to take what belongs to another by deceit
· ‘Ignorant’ - NT:50 - to lack knowledge or information, or to ignore as irrelevant or requiring effort
Key Verse: Eph.2:2
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience” NKJV
· Works=NT:1754=to be operative, to put forth power, to energize
· Demonic spirits use legal rights to enter people and to work constantly using spiritual power or energy to oppress and destroy. People experience the negative pressure or energy and think it is just themselves
· Demonic spirits “hold down “ people without them realizing the source of the bondage or oppression Act10:38
4.3 Common Personal Area Spirits Attack
Evil spirits pressure or attack people in the following ways:
i) Body – addictions, sickness, weakness, weariness
ii) Soul – conflict, emotional turmoil, accusation, temptation
iii) Spirit – heaviness, oppression, passivity
iv) Finances – unexplained damage, loss, accidents, theft
v) Relationships – confusion, offense, misunderstandings
vi) Circumstances – setbacks, blockages, irritations, accidents
You must learn how to arise, exercise dominion over these areas and break free of any limitation caused by demonic spirits
4.4 Close the Spiritual Gates of Your Past
Key Verse: Matt 16:18
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it, 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." NKJV
Insights:
· ‘Gate’ - a portal through which spirits pass from the spirit world into the natural world to destroy. They are legal rights that empower demons to operate
· Legal rights that exist for evil spirits to access your life must be identified and closed
· You have authority to shut down these gates Mt.16:19
· God has promised you the victory James 4:7
4.5 Common Legal Rights (Gates) That Evil Spirits Exploit
Key Verse: Acts 10:38
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him”. NKJV
· ‘Oppressed’=NT: 2616= to exercise dominion against, to hold down by the exercise of spiritual power
· Everywhere a legal right exists, evil spirits will exploit it to enter and bring spiritual pressure on your life that restricts and limits your freedom and steals from you the rights and benefits that Jesus won for us on the Cross.
· There are several common “gates” that evil spirits exploit.
i) Generational Sins and Curses Exod.20:4-6
· Some of the gateways began in your ancestral line and the consequences were passed down from generation to generation.
· Some curses can be passed down from the 3rd or 4th generation
· Sexual sins can have an ongoing impact for 10 generations Dt.23:2
· Sometimes family lines are weakened and infected with recurring patterns of sin
· Examine your family tree and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal patterns of sin and failure that appear in other members of your family. Are you under pressure and struggle with these issues too?
· You have authority to renounce and cancel all generational curses
ii) Dedications - Ps 106:37
· ‘Dedicate’ (Webster’s Dictionary) - to set apart, or devote to a god, or for a special purpose
· People from Asian, African, or American Indian ancestry may have been dedicated to false gods and evil spirits as an infant
· These ungodly dedications provide a legal right for evil spirits to enter and oppress
· You have authority to renounce and to cancel any such dedication
iii) Ungodly Soul Ties-Gen.34:3
· A soul tie is a bonding or close attachment formed between two people.
· Soul ties can be godly and have a positive effect on relationships
E.g. husband and wife, parent and child.
· Soul ties can be ungodly and have a negative impact on your life
E.g. Sexual partners….The two become one.
· There are several common sources of ungodly soul ties that provide a gate for evil spirits to operate against you.
· People can be soul tied to…..sexual partners, sexual images, controlling or enabling people, idols, traumas, abusive people, dead people, or through blood pacts, tattoos, and possibly blood transfusions and heart transplants
· You have authority to renounce and break all ungodly soul ties
iv) Ungodly or Negative Beliefs Mt.9:29
· The things that you believe in your heart influence the course of your life Prov.23:7
· “Think”=OT8176: to act as a gatekeeper, put a value upon, split open
· Negative beliefs are usually in the form of judgments or negative expectations made often as a result of painful or bitter experiences
· These ungodly beliefs create legal rights for demonic spirits to operate Jn.8:44
· Judgments also activate a law of sowing and reaping Mt.7:1-2
· You have authority to renounce and cancel all ungodly beliefs and judgments
v) Vows – Ecc. 5:2,6
· A vow is a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment, made verbally
· Ancestral vows are commitments made by members of your ancestral line that open the door for demonic oppression e.g. spiritualism, idolatry, freemasonry
· Personal vows are words spoken into your life that open the door for demonic oppression. They are “Inner Vows”
· They are formed in a time of pain and take the form “ I will NEVER….” or “I will….”.
· You have authority to cancel all such vows or agreements
vi) Word Curses – Prov. 26:2
· A curse is words spoken that release evil spirits to destroy
· The power behind a curse is an evil spirit
· Common word curses may originate from:
Ø Parents or close relatives
Ø Teachers or authority figures
Ø Self-cursing….speaking negatively over your own life
· A common form of self cursing is a “death wish”…”I just wish I was dead”
· You have authority to break all such curses
vii) Sin Habits- Eph 4:27
· Sinful actions of ancestors, or your own personal sin, can open the door to oppressive evil spirits
· Habits or patterns of repeated sin can create legal rights for evil spirits to enter and to energize these problems in your life
· E.g. bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, rebellion, lust, envy
· You have authority to break any power evil spirits may have gained in your family or personal life through sin
4.6 Keys to Closing the Gates
i) Pray strongly in tongues - energize your spirit
ii) Listen for direction of the Holy Spirit – Revelation
iii) Speak words strongly from your spirit to
Ø Repent of any personal sin and confess it. 1Jn.1:9
Ø Release forgiveness to those who have hurt you
Ø Renounce any curse/dedication /soul tie/inner vow/word curse/ungodly belief
Ø Break any demonic claims, cancel their right of access, command them to go
Ø Decree blessing over your life
4.7 How to Recognize Spiritual Attacks
Key Verse: Rev 12:10-11
“Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcome him (the Accuser) by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death”
Insights:
· Demonic pressure against the life of a believer is unrelenting - “day and night” (v10)
· Spiritual attacks are primarily aimed at undermining your standing before God so that your spiritual authority is lost
· Spiritual attacks come in the form of
Ø Accusations
Ø Heaviness
Ø Temptations
Ø Confusion
Ø Oppression
· “Overcome” =NT3528 =subdue, conquer, come off victoriously
· “Blood”=The work that Jesus did legally on our behalf at the cross
· “Word”=Spoken declaration and affirmation of the truth
· “Loved not their lives”=perseverance in doing the will of God in the face of resistance and opposition
· You have authority to arise and defeat all such spiritual attacks
4.8 How to Deal with Spiritual Attacks
Key Verse: James 4:7
“Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you”
Insights:
· ‘Submit’ - NT:5293 - to position yourself under the leadership and authority of Jesus Christ
· ‘Resist’ - NT:436 - to stand against, to reply by speaking aloud
· ‘Flee’ - NT:5343 - to seek safety by running away, to run away from danger
Keys to Overcoming:
· Identify what you are feeling, experiencing
· What triggered that feeling? What actions? events? reactions? thoughts?
· Pray strongly in tongues - energize your spirit
· Listen for any promptings of the Holy Spirit e.g. insights or directions
· Is there something you need to acknowledge? repent of? release? renounce?
· Speak directly into the invisible spirit world
Ø Forbid the operation of that spirit in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ - assert your authority
Ø Speak the Word of God over your life/situation
· Praise the Lord (Ps 8:2)
· Redirect your attention (Mt.6:22)
4.9 Self-Deliverance
Key Verse: Prov. 6: 4-5
“Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. 5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.”
Insights:
· Satan is called the “fowler”, one who hunts, traps and destroys wild birds
· Wild animals trapped in a snare struggle violently to break free
· God commands His people (us) to “Deliver yourself” – to seek our own deliverance (v5)
· God puts responsibility in our hands to seek and find freedom from Satan’s snares
· Deliverance is a matter of urgency (v4)
· Deliverance requires co-operation with God (Ps 91:3)
Steps to Self-Deliverance
Key Verse: James 4:7
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you”
i. Preparation
ü Prayer and fasting (Matt 17:21)
ü Repentance of known sin (Prov. 28:13; 2 Tim 2:24-26)
ü Forgiveness of others and self (Mark 11:25-26)
ii. Direct Confrontation
ü Energize your spirit by strongly praying in tongues (1 Cor. 14:14)
ü Listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as to exactly what issues you need to confront
ü Strongly declare your personal faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour (Rom 10:9-10)
ü Repent of any sin and confess it 1Jn.1:9
ü Release forgiveness and blessing to people who have hurt you Mk.11:25
ü Speak strongly and break any soul ties or curses, in Jesus’ name
ü Speak strongly from within your spirit to any spirits inhabiting your soul or body
Ø Speak directly to the spirit
Ø Speak to it by name, or activity
Ø Command it to go!
Ø Insist that it leaves
Ø Cough as a faith action to expel the spirit [spirit ‘pneuma’ (Greek): breathe]
Note #1: There may be manifestations, for example:
· Headaches
· Nausea
· Weakness
· Shaking
· Crying
· Strong coughing
Note #2: Often spirits leave through the respiratory tract i.e. mouth and nose, for example:
· yawning
· coughing
· belching
· vomiting
As the deliverance progresses, you may feel a release of pressure or relived of a burden, and instead feel light and clean inside
Persist until you feel there is total release!
iii. Follow Through
ü Spend time daily in praise and worship
ü Discipline your life – stop sinning
ü Daily be filled with the Holy Spirit..speaking in tongues
ü Are there any further issues to resolve?
5. Your Authority to Minister to People
5.1 You are Authorized to do the Works of Jesus
Key Verse: John 14:12
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he shall do also; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to my Father”
Insights:
· “The works that I do” - miracles, signs and wonders
· Jesus was sent by the Father and authorized to speak and act on His behalf
· Believers are sent by Jesus Christ (John 20:21) and authorized to speak and act on His behalf
5.2 You Are Anointed to Minister
Key verse: Luke 4:18-19
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord”
Insights:
· Jesus was sent (authorized) to speak and act on behalf of the Father in heaven
· Jesus was anointed (empowered) by the Holy Spirit to do miracles, and minister to the needs of people
· You are sent (authorized) and anointed (empowered) by the Holy Spirit to minister to people
5.3 You Have Authority To:
i) Lead People to Christ
“… He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor …” Luke 4:18
· Every believer is authorized to share the Gospel
· Every believer is authorized to lead people to Christ
· You need to be confident in how to do this by preparing a simple Gospel Message
· Only the Holy Spirit can convict a person of their need for Christ and regenerate them (Acts 8:35-38)
· Your part is to connect with people, and be sensitive to opportunities to share
ii) Invite The Holy Spirit
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me …” Luke 4:18
· The Holy Spirit empowers you to minister
· Listen to His promptings and directions
· You are authorized to pray for people to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:6)
· Prayer makes room for the Spirit of God to move powerfully (Acts 4:31)
iii) Minister Inner Healing
“… He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted...” Luke 4:18
· When people are hurt in relationships they may become ‘broken hearted’
· Negative emotions such as fear, grief, anger, bitterness may prevail
· People often form defensive inner reactions as a coping mechanism
· Demons use pain, stress, and trauma to enter people’s lives
· You are authorized to minister healing to the broken hearted (Mark 1:41)
iv) Cast Out Evil Spirits
“… to proclaim liberty to the captives …” Luke 4:18
· ‘Captive’ - NT:164 - prisoner of war, held at spear-point
· Jesus’ ministry constantly involved casting out spirits (Matt 12:28)
· You are authorized to cast spirits out of people
· You are authorized to continue this work of Jesus (Acts 16:16)
v) Heal The Sick“… and recovery of sight to the blind…” Luke 4:18
· Sickness is not the plan of God for man
· Sickness originates from the devil
· Healing the sick demonstrates the authority of Jesus Christ over all the devil’s powers
(Matt 8:16)
You are authorized to continue this work of Jesus (Acts 3:6-8)
vi) Break Bondages
“… to set at liberty those who are oppressed…” Luke 4:18
· ‘Bondage’ (Webster’s Dictionary) - being subjected to some external power or control, being chained or restricted
· Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 4:8)
· Examples of Bondages
Ø Inner Vows
Ø Bitter-Root Judgments
Ø Death Wishes
Ø Soul Ties
Ø Word curses
Ø Ungodly Burdens e.g. secrecy
· You are authorized to break bondages and set people free
vii) Bless and Impart
to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord” Luke 4:19
· This refers to the Jewish year of Jubilee (Lev 25)
· In this year debts were forgiven and people came into the blessing of their inheritance
· You are authorized to forgive and release (John 20:23)
· You are authorized to bless
· ‘Bless’ - NT:2127 –to speak well of, to speak words that impart encouragement and spiritual life (Luke 24:50)
· You are authorized to impart the Life of God, the anointing of the Holy Spirit
· ‘Impart’ – NT:3330 – to share, to release into the life of another the spiritual empowerment that you possess (Rom 1:1)
5.4 Practical Considerations
Key Verses: Mark 11:22-24
“So Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Insights:
· Listen to the Holy Spirit - don’t presume
· Ask the person for permission to minister
· Explain what will happen
Ø What their part is
Ø What your part is
· Ask permission before laying hands on the person
· Spiritual authority must be exercised by speaking words into the spirit world, and directly to the issue
The Key Pattern
Revelation + Words Spoken + Active Faith = Manifestation of the Power of the Holy Spirit
6. Strengthening Your Spirit Man
6.1 Divine Design
Key Verse: Gen. 2:7
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living soul”
Insights:
· Man is made in the image of God – He is a spirit being
· You are a Spirit being, with a soul, dwelling in a body
· Your Spirit does not function according to the natural laws which govern this world
· Your Spirit is not limited in shape or size
· Your Spirit provides energy and life force to your body and soul
· Spiritual authority flows out from within Your spirit (Prov 4:23)
6.2 Some Functions of Your Spirit
i) Your Spirit Sustains Your Life
Key Verse: James 2:26
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also”
Insights:
· Your Spirit provides energy and life to your soul and body
· If the Spirit of a person is withdrawn, that person dies
· Your Spirit can be broken (Prov 17:22)
· Your Spirit can be wounded (Prov 18:14)
· When your Spirit is broken or wounded you have less resistance to disease
ii) Your Spirit Energizes and Inspires Your Thoughts
Key Verse: Prov. 20:27
“The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the inner depths of his heart”
1 Cor 2:11
“For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God”
Insights:
· Your spirit provides life and energy that flows (Prov. 4:23)
· When your spirit flows, you are able to think clearly
· As you speak and your spirit flows forth, your mind is ‘quickened’ with thoughts
· Your spirit is like a flashlight, lighting up your soul and revealing your thoughts
· The life of your spirit can manifest on your face
· When people are full of life there is a spiritual brightness or ‘glow’ on their face (Ps 34:5)
iii) Your Spirit Flows Out To Impact People
Key Verse: Prov. 4:23
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life”
John 7:38
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water”
Insights:
· The influence of your spirit can ‘flow’ out beyond your body and impact the world around you eg
Ø You ‘feel’ a person sneaking up behind you
Ø You ‘feel’ a person staring at you
Ø You ‘feel’ the presence of a person with authority
· The influence of a person’s spirit can be ‘felt’ eg
Ø A very angry person - people ‘feel’ the anger
Ø A peaceful person - people ‘feel’ the peace
Ø A person full of self-pity - people ‘feel’ the drain
Ø An arrogant person - people ‘feel’ put down
· Speaking words is one way in which your spirit is released to flow out and impact people (John 6:63)
6.3 Your Spirit can be Strengthened
Key Verse: Eph 3:16
“that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man”
Insights:
· The “inner man” refers to your spirit, which is joined to the Holy Spirit
· ‘Strengthened’ - NT:2901 - to be empowered, made strong, increase in dominion and might
· ‘Might’ - NT:1411 - supernatural ability, force, militant ability
· The source of this Strengthening of your spirit is the Holy Spirit Himself
· Believers must take responsibility to develop and strengthen their spirit
· Your spirit can be strengthened - “and the child (Jesus) grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40)
6.4 Keys to Strengthening Your Spirit
i. Praying Strongly in Tongues
Key Verses: 1 Cor. 14:14, 4
“for if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays but my understanding is unfruitful” (v 14)
“He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself” (v 4)
Insights:
· Praying in Tongues exercises your spirit
· Praying in Tongues gives expression to words inspired by the Holy Spirit
· Praying in Tongues strongly and fluently, strengthens and builds your spirit
· As you speak, spirit, soul, and body are energized with life
· ‘Edifies’ - NT:3618 - to build or construct a house
· Pray in the spirit strongly and fluently keeping your mind focused on God
ii. Confession of The Word of God
Key Verse: John 6:63
“The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life”
Heb 3:1
“consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus”
Insights:
· Spoken words release spiritual substance, spirit life
· God’s Words spoken from our spirit and wholeheartedly embraced impart spiritual strength and life
· ‘Confession’ - NT:3671 - to speak the same thing, or to speak and embrace with confidence
· Confessing the Word of God activates the High Priest ministry of Jesus to open heaven’s resources to us
· Strong, personalized confession of the Word of God embraced fully, strengthens your spirit e.g. “I am strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might” (Eph 6:10)
· Your spirit is nourished by the Word of God, so read it, write it, memorize it, pray it aloud, meditate in it
iii. Worship – Intimacy with God
Key Verse: 2 Cor. 3:18
“But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image, from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord”
Insights:
· As we engage God in Worship there is a flow of life imparted from His Spirit to ours
There is an impartation of His Glory - His Nature and goodness to us
· Strong praise enables our spirit to rise and to encounter and experience the presence of God
· Our spirit easily engages the presence of God. It is our souls and bodies that need training to allow our spirit to flow
· Train your body to yield and to be expressive in worship. Focus your soul by training your thoughts to stay fixed on Jesus until you feel your spirit arise and flow freely
· ‘Transformed’ - NT:3339 - metamorphosis, inner and outer transformation
iv. Exercising Your Spiritual Imagination
Key Verse: 1 Tim 4:15
“Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress might be evident to all”
Insights:
· ‘Meditate’ - NT:3191 - to revolve in the mind, focus your interest upon, give repeated attention to, constantly picture in your mind
· Whatever you focus your attention upon you will open your heart up to
· Repeated use of your spiritual imagination to picture and agree with the realities of
God’s Word opens your spirit to receive revelation and impartation
· Allow yourself to ‘feel’ the reality of your thoughts
· Repetition of an experience forms ‘pathways’ in your mind, making it easier to experience God again
v. Yielding To Obey The Holy Spirit
Key Verse: Heb 5:14
“who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil”
Insights:
· Spiritual sensitivity is developed by practice
· ‘Use’ - NT:1838 - something developed by regular practice so it is part of your life
· ‘Exercise’ - NT:1128 - to practice for the Olympics by casting off every hindrance
· Practice constantly identifying spiritual impressions and sensations
· Practice speaking forth and exercising your God-given authority over your body, soul and circumstances
· Each time you obey the Holy Spirit your spirit becomes stronger
· Each time you resist the Devil your spirit becomes stronger
· “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the lord and in the power of His might” (Eph 6:10)
***************
Appendix
A. Keys to Ministering in the Spirit
1. Identity
· God has made you a Minister of The Spirit (2 Cor. 3:6)
· You are joined to the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:17)
· You are not there to pray ‘nice’ empty prayers, but to release the Kingdom of God into the
earth to bring about a miracle
· That Kingdom is outside you - it is also within you
· “Look on us…such as I have I give to you.” (Acts 3:4-6)
2. Connection
· Connect with the person
· Don’t withdraw because of feelings of inadequacy
· Take hold of the person’s hand (Mark 1:31; 8:23; 9:27)
· Relax - Don’t try to “make something happen”
· Look them in the eye - connect with your heart (Mark 1: 41)
· Direct them to “look up” to Jesus the source (Mark 6:41)
· Meditate…become conscious of the presence of God by focusing your thoughts on Him and on His abundant love and power
· Notice what you are feeling? Thinking? Conscious of?
· Keep your mind directed towards God - your Source (Luke 9:16)
· Be aware of the presence of God within you - and the presence of God
coming upon the person
3. Attitude
· Your spirit responds to your thoughts and attitude
· Whatever you direct your mind to, your spirit opens up to
· Fear and self consciousness will close up your spirit
· As you minister, keep directing your thoughts toward the Lord in expectation
· Have an attitude of expectation for the Holy Spirit to move and listen actively
· Be yourself - don’t try to ‘perform’ or be ‘spiritual’
4. Verbal Command
· Power is released by Command
· Assert spiritual authority by verbal command (Luke 10:19)
· You must put your inner man into the words you speak (Mark 11.23)
· Command demons to go (Acts 16:18)
· Command sickness to leave (Acts 3: 6)
· Break bondages by verbal command (Mark 11:23)
· Speak words of life (Acts 9:40)
5. Impartation
· Power is released by Impartation
· Paul desired to impart spiritual Gifts (Rom 1:11)
· ‘Impart’ (Webster’s Dictionary) - to share something you possess (2 Tim 1:6)
· Impartation occurs as a flow from within you (Luke 6:19)
· You must give from within your spirit (1 Cor 6:17)
· Lay hands on their head and release what you have
e.g. by speaking and/or by breathing on them (John 20:22)
B. Practical Ministry Guidelines
1. Personal
· Personal hygiene:
Ø Make sure to use deodorant!
Ø Keep your breath fresh - use Breath Fresheners
· Wear light, loose, modest clothing
2. Connect and Relate
· Be honest with them
· Be willing to take time
· Keep confidences shared (unless you need to refer their situation on)
· Treat people with respect
· Where possible, woman prays with women, and men with men.
· Otherwise have a person of the opposite sex preferably your spouse working with you
3. Prepare People to Receive
· Encourage people with words
· Explain their part in co-operating with ministry
· Be willing to confront root sin issues
· Build expectation that God will move
· Ask permission to minister to people - don’t presume
· Ask permission to lay hands upon them - don’t presume
· Keep your hands in view and ensure touch is appropriate
· Be cautious about where you lay hands eg head, shoulders
4. Possible Experiences as You Minister
The person you are praying for may experience some of the following sensations
· Shaking
· Body or hands stiffen
· Eyelids flutter
· Sensation of heat
· Tears /Grief
· Falling:
Ø make sure a catcher is positioned to catch the person safely
Ø place one hand behind the person’s neck to help prevent them suddenly falling backwards, and possibly hurting themselves
· Demons manifest
Ø Don’t focus on, or require, manifestations
5. Be Aware of ‘Blocks’ to Ministry
a) Personal Blocks
· Fear - focus attention on the Lord - ‘see’ Him blessing
· Self Consciousness - focus attention on the Lord
· Pressure to perform - relax and stop ‘trying’
· Unresolved issues - deal with these quickly
· Lack of Prayer - expect His Grace - and change!
b) Ministry Blocks
· Unforgiveness - lead them to forgive
· Lack of repentance - lead them to repent
· Unbelief - rebuke demonic spirits
· Control - rebuke demonic spirits
vi. Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit
· Don’t lean on methods or experience
· Lean on The Holy Spirit to direct you
· Listen for Holy Spirit promptings
· Respond to impressions the Holy Spirit gives you
eg a word, a picture, or a sensation
· Ensure a ‘Catcher’ is standing behind them, and is alert
· Avoid ‘pushing’ or ‘rocking’ them, as you minister
· Speak and release the Power of God
7. Get Feedback
· Where possible get feedback from the person you ministered to
· Ask what they have experienced, or what they thought took place
· Be willing to pray again
· Never instruct anyone to stop taking any prescribed medicine -
the occurrence of a miracle should be verified by their doctor, who is responsible
to determine whether medication should be stopped or not
C. House Cleansing
1. The Clean House
Key Verse: Deut 7:25-26
“You shall burn the carved images of their gods with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it; for it is an abomination to the Lord your God. Nor shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing.”
Insights:
· ‘Snared’ - OT:3369 - to set a trap, lay a snare, to catch using a baited trap
· Evil spirits are able to enter and inhabit objects used for idolatry and occult practices
· Sometimes occult practitioners invoke spirits into objects before selling them to others
· These objects then become spiritual gates or portals through which evil spirits can gain access to homes and oppress people
· Evil spirits are able to enter and inhabit dwellings whenever people invite them or open the spiritual door to them
· Idolatry, spiritism, occult practices, sexual abuse and violent crime can open the door for evil spirits to enter a home and remain there
· God warned Israel not to bring defiled objects into their houses (v26)
· God commanded Israel to “utterly detest” such objects and destroy them even if they had financial value (v25)
· Houses need to be cleansed of demonic defilement and become a place full of the presence of God
2. Common Indications That a House Needs Cleansing
· Unexplained noises or sounds at night
· Objects move spontaneously
· Doors open and close without people moving
· Spirit beings appear at night
· Unexplained areas of ‘coldness’
· Constant sickness
· Constant oppression or heaviness
· Recurring nightmares
· Constant relational turmoil or conflict in relationships
· Young children terrified of unseen beings
Note: If these symptoms occurred for the first time after entering a new dwelling place, the problem is most likely demonic infestation of the building
3. Key Areas to Deal With In House Cleansing
Key Verse: Deut 7:2
“and when the Lord your God delivers them over to you, you shall conquer them and utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them nor show mercy to them.”
Insights:
· God delivered the enemy over into the hands of Israel as His authorized representative
· God required Israel to conquer and utterly destroy the defiled inhabitants of Canaan
· God called Israel to adopt a policy of no compromise
· You cannot compromise with demonic spirits
Principal Sources of Defilement
1. Defilement caused by the presence of ungodly objects in the building
2. Defilement caused by the activities of previous inhabitants
3. Defilement caused by curses on the building or land
4. Objects That Cause Defilement
Some common objects that act as spiritual gates for evil spirits are:
i. Pagan objects of art
Ø Certain statues
Ø Pictures that glorify false gods, or sex
ii. Idols or occult objects
Ø Objects used in spiritism
Ø Occult jewellery
Ø Masonic regalia or items
Ø Occult books
Ø Ouija boards
Ø Occult toys
Ø Some music items
Ø Some video games
iii. Pornography
Ø Pictures
Ø Magazines
Ø DVDs/Video Clips/Movies
iv. Illegal drugs
Note:
· You have responsibility/authority only over your own possessions
· Parents have responsibility over the whole home
· Wisdom is needed in handling objects owned by children/teens
· Some objects are neutral, some are clearly occultic or defiled
· Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you concerning the different objects
5. Practical Steps in House Cleansing
a) Seek Revelation and Wisdom
ü Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what legal rights need to be addressed, what physical objects need to be dealt with (Revelation)
ü Ask Him to guide you in the process (Wisdom)
b) Destroy Defiling Objects
ü Identify obviously defiling objects in the house and remove them to be destroyed
(Acts 19:19)
ü Pray over objects that you are less certain about
ü Let the Holy Spirit guide you as to whether to just pray over the object, or get rid of it altogether
c) Displace Defiling Spirits
ü Pray strongly in tongues and exalt Jesus Christ
ü Vocally affirm the Lordship of Jesus Christ
ü Speak strongly into the spirit atmosphere, and directly to any spirit that is present
· Break/cancel all agreements made by previous tenants, with evil spirits
· Break all curses that have opened the door for evil spirits to enter and inhabit
· Command the spirits to go from your house – be insistent!
ü Welcome the Holy Spirit to come and fill the place with His Presence and Power
ü You may decide to move from room to room, repeating the process
ü Apply oil to anoint the room if you feel led to do so by the Holy Spirit