The ABC’s of Deliverance

There are many pastors and believers who are open to deliverance ministry but have never knowingly come across a case that required it before. However, every now and then something pops up that they can only explain as demonic, and they contact me for help. When demons start manifesting in people it can be scary, and a lot of people panic as they scramble to work out what to do.

If you have ever wondered what to do if this happens to you, or if you have started noticing that your ministry is lacking power to really set people free, then please follow along as I share The ABC’s of Deliverance Ministry. This is not a comprehensive guide, rather it is a starter guide that is easy to remember. I prefer a more pro-active pastoral process when possible so I pray this sets you up to start well.

First Things First – How demons gain control

Before we jump into how to cast demons out, it would be a good place to start by stating how demons gain control. The basic premise is this: whoever we submit our life to will rule it. The Apostle Paul said it this way, “Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey?” (Romans 6:16) If we entertain and obey the voice of the powers of darkness, then that darkness will manifest in our life. If we submit to Jesus and His way of life, then we will experience the fruit of the Spirit.  

Deliverance ministry then is the process of helping people break free from the slavery to the demonic powers of darkness and committing to Jesus and His way of life.

This basic premise is repeated countless times throughout New Testament Scripture. The two main steps to deliverance that I see in Scripture are 1) Break Up and 2) Commit. Jesus communicates this message by saying “Repent and Believe”. (Mark 1:15) In Paul’s ministry it is “put to death” or “Put off and Put on”. (Ephesians 4:22-24) In James’ book he tells them to “Resist the Devil and Come near to God”. (James 4:7-8) We see clearly that there are two main steps: Breaking Up and Committing.

The ABC’s of Deliverance

Acknowledge
The first step we want to do is acknowledge that something demonic is going on. We use discernment, wisdom and other tools to try and pin point what has been the open door to the demonic. (What have they committed their thoughts, hearts and lives to.)

Break Up
The second step is to get the person who is influenced by the demons to break up with the demons. This is a decision they need to willingly make to, no longer agree with and submit to the demonic realm. In this step they “close the door” on the demonic realm by repenting, renouncing, forgiving, and breaking curses and soul ties. We break off all the chains of the enemy in Jesus name.

Commit
The third step is for them to commit their life totally to Jesus. They decide to follow, trust and obey Him all the days of their life. Where death and darkness once ruled their life, they now submit to King Jesus and ask Him to be Lord of their life. They accept the truth of what Jesus says about who they are and how to live. We then ask God to heal, free, and fill them with His Spirit of love and power. We ask for the mind of Christ and for the fruit of the Spirit to flow in their life.

Final Thoughts
If you can remember the ABC’s of Deliverance you will be able to help people step into freedom. My best advice for deliverance ministry is to do these steps before people start manifesting demons – and if they are manifesting demons already – tell the demons to be silent so you the person can speak and go through these steps. When you think about it, this is simply the process of discipleship.

I have seen incredible transformation in people’s lives after going through these steps. Not only do their hearts and attitudes change, but their physical appearance changes as well. It really is a wonderful ministry. I hope this helps you gain confidence to step further into this ministry. I encourage you to find people to do this with, don’t go alone, and remember the words of Jesus,

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:19-20)