The Easy Part [Dragon Slayer pt. 3]

Gravetop Church

Main Idea: Part of a Christian’s duty is to cast out devils. Plain and simple. But many believers shy away from the idea of them being able to do something so seemingly supernatural, and some people simply ignore the possibility of there needing to be any formal spiritual deliverance. But the truth is that there is a real spiritual world that we’re connected to. There are many people that are spiritually trapped and attacked by the devil, and God has called us to, not only be to freedom ourselves, but to be instruments of freedom for other people too.

Today we are going to talk about what really matters when it comes to acquiring the authority to cast out devils. We’re also going to unpack different ways the enemy latches onto and attacks people. And at the end, we’re going to learn to understand what different levels of freedom can look like for individuals.

The reason that this topic is so important to talk about is because while many Christians agree with the idea of spiritual warfare, hardly any ever have had any real experiences of actually fighting against the demonic. Yet in scripture we see Jesus literally send out the disciples to set people free from demonic oppression. Why is it that we seem to not witness these kinds of spiritual fights commonly in our gospel sharing experiences? I believe that part of it is because we are more concerned about being church classes and attendance than we are about individual freedom. The other reason is because most people feel like they wouldn’t even know what to do if the opportunity arose.

—————————————————

1. Representation

[NOTHING DEMONIC CAN STAND AGAINST THE BLOOD OF JESUS]

(Acts of the Apostles 19:11-16)

What’s so meaningful about this story is the fact that with simply the name of Jesus, these people were casting out devils from people who were in bondage. But when they faced a seemingly higher level demon, they were not properly protected against it because they were not actually represented by the blood of Jesus. So we see that there is power in the name of Jesus and protection under the blood of Jesus.

—

2. Demonic Interference

[THE DEVIL CONSTANTLY TRIES TO INTERFERE AND SABOTAGE THE GODLY]

(1 Thessalonians 2:17-18; 1 Peter 5:8; Mark 5:2-9; Luke 11:14; Luke 4:1-2)

The devil is constantly at work against us. For Paul, he admits that the devil even succeeded in preventing him from visiting the church he planted. Not only does the devil work to prevent us from being a blessing to someone else but he works to prevent us from receiving a blessing as well. This whole story demonstrates how necessary and powerful prayer is in our lives and that when we are innocently praying for something specific to be able to happen, we may be battling against the demonic without even realizing it. It also shows us that your blessing and especially your calling won’t just come so easily but that you have to fight for it in the spirit.

—

3. Bold Authority

[YOU MUST LEARN TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS AGAINST EVIL]

(Matthew 10:7-8; 2 Corinthians 3:16-18; Luke 11:20; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Matthew 12:43-45; James 4:7)

In our westernized church culture, we typically focus mostly on ourselves, even when it comes to freedom and deliverance. But Jesus consistently commands us to look out towards others; to love others; to heal others; to deliver others. I think the biggest explanation for our hesitancy is in the fact that we are insecure and doubtful of God’s power working through us individually. Despite whatever way you may see yourself, God has called you to set the captives free.

—

To connect, learn more or donate, visit gravetopchurch.com

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok by searching @gravetopchurch

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gravetopchurch/support