God has given you power over demonic forces
“For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.” (Acts 8:7 ESV)
A demonic outburst
Last Sunday as we left our church service we were confronted by a woman who was waving her arms wildly and shouting angrily at people leaving the service and saying she worshipped Jerry Lewis as her god and savior. It seemed obvious that she was demonically Influenced. On the drive home I wondered if I should have been bold enough to say to her: “Demon, in the Name of Jesus Christ, I demand you release this woman and leave her immediately.” I later texted my pastor about it (in case he didn’t know what had happened) and I told him that I had wondered if I should have demanded the demon release her. He replied and said to do so, if it ever happens again, and if I should feel so led.
How Jesus dealt with the demon possessed
Blind and mute - “Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw.” (Matt. 12:22 ESV)
Multiple demons - “And also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out…” (Luke 8:2 ESV)
Oppressed by demons - “That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.” (Matt. 8:16 ESV)
Believers will do what Jesus did
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do.” (John 14:12)
“… In this world we are like Jesus.” (1 John 4:17 NIV)
“Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.” (1 John 2:6)
Believers will cast out demons in the Name of Jesus
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons…” (Mark. 16:17 ESV)
Yes, we are in a spiritual battle
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Cor. 10:3-5 ESV)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 ESV)
A warning
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.” (Matt. 3:43-45 ESV)
Therefore…
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 ESV)
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 4:4 ESV)
“And give no opportunity to the devil.” (Eph. 4:27 ESV)