Casting out demons: What’s needed

Hanging around in the lobby of a certain church in the USA
recently, I overheard two men discussing during a tea break, what I felt was a topic from their
on-going discipleship class.

“Men I can’t imagine this demons thing… you mean
them demons possess humans for real?” “I thought this was all Hollywood
stuff men, I can’t wait to see for myself …” “The thought of it
really freaks me out…”

He was African American and his ignorance on this topic got
me thinking.

I felt like interjecting with, “Bro, add to your list
of “Things I Must Do Before I turn 50 – Cast Out a Demon.”

How can Christians have such authority and never exercise
it?

You don’t need to be an expert in demonology or even
have great faith to cast out demons. I use the words in italics
with caution because some demonic cases are far more complex than rocket
science.

So, what does one need here?

First, guts. You don’t see someone wriggling or
vibrating uncontrollably in pain on the floor or vomiting inanimate or living
creatures like cowries, razor blades, toads, snakes, lizards etc or hear other
voices speaking bizarre things through them and you walk into the scene
casually; unless you know it’s a staged show.

Your guts should be fueled by the knowledge of the Scriptures, a clear understanding of your
spiritual authority and how to exercise them.

You need faith in and a solid relationship with
Jesus, whose authority and name you are using. 

Every believer can cast out demons through spoken commands
in faith, directed at unclean spirits in the name of Jesus.

“And these signs shall follow those that believe; in my
name shall they cast out devils…” Mark 16:17 KJV

We can’t match the strength and wisdom of demons as humans.
Most people I know love the victories of underdogs. Every successful
deliverance session is Christ’s show-off of His top dogs as the underdogs
in a vicious arena. Sheep among wolves, what’s the score?

Being wise as serpents implies discerning. The gift of
discernment of spirits is an invaluable spiritual gift (1Cor 12:10) but it’s
not a prerequisite for casting out demons. But a life free from unforgiveness
and pride is.

Demons were cast out from a few at our last Students’
Conference in Yei this year. It was quite gratifying to see the deliverance
session started by fellow students before the facilitators arrived.

I was a bit worried when someone wanted to get physical with
one of possessed, in order to gain control. 

Many times, I’ve witnessed victims of demonic attacks being
beaten up by those intending to deliver them; at which point one wonders who’s
the possessed. Not quite as harmless as a dove there you’d say.

Are you wielding this authority with grace and love?

Are you oblivious of this privilege or just terrified at the
idea?

Your ignorance, fear or even ability to cast out demons with
tremendous success without passion for God and compassion for the
possessed can be tragic.

What do you think?