GJiGT Unabridged Version of War on the Saints
CHAPTER 7. The Path to Freedom
Rather than going deeper into the detail of symptoms, that has been moved to the Appendix. Some will have genuine need to know more detail regarding the symptoms of demon possession. Those details will be found in the Appendix. We have studied enough of the deceptions to go on to the path of freedom.
What we need to know is how to be free. The true God is the God who delivers from bondage. The true God is the God who forgives sin. The true God created everything, and owns everything. The true God because, He is the Creator, does not seek to "possess" anybody. We are all creatures of vanity. God created us in vanity. His hope is that we would, of our own clear mind and free will, choose Him and His glorious freedom rather than the prison of vanity. John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
We must above all, LOVE THE TRUTH. Yeshua is the TRUTH personified. John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Satan is the false counterfeit god of this world. He legally owns nothing, since the Blood of Messiah purchased the redemption of mankind and the whole earth. Satan is a control freak. Satan wants to possess. Satan can only possess those whom he can deceive.
It has been thought that the only way to deal with demon-possession is by the casting out of the evil spirit. Remember how Jesus would say like in John 5:14 ...Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. Also in John 8:11 ...go, and sin no more. The sin has a great deal to do with taking back the ground possessed by the demons.
The facts prove that just casting out the evil spirit is not always successful. Though the diagnosis of the evil spirit's presence may be correct, the ground that gave it occupation cannot be cast out. You can't cast out the ground. Unless the ground is dealt with, no full relief can be obtained. You will not see lasting change and total freedom. When the evil spirit apparently departs, it must not be concluded that the person is entirely free. It may be that what has occurred is only that a particular manifestation has ceased. It is likely that another manifestation may appear and possibly not a visible one. The manifestation may return again and again in different guise, unless the ground is dealt with. In some instances, where the true inner personality of the victim is almost gone, the relief may be immediate. However, when the evil spirit hides subtly in the mind, or body, the deliverance will not be obtained by "casting out" only. The truth must be given and comprehended by the mind of the victim. The will of the victim must actively will to refuse, and will to disown the ground of the evil spirit.
The very first step to freedom is the knowledge of the truth regarding the source of possession. The victim must know the truth of the experiences that have given ground since his entrance into the spiritual life. Things that have given ground, he has thought, were some of his deepest spiritual experiences. He may have thought them most assuredly to be of God. There is NO DELIVERANCE FROM "DECEPTION" BUT BY THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF TRUTH. And this facing of truth in regard to certain spiritual and "supernatural" experiences, means a sharp knife to the man in his self-respect, and pride.
THE HUMILIATION OF THE UNDECEIVING PERIOD
It requires a very deep allegiance to the truth which God desires should reign in the inward parts of His children. For a believer to accept truth which cuts and humbles him is not easy. The deception came because he so readily accepted that which is agreeable. The "undeceiving" is painful to the feelings. The discovery that he has been deceived is a heavy blow to a man who once thought that he was so "advanced," so "spiritual," and so "infallible." He was certain of his obeying the Spirit of God.
Yes, he was advanced to a degree above the "man of soul." However, he had not reached the goal as he thought. He had only begun the journey in the spiritual plane. So after all, he believed a lie about himself and his experience. He was not as "advanced" as he thought. When the truth breaks upon his mind, its entrance is not agreeable. It is not easy to disbelieve absolutely, what he once believed so thoroughly.
Then "Was he 'spiritual'? He may have had spiritual experiences, but this does not make a man "spiritual." The spiritual man is a man who lives in, and is governed by, and understands his spirit. The spiritual man walks in co-operation with the Spirit of God. A great experience accompanying the ENTRANCE INTO THE PLANE OF THE SPIRIT does not make a believer "spiritual."
THE DISCOVERY OF THE TRUTH OF DECEPTION
The deceived believer discovers he was neither so advanced, nor so spiritual, nor so infallible as he had thought. He built his faith about his own spiritual condition on assumption. He left no room for true doubt. True doubt is like doubting a statement that afterwards turns out to be a lie. Lies being exposed by the truth brings his house of infallibility to the ground. He knows now that what he thought was an "advanced" experience, was only a beginning. He is only on the fringe of knowledge. This is the operation of truth. In the place of ignorance is given true knowledge. In the place of deception, truth. Ignorance, falsehood and passivity; upon these three the enemy builds his strongholds. But truth pulls his strongholds to the ground.
By the entry of truth, the man must be brought to the place where he acknowledges his condition:
(1) I believe that it is POSSIBLE for a Christian to be deceived and possessed by evil spirits.
(2) It Is possible for ME to be deceived;
(3) I AM deceived by an evil spirit;
(4) WHY am l deceived?
Then comes the facing of the fact that (1) "ground does exist; and (2) the seeking for knowledge as to what the ground is.
In order to discover the ground, the believer must first, in a general sense, get a fair conception of what ground is. Otherwise he is liable to be deceived in (1) putting down to "possession" what belongs to something else, and (2) placing to something else what belongs to possession. He may confuse ordinary conflict, the perpetual battle in spirit against the powers of darkness, with conflict which comes from possession. And when the deception and possession are of long standing, the spirits of evil may get the believer himself to defend their work in him. The deceiving spirits have him fight to guard the cause of his deception from being brought into light.
They thus get the believer himself to take their side, and fight for them to keep their hold. Sometimes this happens even after he has found out his condition, and honestly desires deliverance. One of the greatest hindrances concerns spiritual experiences which believers do not want to examine, and part with.
THE SPIRITUAL BASIS OF DELIVERANCE IN CALVARY'S VICTORY
The Scriptural ground for obtaining deliverance is the truth concerning Messiah's full victory at Calvary. Through the victory at Calvary the believer CAN BE DELIVERED FROM THE POWER OF BOTH SIN AND SATAN. However, in actual fact the victory won at Calvary can only be applied as there is conformity to Divine laws. The deceptions of Satan are recognized. The will of the person must be set to reject the deceptions of Satan. He can, on the basis of the work of Christ at Calvary claim his deliverance from these workings of the devil in deception and possession. Rom. 6: 6-13; Col. 2: 15; 1 John 3: 8
There are various degrees of deception and possession. There are degrees of deliverance according to the understanding of the believer. It all depends on his WILLINGNESS To FACE ALL THE TRUTH ABOUT HIMSELF, and all the ground given to the enemy.
In doing this the believer needs to have a firm grip on his standing in Christ. We are identified with Him in His death on the Cross. We are in union with Him in spirit in His place on the Throne (Ephes. 1: 19-23; 2: 6). He must "hold fast" with steady faith-grip, the "Head" (Col. 2: 19). Messiah is the One who is, by His Spirit, giving him grace (Heb. 4: 16), and strength to recover the ground in mind and body. In his ignorance he yielded to the foe. In his knowledge of the truth IN Messiah he can take the ground back. The man himself must ACT to get rid of passivity. He must revoke his CONSENT given to evil spirits to enter. By his own will he must insist that they retire from the place (Ephes. 4:27) they have obtained by deceit. God will not act for him in regaining the normal condition of his outer man. God will not exercise his choice for him. He must stand on the ground of the Calvary victory of Messiah, and claim his freedom.
When the believer has discovered that he is a victim of the deceptions of deceiving spirits, these are the steps in the path of freedom: (1) acknowledgment of deception; (2) refusal of ground; (3) steadfast fight against all that possession means; (4) being on guard against excuses; (5) the detection of all the effects of possession; and (6) a discerning of the result of these actions. The believer must learn to read the signs of dis-possession, as well as the symptoms of possession. Otherwise he will be deceived again by the Adversary.
DOUBT OF EXPERIENCE
(1) Doubt of the experience, or "manifestation" being of God. We cannot emphasize too strongly the need of not quenching, and not ignoring the first doubt. The "doubt" is actually the initial penetration of truth to the mind. It is the first step to deliverance. Some have instantly quenched the first doubt, fearing to "doubt God." In doing so, they closed the mind to the first ray of light which would have led them into liberty. They have looked upon doubt as temptation, and resisted it. They overlook the distinction between true and evil, right and wrong, "doubt." Most Christians associate only evil with such words as "judging," "criticizing," "doubting," and "enmity," "hatred," "unbelief." All of these are evil or good according to their source in spirit or soul. These things must be related to the object. It is good to judge Satan. It is good to criticize Satan. It is right to doubt Satan. We should have enmity to Satan. We should hate Satan. "Hatred" to sin is good. "Unbelief" of spirit manifestations is commanded until the believer is sure of their source. (1 John 4: 1).
To doubt God, which means not to trust Him, is sin. Doubting supernatural manifestations is simply a call to exercise the mind and will. God expects us to use our mind and will to test the spirits. We are commanded to test the spirits and to know their source. All spiritual believers use their renewed mind to discern "good and evil." The deep doubt concerning some supernatural experiences is therefore not a "temptation." It is really the Holy Spirit moving the spiritual faculties to action according to 1 Cor. 2: 15, "He that is spiritual judgeth, examineth--all things." The "things of God" are by using the mind and spirit to being "spiritually discerned."
NO "CONTRADICTION" IN WORKING OF SPIRIT OF GOD
A "doubt" generally first pierces the mind either: (1) from truth pointed out by others, or (2) arises from some flaw in the experience. Praise God, it gets the attention of the believer. In the case of some supernatural manifestation which appeared to be Divine, there was some slight contradiction which perplexed the soul. Praise God! Understand that no contradictions can possibly occur in any of the workings of the Spirit of God, Who is the Spirit of Truth. One single contradiction is sufficient to reveal a lying spirit at work. This rule must not be ignored. For instance, a believer declares, under supernatural "power," assumed to be Divine, concerning one who is ill, that God purposes the restoration of that one, yet the sick one dies. This is a "contradiction" which should be fully examined. This should not be put aside as among things "not to be understood." The supernatural element in the declaration could not be of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth, cannot depart from truth in His revelation of the Will of God.
To "prove the spirits," or to discern between the "Spirit of Truth" and the "spirit of error," is a clear command to the children of God.(1 John 4: 1) We are to "prove all things." We hold fast that which is "good" (1 Thess. 5: 21). We bring "to the proof . . . with all longsuffering" (2 Tim. 4: 2). To question until all things have stood the test of full examination is the safest course. This is far removed from the doubting of God Himself, in His faithfulness and love. Doubting God's faithfulness and love is the only doubt which is sin.
ADMITTANCE OF POSSIBILITY OF DECEPTION
ADMITTANCE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF DECEPTION is the second stage in the breaking of truth upon the mind. It may sometimes precede the doubt. All believers should admit the possibility of being deceived, or mistaken. All may be deceived, in any aspect of new experience or view of truth. The deception of the enemy is so subtle. Almost invariably the attitude of each one is, that "others" may be open to deception, and he or she is the exception to the rule.
This certainty of personal exception is so deep seated with the most visibly deceived person. It is a major battle simply to obtain entrance to the mind for even one thought of possible deception. Some are quick to say the pope is not infallible. Yet they can not think they can be deceived. They never consider the deception of their own perceived infallibility. They are blind to any possibility they could be deceived in any point at all. Such a believer seems armed with unshaken assurance that if others be misled, he certainly is not. He "beholdeth the mote" in his brother's eye, and is blind. He is totally blind to the "beam" in his own. But an open attitude to truth says, "Why not I as well as others? May not my assurance of safety be a deception of the enemy, as much as the deception I see in others?"
All believers, including Brother Jim, Brother Dan, Brother Elijah, Brother Monte, and Brother Stair, should admit the possibility of deception by the deceiving spirits.
THE BASIC FACT OF THE FALL
The primary fact to be recognized by every human being is the complete and utter ruin of the first creation at the Fall. When the First Adam admitted the poison of the serpent it corrupted his whole being beyond repair. This fact of the utter corruption of the human race as a consequence of this is unmistakably declared in the New Testament:
"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts." (Eph. 4: 22)
"Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:" (Eph. 4: 18).
"Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others." (Eph. 2: 3).
The Apostle described the whole race of man, Gentile and Jew, Pharisee and Publican. He said, in all, "the prince of the power of the air" wrought, as "the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience."
The Word of God declares the fact, and the reality of the blinded mind. The Bible declares the fact of the ruined condition of every human being. THIS FACT IS THE ONLY BASIS UPON WHICH THE TRUTHS WE ARE CONSIDERING IN THIS BOOK CAN BE UNDERSTOOD, AND PROVED TO BE TRUE, IN EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICE.
ADMITTANCE OF POSSIBLE DECEPTION LOGICALLY REASONABLE
The fact is that regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and the indwelling of the Spirit, does not mean (1) sinlessness, and (2) the present possession of a resurrection body. The fact is that every part of a believer is not yet renewed. Every part is not yet freed by the redemption of Calvary from the effects of the Fall, MEANS GROUND FOR THE POSSIBLE ENTRY AND POSSESSION OF DECEIVING SPIRITS. The fact is that absolute sinlessness, and the present possession of the resurrection body are not attainable while on earth.
Because of that fact, a rational, undeceived mind must admit the possibility it can be deceived. A denial of that fact proves, by itself, a deceived mind. Failure to admit one can be deceived is certain entry of evil spirits to the outer man of mind or body. If you do not have a resurrection body it is logically and reasonably possible for you to be deceived. To profess otherwise is proof of deception. This is true even while the spirit and heart of the man is renewed by the Holy Spirit. If we come to facts of experience, the proofs are abundant in the unregenerate world. The fact is also abundant in children of God, and spiritual believers. ANYONE professing to be free from deception better have a resurrection body to prove it.
We should know ourselves. Our actual condition as sinners, is simply depicted in God's Word. Understanding and admitting the truth that we are sinners gives us greater safety from the enemy. The ignorance of our true condition, apart from the new life from God implanted in us, is a weakness. Any blind confidence of safety is a weakness. We must have an intelligent basis for our faith. If we are beyond being deceived, we are wide open to being deceived by Satan. We give Satan ground through our very certainty of being free from his deception.
(1) After admitting the possibility of deception in supernatural things, and (2) a doubt has come in to the mind whether certain "experiences," either personal or otherwise, were of God after all, the next stage is:
(3) THE DISCOVERY OF THE DECEPTION. Light and truth alone can make free.
a)
When once a true rational doubt comes in,
b) and the man opens his mind to the truth that he is as liable
to be deceived as anyone else,
c) then to the open mind and attitude, light is given (John
3:21).
Sometimes the specific deception is seen at once. More often the discovery is gradual. Patience is needed while the light slowly dawns.
Certain facts in connection with various experiences of the past, may now emerge into the light. The half truths of the Adversary which he had used to deceive, are clearly seen. How words are twisted. How the sentences are taken out of their context in the Scriptures. This all come into view as the light is given. Then comes:--
(4) THE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE DECEPTION. This is now imperative. The truth must not only be faced, but received. Things need to be called by their right names. The father of lies is defeated by the weapon of truth.
THE REFUSAL OF GROUND
This
brings us to the crucial matter of the way in which the
"ground" the evil spirit has held must be dealt with.
Unconfessed sin and sin habits are obvious. Some of the less
obvious ways ground has been given are:
a) thoughts admitted to the mind,
b) passivity of mind or body,
c) faculties allowed to lie unused,
d) lack of mental control,
e) lack of the use of the will,
f) lack of decisive power,
g) lack of judgment .
Now the believer must deliberately and steadily refuse all this ground to the enemy. We must specifically refuse the ground on the points where we have been deceived. It is very important that the one who is deceived should know the ground, and stop giving the ground.
Since there is POSSESSION BECAUSE OF GROUND GIVEN, there must be DIS-POSSESSION BECAUSE OF GROUND REFUSED to the enemy. The deceived one must pray for light until the cause or causes of the deception are revealed. We must honestly desire, and will and want the truth on every point (John 3:21). We must be given light from God to detect symptoms and their causes. In the recognition of these, beware of introspection. Don't turn in on yourself. That is contrary to a simple refusing of ground as it is brought into the light.
THE DANGER OF GIVING NEW GROUND
Whatever the person shrinks from hearing about, or is troubled when reference is made to it that is the one to key on. Usually the one you don't want to hear about is the main problem area. It is the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. We must have the Spirit of Truth revealing those unpleasant truths. The very unpleasant truth reveals ground given on that point. If the believer is afraid to examine something he shrinks from dealing with, then it is safe to examine that particular thing. For the enemy most probably has some footing there. What the believer cannot bear to hear about, is probably the very thing that he is guilty of doing. He is in some way wrong in his relation to it. Then the ground, and the cause or causes of it, when revealed, must be taken back from the deceiving spirits. We take it back by the rejection, or refusal of these points upon which ground has been given. We refuse to yield, and demand that by the power of the Blood of Yeshua, that the ground is conquered. The ground which admits the evil spirit is the ground that keeps him in possession. There is also ground given which causes the believer, unknowingly, to take hold of evil spirits. There are things, and ground given, which enable them to grip the believer, and his faculties. There is also the probability of giving new ground, by taking the lying spirits' interpretation of their manifestations. This is accepting of lies from evil spirits. We must agree with truth from the Spirit of Truth. Count on it! It will NOT "feel" good. Yet it is only our agreement with the convicting work of the Spirit of Truth, that will set us free.
THE FIGHTING THROUGH PERIOD
"Fighting through" may be explained in a specific case. For instance, the believer discovers that he has sunk into passivity. An evil spirit has fastened upon the passive will, mind, or body while they were lying passive. When he gives up the ground, he finds it most difficult to act for himself again. It is not easy to regain the use of his will, mind, or body. Say specifically, he has been drifting into passivity in the matter of decision. He begins refusing this ground to the enemy, he decides now to "decide" for himself. He decides not to act under their control, he finds that, at first,
(1) He cannot act and decide for himself, and
(2) The evil spirits will not let him act. When their victim refuses them permission to control him, then they will not let their captive act without their permission.
The man has then got to choose between "not acting" at all, or letting the evil spirit continue to act for him. This he will not do. So for a while he is unable to use his own decisive power, and yet refuses to allow the enemy to use it. It becomes a fight for the use of his "free will," and for deliverance from passivity of the will. It is a fight with passivity. Passivity destroyed his decisive power, and gave evil spirits control over him.
Possession, and its effects, does not immediately stop when the man refuses all ground, as a whole, to the deceiving spirits. Every detail of the ground must be detected. The man must be undeceived on every point. The evil spirits must be dispossessed from every hold. Whatever caused possession, the opposite must be obtained for dis-possession. Instead of the lies of Satan, the truth of God. Instead of passivity, activity. Instead of ignorance, knowledge. Instead of surrender to the enemy, resistance. Instead of acceptance, refusal.
Actions are the result of thought and belief. The ground is always to be traced back to its radical cause, which is a THOUGHT AND BELIEF. Wrong thoughts and belief, which gave ground to evil spirits for possession, must be detected and given up. The basis of acceptance or refusal must be knowledge, not a passing thought, or impression. It is for this reason that understanding is such an important factor in deliverance, and the subsequent warfare.
In seeking for the ground of any trouble in the spiritual life, believers generally go back only as far as the first manifestation of conscious wrong. Instead the believer should seek the radical cause of the manifestations.
Men in seeking for the root of a tree do not content themselves with the discovery of its manifestation above ground. They know that the cause of the growth they see lies deeper down. It is VERY IMPORTANT that believers diagnose the cause of their trouble. Recollect back farther than the first conscious manifestation. Look for some thought or belief which has given the enemy occasion for deception.
Example in matter of "unconsciousness."
1. Discovery of symptom of "unconsciousness," (possibly through light from another).
2. Act of refusal and choice. (refuse evil unconsciousness; refuse evil consciousness.)
3. Seeking for light on ground in the past.
4. Discovery of cause; a "thought and belief" that "unconsciousness of self" was true meaning of death, and condition for becoming "only conscious of God."
RESULT: Ever since the believer admitted that "thought" and "belief," he became subject to the consequences of it. Evil spirits gained by it; for they came around and made true to the victim what he desired. They gave the "unconsciousness," which formed the ground of passivity for Satanic manifestations.
If the believer resists and refuses any specific ground for possession, and cannot get rid of it, he must seek light upon the cause. Perhaps the ground in the past in thought and belief. When this is discovered and refused, the "possession" of necessity passes away.
THE REFUSAL OF ALL GROUND
This is why it is necessary to say that each point must be patiently "fought through." The refusal of all ground to evil spirits must be maintained. Refusing all ground, and getting rid of all ground, are two different things. All ground is not of necessity removed at the moment of refusal. The refusing must therefore be reasserted, and the believer refuse persistently. Persist until each point of ground is detected and refused. Then the will, mind, and the body are gradually released to act freely under the will of the man. The faculties let go into passivity should regain their normal working condition. The operation of the mind must be kept to true and pure thinking. Any subject being dealt with is mastered, and does not dominate beyond control. It is the same with the memory, the will, the imagination, and the actions of the body, such as singing, praying, speaking, reading. All must be brought back into normal working order. All must be brought back out of the passive, heavy, state into which they have fallen, under the subtle workings of the enemy.
THE REFUSAL OF THE WORKINGS OF EVIL SPIRITS
The refusal of the workings of deceiving spirits in possession, is necessary. Refuse as well the ground upon which they have obtained possession. The believer may say as his declaration of decision:
By the Power of the Blood of Yeshua:
1.I refuse the "influence" of evil spirits.
2.I refuse the "power" of evil spirits.
3.I refuse to be "led" by evil spirits.
4.I refuse to be "guided" by evil spirits.
5.I refuse to "obey" evil spirits.
6.I refuse to "pray" to evil spirits.
7.I refuse to "ask" anything of evil spirits.
8.I refuse to "surrender" to evil spirits.
9.I refuse all "knowledge" from evil spirits.
10.I refuse to listen to evil spirits.
11.I refuse "visions" from evil spirits.
12.I refuse the "touch" of evil spirits.
13.I refuse "messages" from evil spirits.
14.I refuse all "help" from evil spirits.
The believer must revoke the consent he unknowingly gave to the workings of the deceivers. They have sought to work through him, therefore he now declares:
"I, myself, WILL to do my own work. In the past I willed not to do my work. This I NOW REVOKE for ever."
The "fighting through" period is a very painful time. There are bad moments of acute suffering, and intense struggle. It is war, painful war, resisting the powers of darkness in their contest for what the believer endeavors to reclaim. The moment he begins to advance from weakness into strength, he becomes aware of the strength of the evil spirits resisting him. He often feels worse when fighting through. This is a sign of "dispossession," although the believer may not think, or feel it to be so.
The order of dispossession is not the order in which possession took place. The last thing given to the spirits of evil is generally the first thing removed. Because, fight is given upon the experience of the moment. Deliverance from the bondage of the moment is the most urgent need. Sometimes it is the advanced stage of possession, with its terrible bondage, which reveals his condition to the man himself. It is not until he starts, point by point, to fight back to his normal condition, that he discovers the depth of the pit. It is a slow and difficult work of regaining the liberation of his whole being, from the power of the deceiving enemy.
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF DISPOSSESSION
The believer fighting back to freedom must not be deceived about the immediate effects of dispossession. It may appear as he advances, that he is slipping back. For instance, when the man is in a passive state under the bondage of the enemy, he may be absolutely oblivious of what he is, what he feels, and how he appears. He cannot feel and cannot be touched on these points. As he fights back to the normal condition, these things become real to him again, and he thinks he has gone back. The fact that he feels about these matters, proves a degree of dis-possession. For his feelings, which had become numb, are once more regaining their normal condition.
The believer must not be off-guard when he knows much about dispossession, because there are new realms of deception. He must pay attention not to confuse ordinary wrestling in spirit with the powers of darkness. Ordinary wrestling in the spirit is different than their workings through possession.
THE TACTICS OF THE ENEMY DURING THE FIGHTING THROUGH PERIOD
When the spirits of evil see their hold coming to an end, they never let go until the cause is fully removed. They continue to attack if the ground exists in any degree. When "fighting through," the enemy has various tactics to hinder the man's deliverance. They will dangle a thing before the mind which is not the true cause of the possession. This gets the believer occupied with it, while pouring in accusations upon his victim. Charges, accusations, blame, guilt, direct from the enemy, or indirectly through others, keep on coming. Accusing spirits can say "You are wrong" when you are not wrong, and vice versa. It is very essential that the believer does not accept blame until he is absolutely sure that it is deserved. That blame must not be from Satan's lying spirits. Lying spirits are NOT appointed by God to do the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.
Expect lying spirits to make the false charge, "You are wrong," through the whole fighting through process. Expect the lying spirits to keep the man in ceaseless condemnation. The poor persecuted believer then goes to God, and tries to get victory over "sin," but in vain. The more he prays, the more he appears to sink into a hopeless bog. He seems to himself to be one mass of "sin," without hope of freedom. But it is victory over the powers of darkness he needs. He will quickly prove this when he recognizes the true cause of his trouble, and lays hold of the Calvary Victory over Satan.
THE WEAPON OF SCRIPTURE
In fighting back to freedom, the believer must wield Scripture as the Divinely provided weapon for victory over evil spirits. The verses used with immediate effect, and giving evidence of relief, indicate the specific nature of any attack. The believer should reason back from the effectiveness of the weapon to the cause of the warfare. For instance, if the text wielded is that Satan is the "father of lies," and the believer declares that he refuses all his lies. If this brings liberty from the oppression of the enemy, it indicates that the enemy is attacking with some of his deceptive workings. Then the believer should not only refuse all his lies, but pray, "Lord, destroy all the devil's lies to me."
All this simply means that in the path to freedom, the deceived believer must act intelligently. He must know the truth, and by the truth being received and acted upon, he is set free. In going down into the deception the intelligence is unused, but in recovering freedom he must act with deliberate knowledge. He goes down "passively," but he must emerge to liberty actively that is, by the action of his whole being.
It is no more mister nice guy in dealing with demons. Force must be used against force. There are two aspects of the use of force in the fight against the powers of darkness. There is one of using spirit force against spirit force when the believer is free from possession. The second is use of physical force brought into action against their power or grip of the body. Either of these the Deceiver may suggest as "self-effort." Always guard against that tendency to take up a passive attitude. What ever it takes, submit to God, RESIST again I say RESIST the devil.
When the believer is fighting free from possession, he must bring into action all the forces of his tripartite being. Know the place of the spirit, the soul, and the body, in the conflict. If evil spirits have a hold on the muscles of the body there must be effort, and use of the muscles to dislodge them. If it is the lack of will power, RESIST, and determine you will RESIST. The believer, therefore, must not be afraid to use force, pure force, which simply means ACTIVE USE OF SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODY. Evil spirits, by possession, caused the spirit, soul, and body of the man to be inactive and passive. Now these must be aroused to action against the force holding them. There must be liberation of the physical being from passivity, as well as mind and spirit.
THE DANGER OF A WRONG KIND OF "FIGHT"
But
resistance, by action of spirit, soul, or body, must not take the
place of refusal by the will. A man may "fight" without
any result, if he does not first "refuse." There is an
evil fight, a resistance in body or brain, which is due to
possession. If it exists it must be refused. To be clear that
this evil force is not in operation, the believer can say,
"I refuse all evil fight now in spirit, soul or body."
The believer may be resisting something in himself which is the
fruit of his choice in the past. It is only his
"refusal," or revoking of his past choice, that can
touch in the present. Fighting by force, or resistance, must
therefore always have at the back of it the act of the will in
the attitude of refusal. For example:
(1) in the refusing stage of regaining the use of the memory, the
man says "I will to remember," and so to speak, by the
action of his will, he lays hold of freedom; then follows
(2) the actual fighting stage where he holds the liberty he has
taken by refusal, and actively insists upon the enemy giving way,
until the memory becomes really free from his possession.
Here are some suggestions for attitude and action for the guidance of any who are seeking freedom from the enemy's power:
1.Keep claiming the power of the blood (Rev. 12: 11).
2.Pray for light, and face the past.
3.Resist the devil persistently in your spirit.
4.Never give up hope that you will be set free.
5.Avoid all self-introspection.
6.Live, and pray for others, and thus keep your spirit in full aggressive and resisting power.
LET IT BE SAID AGAIN:
1.Stand daily on Rom. 6:11; as the attitude that you reckon to be dead to sin.
2.Resist the enemy (James 4:7) daily on the ground of the blood of Christ (Rev. 12:11)
3.Live daily for others. We must live outward, and not inward.
THE FOOTING ON ROM. 6:11, A WEAPON OF VICTORY
The standing on Romans 6:11 means the attitude of the believer reckoning himself "dead unto sin . . in Christ Jesus." It is a declaration of death, gulf of death, to evil spirits as well as sin. This scripture principle means death to evil spirits working in, through, for, instead of, or in conjunction with the man.
To resist the enemy on the ground of the blood of Christ, means wielding the weapon of the finished work of Christ, by faith. His death for sin, frees the trusting believer from the guilt of sin. His death to sin on the Cross and the believer's death with Him, frees the man from the power of sin. His death victory on Calvary frees the believer from the power of Satan. Because of the Blood of Yeshua, Satan no longer has any authority as the god of this world over any child of God. Because of the Blood of Yeshua Satan and all his demonic followers will soon be ashes under the feet of the Redeemed. Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so. Alleluia Yeshua! Satan is going to hell and I am going to heaven because of the Power of the Blood of Yeshua. Alleluia Yeshua!
REVIEW OF THE CONDITIONS FOR DELIVERANCE:
1.Knowledge of the possibility of deception and possession;
2.Admission of actual deception and possession;
3.Attitude of neutrality toward all past experiences (spiritual) until truth concerning them is ascertained;
4.Refusal of all ground to evil spirits;
5.(In some cases) the casting out of evil spirits by the authority of the Name of Yeshua and the power of the blood of Yeshua.
6.The believer taking position of death to sin (Rom. 6:11);
7.The detection and refusal of all that belongs to possession;
8.The understanding of the criterion of the true normal condition so as to gauge signs of dispossession;
9.Active usage of the faculties so that they reach the normal condition.
STEPS OF DELIVERANCE - LET IT BE SAID AGAIN:
1. When in doubt SHOUT, Blood of Yeshua!
2.Recognize persistently the true cause of bondage; i.e., the work of an evil spirit or spirits.
3.Choose to have absolutely nothing to do with the powers of darkness. Frequently declare this.
4.Do not talk or trouble about their manifestations. Recognize, refuse and then ignore them.
5.Refuse and reject all their lies and excuses, as they are recognized.
6.Notice the thoughts, and the way in which they come, and when, and immediately declare the attitude of Rom. 6:11 against all the interferences of the enemy.
HINDRANCES TO DELIVERANCE:
1.Not knowing it is possible to be deceived;
2.Thinking God will not allow a believer to be deceived;
3.Saying "I am safe under the Blood," without intelligent knowledge of conditions;
4.Saying "I have no sin," to open the door to an "evil spirit";
5.Saying "I am doing all that God wants, so all must be right"; without seeking to understand what the will of the Lord is. (Eph. 5: 10- 17).
SOME HINTS ON OVERCOMING PASSIVITY OF MIND:
1. Act as far as you can, doing what you can.
2. Take the initiative, instead of passively depending on others.
3. Decide for yourself in everything you can. Do not lean on others.
4. Live in the moment, watch and pray step by step.
5.Use your mind, and THINK. Think about who you are IN Messiah. Think about what you say. Think over all you do.
THE SLOW WEAKENING OF POSSESSION AS THE BELIEVER MAINTAINS RESISTANCE
The possession by the enemy will slowly weaken as the ground which he held is steadily refused, and given up. The Deceiver fought long to obtain the ground, and the believer may have to fight a long time before he is fully set free. The weakening of the possession, too, is according to the degree in which the ground is removed. Be careful not to give more ground to the foe. This makes the deliverance gradual, it is true. Yet in most cases the snare has been gradually woven about him for many years. Layer upon layer of the devils deceptions may have slowly come upon the mind.
Following
the steady attitude of the refusal of the ground, light begins to
break in. Then comes the discovery of the "excuses" the
enemy is making to hide the true location. Demons are persistent
to make the man believe that the manifestations are due to some
other cause. The chief excuses over the manifestation of
possession center around the suggestions:
"it is divine,"
"natural,"
"physical," or else
temperament,
circumstances,
others' wrong doing.
This is to cover or hide the ground which is held. But as the
excuses are recognized, the believer resists them, and calls the
excuses by the right name of Satan's lies.
After getting rid of the counterfeits of the Divine workings, BEWARE. The difficult stage is the recognizing, and getting free, from the counterfeits of the man himself. As the "excuses" or lies are recognized, the believer becomes more sharp in detection. He becomes less ready to accept the "natural" and "physical" causes as true explanations. He demands examination and certainty. If he "cannot bear" to hear, or speak about a person, he asks Why? If an attack on a certain point does not cease, he asks Why?
The truth is, a believer cannot bear things because of attack through possession. And he cannot do things because of possession.
NAMING THE ATTACK A FACTOR IN VICTORY
Naming the "attack" is a great factor for victory. For example, an attack may be made to hinder. Then the believer must be on guard against all hindrances, seen and unseen. It is the Hinderer. It may be to make him impatient, then he must be on guard over all things liable to test his patience. The sooner the attack is recognized and named, the quicker the weapon can be called into use to destroy it.
It may be a flood of accusations of wrong doing, which need to be recognized, or tested as to their truth. Let's say the Accuser charges the believer is wrong over a certain thing. We surrender that thing to God. If the accusation does not then pass away, it shows that it is not the true ground for the accusation. There is the proof the accusation is some other cause. Rebuke that lying spirit in the Name of Yeshua. Attack that lying spirit by the power of the Blood of Yeshua! The believer should then seek light from God upon the hidden causes according to John 3:21. "But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." Refuse the cause of the accusation without knowing what it is, saying, "I refuse the cause of this attack, whatever it is. I trust the Lord to destroy it." But often, when the believer is charged with being wrong over a certain thing, and it is fought off again. Then, again, in this way, it does not pass away. Then the true cause of the attack is possession, and not a "thing" at all. The matter to be fought is possession as a whole.
The true location of the deceiving spirit will often be found in an opposite direction to the apparent one. They know they are being exposed, and dislodged, and so they vigorously ply an attack upon some other place to divert attention.
THE SYMPTOMS SLOWLY PASSING AWAY
THE EFFECT OF THESE PRECEDING STEPS CAN NOW BE SEEN. The symptoms slowly pass away. The believer, coming back to normal conditions, finds his faculties usable. His thoughts once more under the control of his own free will. It is a spiritual resurrection from a Satanic burial.
Stay on guard not to think it is final victory. Don't be quick to think that the deceiving spirit has been fully dislodged because the manifestations have stopped. Be careful not to think that the intruder has been "cast out." Stay on guard in cases where casting out is possible and successful. God can make quick complete deliverance. Stay on guard even if there are no actual manifestations. In quick deliverance it is necessary to watch and pray as never before. The evil spirit has been exposed, the soul has been undeceived. The deeper the deception, the longer is the time for the deceptions of Satan upon the mind to be removed. It takes longer to remove the passivity of the various faculties, of spirit, soul or body. With the power of the Holy Spirit you can be more persistent than the devil. Satan's works will be destroyed. The Blood of Messiah made the victory certain 2000 years ago.
To be "undeceived," does not always mean to be fully delivered. The believer must therefore beware of stopping the fight against possession when ease comes.
It is here that the believer needs to know himself. We alone are able to judge of the extent of our liberation. This we do by having a clear understanding of our true normal condition. We should detect whether we are above our normal capacity and strained beyond our normal poise and measure. We should know when we are below it, and less capable. God has gifted and enabled us to do what He calls us to do. The only important job in the Kingdom is doing what the King wants us to do.
THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING THE TRUE NORMAL
For full deliverance from the power of evil spirits a believer needs to know the standard of his normal condition. Then he can accurately judge his degree of deliverance, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. This is how we continue to battle in War with the Saints. We keep on keeping on. We put up with people, and circumstances. We keep fighting the good fight with strong and steady will and faith. We keep fighting until every faculty is free. We keep fighting to keep every part of our being free for the King Yeshua's use. We stand and fight in liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.
As he judges himself he may say, "Things are not the same as they were." Then he fights through by prayer to his normal condition. The deceiving spirits will suggest all kinds of excuses to stop the man's advance to freedom. If he is over forty years of age, they will suggest that the "mind cannot be as vigorous as at twenty." They will suggest, "overwork" is the cause of his being below what he should be. LIES!!!! Don't yield to them. He must not accept reasons which appear to be "natural," IF HE HAS BEEN A SUBJECT OF POSSESSION. He should resist all attempts of the powers of darkness to keep him below his normal capability at any time. If he is vigilant he will know that the lying spirits will endeavor to deceive him about it, and he must resist their lies.
REGAINING THE NORMAL
Some practical ways of keeping the mind in its normal working condition:
(a) ATTITUDE TO THE PAST. There should be no "regrets," or brooding over things done or undone. This is an ordinary operation of the mind in thinking over the past. Don't get entangled into an evil kind of thinking which is generally described as "brooding." The believer must learn to discern for himself when he is simply "thinking," or being drawn into a state of "regretting" or brooding. YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE PAST.
For victory in the life, there must be victory in regard to the past, with all its failures. The good of the past causes no trouble to the mind, but only the real or supposed evil. This should be dealt with by confessing to God. God has a sea of forgetfulness. He does not need to throw your sins and mistakes in there more than once. If He tells you to ask forgiveness or make restitution, DO IT. Otherwise, be done with it, and move on. Take things to God on the ground of 1 John 1:7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from ALL sin.
In regaining the normal working of the mind, it needs first to be brought into action. Then keep it in balanced action. This is very difficult, and at times impossible, while there is evil spirit possession. Possession must therefore pass away before balanced working is restored. This principle applies to every faculty.
(b) THE ATTITUDE TO THE FUTURE. The same may be said in the action of the mind in regard to the future. It is lawful to think of the future, so long as the evil state of "brooding," brought about by sin, or Satan, is not yielded to.
(c) THE ATTITUDE TO EVIL SPIRITS. They must not be permitted to interfere. The believer exercises his will and the authority he is given IN Messiah. We are to see to it that no new ground is given, either for possession, or interference.
(d) THE ATTITUDE TO THE PRESENT MOMENT. There should be a steady concentration of mind upon the duties of the moment. Keep your mind in active readiness for use as occasion requires. This does not mean CEASELESS activity. The mind that is never at rest, can be a symptom of possession. However, your mind will generally rest in sleep when you properly exercise your will, mind, and body. Cover your sleep with prayer. The believer should go to sleep in prayer. God will give and guard your rest in sleep. Otherwise keep praying, FOR OTHERS, till you fall asleep.
THE WEAPON OF THE WORD OF GOD
The believer must understand regaining ground is war. Regaining good use of the will, spirit, mind and body after passive surrender to evil spirits is war. It will mean a steady fight with the powers of darkness. This will require the use of the weapons of warfare given in the Word of God, as tried and proved by experience. Weapons, for instance, such as the truth in the text "Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof." That is great for resisting brooding over the past, or torturing pictures of the future. "Resist the devil and he will flee from you," is good when the pressure of the enemy is severe. There is a bible full of great "fighting" texts, which will prove truly to be the "sword of the Spirit." We resist the devil with a sharp sword of the Spirit. Go after your enemy. Put him in full retreat. That is his right place since Calvary.
(e) THE STEADY ATTITUDE OR ACTION OF THE WILL. Keep the mind in normal working condition, free from the interference of the enemy. Maintain the attitude of the will steadily set. "I will not allow my mind to be passive." "I will have full control of my body." I will recognize everything that comes from demon-possession." Such declare the CHOICE of the man, rather than his determination to do these things. The powers of darkness are not affected by mere determination or resolve. They are rendered powerless by the act of strong will definitely choosing, in the strength given of God, to stand against them.
THE RESULTS IN EXPERIENCE WHEN DELIVERED
What are the results of fighting the good fight of faith? You have clear vision in the light of God, of the enemy's workings, without fear. You have a clear mind, intelligently in exercise in all its actions. You have calm firm decisions of the will. You have a strong pure spirit in resisting. You have no hesitation in fighting all you see to be of the Adversary. Instead of acceptance of the enemy's workings, there is an established attitude of refusal. Instead of a lie in the mind, there is truth. Instead of ignorance, there is knowledge.
The delivered believer now has a deep longing for the deliverance of others. He has sharp insight into the devil's true character in his bitter enmity to Christ and His redeemed. Past confusion in spiritual experiences are now clearly understood. He is sharp in detecting the Adversary. He begins to see the "naturalness" of his supernatural workings. This man is never off guard now, but always alert, watching against the powers of darkness. He relies upon the strength of God, and there is a manifest development of resisting power against the wicked spirits attacking him. He walks with strength in Messiah. He can do all things through Christ.
The steps to deliverance which have been given, deal with the PRACTICAL ASPECT OF THE BELIEVER'S ACTIONS. On God's side, the victory has been won, and Satan and his deceiving spirits have been conquered. Understand that the actual liberation of the believer demands his ACTIVE COOPERATION WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. The steady exercise of his will, choosing freedom instead of bondage is absolutely required by God. Indeed, when the Son sets you free you are truly free from the bondage of the enemy. God requires you to do your part and submit your will to God's will and no other.
"He that doeth the truth cometh to the light" (John 3:21). Evil spirits hate being tested. So they work under cover with deception and lies. The believer must come to the light of God. We need His light upon all spiritual experiences, as well as all other areas of life. We must be a lover of the TRUTH if we are to "cast off the works of darkness" (Rom. 13:12) and put on the armour of God, the armour of light.
THE SCRIPTURE ASPECT OF DELIVERANCE
The Blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, cleanseth us from all sin, IF we walk in the light. The light must shine in for the soul to walk in it. The evil spirits can be cast out in the Name of the Lord Jesus, but the GROUND THEY HAVE GAINED CAN ONLY BE REMOVED BY THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE OF THE WILL REFUSING the ground given to them, and appropriating the deliverance by death with Christ on Calvary.