Deliverance Myths Busted: Returning to Biblical Basics - Part 6

Part 6: How to Approach Deliverance Biblically

We’ve come a long way. From examining the clear, powerful examples of deliverance in the Bible to addressing modern misconceptions, we’ve peeled back the layers and gotten to the heart of how deliverance should look. Now, it’s time to get practical. How do we approach deliverance in a way that’s not only biblical but also grounded in the authority that Christ has given us?

This final part is about reclaiming the simplicity and power of deliverance, just as it was in the New Testament. It’s not about special techniques, drawn-out rituals, or trying to negotiate with demons. It’s about using the authority of Jesus with faith, clarity, and confidence. Let’s break down what it means to approach deliverance in a way that honors Scripture and brings freedom to those in need.

I. Faith and Authority: The Foundation of Biblical Deliverance

First things first—deliverance starts with faith. Without faith in the authority of Christ, deliverance becomes a ritual or a guessing game. In the Bible, we never see Jesus or the apostles questioning whether they have the power to cast out demons. Why? Because they knew their authority came directly from God.

Matthew 17:19-20:
When the disciples failed to cast out a demon, Jesus didn’t hold back. He told them it was because of their lack of faith. Then He explained that even with faith the size of a mustard seed, nothing would be impossible. It’s a reminder that faith isn’t about quantity—it’s about knowing where your power comes from.
Luke 10:19:
Jesus told His disciples, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” This wasn’t reserved for a select few. All believers who walk in Christ have this authority.

Faith is like flipping a switch—it activates the power you already have. Without it, even the authority given to us in Christ remains unused.

II. Knowing Who You Are in Christ

One of the biggest reasons people struggle in deliverance is that they don’t fully understand who they are in Christ. Demons don’t respect human strength, but they do recognize and submit to the authority of Jesus in us. If we don’t know that we’re backed by His power, we might hesitate, and that’s when things get complicated.

Acts 19:13-16 (The Sons of Sceva):
The sons of Sceva tried to use Jesus’ name to cast out demons without knowing Him personally. The demon responded, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” The lesson is clear: it’s not enough to say the right words. You need to walk in a relationship with Jesus, knowing that His power flows through you. Demons recognize the authority that comes from truly knowing Christ—and they also know when it’s missing.

So, when you approach deliverance, don’t forget: you’re not acting on your own. You’re operating in the name of Jesus, and His name carries the ultimate authority in every spiritual realm.

III. Repentance and Freedom from Strongholds

Deliverance isn’t just about casting out demons; it’s also about closing the doors that gave them access in the first place. Repentance plays a critical role in this. When someone holds onto sin or refuses to renounce strongholds, they’re leaving an open invitation for demonic influence.

Ephesians 4:27:
Paul warns us not to give the devil a foothold. When we harbor unforgiveness, live in habitual sin, or dabble in occult practices, we leave cracks in our spiritual armor that demons can exploit. Repentance seals those cracks, and without it, deliverance becomes incomplete.

Deliverance ministries should always focus on healing the root cause—whether it’s bitterness, addiction, or deep emotional wounds. Deliverance isn’t just about getting rid of the demon; it’s about walking in complete freedom, rooted in a life of repentance and submission to God.

IV. Biblical Deliverance Is Simple, Not Complicated

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned throughout these articles is that deliverance, when done biblically, is simple. Jesus never turned it into a spectacle. There were no drawn-out prayers, no need to interrogate demons, no magical formulas. He spoke, and they left. The same should be true for us.

Mark 1:25-26:
Jesus encountered a man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue. He simply rebuked the spirit with, “Be silent, and come out of him!” Immediately, the spirit obeyed. This wasn’t a long, emotional process—it was a straightforward command backed by authority. And that’s the beauty of biblical deliverance: it’s direct and effective.
Acts 16:18:
When Paul was followed by a demon-possessed girl, he got annoyed and, after a few days, simply said, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And it did—right away. There was no drama, no hours of shouting or engaging with the spirit. He used the name of Jesus, and the spirit had no choice but to leave.

The simplicity of these biblical examples reminds us that deliverance is not about the length of time or the amount of effort we put into it—it’s about Jesus’ power. The more complicated we make it, the more we shift focus away from Him.

V. Discernment: Knowing When It’s a Spiritual Battle

Not every problem is demonic. We’ve touched on this in earlier parts, but it’s worth repeating: some issues are rooted in physical, emotional, or psychological causes, not in demonic activity. That’s why discernment is key in deliverance.

1 John 4:1:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” We’re called to discern what’s truly going on in a person’s life. Before assuming that every issue is caused by a demon, take the time to pray, seek God’s guidance, and evaluate the situation through the lens of Scripture.

While spiritual warfare is real, we need to avoid falling into the trap of seeing a demon behind every problem. Sometimes people need healing, counseling, or physical treatment—deliverance isn’t always the answer.

VI. Walking in Continuous Freedom After Deliverance

Deliverance isn’t a one-time event. It’s part of a larger spiritual journey. Once someone has been set free, they need to be equipped to stay free. That means building a strong relationship with God, staying in the Word, and surrounding themselves with the right people.

Matthew 12:43-45:
Jesus warns that when an unclean spirit leaves a person, it may return with others if it finds the person’s life empty. This is why it’s critical for anyone who’s been delivered to fill their life with the Holy Spirit and walk in God’s ways. The battle doesn’t end after deliverance—it’s just the beginning of a new walk with Christ.
Ephesians 6:10-18:
Paul gives us the armor of God—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer—to protect us from the enemy’s schemes. Walking in freedom means actively putting on this armor every day and being vigilant in spiritual warfare.

VII. Conclusion: Trust in the Power of Jesus Alone

As we wrap up this series on deliverance, the central message is clear: deliverance is not about us—it’s about Jesus. It’s His authority that sets people free, and it’s faith in Him that activates that power. We don’t need to rely on complex rituals, special knowledge, or emotional intensity. We just need to trust in the simplicity and power of His name.

If you’re ever faced with a deliverance situation, remember: speak with authority, stand firm in faith, and know that Christ has already won the battle. Approach deliverance biblically, and you’ll see the same results that the early Church saw—because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Glossary:

Authority in Christ: The power given to believers through their relationship with Jesus to command and have victory over demonic forces.
Repentance: Turning away from sin and choosing to follow God, often seen as a crucial part of maintaining spiritual freedom after deliverance.
Strongholds: Areas of sin, deception, or spiritual bondage that allow demons to have influence over a person’s life.
Discernment: The spiritual ability to distinguish between what is from God and what is not, including knowing whether a situation is demonic or rooted in another cause.
Foothold: A vulnerable area of sin or disobedience that allows the enemy to gain influence or access to a person’s life.
Deliverance: The act of freeing someone from demonic influence or possession, typically through the authority of Jesus’ name.