Breaking Demonic Bondages

The next morning after my salvation, on a cold day in March of 1978, I sat down in a chair with a small black bible I'd had for several years, but rarely read; and began to talk to God. I was a brand new Christian and knew nothing of trying to be "good", or religious. There is no one good, no....not one; but God Himself.

I wanted to know God, and what He wanted me to do now.  I knew my life had been changed miraculously; but I had so many questions; and no one else to talk to. Actually this is the best place to start; to realize no one else has the answers to our needs; but Him. 

Though I had made a mess of my life, He had allowed it to finally bring me to the place that I realized I had come to this place of failure and alcoholism by my own decisions, and actions. I needed to face myself and that as long as I was in control of my life; nothing would ever change and I would end up destroying myself in the end. Jesus showed me He wanted me just as I was-But He wanted me to come with an honest heart, and stop being a phony. To humble myself before Him; then the door is opened for miracles to happen. Then change would begin to happen in me, as I allowed His Spirit to work in me. This honesty also begins the cleansing for breaking demonic bondage's. Because as repentance has it's way in us, the strongholds of Satan are breached, and weakened. The Spirit of God can come in, and with the spoken word of God; bring total deliverance to the captive heart; and then as Jesus said "whom the Son sets free, is free indeed."

Deliverance comes in many ways; and there doesn't have to be great demonic manifestations for you to be set free. It may happen, but it doesn't have to. I've been delivered from demons who just found out there was no more room in me for them, and they left. I did speak to them and resisted them by commanding them to come out, and that they weren't welcome in me anymore. It is using the Name and authority of Jesus Christ against them; one by one. With faith, persistence, and the teaching and leading of the Holy Spirit, and using the power of the word of God appropriately, are the keys to get set free, and stay that way.

As I sat there alone day after day, week after week, reading the bible and praying; these truths were revealed to me; and what set me free, and has kept me free.  I believe they will help you tonight.

                                                           The Steps Out of Bondage

Come to God with an honest heart: I had to admit I could not change myself and didn't have the power to do it. I'd finally come to the place that as Job said in Job 7:20 "I have sinned...I am a burden to myself." I wanted to stop being the way I was; and wanted to be different. I was afraid to try, and didn't know where to start. I cried out to God that day, and told Him this. I asked God to overrule me and help me change. I finally stopped playing games with God, stopped trying to excuse my behavior, and actions. I was shown as I sat there; the sins I needed to specifically repent of, and ask forgiveness for the people whom I had hurt over the years by my actions. I was crushed as picture after picture came up in my mind of people who I had hurt, and been cruel to.  I wanted to be different, and took the verse in Jeremiah as my guide to begin to do what had to be done, in order to see the changes in me I new had to be made:

Jer. 29:13 "And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all you heart."

First Steps: obedience to the known will of God, bring my actions into obedience to His Word.

Take responsibility for my own actions, mistakes, sins. Stop blaming other's for my problems and failures.

Stop being double minded. I had to make up my mind that I wanted to change and didn't care what I had to do; there was no turning back.

Honest repentance, pray for His cleansing in all areas of my life and ask for strength to stand against the attacks of the enemy (Satan)

Recognize that THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST IS OUR AUTHORITY "Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth." Phil 2:9-10 His blood is our covering; study and feed on the Word of God concerning this truth; it will break many bondage's.

1. Blood speaks of a New Covenant which breaks power over sin
2. It is perfect covering from the accuser
3. Being covered in His blood is perfect standing before God; opens the door to heaven in prayer so we can come boldly to the throne of grace for every need. 

God has delegated this authority to us (Mark 16:17, Luke 9:1, 10:19) However; It is necessary for us to realize that the degree of freedom we gain is a direct result of the measure of FAITH, AND OBEDIENCE TO THE WRITTEN WORD APPROPRIATED IN OUR LIVES. IF WE REMAIN STUBBORN, WALKING IN SIN, DISOBEDIENCE, and PRIDE, GOD WILL NOT CONFORM TO US IN OUR SIN; WE MUST CONFORM TO HIM IN HIS HOLINESS. Ex.- If the Holy Spirit shows me a sin that I need to repent of and stop doing; and I resist His conviction and keep on in that sin; my authority is hindered in the spiritual world until I deal with what He has clearly revealed to me that must be changed. This is just as much a deliverance as any other aspect of it. Our wills must be dealt with, our steps must change. The devil loses much power over us, and many bondage's are broken, simply by our acts of obedience.

Renounce and repent of all occult, witchcraft, sorcery, Ouija boards, free masonry, false religions, etc. The works of the enemy must be torn down and his presence driven out by force. Ask God for His forgiveness in being involved in any of these practices; and renounce each one by name. Make a complete break from all known practices. You also will be shown objects, music, and artwork you may have to get rid of to "come clean" with God.

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                                                               Strongholds of Satan

Jesus has broken the authority of the devil over us. Col. 1:13;
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Col 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 
Col 1:13  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 
Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 

Satan’s challenge-To rob the Christian of God's provisions by:

1. The mind: deceit and lies; Satan will twist the Word, and change it to suit his own plans. Satan will challenge the truth of the Word of God, just as he did with Eve in the garden "did God really say?" Speak the Word of God back to him in faith; stand against to enemy with the Word of God spoken in right context. 

2. The will:  Pride; spiritual pride, trusting our own goodness. Stubbornness, rebellion, willful sin

3. The emotions: Accusations; despair comes from believing what Satan says rather than God. Condemnation; he's the accuser of the brethren: when condemned, declare the truth. Rev. 12:10 Satan causes many souls to stumble here: uncontrolled emotions drive the person to do and say things that get him deeper in sin. We must learn to control our emotions; and learn the wisdom of "self control". Read proverbs; it speaks a great deal of the necessity of developing self control.

4. The body: Temptations; he will always put something in front of us to tempt our flesh; he never gives up. But, obedience and resistance brings freedom. At these times cry out to God for the power to resist and TURN AWAY FROM THE TEMPTATION; every time we are successful we become stronger in our spirit to resist the next attack. 

However: it is impossible to cast out a demon when someone is willingly living a carnal sin life. It takes discernment to really know if someone is oppressed demonically or not. Jesus did not cast out demons from everyone; remember the woman caught in adultery; he told her "neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more." Sins of the flesh are not always done by demonic power; sometimes it is our own wills. In these cases; only true repentance and turning from the sin and walking in obedience breaks the bondage's.

To take back our lives; and stand in freedom, we must face the enemy and his works. There must be no compromise in any area. You can be free if you are willing to deal with the works of the enemy with the principles given to you in the Word of God.

                                                                 Roots of Bondage

There are roots of bondage that Satan plants in us thru hurts from other's, and by our own actions and sins; and as they continue to fester and grow they can become strongholds of demonic bondage.

THE DAMAGE OF UNFORGIVENESS- Unforgiveness is the path to destruction and strongholds of Satan. If we refuse to forgive; the door of our soul is opened for multiple demonic oppression's to keep us bound.

Unforgiveness leads us down this path:

1. Resentment becomes bitterness
2. Blame becomes hatred

3. Deception becomes perversion- Prolonged unforgiveness builds deception in our minds as we allow our imaginations to run wild, and conjure up things about the event or person that didn't even really happen. We become consumed with hatred, and resentment, and our own evil imaginations are fuel that feeds the turmoil in us. This ultimately can result in violence, and even death by murder. This is what happened in the case of Cain and Abel.

1. Bitterness- Bruises from other's that produce Bitterness-the poison of the soul.
 a. it pollutes our whole system
 b. Is seen in our attitudes
 c. it's seen in our actions
 d. it can break down physical health
 e. it pollutes other's
 f. builds walls of isolation/will cut people out of life, critical attitude toward other's
 g. always results in broken relationships

                                           THE DAMAGE OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

1. Blind-spots develop-We stop acting wisely, we cannot see ourselves, or other's the way they really are.
2. Insecurities-Life becomes self-centered; No proper regard for the needs of other's
3. Immaturity-Emotional growth stops when injury is not dealt with, and released.

ROOT OF REBELLION: 1Sam.15:23 Rebellion refuses authority; steps to rebellion
1. Hurt to resentment
2. Resentment to bitterness
3. Bitterness to hatred
4. Hatred to rebellion

Rebellion is Godlessness; living as if God did not exist. Man becomes his own authority. Many Christians are still bound by this spirit; they will not submit to the Word of God.

Rebellion refuses the authority of parents and government.

       REBELLION AGAINST AUTHORITY RESULTS IN THE BODY RULING OVER THE PERSON

1. One who rebels against authority will become a slave to his own body. Being turned over to the flesh is the judgment of God upon rebellion. Rom. 8:6,7 Gal. 5:19-21

2. Rebellion leads to witchcraft: ex. Saul's reasoning became superior to God's Word. 1Sam. 15:23

 a. witchcraft is assuming the role of God: the person desires to manipulate and control people, desires revenge by doing evil (again; Saul), desire power.
 b. witchcraft is insubordinate-will not submit to authority, the persons own ambition becomes his governing power.

 ROOTS OF REBELLION AND REJECTION PRODUCE SCHIZOPHRENIA IN THE PERSONALITY

ROOT OF PRIDE-Pride speaks of the very attitude of a man's heart which determines the direction of his life. At the heart of wickedness and deception is pride. Ez. 28:17,

Pride has its root and strength in a spiritual power

1. the god of this world fell through pride  Is. 14:13,14
2. The world operates on a principal of pride 1John 2:15-16
3. The root of every sin and evil is pride. Pride has it's roots in the spirit of this age. Humility is the essence of Jesus Christ. 

                                                             THE FRUIT OF PRIDE

A. PERFECTIONISM-A person who sets up standards for himself beyond the normal requirements. Through achieving these, places himself above other's and becomes critical of those who do not accept the same standards.

1. lack of love, indifference to needs of other's, insensitive, hasty in judgments, sharp with words, critical.
2. self-righteousness, religious pride.
3. transmits rejection to children-child never feels accepted on basis of achievement.
4. a prideful person will see God as a perfectionist; but in a perverted sense. GOD IS PERFECT-IN LOVE, FORGIVENESS, MERCY, JUDGMENT. The story of the prodigal son is a good example of this.

B. COMPETITION-Constant striving to excel above another, to be first, to be better, to be recognized. The results of competition are;

1. Enmity between people
2. Constantly comparing one's self to another 11Cor. 10:12
3. Discontentment with life and any achievement
4. Jealousy and envy

Pride is a root that can never be satisfied. Constant striving with God and man brings a spirit of competition that will absorb a life and keep him from functioning in his calling and role in life. Constant discontentment.

HEALING COMES AND BONDAGE'S ARE BROKEN WHEN FORGIVENESS TAKES PLACE IN US. TRYING TO CAST OUT DEMONS WITHOUT DEALING WITH THE ROOTS OF BONDAGE IS FUTILE. WE MUST ALLOW THE WORD OF GOD; AND THE HOLY SPIRIT TO REVEAL TO US THE AREAS WE NEED TO BE CLEANSED BY REPENTANCE, RENOUNCING UNGODLY ACTIVITIES IN OUR LIVES, AND LOOKING DEEP INTO OUR HEARTS AND SOULS AND TRULY FORGIVE EVERYONE WHO HAS WRONGED US. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO GET TOTALLY FREE. WHEN WE GO THRU THESE STEPS; THEN IF WE ARE SHOWN WE MUST ADDRESS A DEVIL WHO IS STILL OPPRESSING US; HE WILL BE GLAD TO LEAVE; BECAUSE WE HAVE GIVEN THE LORD THE RIGHT TO OUR LIVES AND THE DEVILS WILL HAVE NO STRONGHOLD TO HANG ON TO.

In our study of bondage's-are we to strive to become emotionless robots? No, not at all, but it is coming to the place of expressing our personalities, emotions, and temperaments through the filter of the Power of the Holy Spirit within our lives; and allowing Him to help us use self control, becoming more like Jesus each day. It's a life long process-and we will continue to make mistakes, and fail-but it is ongoing repentance, and our desire to become more like Jesus that helps us gain the victory over every bondage, as we continue to allow God's word, and our responding in obedience to it in our lives.

                                        GOD HAS EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL

Ps. 34:7 says "The angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him (The Lord), and delivers them."

If you trust God, you can look every disaster and failure in the face and proclaim with confidence, "My God is speaking to this universe and His power is being demonstrated. I will stand still and see the salvation of the Lord."

Even Satan is under His control. As with Job, God may permit him to touch every material and physical thing around you, but he cannot possess you or rob you of your faith in God. The devil's power is limited and even a baby Christian can put him to flight simply by resisting him through the Word and the blood of Christ. Scripture tells us "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

We are not to fear Satan; we are to fear (reverence), the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. If you are being tormented by fear, you didn't get it from God. Why put up with it? Shake it off. We are told "God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and a sound mind. 2Tim. 1:7

Satan can attempt to swamp you with filth, smut; vex your soul with every imaginable kind of evil. He can persecute you, and the enemies of Christ can revile and hate you. You can wind up penniless, you can be rejected and hated by your family and given up by your friends. But the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and his ear is open to their prayer. We are not to fear anyone who can destroy the body, but to respect and honor only Him that can touch the soul. No power in heaven or on earth can touch a man's confidence and faith in Jesus Christ. No demon, no devil, no human power can destroy the soul who has come under His authority and blood covering.

The mindset I live by every day, and remind myself of frequently is:

"I and everything that touches me, is under His control. No matter how things look in this sin saturated world, all things are still working together for good to everyone who loves God and are called according to His purpose."

Jesus Christ loves you-died for our sins, and rose again, and has the power to raise you out of the depths of sin you've lived in, and any bondage holding you now. If you seek Him with your whole heart-you will find Him, and come to know He has the power to set you free from every bondage-if you truly want to be.
Lorna Couillard
2009 teaching for Teen Challenge