By[24] “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ [25] When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. [26] Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.” — Luke 11:24 - 26 NIV
I’m not in the deliverance ministry, but I’ve seen several people delivered during services I’ve attended in church. And for a while, I’ve been observing the lives of those who are usually delivered. I realised that much doesn’t change in their lives until they become more serious with God after their salvation. What Jesus said in Luke 11:24-26 has been displayed clearly before me in life.
Jesus said it’s not enough to deliver an unbeliever oppressed by demons. However, when it gets done afresh, that fellow’s inner man will become clean, and everything will be in order after the demon has left. But if he doesn’t have God’s Word to sustain him, the demon can return with seven more wicked spirits and make his life worse. Interesting!
I now understand why so many unbelievers still have problems after seeking deliverance. They’re not grounded in the Word, so they still get manipulated by the devil in several areas of their lives.
No amount of anointing oil or prayer for deliverance can change this truth. There must be a consistent ministration of the Word after their salvation to sustain them in the Truth, or else the lives of those delivered will worsen. In other words, it’s dangerous to cast out a demon in an unbeliever who came to visit a church and not to belong; because when she’s gone, his situation will get worse.
God is good. He doesn’t want anyone to experience reversion in life. That is why He has given us pastors to feed us with knowledge and understanding (see Jeremiah 3:15). Therefore, as a minister, leave God’s Word as the content for people’s sustenance in Christ after their deliverance. Don’t pride yourself that demons submit to you when you use the name of Jesus. That happiness is temporary. That person’s life after deliverance being kept in Christ should be of more concern to you.
Keep teaching the Word of God. Let the ministration of sound doctrine be your hallmark. Because in ministry, the discipling of souls is the actual work, salvation only opens the doorway.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for wisdom that I should be mindful of how people ought to be sustained by the Word after they are delivered. May I not emphasise so much on deliverance that I forget to teach Your people sound doctrine. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 332
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