Last time we discussed healing through deliverance. Today, we will discuss how to minister freedom in the deliverance ministry that God has called us to. It starts with receiving freedom for ourselves because when we know Jesus the Healer, we can confidently minister deliverance to others. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:8, “freely you have received, freely give.”
Deliverance is the process of casting out or expelling demons, a ministry of Christ (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18-19). Our purpose is to destroy the devil’s works as an extension of Christ’s mission (Luke 10:19; Matthew 10:8).
Christ’s victory belongs to us; however, it is our responsibility to enforce the victory that Jesus bought for us. We do this by following the leading of the Holy Spirit and obeying Him. When God tells us to do something and we obey, it is met with His divine ability. We don’t pray to God the Father about the devil; we, the church, are to exercise the authority we have been given over the devil.
Jesus revealed the kingdom of God everywhere He went by healing and delivering people, as attested by His miracles (Matthew 9:35). When Jesus ministered on the earth, He sent His disciples out, giving them His authority and power.
“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19
And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them. Mark 6:13
He has also given us His authority (exousia) and power (dunamis) as He sends us forth to fulfill the Great Commission.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
And these signs will follow those who believe; In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18
We can see from these verses that fulfilling the Great Commission is a complete work of redemption through Jesus Christ. It includes healing, deliverance, and the proclamation of the gospel.
When Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission, He knew they couldn’t fulfill it in their own power, so He told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received the power from on high, or the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
Baptism with the Holy Spirit means “immersion or in-filling with the Spirit’s life and power,” and Jesus is the one who is doing the baptizing (Matthew 3:11). The baptism with the Holy Spirit is received by faith, just like all the other blessings of God (not by our feelings).
Remember, it is not only an experience, but also the reality of the person of the Holy Spirit within us and working through us. The Bible reveals different ways that people receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit, such as by asking, praying, and the laying on of hands (2 Corinthians 5:7; Luke 11:9-13; Acts 8:14-17; 10:44-46; 19:6).
It is empowering for service, activating the gifts of the Holy Spirit to reproduce the ministry of Jesus, including signs, wonders, and miracles (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)! Discernment is among the key roles of the Holy Spirit in deliverance. He reveals the reasons for oppression and demonic activity so that the minister of deliverance can handle them accordingly.
For example:
- Gift of discerning of spirits—To perceive by seeing, hearing, or knowing in the realm of spirits by the revelation of the Holy Spirit (spiritual eyes and ears); reveals the kind of spirit that is in operation behind a supernatural manifestation (to see & know the spirit motivating a person or situation; given to discern what is occurring in the spirit realm so you can respond
- Word of knowledge—a supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit of specific facts in the mind of God of a present or past circumstance, situation, or condition by seeing, hearing, or feeling. It is usually paired with another gift to fully release God’s plan, such as the gifts of healings to bring healing or deliverance, or the gift of prophecy. You may know that a spirit is present or involved in a particular situation by a Word of Knowledge, but not see it, which is the discerning of spirits.
As believers and children of the King, we are to establish His kingdom on earth; however, we need a power greater than our own to serve and minister Christ’s kingdom here. Not only does His presence dwell within us, but it flows through us!
Kenneth E. Hagin reminds us in his book, The Believer’s Authority, that we depend on the Spirit of God to discern when demons are present, how to deal with them, and when to minister healing. We must rely upon the Holy Spirit to help us in ministering authority. We can’t do it by ourselves.[1]
Deliverance Ministry Basics
Ensure your own heart is clean before entering a deliverance session. Repent of any unconfessed sin. It is essential to pray and intercede for the person seeking deliverance both before and after the session. Also, before beginning the session, pray for the gifts of the Spirit to be in operation and plead the blood of Jesus over everyone in attendance.
Ask the one being ministered to if it’s okay to touch them before the session begins. If we’re ministering to a man, a man needs to be on the deliverance team. If we’re ministering to a woman, a woman needs to be on the deliverance team.
Deliverance must be Spirit-led, not guided by methodology. In the deliverance process, we need to know how the Spirit is leading specifically. For example, not all deliverance cases revolve around a demonic door being open. Instead, it could be a generational or soul tie that needs to be broken. However, we must be aware that doors can be open and need to be shut.
When we observe extreme restlessness in a person in any spiritual environment, it can be an indicator that “something” does not want you or the person to be there (Mark 1:21-28, 39).
Demons experience torment and opposition when confronted with the anointing of God. The same Holy Spirit that Jesus received His anointing and power from belongs to us as the body of Christ. We carry the same anointing that Jesus walked in because He is in us (Luke 4:18-19). The anointing supplies us with power.
Power is connected to obedience and humility, as exemplified in Jesus’ life (Philippians 2:5-8). So, even though the anointing dwells in us (1 John 2:27), we need to surrender our lives and wills to the work of the Holy Spirit, so that the anointing may increase and we can walk in the fullness of His anointing and power—the same power that raised Christ from the dead.
When demons are confronted and exposed, they often reveal their unique nature, manifest in various ways, or speak through the person, which you can recognize because the voice will sound different.
We should explain to the person seeking deliverance what could happen with manifestations. Tell them to resist the manifestations with their will.
If a person has a demonic manifestation, we know they need deliverance; however, we don’t start rebuking and casting out demons every time we see a physical manifestation. The Holy Spirit must lead us, and we can ask Him, “What am I not seeing?” “What do I need to know?” How do You want to proceed?”
Some signs of demonic manifestations include sudden movements, loss of control of their movements, making growling or hissing sounds, outbursts of swearing and cursing, a contorted or disfigured face, a hostile or glassy look, difficulty in opening the eyes, and nervous and sarcastic laughter.
If possible, don’t cast out devils alone. Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs. There is strength in numbers, so it is best never to take on a demonic battle/deliverance alone (Matthew 18:20; Mark 6:7; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12). One person leads and ministers from a place of authority in Christ, while others pray quietly in tongues. Using the authority of the name of Jesus will prevent the demon from exhibiting his authority.
Others on the team should submit any words of knowledge, discerning of spirits, or other prophetic insights to the leader, and then the leader can release that person to minister at the right time.
Don’t allow fear to operate. Demons will try to intimidate the deliverance minister; therefore, fasting and prayer are vital tools to position the believer’s heart in faith (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29). Prayer brings us into communion with God, inviting the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance. Fasting strengthens our spiritual sensitivity and humbles us before the Lord.
It is necessary to bind the demon before ministering to the person. One way to bind the spirit is by using our words and making a command with authority, such as, “I stop all demonic manifestations in Jesus’ name,” or “You have to submit in the name of Jesus.”
We must believe that the person is now under the authority of Jesus Christ through the authority He has given us, and the demon must respond to our word and submit. Once the person in authority has bound the spirit, they must tell that spirit that, in the name of Jesus, it cannot harm anyone.[2]
We can see from Scripture that deliverance is the children’s bread, so it belongs to believers (Matthew 15:21-28). A person must decide they want to be free from the world of darkness and come to the light. Unless they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they cannot be set free from the kingdom of darkness. They must choose to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Deliverance for an unbeliever will not be effective or long-lasting, since the presence of the Lord does not guarantee protection for that person. In fact, they can become worse off, because the house (which represents the person) is clean but empty, and the enemy can return and bring seven more wicked demons with him (Matthew 12:43-45).[3]
Therefore, it is crucial to be born again before casting demons out of a person’s life. We must share the gospel with them and lead them to accept Jesus as their Savior, if they haven’t done so before.
They should pray orally to receive Christ. There should be a verbal confession of Jesus Christ as Savior, of any sins of word, mind, and body, and of any occult involvement, followed by repentance (2 Corinthians 4:2; Proverbs 28:13).
The person must earnestly desire to be free. We cannot coerce the human will. It is essential to remember that, although we have authority over demonic spirits, we don’t have authority over human wills. Therefore, we can exercise authority over demons and control them within our sphere of influence when a spirit is behind an action or situation, such as in our own lives or the lives of our families.
However, if a person does not want to be set free, their free will prevails because they have authority over their own lives. If the person says they don’t want to be set free after asking them, the best thing we can do for them is to pray for them and let them go on their way.
Remember, the Lord will not violate their free will; they must be willing to surrender to the Lord. Freedom from the devil’s control can only come by submitting to Jesus’s authority. However, we can assist those who desire help, as the Holy Spirit leads us.
We should ask them if they want to be free. They must completely surrender to Jesus to maintain their deliverance. A climate of love, compassion, and faith is needed to break any bondage in their life.
There isn’t a “right” or “wrong” order of steps, but listening to the Holy Spirit and working on where He leads is essential. The following are some steps to consider in the deliverance process:
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and revelation. Whether through the person sharing with us or through revelation from the Holy Spirit, we need to identify any areas of bondage related to sin, trauma, curses, generational and ungodly soul ties, and other issues. We seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to determine how to proceed and get to the root issue.
Repenting to God, releasing forgiveness, and asking forgiveness of others is the next step toward freedom. Repentance means “to change our mind about our sin (to agree with God that it is wrong and desire to turn from it), about God (who is loving and forgiving), and about ourselves (believing that we are righteous in Christ).”
Forgiving those who have hurt or disappointed them is crucial. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to their mind anyone who needs to be forgiven (Ephesians 4:31-32; Hebrews 12:15). After forgiving this person, they should bless them (Romans 12:14).
Next, ask Jesus to heal any soul wounds by His resurrection power. Then, they can close the doors through which the enemy had come to oppress, cause sickness, and influence them.
We can guide them through the process of repentance and renunciation of the lies, bondage, ties, and demonic spirits that have caused oppression, and turn from sin and forsake evil either by speaking aloud or by nodding their head to acknowledge agreement in the name of Jesus. Demons can’t read minds, so they must be renounced openly to deactivate their authority.[4]
The Online KJV Dictionary defines renounce as: to disown; to disclaim; to reject, to deny, to cast off, to renounce allegiance. Renounce means to turn from it, giving influence to the Holy Spirit.
Don’t engage in conversations with devils. Devils lie. We speak to the person separate from the demon(s). The person must participate in their deliverance through repentance, renunciations, and closing doors. We may need to bind the demons in order to speak with the person.
We will then take authority in the name of Jesus, break and destroy all ties (e.g., generational and ungodly soul ties, occultism, idolatry, etc), and drive out all unclean spirits. In his book, Free in Christ,[5] Pablo Bottari recommends that, as the person renounces each tie, we break and destroy them. When a stronghold is identified, lead the person in repentance over the issue. Then cast it out. Command the demon to go in the name of Jesus.
Filling the void with the Holy Spirit after the enemy’s departure from the soul and body is essential for the believer, as it prevents the enemy from returning and bringing more evil spirits with it.
There are many body parts that the enemy targets as an entry point. Likewise, they can also exit from these.[6] The mouth is one of the most important parts of the body that demons target because our words carry power (Matthew 18:18; Proverbs 18:21). Demons often leave through the breath upon exhaling, coughing, yawning, burping, belching, or vomiting. Have a small bucket with a trash bag and Kleenex on hand.
It is essential to instruct the person receiving deliverance not to pray in tongues or talk, as this will hinder the demon from leaving through the mouth. Also, instruct the person not to swallow what is coming out of their mouth but to expel it. Demons may also exit through drainage from the eyes, ears, or through the skin.
If they feel like there’s something in their throat but it won’t come out, we know this is the demon who is resisting coming out, and we need to deal with it by asking the Holy Spirit what needs to be done, for example, commanding with authority for it to come out in the name of Jesus, or investigate further if the enemy has any legal right to stay.
Jennifer LeClaire reminds us in her article, “29 Protocols for Engaging in Deliverance Ministry,” that if we follow the leading of the Spirit, we will know when to stop and when the person is truly delivered. The person may sense that a dark presence has lifted. Their countenance may change. Symptoms they were experiencing may be gone—though this is not an end-all sign because demons can hide. The Holy Spirit may also tell you that the person is free. Other times, you don’t know. You’ll have to check in on the person in the days ahead.[7]
Once the person has been delivered, we invite them to thank God for their deliverance and lead them in prayer to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. They can receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands now that they have renounced demonic spirits. After receiving the baptism with the Holy Spirit, His in-filling can be repeated and increased according to our desire for more of God in our lives, or when needed for kingdom assignments the Lord gives us.
Sometimes, we will need to schedule an additional session. It is okay to minister to and lead a person to a place of freedom, with follow-up. They will need follow-up care and support, help with processing what they experienced, and reminders of how to continue in their newfound freedom.
After the person you are ministering to exits the scene, the team should stay behind and pray for one another. Plead the blood of Jesus over yourselves, and pray for protection for yourselves, your family, and friends. Break and bind all retaliatory attacks.
Next time, we will look at how to walk in freedom!
To find out more about how to receive healing and deliverance from Jesus the Healer, go to Amazon.com to purchase the Kindle or paperback version of my book, Jesus The Healer.
This book will answer questions about healing, eliminate doubts, and boost your faith to receive what Jesus purchased for you. The author takes you on a journey to discover what the Bible says about healing and deliverance and how to receive it from Jesus, the Healer.
As you meditate on these truths, you will discover:
- How to receive your healing
- How to avoid hindrances to healing
- Healing for soul/heart wounds
- Healing through deliverance
- How to steward your healing and deliverance
Healing belongs to you! Receive your healing NOW!
https://amazon.com/dp/B0DKY2C8XK#
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
[1] Kenneth E. Hagin, The Believer’s Authority (Tulsa: Faith Library Publications, 1967).
[2] Pablo Bottari, Free in Christ: Your Complete Handbook on the Ministry of Deliverance
[3] Alexis Carucci, Jesus The Healer (self-pub., Kindle Direct Publishing, 2024).
[4] Alexander Pagani, The Secrets to Deliverance, (Lake Mary: Charisma House, 2018).
[5] Pablo Bottari, Free in Christ: Your Complete Handbook on the Ministry of Deliverance (Lake Mary: Charisma House, 2000).
[6] Alexander Pagani, The Secrets to Deliverance.
[7] Jennifer LeClaire, 29 Protocols for Engaging in Deliverance Ministry, Jennifer LeClaire Ministries, last accessed 9-26-25, https://jenniferleclaire.org/29-protocols-for-engaging-in-deliverance-ministry/
Living the Abundant Life 