We must not be reluctant to identify and deal with demons!
How many pastors and believers skip over the chapters 16:17, and 18 in the Gospel of Mark?
The believer’s primary mission is to do what Jesus commanded.
Jesus consistently emphasized:
* Preach the Gospel.
* Make disciples.
* Love God and neighbor.
* Teach obedience to His commands.
Casting out demons supported the proclamation of God’s Kingdom. However, we must not lose our focus by such works.
For example, after the seventy-two rejoiced over demons submitting to them, Jesus replied in Luke 10:20:
“Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in Heaven.”
Their relationship with God was more important than Spiritual power.
Not every Christian has the same ministry Paul the Apostle teaches in First Epistle to the Corinthians 12 that the Holy Spirit distributes different gifts and ministries. Not every believer has the same role. Some Believers may encounter deliverance ministry regularly; others may faithfully serve in teaching, evangelism, mercy, administration, or pastoral care.
Luke recorded by The Holy Spirit in Acts chapter 19:
13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”
14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so.
15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?“
16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
We are given important cautions concerning deliverance from demons. Scripture gives several warnings:
* Never seek power or spiritual experiences for their own sake.
* Never attempt deliverance apart from Christ’s authority.
* Live in obedience to Christ rather than relying on formulas or rituals.
The Word of GOD expresses these Truths for us to consider:
Yes, believers may cast out demons in Jesus’ name when confronted with genuine demonic oppression.
Yes, Christ has authority over Satan and shares that authority with His followers as they carry out His mission.
No, casting out demons is not presented as every believer’s primary calling or as the measure of Spiritual maturity.
The believer’s highest priorities remain Loving God, proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, growing in Holiness, and serving others. Deliverance ministry is one expression of Christ’s authority and compassion, exercised as needed and always centered on Him rather than on the phenomenon itself.
This balanced perspective reflects the overall pattern of the New Testament: Jesus and the apostles did cast out demons, but they consistently kept the focus on the Good News of the Kingdom of God and the call to repentance, faith, and discipleship.
We need to follow the same pattern and be led by The Holy Spirit. As we mature in Christ, we will not be intimidated by demonic activity but instead heave the full assurance of walking in the power and authority given to us by Jesus Christ Himself.