Throughout this week, we explored the subject of deliverance and looked at what the bible prescribes for gaining freedom. I would like to say that this a broad topic, which cannot be completely covered in a week. I believe that deliverance can seem like a lifelong journey for the believer. When we become born again, we are set free from sin. As we live in a fallen world, we are daily affected and impacted by what happens around us. Maintaining our freedom in Christ and living in peace requires ongoing consecration. We have to also remember that this is not a works based programme.

“not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). As the Holy Spirit lives in us, he continues to renew us as we daily die to the works of the flesh. Paul cautioned the Ephesians against bitterness, wrath, anger, harsh words, slander and malice. These attitudes give place to the devil and gives him legal grounds on which to accuse us. Let us examine whether or not we are harbouring ill feelings towards anyone. Remember that our prayers won’t be answered, if we hold any bitterness in our hearts towards anyone.

Forgive the people who have hurt you, pray for them and bless them. This is a biblical prescription and holding unto resentment is harmful and toxic. It is not sinful to have negative emotions towards others. It becomes sin when we hold unto these emotions and act on them. It is difficult to let go of past hurt and pain. It is even more difficult for us to hold unto these emotions, as they can harm us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You are not doing anyone a favour by praying for, blessing and releasing the anger towards others. You are setting yourself free to live.

Many people are still angry towards a dead parent or relative. We sometimes need support, prayer and help to release some hurts. Some conditions may require counselling or therapy. Avoiding the pain and ignoring it, will not cause it to go away. Cry out to God for help and give him all of your difficult emotions. God will heal your mind and emotions. My final caution is to steer clear of worldly occult practices and do not entertain darkness. Witchcraft, freemasonry, tarot readings, psychic readings and horoscopes are an open door for bondage. If you have been led into any of these practices through ignorance or disobedience, confess, repent, renounce the works of darkness and seek the support of a minister.

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

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James taught the church about the prayer of faith. His advice to those who were suffering is to pray. For those who were cheerful, to sing praises and those who were sick, to ask for prayer from the elders. The elders were instructed to anoint the sick person with oil in the name of Jesus. The prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise them up. If the person had committed a sin, the Lord would forgive them of their sins. James went on to say, that we should confess our sins to one another and pray for one another, that we may be healed. The earnest and sincere prayer of a righteous person, produces great results.

James was referring to accountability and the need to submit to spiritual authority. Elders are set over the church to lead, support and to equip the body of Christ. Christianity is not a ‘solo faith,’ where we do it all alone. We need each other in order to grow, develop and to mature in God. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Paul also said that those who are strong, are to help to bear the failings of the weak (Romans 15:1). Paul also taught about the need to gently restore someone who is caught in a sin. This was described as, bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:1-2).

The above scripture means that, even born against Christians can at times struggle, with besetting sins. In these instances, it helps when we have people around us who we can confide in and who can hold us accountable. Church elders and those who are mature in the faith, are best placed to support people who are struggling. Sometimes people need spiritual counselling, which supports their deliverance from spiritual strongholds. We all have blind spots that may not be obvious to us. Having people around us who can provide guidance and gentle correction, will help us to grow.

Some sinful conditions can also open a door for sickness and infirmity. For example, someone may struggle with anger, which Paul warns, gives a foothold to the devil. Notice that James stated that the sick person, may at times need to repent of sin. This is not to say that every person who is ill is sinful, neither is every sinful person ill. However, some situations may open a door for affliction. Someone who abuses drugs and alcohol for example, cannot be surprised if they experience ill health. Do not be afraid to ask mature Christians and elders for help, support, guidance and counselling. There are conditions that we will not be set free from, without the help of others. Find someone who you can be honest with about your struggles and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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We are familiar with this bible story, when Jesus was led up into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. This was after Jesus completed a forty day fast before commencing his ministry. Satan took the opportunity to tempt Jesus, because he knew that he was tired and hungry. The antidote for the devil’s temptation was the written word of God. John taught us that in the beginning was the word, the word was with God and the word was God (John 1:1). Fasting is a strategy to undo the heavy burdens of sin, to break yokes of bondage and to set the oppressed free (Isaiah 58:6).

Fasting helps to destroy the works of the flesh and is a good strategy to help with breaking sinful habits. The discipline of fasting helps to put the works of the flesh under subjection. Jesus also taught his disciples about the boy who needed deliverance, that some types of deliverance required fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21). Jesus also scolded them about their unbelief and said that they needed faith. In addition to fasting and prayer, we need to develop a sound understanding of the word, which increases faith. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Many people have been involved in marathon fasting and prayer sessions for weeks at a time, without seeing results. This can be due to an approach which views this as a spiritual exercise, rather than to develop intimacy with God. A lack of understanding of the scripture, can cause our prayers to go amiss (James 4:3). We have to remember that is not in our own strength that we gain victory, but by the spirit of the Lord. I am not against fasting and prayer by any means. What I am trying to convey, is the importance of fasting that is based on firm understanding.

Many people want to pray hot, spirit filled prayers without the knowledge of the word. An effective prayer strategy is praying the word of God. “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). In essence, teaching people the word of God can set them free from the chains of bondage. Although Jesus fasted for forty days, he used the word to resist the devil’s temptations. Knowing the word will teach you how to resist the devil and to stand firm against his schemes. We need a biblical understanding to support effective fasting, prayer and deliverance.

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For the purpose of this series, we will define deliverance as being rescued or set free. With this definition, we can agree that we all have been delivered from sin and set free from condemnation. One of the main things that the devil uses to keep people in bondage is sin consciousness. As such, he tries to keep people bound by guilt, shame and condemnation. It is liberating to know that if we confess our sins, that God is faithful to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). A part of satan’s deception is to convince people, that some sins are too big for God to forgive.

We have to remember that Christ Jesus was tempted in every way that we are tempted. As such, there is no temptation that we have experienced that is not common to everyone (1 Corinthians 10:13). Furthermore, absolutely nothing that we have ever done can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Let us take a look at bible characters who walked with God, yet committed grievous sins.

Moses murdered a man and then ran away to escape punishment (Exodus 2). Despite these failings, God used Moses to deliver his people from Egypt. God referred to Moses as the prophet who he communicated with face to face. David committed adultery, impregnated a man’s wife and then killed the man to cover up his sin (2 Samuel 11). God described David as ‘a man after his own heart,’ and promised that David’s seed would never be forgotten. It is not that God condoned the sins of these and other great men in the bible. Moses spent forty years in isolation in the wilderness as a consequence of his sin. David lost the son that he bore from that sinful relationship.

One thing that was noteworthy about David, was his willingness to repent, once he had been confronted. “David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die” (2 Samuel 12:13). The book of Psalms also outlined extensive prayers of repentance from David. This is the crux of the matter. Start with acknowledging your sins and then repent and be set free. Once you repent, the devil has no legal grounds upon which to condemn you.

Confess your sins, repent of your sins and receive the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. If you haven’t done so already, you also need to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and saviour so that he will live inside of you. Once you accept Jesus Christ, you will walk in freedom and you won’t be held in the bondage of sin. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2).

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Isaiah prophesied regarding God’s plans for redemption, of his people from the captivity of Babylon. The Assyrian army were extremely oppressive towards the Jews during Isaiah’s time. Much of the oppression and captivity which the people of God experienced, was due to their disobedience and sin. Despite their wrongdoing, God had a plan of redemption. “A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God” (Isaiah 10:21). God encouraged his people to be courageous, as he would take vengeance against their enemies.

“For in a very little while my fury will come to an end, and my anger will be directed to their destruction” (Isaiah 10:25). Although the people’s disobedience caused their captivity, God had a reward for their enemies. God also promised that the burden placed on the people would be taken off their shoulders. The yoke around their necks would also be destroyed because of the anointing. This burden related to the slavery and oppression of God’s people. Their state or slavery was also synonymous to a yoke or a chain around their necks.

Captivity in those times resulted in forms of slavery or servitude, where people captured were made to work for the captors. Even for those who were disobedient, God hated slavery for his people. God wanted his people to be free in order to serve him. Nahum also had a vision concerning the city of Nineveh who oppressed God’s children. “And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart”” (Nahum 1:13). God loves justice, hates oppression and Jesus died to set the captives free.

Although forms of modern slavery exists in our world today, widespread forms of slavery against people from specific nationalities and ethnicities have been outlawed. There are also spiritual forms of slavery and bondage that keep people oppressed. The tricky thing is that many people aren’t aware that they are bound and even some people who do, don’t know how to be set free. This week we will delve some more into what the bible says about deliverance. Isaiah spoke about the anointing being an instrument of freedom.

Oil was used to confer ceremonial anointing in the old and New Testament. Some churches still use anointing oil for blessing and consecration. The anointing which we refer to relates to the power from the Holy Spirit. This enables saints to manifest supernatural gifting and to function at a level outside of the ordinary. It is this supernatural power which breaks yokes and sets the captives free. People have spoken about being supernaturally set free from addictions and habits that they struggled with for years. This was under the divine ministration of the Holy Spirit and through the use of spiritual gifts.

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Peter had a vision where God revealed to him, his will concerning the Gentile people. Until that time, the Jews believed that they were God’s chosen people and the only ones with the right and access to salvation. God needed Peter to minister to a group of people from another nation. An angel appeared to Cornelius and told him to send for Peter to meet with him. He sent two of his servants and while they were on the way Peter had a vision. “In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat”” (Acts 10:12-13).

Peter was mortified as the Jews were selective about what they ate. Peter objected to eating anything that was considered common or unclean. The response from the Lord was, “What God has made clean, do not call common” (Acts 10:15). This happened three times until the vision ended. While Peter sat considering what the vision meant, the men arrived from Cornelius. The Holy Spirit revealed to Peter that the men were looking for him. Peter was instructed to accompany them without hesitation. He accompanied the men and met with Cornelius and a group of Gentiles and ministered to them, about the message of salvation.

While Peter ministered, the Gentiles were filled with the Holy Spirit and were then baptised. The Jews who visited the Gentiles with Peter were amazed, that they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter’s conclusion was that God is no respecter of persons and does not show partiality. Human beings show reverence and pay special respect and recognition, to people that we perceive as being deserving. Our time and attention is given to people we consider to be of substance and worth.

As children of God, if we are walking in the spirit, there are times when God will ask us to reach out to someone outside of the ordinary. There are people who we would not have otherwise spent time with, but God may lay it on our hearts to spend time ministering to that person. We look at the outward appearance, but God examines the heart and only God knows what is going on inside of a person. Some people who we have given up on, are on Gods list of chosen people. When God speaks, we listen and obey and act according to his leading.

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In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he encouraged the saints to continue as good soldiers for Jesus Christ. He made reference to suffering for the sake of the gospel as soldiers of Christ. “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2 Timothy 2:4). Paul made parallels to the Christian walk and an athlete who competes according to the rules. He also made reference to the hard working farmer, being worthy of the first share of a crop. Paul cautioned the church against arguing about words or scriptural interpretations. He wanted the saints to be prepared through their study of the word.

By their understanding of the word, they would be able to share the truth with others. Paul had another important caution. “But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness” (2 Timothy 2:16). The challenge was that as people grew in the knowledge of Christ, there were dissenting views among the saints. Paul felt that encouraging these types of arguments, would cause these views to spread like gangrene. There were people who were once in the faith, who started to teach the people that the resurrection had already happened.

Paul considered these teachings to be upsetting to the faith. He cautioned against quarrels, but encouraged kindness, patience and a willingness to teach. “correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25). In other words, Paul was saying that for people who were willing to listen, to teach them what the scripture says. In circumstances where people are unwilling to listen and wish to engage in heated debates, leave them alone. While we teach people the gospel, God does not need anyone to come to his defence.

We need to daily read the word and also study the word with understanding. There are many resources available on the internet and other sources to help us to study and understand scripture. Church services, sermons and bible studies are good places to learn the scriptures. We need the word in our hearts to avoid sin and to help us to resist the devil. Bible reading and study is as necessary for the spirit, as food for our physical body. We need the word of God in us to avoid deception and to help us to minister to a lost world. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8).

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Jeremiah has been known among the Jews as the “weeping prophet,” who cried out to God on behalf of his people. He was called by God as a child and even into adulthood, declared boldly the word of God concerning his people. Jeremiah was not afraid of the opinions of others and his conviction led him to always speak the truth from the mouth of God. On one occasion, Jeremiah prophesied concerning the destruction that was pending for Jerusalem.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, behold, I am bringing upon this city and upon all its towns all the disaster that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their neck, refusing to hear my words” (Jeremiah 19:15). There was a Chief Priest who heard Jeremiah’s prophecies and was unhappy that he spoke these words against the city. He beat Jeremiah and locked him away and released him the next day.

Jeremiah did not back down but also prophesied to the Priest as he received utterance. “And you, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house, shall go into captivity. To Babylon you shall go, and there you shall die, and there you shall be buried, you and all your friends, to whom you have prophesied falsely” (Jeremiah 20:6).

Jeremiah was exhausted from his encounters and the persecution that he experienced from his own people. Despite the challenges, Jeremiah was convinced that he could not keep silent even if he tried to. He described the word of God as being so powerful, that if he tried to hold back, it felt as though his bones were on fire. This represented Jeremiah’s calling and assignment which he could not run away from. When you are connected to God, there is a passion that burns within you to do his will. You become hungry for opportunities to do what you were created to do.

Like Jeremiah an assignment lies within us to fulfil. There is a hunger within us that can only be filled by God. The Holy Spirit within us is powerful and helps us to serve. God spoke his word into our DNA and that word ignited will manifest to do his will. “so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah‬ ‭55:11‬).

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Ramah means height or high and was a military stronghold for the Jews. During David’s life, Ramah was situated in the mountainous terrain and covered the tribal lands of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. This was the city in which Samuel was born and lived until his death. It was also in close proximity to Gibeah which was King Saul’s hometown. This made Ramah an ideal place for David to escape when he fled from Saul. Not only was Ramah in close proximity to Gibeah, but David also knew that he would find safety in the presence of Samuel. The bible revealed that Samuel lived among a company of prophets in Ramah.

When Saul went in pursuit of David, the spirit of God fell on his messengers first and then himself. The presence of Samuel and the other prophets meant that the anointing of God rested in that city. Prophets were God’s mouthpiece on the earth and they carried the mantle of God’s presence. Elijah wore a mantle to cover his physical body, which he threw on Elisha when God told him to anoint him (1 Kings 19:19). The kings had a heavy reliance on the prophetic anointing, to understand the things of God and to know the mind of God. They consulted the prophets before a battle and sought guidance from them about war strategies.

After God rejected Saul, Samuel anointed David as king and bestowed on him the promises of God (1 Samuel 16:13). Samuel did not reveal to Saul the instructions from God to anoint another king. God allowed Samuel to conceal this by announcing when he arrived to David’s home town, that he was there to offer a sacrifice (1 Samuel 16:1-3). Since Samuel anointed David and knew of Saul’s volatility, he would understand first hand why Saul wanted to harm David. As such, Samuel was the first person that would come to David’s mind in his initial crisis. David knew that Samuel’s endorsement of him was by God’s instructions. He therefore trusted Samuel to keep him safe and to give him further instructions.

After Samuel’s death, Saul sought a medium to try to conjure his spirit from the grave to seek guidance. This was because Saul could no longer hear from God. We know that the spirit which the medium engaged was a familiar spirit masquerading as Samuel. Nevertheless, Saul was so desperate that he made such a serious blunder. Samuel was entrusted into the service of God from his childhood and God blessed him so that none of his words fell to the ground (1 Samuel 3:19). Saul understood his spiritual authority and significance in understanding the heart and mind of God.

The kings had the power and authority over the people, but the prophets maintained the spiritual authority over the word of God. The role of the prophets complimented that of the kings as the kings needed their support in order to lead the people. The mysteries of God are revealed in part to the prophets in order to edify and equip the body of Christ. “For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away” (1 Corinthians 13:9-10). The safest place to be is in the will of God and the presence of God. As David sought the safety of Samuel, let us associate with people who understand the mind, will and purpose of God. In so doing, we will remain surrounded by people who can help strengthen and sharpen our faith.

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In Amos 3, he prophesied about Isreal’s guilt and punishment. God was disappointed that his people, started serving other Gods. The prophet used a series of rhetorical questions, to express God’s disappointment. “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet” (Amos 3:3)? He used these questions to create a climax for his revelation. Amos pointed out that God did nothing on the earth, before revealing this to his servants the prophets. In essence, Isreal’s calamities had not come upon them unaware.

God sent many warnings about what would happen, if they disobeyed him. Even before the people entered the promised land, God spoke of the blessings of obedience and the punishment of disobedience. Yet the people forgot about the Lord and served foreign gods. Despite the people’s rebellion, God had a plan of deliverance. “Thus says the Lord: “As the shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the people of Israel who dwell in Samaria be rescued, with the corner of a couch and part of a bed” (Amos 3:12).

The main focus of Amos’s writing in the chapter, is to point out the importance of the voice of the prophets. In the Old Testament, God spoke to his people through the prophets. The Israelites were not ruled by Kings and kingdoms. A prophet was assigned to the nation, who would hear from God for the people. During Samuel’s time as prophet, the people rebelled against God and demanded a king. Although this request displeased God, he gave them Saul as King. Although Isreal had kings, the prophets still heard from God and instructed the kings.

Many scholars have said, that prophets don’t hold the same significance in the New Testament as they did in the Old Testament. Nevertheless, there is still mention in the New Testament of prophets ministering to God’s people. Ahabus prophesied concerning Paul’s arrest in Acts 21:11. Paul spoke in Ephesians 11, about the different spiritual gifts assigned to the church including prophecy. Joel spoke of an end time outpouring of the presence of God, which would include an increase of prophecy, visions and dreams. The pervasiveness of false prophets and false doctrines, have caused some people to lose confidence in the gift of prophecy.

The answer to this is to develop the spirit of discernment. Don’t believe everything that you see and hear, but test the spirits, to see whether they are of God or they are of the devil (1 John 4:1). It is important to know God for yourself and to have a good knowledge of the scriptures. Your pastor is assigned to lead and to shepherd you and you have a responsibility to develop your own relationship with God. We listen to our ministers and seek guidance from them and we also need to learn to hear the voice of God. “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3).

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