Introduction
Praise the Lord, dear brothers and sisters in Christ! I greet you all in the powerful and matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, we will reflect on a vital aspect of our spiritual journey—how deliverance can help us live an acceptable life before God. As we look around, we see a world consumed by sin, chaos, and the overwhelming influence of unclean spirits. These forces often operate behind the scenes, shaping and controlling the lives of individuals, leading them away from God and into darkness.
However, there is good news. The Word of God assures us that through the power of Jesus Christ, deliverance is possible. No matter how deep the bondages or how strong the influence of evil spirits, God has provided a way for us to be set free. And it is through deliverance that we can break free from the strongholds of sin, live in the light of God’s truth, and walk in a manner worthy of His calling.
In this message, we will explore how deliverance helps us live a life that is pleasing and acceptable before God, free from the influence of unclean spirits that lead us into sin.
1. Understanding the Influence of Unclean Spirits
Unclean spirits are real, and they operate with a specific mission: to steal, kill, and destroy. In John 10:10, Jesus warns us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The enemy uses unclean spirits—demons, evil influences, and forces of darkness—to manipulate, tempt, and drive people into sinful lifestyles. These spirits work silently and subtly, often influencing individuals in ways that seem natural or acceptable but are, in fact, spiritually destructive.
Unclean spirits are often the root cause behind behaviours like anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, lust, addiction, and pride. They prey on human weaknesses, exploiting areas of vulnerability in our hearts and minds. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
These spiritual forces are not always easily visible, but their effects are evident in our behaviour and attitudes. They influence us to live in sin, rejecting God’s truth and pursuing the pleasures of the flesh. Without deliverance, these spirits continue to control us, making it impossible to live a life that is acceptable before God.
2. Deliverance: Breaking the Power of Unclean Spirits
Deliverance is the divine process by which we are freed from the power of evil spirits that seek to control and oppress us. When we come to Christ, we are not only saved from the penalty of sin but also delivered from the influence of these unclean spirits that lead us into sin. Jesus Himself demonstrated the power of deliverance throughout His ministry. In Mark 1:34, the Bible says, “And Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but He would not let the demons speak because they knew who He was.”
Deliverance is not just about casting out demons—it’s about breaking the strongholds of sin and the spiritual oppression that prevents us from living according to God’s will. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free…”
This freedom is crucial for living an acceptable life before God. Without deliverance, we remain under the influence of sin and evil spirits, and our ability to live righteously is compromised. Deliverance, therefore, is a spiritual cleansing that empowers us to walk in the freedom of Christ, no longer enslaved by the power of the enemy.
3. The Role of Deliverance in Breaking the Bondage of Sin
Sin is not merely a matter of poor choices—it is often the result of spiritual oppression. Many times, unclean spirits hold people captive in sinful patterns and behaviours, making it difficult for them to break free. These spirits can cause individuals to become addicted to substances, engage in immoral behaviours, harbour unforgiveness, or cultivate bitterness and hatred. As long as these spirits are active, the individual remains bound and unable to live a life that is pleasing to God.
In Romans 6:16, Paul writes, “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” Sin is a form of slavery, and the devil uses unclean spirits to reinforce this slavery. However, deliverance breaks the chains of sin, setting us free to live in obedience to God.
Deliverance provides the power to break free from destructive cycles of behaviour and thought. It enables individuals to overcome strongholds of addiction, fear, anxiety, and emotional wounds, allowing them to live in peace and righteousness. Deliverance empowers us to resist the temptation to sin and gives us the strength to walk in the newness of life that Christ has provided.
Without deliverance, we remain under the influence of sin and evil spirits, and our ability to live righteously is compromised.
4. Living an Acceptable Life Before God After Deliverance
Once we have received deliverance, the work does not end there. We must continue to guard our hearts and minds, ensuring that we do not fall back into the patterns of sin. Deliverance makes it possible for us to live an acceptable life before God, but we must cooperate with the Holy Spirit to remain free and to live in a way that pleases God.
In Romans 12:1, Paul exhorts believers to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” To live an acceptable life before God is to offer every part of our lives to Him, allowing Him to lead and guide us. It is to reject sin and pursue righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Deliverance frees us from the entanglements of sin so that we can live in full obedience to God’s will.
Deliverance also enables us to live in the fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit as “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These characteristics are the evidence of a life that is pleasing to God. When we are delivered from the influence of unclean spirits, we are able to walk in the fullness of the Spirit and manifest these qualities in our daily lives.
5. Guarding Our Deliverance: Staying Free from the Enemy’s Influence
It is important to understand that deliverance is not a one-time event, but a process that requires continual vigilance. After we have been set free from the power of unclean spirits, we must guard our hearts and minds against the enemy’s attacks. Jesus warns in Matthew 12:43-45 about the danger of allowing the enemy to return after a person has been delivered. “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.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it 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.”
To prevent this, we must stay close to God through prayer, worship, and the reading of His Word. We must also live a life of repentance and humility, continually seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength. By doing so, we can maintain our deliverance and continue to live lives that are pleasing to God.
Conclusion:
Beloved, deliverance is a powerful and necessary aspect of our walk with Christ. Without deliverance, we remain under the influence of unclean spirits, enslaved by sin, and unable to live a life that is pleasing to God. However, through the power of Jesus Christ, we can experience true freedom from the strongholds of sin and evil spirits. Deliverance sets us free to live lives that honor God, filled with righteousness, peace, and joy.
If you have experienced deliverance, let it be the beginning of a new life, one that is continually surrendered to God. If you have not yet experienced this freedom, know that God is ready to deliver you from every bondage and make you whole. Come to Him in repentance, and allow the power of His Spirit to break every chain. To experience this freedom, pray:
Lord Jesus, I come before You today, acknowledging that I have fallen short and need Your mercy. I believe that You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins, and that You rose again to give me eternal life. I surrender my life to You and invite You to take full control of my heart, mind, and actions.
I ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing from all my sins. Please transform me, guide me, and help me to live in a way that pleases You. I receive You as my Savior and Lord, and I trust in Your love and grace to lead me.
Thank You for Your sacrifice and the gift of salvation. I place my trust in You and surrender to Your perfect will.
Pastor and Mrs. John Okolo
Senior Pastor
