Deliverance is not the finish line, it is the beginning of a life of freedom in Christ. Jesus taught that when an unclean spirit leaves a person, it may seek to return. If it finds the “house” empty, it returns with even greater wickedness. This is why freedom must be filled with the presence of God, His Word, and a life of obedience.
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first.” -Matthew 12:43-45 (ESV)
Jesus never intended for us to remain “empty.” We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit, transformed by His Word, and established in Him.
“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
1. Know Your Identity and Authority
Know who you are in Christ. You are a child of God, no longer a slave to sin or fear. Walk confidently in the authority Jesus has given you and resist the enemy in faith. Do not challenge the world of darkness with brazen ego… though you may ultimately be the victor, this may invite a fight that you really did not want.
“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
2. Choose Obedience
Obedience is better than sacrifice. Walking in obedience to God’s Word helps guard your life and keeps spiritual doors closed. Don’t delay when the Holy Spirit convicts or directs you.
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” -1 Samuel 15:22
3. Learn His Voice
Cultivate intimacy with the Lord through prayer and time in His presence. The more you know Him, the more clearly you will recognize His voice and follow His leading.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” -John 10:27
4. Starve the Flesh
Whatever you feed grows. Put off the old nature and pursue the things of the Spirit. Daily deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus.
“For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” -Romans 8:6
5. Live a Life of Consecration
God calls His people to be holy and set apart. Guard the gates of your life… your heart, your eyes, your ears, your home, and your relationships. Prayerfully examine anything that draws you away from Christ or feeds the flesh, and remove it.
”‘Come out from among them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’” -2 Corinthians 6:17
6. Guard Your Mouth
Life and death are in the power of the tongue. Speak God’s truth over your life. Refuse to partner with fear, unbelief, bitterness, gossip, or curses. Let your words bring life and reflect the heart of Christ.
“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” -Proverbs 13:3
7. Practice Discipline and Seek Discipleship
Spiritual freedom flourishes where there is spiritual discipline. Commit yourself to prayer, the study of God’s Word, and fellowship with mature believers. Seek a godly mentor or pastor who can disciple you, and walk in honest accountability. The enemy often seeks to isolate, but God strengthens us through the body of Christ.
“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” -1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” -Hebrews 10:24-25
8. Renew Your Mind Daily
Transformation begins with the renewing of your mind. Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Reject every lie of the enemy and replace it with the truth of God’s Word. As you meditate on Scripture, strongholds are torn down and your mind is aligned with Christ.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” -Romans 12:2
“Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” -2 Corinthians 10:5
9. Establish Daily Habits That Strengthen Your Walk
Victory is maintained through daily fellowship with the Lord.
Feast on the Word of God, this is your daily Bread.
Build and tend your prayer altar.
Worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.
Praise Him with thanksgiving.
Cast every care and concern upon Him.
Be quick to repent, forgive, and release offense.
Put on the whole armor of God each day.
Walk in the authority Christ has given you and resist the devil in faith.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” -Ephesians 6:11
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” -James 4:7
10. Understand and Remember.
Deliverance is a gift of God’s grace, but freedom is something we are called to steward through a life surrendered to Jesus Christ. We do not maintain our freedom by fear or striving, but by abiding in Him, obeying His Word, and remaining filled with His Spirit.
The goal is not merely to be free from something, but to be wholly devoted to Someone.
As you walk daily with Christ, your life becomes less occupied with the battle behind you and more focused on the Kingdom before you. Stand firm in the freedom Jesus purchased for you, and do not willingly return to the chains He came to break.
“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
If God is willing to prove His love by setting you on the right path to freedom, healing, and holiness, it only makes sense that you would be willing to do your part to help Him, help you. Your life is a living sacrifice to Him, let it show.
~Devin
Devin Osborne
The Early Church