When Pigs Fly - Part 1 Deliverance

Introduction

I can remember the first time I watched the movie The Exorcist. I experienced a myriad of emotions - everything from filling my pants with fear to laughing at the corny effects of vomiting pea soup. However, I was predominantly scared because it was the first time that I really thought about the existence of evil in the world. I can remember some of my first thoughts being that this can’t be real - people being freed from demon possession. It brought to mind a saying that my dad what often use when I was asking to do something - when pigs fly was the response. I wonder of people being freed from demon possession would happen when pigs fly?

On November 12 and 13, 2010 a meeting of Roman Catholic bishops convened to respond to the growing demand for exorcism rites. One of the bishop’s quoted in the New York Times said, “The devil is a real and constant force...we have to be prepared.”

Frank Moore - Coffee Shop Theology

As children, most of us feared the dark - or, more accurately, we feared the forces of evil we thought waited in the darkness. Children imagine monsters under beds, in closets, or around the next corner. As we grow older, we try to put away our childish fears of monsters. Meanwhile, we usually hold on to the feeling that an evil force exists in the world with a desire to overpower or destroy us. This feeling is common worldwide, for both superstitious and sophisticated societies make provisions to defeat this evil force.

Today we are starting a series on miracles and are going to jump in at the deep end of the pool by taking a look at miracles of deliverance. What are miracles? A miracle is when God intervenes and as I said we are going to take look at miracles of deliverance today. These miracles are the dark, least talked about, creepy, and sometimes we are not sure if they are real.

The Devil’s Greatest Trick

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world he doesn’t exist.

Ephesians 6:12 NLT

New Living Translation Chapter 6

12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

The prophet Isaiah tells us this:

Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT

New Living Translation Chapter 14

12 “How you are fallen from heaven,

O shining star, son of the morning!

You have been thrown down to the earth,

you who destroyed the nations of the world.

13 For you said to yourself,

‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars.

I will preside on the mountain of the gods

far away in the north.

14 I will climb to the highest heavens

and be like the Most High.’

15 Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead,

down to its lowest depths.

In the book of Revelation, John tells us:

Revelation 12:7-9 NLT

New Living Translation Chapter 12

7 Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. 8 And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. 9 This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.

There is one devil and many demons. There are two big mistakes that we make about this: (1) we over-emphasize demonic influence (not every problem is caused by demons) and (2) we under-emphasize demonic influence (more problems than we realize are caused by forces of darkness).

What Do Demons Do?

Demons tempt you to sin.

You deserve it. Go ahead watch it. Touch it. Smoke it. Drink it. Take it. You won’t get caught. It’s no big deal, everyone else does it.

Demons distract you from God’s will.

Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 4:1 NLT

1 Timothy 4:1 NLT

New Living Translation Chapter 4

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

In today’s self-help world we hear teachings like all roads lead to God, the Bible’s not true, you don’t need to go to church, make your own path.

Demons inflict suffering

In Matthew 17:15-18 we read this:

Matthew 17:15-18 NLT

New Living Translation Chapter 17

15 “Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and suffers terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16 So I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.”

17 Jesus said, “You faithless and corrupt people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18 Then Jesus rebuked the demon in the boy, and it left him. From that moment the boy was well.

Satan’s Mission

Satan’s mission is to steal, kill and destroy. 1 Peter 5:8 NLT - Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Frank Moore in Coffee Shop Theology - Satan is never to busy to rock the cradle of a sleeping unbeliever.

Demons

Demons they may influence depression, they may influence suicidal thoughts, they may influence feelings of desperation. They want to destroy your marriage, they want to ruin your testimony, they want to wreck your finances, steal your joys, or obliterate your health. Demons want to crush your children.

You see Satan is bent on destroying the pinnacle of God’s creation - humans. We were created in God’s image and that really twists Satan. He was once the most glorious in all of creation, however, he chose to try to make himself God and he failed.

This is not a game. This is about where we spend our eternity. Will it be with God or without God?

The Fix

What if I told you a secret? The key to winning this fight? How can we overcome darkness? It’s not by trying harder or using our own power. We can only fight it Christ’s power. If you are in Christ, you have miraculous authority over darkness in the name of Jesus. In 1 John 4:4 NLT - But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

Frank Moore wrote, “In every battle with the enemy, remember - his evil powers are limited. He is not an equal force against God, as dualism teaches. Dualism claims that God and Satan are balanced powers fighting their battles in the hearts of people. Not so. God is far superior in every way. Like a dog on a chain, Satan’s activity is limited by God. He can only tempt as far as God allow him.”

Temptation

When we are faced with temptation we can remember these words that Paul shared with Timothy.

2 Timothy 2:22-26 NLT

New Living Translation Chapter 2

22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

A friend of mine shared a story about an event that took place between him and his son. He had disciplined his son for something that he had done that was wrong. After awhile his son came to him and asked, “Can the devil ask or make me do something?”. My friend hared with his son that since he (his son) had given his life to Christ, that he could ask the Devil to leave him alone. His son pointed just point my friend’s shoulder and said, “You don’t belong here because I belong to Jesus.”

Distraction

When we are distracted from following Jesus remember these things:

Focus our thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 NLT - And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Focus our perspective.

Hebrews 12:1-3 NLT - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people, then you won’t become weary and give up.

Focus our hearts on prayer.

When we bow in humble prayer, come with these thoughts from David as recorded in Psalm 19:14 NLT - May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Focus our minds.

Remember this words of Paul as recorded in Colossians 3:1-4 NLT - Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Focus our purpose.

The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that God has a purpose for us. Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT - “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

Suffering

When we are suffering and going through a difficult time, we can find comfort in God’s promises.

1 Peter 5:10 NLT - In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.

Romans 5:3-5 NLT - We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NLT - 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.

Romans 8:38-39 NLT - 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you are battling anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts: pray and seek medical attention. Article XIV of our Articles of Faith - We believe in the biblical doctrine of divine healing and urge our people to offer the prayer of faith for the healing of the sick. We also believe God heals through the means of medical science.

Conclusion

When Jesus rose from the dead he defeated darkness! You have authority over darkness in the name of Jesus. Remember darkness is not the opposite of light. Darkness is the absence of light. Jesus is the light of the world and dwells in the hearts of those who follow Him. You have the authority, through Jesus Christ, to say, “I take authority over this darkness in the name of Jesus.” Greater is the One who is in you the than one in the world!

Remember these words from Paul (Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT):

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.