Spiritual Warfare (Generational Curses)
Identifying curses
As stated earlier, iniquity (perversion) causes curses. Discernment and detection are the two primary ways to determine the type of curse a person may be under. Supernatural discernment through the Holy Spirit, including word of knowledge and discerning of spirits, has proven invaluable in difficult cases. The gift of discerning of spirits can help workers identify what spirit is operating in a person’s life, and the word of knowledge can reveal the name of the curse and how far back (generations) it needs to be broken. Detection is simply seeing the problems and knowing something of the family history of the person being prayed for.
Some people have a limited knowledge of what sins may have been practiced by their ancestors. The manifestation of the Spirit is needed in many of these cases. Of course, no one knows everything that has taken place in their family history, for our knowledge is limited at best, and God judges secret sins. Having a knowledge of curses and breaking them with a general prayer is good for everyone seeking deliverance.
Since our knowledge of curses is limited, we must trust the Holy Spirit to give us the name of a specific curse if necessary. At times the Holy Spirit will pressure demons into telling the worker the name of the curse they are operating under. Some curses need to be identified by name and broken because demons will use those curses as a legal right to remain.
Certain demons are very stubborn and will not give up their ground by simply hearing the deliverance worker say: “In Jesus name, I break all curses.” Even though those spirits have no legal right to stay based on Galatians 3:13, they will still attempt to do so if the curse has not been specifically identified and broken. We need to be as thorough as possible and leave no stone unturned in ministering deliverance.
• Curses from the womb (Jer. 32:18; Ps. 51:5; 58:3; Isa. 48:8): Children can be born with curses because of the iniquity of the fathers. David stated that he was conceived in iniquity. You will recall, iniquity is the cause behind curses. Children conceived in adultery, fornication, drunkenness, rejection and rape are especially vulnerable to demonic attack and open to various curses. Demons can enter the child in the womb because of curses.
• Curses affect the household (Prov. 3:33; 14:11; 15:25; Acts 16:31): Even though the Lord deals with individuals, He also looks upon and deals with the family unit (household). Wickedness (iniquity) can affect the entire household, including the children born to that household. Certain spirits operate in certain households because of curses.
Breaking curses (Gal. 3:13)
Curses are broken based on Galatians 3:13, which speaks of our redemption. Nevertheless, our redemption from the curse is legal not automatic. What Jesus purchased for us through His blood on the cross has to be appropriated by faith. As far as eternal salvation is concerned, we are secure. Yet, as far as curses are concerned, saints can still be affected. Curses need to be identified and broken in the lives of saints. Breaking the curse takes away the legal right that demons have to operate. Once the legal grounds are destroyed, demons can be forced to manifest and be cast out in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Curses are generational. They can affect many generations after the iniquity has been committed. Some curses need to be broken five, ten, twenty, and even twenty-five generations back on both sides of the family.
IDENTIFYING AND BREAKING CURSES
According to author Derek Prince, there are primarily seven ways to determine whether a person is under a curse:
1. Mental and emotional breakdowns
2. Chronic sickness
3. Repeated miscarriages
4. Marital or family problems
5. Chronic financial problems
6. Being accident prone
7. Premature/unnatural deaths in a family
This list is not necessarily comprehensive, but many curses do fall under these seven categories. Curses can be broken and legal grounds destroyed based on Galatians 3:13. The following list contains a few of the curses encountered in deliverance:
• Curse of death and destruction—opens the door for the spirits of death and destruction to enter a family causing premature deaths, accidents, and tragedies
• Curse of destruction of the family priesthood—opens the door for spirits of strife, alcoholism, adultery, rebellion, Ahab, and others to enter the family with the result of broken relationships and the breakdown of the family unit
• Curse of Jezebel—opens the door for the spirits of Jezebel and Ahab to operate, causing God’s order in the home to be perverted and destroyed. This curse also works with the curse of destruction of the family priesthood.
• Curse of poverty—opens the door for spirits of lack, bondage, begging, vagabond, poverty, unemployment, and debt to operate in a family
• Curse of pride (Leviathan)—opens the door for pride to operate, causing destruction and resistance from God
• Curse of sickness and infirmity—opens the door for spirits such as cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and other sicknesses to operate in the family
• Curse of the vagabond—opens the door for poverty, wandering, and the vagabond to operate. Many Christians who wander from church to church without commitment may be under the curse of the vagabond.
• Curse of whoredom—opens the door for the spirits of lust, vanity, whoredom, perversion, Jezebel, and sexual impurity to enter a family
• Curse of witchcraft—opens the door for spirits of poverty, lust, rebellion, fragmentation of the soul, and a host of others to enter the bloodline due to actual or ancestral participation in witchcraft
Other types of curses
• Imprecation—to pronounce a curse; there are many imprecatory Psalms that can be used in spiritual warfare to destroy demons. In the Psalms David would curse his enemies and ask the Lord to destroy them.
• Spoken curses—“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov. 18:21).
• Anathema—a ban or a curse pronounced by ecclesiastical authority (1 Cor. 16:22)
A curse is God’s recompense in the life of a person and his or her descendants as a result of iniquity. The curse causes sorrow of heart and gives demonic spirits legal entry into a family whereby they can carry out and perpetuate their wicked devices. There are several words I will define in order to give a clearer picture and better understanding of how curses operate.
Recompense (Lam. 3:64–66; Jer. 32:18; Rom. 12:19)
Recompense is an equivalent or a return for something done, suffered, or given, to return in kind, requite, repay. The Lord recompenses iniquity into the bosom of the children in the form of curses.
Iniquity
The word iniquity is derived from the Hebrew word avown meaning perversity, moral evil, faulty, mischief, sin.
Perversion
Perversion is a turning away from what is good or morally right; to divert to a wrong end of purpose, misdirect; stubbornness or obstinacy to what is right. Perversion of any kind brings curses upon the children. God curses iniquity (perversion).
• Sexual perversion—includes adultery, fornication, incest, bestiality, homosexuality, lesbianism, oral sex, anal sex, orgies, molestation, and rape. A history of these sexual sins in the bloodline opens the door for curses of lust.
• Financial perversion—includes the misuse of money, unjust gain, cheating, gambling, covetousness, not honoring God (tithing), bribes, crooked means of obtaining money, illegal trafficking of drugs and alcohol, robbery, embezzlement. A history of these sins in the bloodline can open the door for curse of poverty.
• Religious perversion—includes idolatry, worshipping idols, ancestral worship, oaths and pledges to idol gods. A history of these sins in the bloodline can open the door for the curse of idolatry and multiple curses.
• Spiritual perversion—includes witchcraft, voodoo, sorcery, divination, occult involvement, spiritism. A history of these sins in the bloodline can open the door for multiple curses.
• Behavioral perversion—includes a perverse way, pride, rebellion, drunkenness, murder, returning evil for good, sinful attitudes and ways, ungodly conduct, mistreating others, abuse, unrighteous behavior
• Familial perversion—includes perversion of the family order, Ahab and Jezebel, men not taking leadership, dominating females, rebellious children, any violation or neglect of God’s order in the family. This perversion opens the door for curses upon marriages and families.
• Perverse speech—includes spoken curses, vexes, hexes, spells, lying, profanity, blasphemy, slander, crooked speech, vows, oaths, pledges to idols, cults, false gods, enchantments, bewitchments
RECOMMENDED SPIRITUAL WARFARE, PRAYER, AND DELIVERANCE RESOURCES
BY JOHN ECKHARDT
Prayers for Spiritual Battle Series
Prayers That Rout Demons
Prayers That Break Curses
Prayers That Release Heaven on Earth
Prayers That Activate Blessings
Prayers That Bring Healing
Prayers That Move Mountains
The Covenant Series
God’s Covenant With You for Your Family
God Covenant With You for Deliverance and Freedom
BY OTHERS
Excuse Me … Your Rejection Is Showing by Noel and Phyl Gibson
Pigs in the Parlor by Frank and Ida Mae Hammond
They Shall Expel Demons by Derek Prince
Annihilating the Hosts of Hell by Win Worley
Battling the Hosts of Hell by Win Worley
Proper Names of Demons by Win Worley
Rooting Out Rejection and Hidden Bitterness by Win Worley
Healing Through Deliverance by Peter Horrobin
DELIVERANCE AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE TERMS
This glossary is arranged in dictionary form to equip God’s people with an understanding of deliverance terminology. Much of the information has been gleaned from experience and some from the teachings of others involved in the deliverance ministry.
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the premature termination of the life of a fetus. This can also refer to life cut short in the spiritual realm.
acupuncture
A practice, originating in China, based upon Chinese witchcraft, where certain points of the body are identified for the insertion of steel needles for the relief of pains or certain ailments. The person being treated unknowingly forms a cooperating alliance with evil spirits in exchange for comfort from ailments controlled by demon spirits. There is nothing medically sound or scientific concerning this occult practice.
accursed (objects and symbols)
Certain objects and symbols that are related to evil and evil spirits. When we have accursed objects in our possession, we can receive a curse (Josh. 6:18). Occult symbols such as a hexagram (six-pointed star), ankh (cross with a loop at the top), Italian horn (wiggly horn), Buddha statues (spirit of death), dragons (Leviathan) are not to be taken lightly. Behind every idol is a demon. Spirits behind astrology and horoscope signs can act as spirit guides. If these demons are not dealt with through spiritual warfare, they can operate through spoken curses and have a legal right to operate as soon as a child is born. A person may lean to spirit guides and give excuses for the way they act. Then there are certain games, such as Dungeons & Dragons and the Ouija board, that are closely associated with the occult. These items and symbols must be destroyed in the name of Jesus. All believers can stand on Galatians 3:13.
accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10)
Satan is known as the accuser of the brethren. Satan means liar in wait, an adversary, an enemy, hater, accuser, opposer, contradictor. There is also a demon spirit named Accuser of the Brethren that will attempt to operate through certain believers to bring about discord (Prov. 6:19). This spirit will cause the saints to accuse one another, pointing out the faults and shortcomings of others (i.e., faultfinding). This in turn opens the door for the spirit of strife to operate, bringing confusion into the body. If this happens, the enemy has gained the advantage (James 3:16; 2 Cor. 2:11). Demons will accuse the workers (often lying) to bring division among them. Never receive a demon’s accusation against another brother or sister in the Lord. This is a tactic of the enemy to bring division within our ranks. The Lord does not accept Satan’s accusations against us (Prov. 30:10). Loose shame upon demons that attempt to do this (1 Pet. 3:16).
agape (love)
Agape is the love of God that is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5). There are three primary words in the Greek for love: 1) Agape is the God-kind of love—unconditional as expressed in John 3:16: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” Agape breaks the power of evil spirits and weakens them. Whenever other tactics seem to fail, agape has proven effective in driving out evil spirits. Demons recognize when believers are not walking in agape and will not respond to false love. Demons draw strength from hatred and strife. Loose the spirit of love upon people receiving prayer (2 Tim. 1:7) by hugging or verbally speaking love during actual prayer. Demons hate unconditional love and cannot stay and operate in an atmosphere of agape. 2) Eros is erotic love between lovers. 3) Phileo is the love between friends. Eros and Phileo do not disturb demons or demonic activity because erotic or brotherly love can turn to hate. The true characteristics of agape are found in 1 Corinthians 13.
Ahab (1 Kings 16:29)
A king of Israel who allowed his wife, Jezebel, to usurp authority in his kingdom. The Ahab spirit causes men to be weak as leaders in the home and church (Isa. 3:12). This spirit works with fear of Jezebel to prevent God’s order in the home and the church. The result is the destruction of the family priesthood. This is a curse that must be broken before Ahab spirits can be driven out. The curse of Jezebel opens the door for these spirits to operate in a family.
amulet
An amulet is an object of superstition. It can be defined as a material object over which a chant is said or a charm is written. It is worn by a person to protect the wearer against danger and disease or to serve as a shield against demons, ghosts, evil magic, and to bring good luck and good fortune. In the ancient world, along with many present-day primitive tribes, the carrying of an amulet was a common everyday occurrence. These objects (also known as fetishes, talismans, and charms) supposedly ward off evil spirits and/or bring good luck to the wearer. In the New Age movement, amulets are usually worn or given as either stone jewels or jewelry, or a piece of metal or parchment paper inscribed with magic signs.
angel of the Lord (Exod. 23:23; Judg. 5:23; Ps. 35:5–6)
The angel of the Lord encamps around the saints (Ps. 34:7). Demons fear the angel of the Lord. When demons are cast out in spiritual warfare, we can ask the Lord to send His angels to chase and persecute them. Ask the Lord to send angels to beat the enemy down as dust before the wind and cast them out as dirt in the streets (Ps. 18:41, 42).
ankh
The crux ansata, shaped like a “T” or a cross with a loop on the top of it, is also very old and was originally the Egyptian ankh, a symbol of “life.” It appears frequently in Egyptian art usually held in the hand of a god or applied to the nose of a dead man to give him life in the afterworld. The Egyptians wore it as the pendant of a necklace or as a charm to prolong life, and they buried it with the dead to ensure their resurrection. The ankh’s symbol also represents orgies. The ankh looks like a key and may be connected with the symbolism of the key as the instrument that unlocks the gates of death and opens the road to immortality. It is found in some early Christian tombs and was adopted by the Coptic Christians of Egypt.
another Jesus (2 Cor. 11:4)
A demonic spirit that imitates Jesus; a counterfeit or false Jesus. Usually found in cults that do not preach the Jesus of the Bible and transgress the doctrine of Christ by either denying His divinity, Messiahship, and/or sinlessness, also denying His virgin birth or humanity (i.e., Roman Catholic Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Unity, Black Muslims, Mormons, and the like). There are demons that identify themselves with the name Jesus. If this occurs, you know you are dealing with another Jesus. There is only one Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 4:5). While ministering deliverance, we have often commanded demons to come out in the name of Jesus, and they have responded by asking, “Which Jesus?” When this happens, you must command them to come out in the name of the “Lord Jesus Christ,” for although there are false Jesuses and fake Christs, there is only one Lord Jesus Christ.
arrested development
Arrested development is a spirit that causes a person to remain childish and immature. This is a prince of mind control. He operates in a specific area of the mind. Everything he does functions in the mind. His only target area is regression from ages thirteen to zero, and for every year it regresses it manifests a different spirit. There is a different demon assigned to each age, and each (age) demon has a specific task.
This spirit operates in reverse, and its main objective is to stop a person’s growth (spiritual and natural). Another one of this spirit’s goals is to take the person back to the position in the womb and choke him to death. Many people who experience choking in the sleep state may be dealing with this spirit. Even if its task is not completed, it opens the door for spirits of terror by night, nightmare (Mare), and fear of the dark.
The arrested development spirit wants to embarrass a person at all times by manifesting the different age personalities, thus making a person’s immature words or advice an accepted reality and creating doubt in the person to not even trust themselves to make mature decisions.
This spirit also works with schizophrenia and spirits of homosexuality and lesbianism. This demon may try to create designs for a person’s life by setting up events of rape and incest, allowing spirits of rejection, homosexuality, hurt, fear, schizophrenia, inability to give or receive love, isolation, and hatred of men or women to enter.
Another design this spirit sets up is escape through drugs and alcohol. It also works strongly with Ahab, Jezebel, and whoredom spirits in keeping the person depressed with his or her life, forcing them to regress to their happier childhood years, while attempting to keep the person from developing mentally.
The Word of God says in 1 Corinthians 13:11: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
There are three definite states here that the spirit of arrested development tries to use or in which the spirit tries to keep the person: 1) speaking as a child, 2) understanding as a child, and 3) thinking as a child. The Word of God teaches us the power of the spoken word—life and death are in the power of the tongue. Notice that Paul separates and distinguishes the things spoken by children and those spoken by adults. As mature saints of God we are to speak forth the wisdom (mature things) of the Word. In Hebrews 5:12–14 we see that our understanding is to be matured.
If the spirit of arrested development is left unchallenged, the person will never get past the stage of childhood in life. Adults who still play with toys and collect dolls are manifesting the characteristics of children. This could be the spirit of arrested development manifesting through escape of reality.
armor (Luke 11:22)
Webster’s defines armor as a defensive covering for the body used in combat, a protective covering. Certain high-ranking spirits (strongmen) have protective armor. Jesus spoke about taking away the strongman’s armor and spoiling his goods. In Job 41:15 we see that Leviathan has armor (scales), which is his pride. Some spirits when encountered in deliverance will use other spirits as shields in order to protect themselves from attack. These shield demons must be dealt with first before an attack on the higher-ranking spirits can be successful. For example, Goliath, a giant representing pride, had armor and a shield as he came forth to challenge the armies of Israel (1 Sam. 17:7). Ask the Lord to send His angels to destroy these shield demons in order to destroy Satan’s armor.
This is the armor we, as saints of God, can wear in spiritual warfare.
• Armor of God (Eph. 6:11–18)
• Armor of light (Rom. 13:12)
• Armor of righteousness (2 Cor. 6:7)
astrology (astrologers)
Astrology is the pseudoscience of prediction by means of the stars. It is an occultic art practiced by an astrologer, diviner, soothsayer, enchanter, or necromancer. The method of casting horoscopes is done by dividing a globe into twelve sections from pole to pole. Each section was called a “house of heaven,” or a “sign.” Each with its own “lord,” the heavenly body then in ascendance. Each sign has a fortunate or unfortunate significance. A person’s horoscope is determined by the date and hour of his birth, according to whatever sign and star were in a reading position at that person’s hour of birth. The astrologer professes to know the various powers and influences possessed by the sun, the moon, and the planets. This is all witchcraft.
authority (Luke 9:1)
Authority is the power to influence or command. Jesus has given every believer authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out. Our authority is to be used in the name of Jesus, and demons are to be subject to that name (Luke 10:17). Demons recognize authority and must submit to it (Mark 1:24). Authority is also a form of protection (covering), and we are to obey them that have the rule over us (Heb. 13:17). If a person receiving prayer is not rightly submitted to authority, he is easily exposed to demonic attack, and it becomes harder for him to walk in freedom. An important part of the instruction given to the person receiving prayer is to get into the right order at home and in church. However, people out of God’s protection and plan will still receive deliverance because God’s Word will not return unto Him void, and it is powerful to the destruction of strongholds. Living a life of freedom is better than being set free temporarily in a deliverance session.
automatic writing
Automatic writing is a spiritualistic term used to describe phenomena occurring in séances when a writer is said to be controlled by the spirit of a dead person. The writing may occur in a trance, in sleepwalking, in a waking condition influenced by suggestion, or under abnormal nervous conditions. This form of writing was formerly used as a means of divination. Modern spiritualists have used the planchette and Ouija board as instruments. Mirrored or reversed writing reads from a reflection. Inspired spiritualistic literature, written automatically, was abundant in the mid-nineteenth century. As proof of supernatural manifestations, most persons have discredited automatic writing, but it has been used in psychological and psychoanalytical experiments to explore subconscious memories and the mental and emotional processes in abnormal persons. The graphologist is the one who attempts to tell character by handwriting. The graphologist claims to make precise distinctions as to sex, age, profession, nationality, state of health, and nature of any physical or mental disability or disease.
Bahaism
The Baha’i cult teaches unity of all religions and brotherhood of all men. The founder of Bahaism was a Persian named Mīrzā Ḥosayn-‘Alī Nūrī. He claimed to be the forerunner of the Messiah who was supposedly soon to come. His successor, Mīrzā Yaḥyā Ṣobḥ-e Azal, claimed to be the Messiah. Bahaism stresses “oneness” of God, denying the Trinity. It teaches that Jesus Christ was only one of the many prophets and that His death is no more significant than their leader’s death. They do not believe that the Bible is inherent and claim that their writings are the final revelation.
Balaam (Num. 22)
Balaam is a Hebrew name meaning “lord of the people, destruction of the people, a foreigner, a stranger, a pilgrim.” He was called by Balak to curse the people of God. He was a prophet who had genuine manifestations of visions and prophecy from the Lord. Balaam is an example of how ministers can get into rebellion yet continue to minister under an anointing from the Lord (Rom. 11:29).
• Doctrine of Balaam (Rev. 2:14)—teaching that leads away from holiness into sin and rebellion
• Error of Balaam (Jude 11)—ministers who go astray because of covetousness
• Way of Balaam (2 Pet. 2:15)—ministers who fall into a snare for the love of money
The spirit of Balaam places stumbling blocks in the path of God’s people. Bind the spirit of Balaam if you see it operating in ministries. This spirit operates in ministers who are lords over God’s people (1 Pet. 5:3). (See also diotrophes.)
binding and loosing (Matt. 12:29; 16:19; 18:18)
Bind means to make secure by tying; to confine, restrain or restrict as if with bonds: to constrain with legal authority: to exert a restraining or compelling effect. To arrest, apprehend, handcuff, lead captive, take charge of, lock up. To fetter, manacle, shackle, chain. To restrain, hold back, check, curb, put a brake on, call a halt, put a stop to. Binding is done by legal authority. We have legal authority in the name of Jesus to bind the works of darkness in our lives and in the lives of those we minister to. Loose means to untie, to free from restraint, to detach, to disjoin, divorce, separate, unhitch, get free, get loose, escape, break away, unbind, unchain, unfetter, free, release, unlock, liberate, disconnect, and forgive. We have legal authority, in the name of Jesus, to loose ourselves and others we minister to from the results of sin.
bitterness
Bitterness is one of the spirits that enters through hard bondage (Exod. 1:14). Unforgiveness leads to bitterness. The Lord revealed Himself as a Healer at Marah (Exod. 15:23–26). Marah is the Hebrew word for bitterness. There is a relationship between bitterness and sickness (cancer and arthritis). Spirits of infirmity have a legal right to enter and operate through bitterness.
A root of bitterness can result from a lack of grace, causing defilement and trouble (Heb. 12:15). This is a poisonous root that bears gall and wormwood (Deut. 29:18). Gall and wormwood, being poisonous, represent bitterness which likewise poisons the system. A person can be composed with gall and travail (Lam. 3:5). Gall and wormwood work with misery (Lam. 3:19). Harlotry and sexual sin can open the door for bitterness (wormwood) (Prov. 5:4). Bitterness is linked with envy and strife (James 3:14).
Bitterness can enter parents through foolish children (Prov. 17:25). A person can be in the “gall of bitterness” which leads to witchcraft and sorcery (Acts 8:23).
• Wormwood (Deut. 29:18)—meaning to curse; poisonous; hemlock. Bitterness acts as gall and wormwood; poison to the system (Acts 8:23).
• Root of bitterness (Heb. 12:15)—hidden bitterness. A root that cannot be seen, hidden from view, but will eventually spring up and defile the individual. Some of the fruits of bitterness can be seen through sickness, cancer, arthritis, and rheumatism.
Bitterness also results in the heart turning away from God, hardness of heart, bitterness toward God for misfortunes in life, and not appropriating God’s grace.
Other manifestations of bitterness include envy and strive (James 3:14); sharp and bitter words (Ps. 64:3), and complaining (Job 23:2). (See bones.)
bones (arthritis and rheumatism; see also bitterness)
Healthy bones are essential to good health. The fear of the Lord is marrow to the bones (Prov. 3:7–8). The marrow gives lubrication to the bones and prevents joints from becoming painful (arthritis). Healthy bones must receive adequate moisture to keep them from becoming dry and brittle causing them to easily break (Job 21:24).
The Bible says, “a broken spirit dries the bones” (Prov. 17:22). This condition of the spirit is the result of sorrow and grief (Prov. 15:13), affects the marrow, and opens the door for spirits of arthritis, bone cancer, and serious blood diseases such as leukemia. Evil spirits can vex the bones (Luke 6:18; Ps. 6:2). Envy and jealousy can cause the bones to rot (Prov. 14:30). Witchcraft curses can affect the bones (Ps. 109:17–18).
Spirits of pain operating in the bones can be the result of pride (Job 33:17–19). Drought of summer, dry bones, no moisture in the bones all cause unhealthy bones. Deliverance from unforgiveness, hurt, sorrow, and grief will cause the bones to rejoice (Ps. 35:9–10)!
When ministering to individuals with problems in the bones, be sure to have them renounce bitterness and unforgiveness, and come against spirits of grief, sadness, broken heart, rottenness, envy, jealousy, bitterness, root of bitterness, unforgiveness, hatred, arthritis, rheumatism, pain, pride, curses, mind control linked with memory recall (a spirit that constantly reminds the person of the hurt), and infirmities in the marrow, joints, and muscles.
bowels
The intestines or one of the divisions of the intestines; lower abdomen. Spirits of infirmity can operate in the bowels through rebellion (Lam. 1:20). Curses can also come into the bowels (Ps. 109:18). Jehoram was judged by the Lord with a sickness in his bowels (2 Chron. 21:18). Judas Iscariot’s bowels fell out after his transgression (Acts 1:18). Spirits of infirmity, sickness, pain, cramps, witchcraft, and curses can all operate in the bowels.
caves of Joshua (Josh. 10:16–27)
The five kings hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah as they fled from Joshua. He commanded that great stones be rolled upon the mouth of the cave to keep them until he could return and slay them. Sometimes in dealing with certain demon spirits, while ministering deliverance, it is necessary to have them boxed in until you can deal with them at a later date, especially if time is limited or if the individual has become weary because of extensive deliverance. Ask the Lord to send His angels (ministering spirits) to place them in the caves of Joshua and to set a watch (Matt. 27:66). Demons hate to be boxed in and stubbornly resist (Job 14:17). Caves are also places where the enemy likes to hide. We can command demons to come out of their cover (hiding place) when ministering deliverance.
children’s bread (Matt. 15:21–28)
Jesus refers to deliverance as the “children’s bread.” Deliverance is not for the unsaved but for the children of God. God will deliver the unsaved in His mercy, but as children of God it is a part of our covenant (Col. 1:12). This should eliminate the confusion of some as to whether or not Christians can have demons.
Christian Science
This cult was found by Mary Baker Eddy. She had been very sick all of her life, and one day while reading Matthew 9:1–8, she was instantly healed. From this incident, she believed she had discovered the principles of Christian Science. The Christian Science faith denies Satan and evil, believing that God is all or everything, so there is no room for sin, death, etc.—“It’s all in your mind.” Christian Scientists attempt to heal people by making them believe they were never sick; and “save” them by denying that they could have ever sinned. They do not believe in hell, blood atonement, the Trinity, or the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
confusion (Ps. 35:4)
In spiritual warfare we can ask the Lord to send confusion into the camp of the enemy (Ps. 40:14; 70:2; 71:13, 24). To confound means to bring to ruin, to destroy, to throw into perplexity or confusion. Envy and strife bring confusion into the body of Christ (James 3:16). On the other hand, praise confuses the enemy (2 Chron. 20:22–23).
curses (Prov. 3:33; see also destruction)
Webster’s defines curse as an evil or misfortune that comes in response to imprecation or as retribution. It is also God’s judgment or anger against sin and those that hate Him (Exod. 20:5). Curses give demons the legal right to enter the bloodline and carry out their wicked plans.
demon entrances
Doors and avenues through which demons enter a person on legal grounds
demon groupings
Demon spirits work in groups and seldom alone. There is a leader or “strongman” over each group.
demonic chains
A chain is a series of things linked, connected, or associated together, according to Webster’s. Demons link together to form demonic chains. There may be more than one demonic chain in an individual. Each chain has a number of spirits with different ranks of authority. When ministering deliverance, command the chains to be broken and the demons to unlink and come out. Usually the highest-ranking spirit in a chain will send the lower-ranking spirits out first before he finally comes out and the chain is destroyed.
demon location
Demons can be located in the mind, the will, the emotions, the conscience, or the memory. They can hide in the heart, different parts of the body, the blood, the bones, muscles, eyes, ears, speech (tongue), sexual character, appetite, and systems of the body (nervous, respiratory, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, etc.). It is important to be led by the Holy Spirit in calling out evil spirits from these areas of a person’s life. We need to be as thorough as possible in covering every area, leaving no stone unturned. Spirits of infirmity can operate in any part or organ of the body where there is sickness or disease.
demonization
This term is taken from the Greek word daimonizomai which means “to be demoned”; that is, to be in some way under the influence or the power of demons. In the King James Version this verb is usually translated by some phrase such as “to be possessed,” or “to be vexed,” by evil spirits (demons). However, there are no distinctions in the original Greek text to which these different English words correspond. Some preachers and theologians have worked out elaborate distinctions between possession and oppression by demons. Yet, there is nothing in the original Greek to support these distinctions. Arguments as to whether Christians are possessed or oppressed are useless when we consider that the Greek word simply means to be demonized.
Areas of demonization include:
• Emotions—spirits such as anger, hatred, fear, bitterness, rejection, and hurt
• Mind—spirits such as confusion, doubt, mind control, and fantasy
• Speech—spirits such as lying, cursing, criticism, and gossip
• Sexual character—spirits such as lust, adultery, perversion, masturbation, and fornication
• Appetite—spirits such as nicotine, alcohol, and gluttony
• Body—spirits such as infirmity, sickness, pain, and tiredness
designs
A design is something conceived or planned out in the mind. It is a mental project or scheme in which means to an end are laid out. A child may be born with the traits of the opposite sex because a design was put upon them before they were ever born. The parent may have wanted a little girl, or if the child is a girl, perhaps the parents wanted a little boy. These parental designs influence the behavior of the child. This can in turn open the child up to allow perverse spirits to operate.
A design can also be put on a person during rape, incest, or molestation. This design can shape the character of an individual and is known as a physical design.
A mental or psychic design can be placed upon a person through words and through concentration upon an individual in a lustful or perverse way.
When praying for some people, it is sometimes necessary to break any designs that have been placed upon them (homosexuality and perversion) and case the spirits out.
destruction (Prov. 21:15)
Webster’s defines destruction as the action or process of destroying something; ruin. The spirit of destruction works in many areas and has been identified as Osmodeus (Prince of Destruction). Working with Osmodeus is Asmodeus (Prince of lust).
The Lord delivers us from destruction (Ps. 103:4). The spirit of destruction works with other spirits to destroy every area of a person’s life. This spirit works with spirits of poverty to destroy the finances; with the spirit of mental illness to destroy the mind; and with spirits of Ahab and Jezebel to destroy the family.
The spirit of destruction also works through curses of destruction of family priesthood, destruction of the family, and death and destruction. (See curses.)
diotrophes (3 John)
A demonic spirit that causes individuals in the church to exalt themselves desiring to have preeminence, mistreating the brethren, and eventually casting them out of the church. Many pastors have this spirit and are disrespectful to other ministry gifts God has placed in the church. Leaders in the church are to be given to hospitality (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8).
discernment
Insight into the spirit realm, discrimination, perception. Deliverance increases discernment because of the experience acquired in dealing with evil spirits. There is a difference between a person with a discerning spirit and the gift of discerning of spirits.
Discerning of spirits is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:10). A discerning spirit comes through experience and spiritual maturity (Heb. 5:14). Hypocrisy destroys discernment (Matt. 16:3).
Through discernment we have the ability to “try the spirits” (1 John 4:1, KJV). The gift of discerning of spirits gives us the supernatural ability to detect evil spirits, angelic spirits, human spirits, and God’s Spirit.
divination (Acts 16:16)
The act of divining; a foretelling of future events. There are many forms of divination. All are an abomination to God (Deut. 18:10–12).
In the Old Testament the word divination simply means witchcraft. Divination is Satan’s counterfeit for the Holy Spirit. There are only two avenues by which we can enter the spirit realm. Jesus said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate” (Matt. 7:13, kjv). Jesus is that “strait gate,” and the only entrance to that gate is salvation by His blood, which allows us access in the spirit realm to worship God.
Matthew 7:13 also states: “For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.” Satan has provided many broad entrances into the spirit realm for the destruction of souls. Remember that Satan is a lawbreaker, and his nature is sin. He hates the human race and the only way he can destroy it is to get man to break God’s laws.
The only way the devil can legally attack a person is to get them to break the commands of God, thus opening the doors for his attack. When an individual seeks knowledge of the unknown or of future events through supernatural agencies other than the Holy Spirit, he is practicing divination. Throughout history, those who practice divination assume that the gods (demons) are in possession of secret knowledge desired by men and can be induced to impart it unto them.
Following is a partial list of diviners referenced in the Word of God:
• Astrologers (Isa. 47:13; Dan. 2:2; 4:7; 5:7)
• Charmers (Deut. 18:11)
• Consulter with familiar spirits (Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:11)
• Diviners (Deut. 18:14; 2 Kings 17:17; Ezek. 13:9, 23)
• Enchanters (Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:10; Isa. 47:9; Jer. 27:9)
• False prophets (Jer. 14:14; Ezek. 13:9; Matt. 7:15)
• Magicians (Gen. 41:8; Exod. 7:11; Matt. 7:15; Dan. 4:7)
• Necromancer (Deut. 18:11)
• Observer of times (Deut. 18:10)
• Soothsayers (Isa. 2:6; Dan. 2:27; Micah 5:12)
• Sorcerers (Acts 8:9–12; 13:6; Rev. 21:8)
• Witches (Exod. 22:18; Deut. 18:10)
• Wizards (Lev. 20:27; Deut. 18:11; 1 Sam. 28:3)
• Other forms of divination include: divination by rods (Hosea 4:12), arrows (Ezek. 21:21), cups (Gen. 44:5), liver (Ezek. 21:21), dreams (Deut. 13:3), and oracles (Isa. 41:21–24). In addition there is also divination by entrails, flight of birds, lots, omens, position of stars, palm reading, interpretation of dreams and signs, and the like.
doctrines of devils (1 Tim. 4:1)
These are teachings promulgated by demons. All false teachings are inspired by demons and bring bondage. Only the truth can bring freedom (John 8:32). Spirits of heresy and error operate in this area of false doctrine (1 John 4:6). Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from meats are also doctrines of devils.
divers and strange doctrines (Heb. 13:9)
Demons influence people to become carried away with strange doctrines that are foreign to Scripture.
• Corrupt doctrine (1 Tim. 2:7)—Demons seek to corrupt doctrine. Corrupt doctrine is doctrine influenced by demons.
• Leaven (Luke 13:21; 1 Cor. 5:6)—represents impurity and uncleanness. The Word says, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor. 5:6). False doctrine affects the ability to live holy (Rom. 6:17–18).
People who have been involved in false teachings need deliverance from spirits of false doctrine, heresy, error, lying, deception, confusion, and also the spirits of the teachers and groups they have been involved with. Soul ties need to be broken and the spirits cast out. (See soul ties.)
dolls
The word doll derived from the Greek word eidolon which means idol. Ancient dolls were thought to possess mystical powers. They served religious purposes and were often buried with the dead to provide them company. Evil spirits can operate through dolls, causing nightmares, fear, and insomnia in children. Even seemingly harmless teddy bears are suspect.
Children often are attached to and form ungodly soul ties with dolls and other stuffed animals (for example, following discipline, some children may violently beat their dolls or in times of playing will simulate spankings that they themselves have received on their dolls, or they may hug and cuddle a doll or teddy bear producing soul ties through false comfort that is conveniently provided by the devil).
The devil will speak to the mind of a child just as he speaks to the mind of an adult. Remember, he’s not a fair fighter. This is why it is important for us to train our children in the Word at an early age: 1) they will be able to resist the attacks of the devil, and 2) guard their minds with the Word by understanding true discipline.
doorkeeper
There are demonic spirits that are doorkeepers (or gatekeepers) and make it possible for other spirits to enter and leave a person. These doorkeepers need to be cast out in order to prevent spirits from entering or reentering a person.
In the Old Testament the gate was the place of authority. To possess the gate of your enemy means to exercise dominion over them. Whomever controlled the gates to the city had dominion over the city (Gen. 22:17; Judg. 5:8; Deut. 28:52, 55).
Sometimes when the spirits are cast out of a person, the doorkeeper (if not exposed) will remain behind for the purpose of opening the door for them to reenter. It is necessary to bind and destroy the doorkeepers to prevent Satan from rebuilding his kingdom in an individual.
drugs, or sorcery (Rev. 9:21)
Pharmakeia (sorcery) is the Greek word from which the word pharmacy is derived. Many pharmaceutical drugs come under the classification of sorcery. The biblical words for healing and physician mean “to stitch,” “to heal.” Real medicine heals. Instead of healing, most drugs only alter the mind. This breaks down the hedges around the mind and opens the person up to the spirit world.
Pharmacy means magic, witchcraft, a drug, spell-giving potion, a druggist. Pharmacist means magician, sorcerer, poisoner. Chemicals used by sorcerers in the Bible were to make it easy for the user to be invaded by the evil spirits. Viewed in this way, many strong painkillers, tranquilizers, and mind-altering drugs constitute instant witchcraft.
Tranquilizers, antidepressants, and sedatives do not heal but only cover up the symptoms of demonization. In ministering to certain people, it may be necessary to have them consult their doctor about abstaining from these medications before they can receive deliverance.
dry places (Matt. 12:43)
Dry places refer to wilderness, waste places, and deserts. Demons hate and fear dry places, because there are no people to possess. Demons hate the reading of Job 30:3–7, which speaks of the wicked being driven into the wilderness. (See unclean spirits.)
earrings (pierced ears, jewelry)
Most of the references to earrings in the Bible associate them with harlotry and idolatry. Jacob commanded the people to give up the strange gods in their hand, and all their earrings in their ears (Gen. 35:4). Aaron had people break off the golden earrings to make the golden calf (Exod. 32:2–4). Gideon took the golden earrings from the Midianites and fashioned the ephod. Israel went whoring after it (Judg. 8:24–27). Jewelry was a manifestation of pride in the daughters of Zion (Isa. 3:16–26). God permitted the wearing of earrings in Ezekiel 16:12 as long as it was not connected with idolatry. Unfortunately, in Hosea 2:13, Israel took the jewels given her and went whoring after Balaam.
In Exodus 21:6 there is a connection between piercing the ear and slavery. Certain earrings can have spirits of lust attached to them. The problem is not necessarily with the earrings, but with the piercing of the ear.
If there is a connection found in praying for persons with pierced ear(s), break all curses of lust, harlotry, idolatry, pride, slavery, and bondage. Also, in some instances while ministering deliverance, there has been found a relationship between female problems (cramps, pain, and the like) and pierced ears.
evil heart of unbelief (Heb. 3:12)
This spirit works with the spirits of Leviathan and hardness of heart. It causes people to backslide and depart from God. The spirit of evil heart of unbelief causes unbelief in the ministry of deliverance, tongues, miracles, healing, and so on, and it must be destroyed in the lives of people who struggle with doubt and unbelief.
Ask the Lord to destroy the evil heart of unbelief and to unite the heart to the fear of the Lord, then loose a spirit of faith into the person (Ps. 86:11; 2 Cor. 4:13).
eyes (Luke 11:34)
The spiritual condition of a person can be seen through the eyes. Most demons try to avoid eye contact with deliverance workers. The spiritual light reflected in the eyes of the believer weakens them (1 John 1:5). Most demons manifest with the eyes of a person closed. Commanding demons to look you in the eyes will weaken them.
Glazed eyes are a sign of demonization (passivity and mind control). Spirits of lust, sadness, grief, hurt, and rejection will often come out of the eyes in the form of tears. The spirit of adultery can also be found in the eyes (2 Pet. 2:14)
Spirits of wandering eyes and lust of the eyes work along with the spirit of fantasy. The spirit of death manifests itself with the person’s eyeballs rolling back in the head revealing only the whites of the eyes. The third eye, evil eye, and eye of Ra operate with witchcraft and divination.
executing judgment (Ps. 149:9)
To execute means to carry out fully, to put completely into effect. Judgment is a divine sentence or decision, a calamity sent by God. As saints we have the honor of executing judgment against the kingdom of darkness. Judgment has already been passed upon Satan’s kingdom (John 12:31). We are responsible to execute this judgment. Ask the Lord to loose these judgments upon demons. The judgments against the wicked are written in the Word of God. Some of the judgments written are Job 18:5–16; 30:3–8; Psalms 2:9; 18:32–41; 21:8–12; 68:1–2; 70:1–2; 71:10; and 83:9–10.
fasting (Ps. 35:13)
Abstaining from food for a specific length of time. Fasting humbles the soul and breaks the power of pride and rebellion (Leviathan). Fasting is a sign of repentance and godly sorrow. Humility and repentance are both necessary to receive deliverance. Fasting proves what is in a person’s heart and causes root demons to surface and to be exposed (Deut. 8:2–3). Some spirits will only come out through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).
fear
An unpleasant and often strong emotion caused by an anticipation or awareness of danger; dread, fright, or alarm in the presence of others. Fear is one of Satan’s greatest weapons against the believer. It is the absolute opposite of faith. Some biblical references to fear include:
• Apollyon—ruling spirit of fear (Rev. 9:11). Scorpion spirits of fear that cause torment (Rev. 9:1–11; 1 John 4:18). Perfect love casts out fear. People raised in an atmosphere without love (i.e., rejection, strife, violence, etc.) usually have many spirits of fear.
• Enim (Deut. 2:10–11)—the giants meaning the terrible, formidable, terrors, objects of terror
fear of death (Ps. 55:4)
• Hittites—one of the tribes inhabiting the land of Canaan who were to be driven out by the Israelites. Hittite means to break in pieces, sundered, dismay, terror, and dread.
• Rephaims (Gen. 15:20)—the giants meaning gloom, terrors, fears, fearful ones, strong ones
• Spirit of bondage (Rom. 8:15)—causes fear (backsliding, loss of salvation, etc.)
• Sudden fear (Prov. 3:25)
Gadarenes (Mark 5)
Gadarenes is a Greek word, derived from a Hebrew (Gadara) root word, meaning fortunate, organized, assembled, trooped in, walled about, fortified. Gadara means walled. This represents the enemy being well fortified and organized. Jesus cast Legion (ruling spirit) out of the madman of Gadara. The spirit of Gadarenes is also behind organized opposition to the ministry of deliverance (Luke 8:37), which comes as the result of fear of deliverance.
head covering
Women ought to have power (which is the Greek word exousia meaning authority) on the head because of the angels (1 Cor. 11:10). This is to be observed when praying or prophesying (v. 5). It represents submission to delegated authority. Authority is a covering (protection) for females involved in spiritual warfare. Even nature teaches that a female should cover the head because their hair is given for a covering (v. 15). Paul uses this argument to support the use of head coverings. If a woman does not like to cover her head, then let her shave the covering (hair) God gave her (vv. 5–6). Jezebel spirits react violently to the head covering because this spirit hates submission to authority. (See Jezebel.)
hell
There are different words translated as “hell” in the Bible:
• Hades (Luke 16:23–26)—temporary place (prison) for the disobedient.
• Gehenna (Matt. 5:22)—final place of torment for both men and evil spirits (i.e., lake of fire). Gehenna was the Valley of Hinnom where the Jewish people sacrificed to idols and made their children pass through the fire to Molech. This place later became a refuse dump (Greek word Gehenna). Tophet and Gehenna are both pictures of hell (Jer. 7:31–32; 19:6, 11–14).
• Tartarus (2 Pet. 2:4)—a temporary prison house for disobedient spirits reserved in chains of darkness unto judgment. Demons fear this place and tremble at the mention of it. Some stubborn spirits will even leave at the mention of it.
• Abyss (Luke 8:31)—the deep, the bottomless pit (Rev. 9:1; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1–3), temporary place of demon locusts to be loosed in the future. Satan will be bound here before being thrown into the lake of fire.
incubus and succubus
These are evil spirits that lay on top of an individual during sleep, especially having sexual intercourse with an individual while they are sleeping. They are spirits that oppress or burden a person such as a nightmare. Incubus attacks females, while Succubus attacks males. These spirits operate through witchcraft spells, sexual sin, perversion, and curses of lust (whoredom). They are filthy spirits causing lustful dreams followed by tormenting the individual with guilt and condemnation.
Chemosh (1 Kings 11:7, 33)—demon god of the Moabites whose name means subduer, depressor, vanquisher, an incubus, concealed, yearning fire, a hearth.
Moab and Ammon were born of incest between Lot and his daughters (Gen. 19:30–38). Break the curses of Moab and Ammon, perversion, incest, and whoredom, and command the spirit of Chemosh and other related spirits to come out.
inheritance, or heritage (Ps. 16:6)
The dictionary definition of the word inheritance as the acquisition of a possession, condition, or trait from past generations. People inherit the strengths and weaknesses of their forefathers.
A godly heritage protects a person from demonic attack. An ungodly heritage can open the door for demonic spirits to enter through the bloodline. An example of a godly heritage is shown when Levi paid tithes in the loins of Abraham, and it was placed on his account though he was not yet born (Heb. 7:9). It is important that we pass on a godly heritage to our children.
intercession
Intercession is taken from the Hebrew word paga meaning to strike up against, to impinge by violence, to collide with. This is the aspect of intercession that involves spiritual warfare. The intercessor is violent in the spirit against the powers of darkness (Matt. 11:12).
References to intercession include:
• Violent (Matt. 11:12)—from the Greek word biastes meaning strong, forceful, using force
• Conflict (Col. 2:1)—from the Greek word agōn meaning a contest, contention, fight, an effort or anxiety. Spiritual conflict in intercession, wrestling against the powers of darkness (Eph. 6:12). Intercession is lifting up a standard against the enemy. (See tongues.)
• Standard (Isa. 59:19)—from the Hebrew word nuwc meaning to vanish away, chase, put to flight. The intercessor stands in the gap and makes up the hedge (Ezek. 22:30).
• Watchman (Isa. 62:6)—from the Hebrew word shamar meaning to hedge about, guard, protect, attend to. The intercessor’s prayers serve as a hedge against the powers of darkness.
• Repairer of the breach (Isa. 58:12)—from the Hebrew word gadar meaning to wall in or around, close up, fence up, hedge, make up a wall. (Breach is from the Hebrew word perets meaning a break, a gap.) The intercessor is a repairer of the breach, closing the gaps, and preventing the enemy from entering. Demons enter in through breaches (Eccl. 10:8).
• Nehemiah (Neh. 1:3)—Nehemiah repaired the breaches in the wall of Jerusalem. His name means Comfort of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is our comforter (Greek word paraclete meaning a standby, advocate, comforter, helper). The Holy Spirit helps us to pray (Rom. 8:26).
The Holy Spirit’s intercession through us repairs the breaches, closes up the gaps, lifts up a standard, and keeps the enemy out. Intercession, binding and loosing, and tongues are powerful weapons to defeat the enemy. Intercession for those receiving deliverance helps them maintain it. Those who need deliverance but will not submit to prayer cannot be forced. In such cases, intercession is the key.
interrogation
To isolate the facts through questioning. One of the tactics lawyers use to defeat their opponents. Most or all high-ranking demons have great knowledge and insight into Satan’s kingdom. Any demon that gives information revealing plans or strategies that can be used to destroy Satan’s kingdom will be demoted.
Through interrogation, high-ranking spirits can be forced (through the Holy Spirit) to reveal important information and at the same time cause their defeat through demotion and humiliation (1 Cor. 1:27–28). Some spirits cannot leave until they reveal certain information if commanded by the Holy Spirit to do so. This information is usually valuable to the deliverance worker.
We are forbidden to receive information from a familiar spirit (Lev. 19:31). However, not all spirits are familiar spirits. We are not to interrogate demons out of curiosity or for direction in our lives. (See divination). Interrogation is the work of the Holy Spirit through us.
Islam (Spirit of)
An expressly anti-Christ religious spirit whose salvation is based on works.
According to Islamic doctrine, God gave certain men the power to communicate with Him through His angels. The greatest of these prophets were Adam, Noah, the house of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed. Moslems accept the miracles and virgin birth of Jesus, but deny His divinity and crucifixion. They consider Mohammed to be the last and most authoritative of all the prophets.…
As pictured in the Koran, the holy book of Islam, Allah is a rigid god, without a soul, who shows no mercy. To him, man is simply a slave, having no power of decision. Allah demands the total submission of all creatures. He is selfishness taken to its logical extreme, a gruesome tyrant who can only give commands. Faith in such a god can lead only to a dismal fatalism. Allah is not a god who revealed himself, but a god who was given a unique position by Mohammed.
jealousy (Num. 5:14, 30)
Jealousy is a marriage-breaking spirit, and it operates in marriages by causing suspicion between mates. This spirit will enter into a marriage when one of the mates is unfaithful, or it will attempt to enter even if both individuals are faithful (Num. 5). The spirit of Jealousy causes a man to be enraged (Prov. 6:34) and opens the door for spirits of cruelty to enter (Song of Sol. 8:6).
Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31)
The spirit of Jezebel causes wives to forsake the covering of their husbands. It is a Hebrew name meaning untouched, untouchable, non-cohabiting, without husband, adulterous, base, licentious. This spirit is characterized by domination, control, and manipulation of the husband instead of submission to his authority. The spirit of Jezebel also operates in the church with spirits of seduction, fornication and idolatry (Rev. 2:20). It works with the Ahab spirit in men but hates the Elijah spirit (Mal. 4:5–6). It is a very religious spirit and loves to operate in the church. This spirit has been known to operate in both males and females. Jezebel was very religious and a devout high priestess of Baal.
Athaliah (2 Kings 11:1)—daughter of Ahab and Jezebel who married into the royal family of Judah. She had the same spirit as her mother in usurping authority in the kingdom of Judah, an example of how this spirit is transferred from Jezebellic mothers to their daughters. These spirits also operates through curses of destruction of family priesthood, destruction of family, and Ahab and Jezebel. (See curses.)
judges (Job 29:11–17)
In Bible times judges were also called deliverers. They were responsible for executing judgment upon the wicked. We are to brake the jaws of the wicked and pluck the spoil out of their teeth. The spoil are those who are held captive by evil spirits.
Isaiah 1:26 promises a twofold restoration of deliverance and counseling. Both are needed in these last days. Remember, a judge is a deliverer. The Book of Judges records the accounts of Israel’s deliverers.
Those who are vexed and oppressed need judges who will deliver them out of the hand of the enemy. The Lord will be with that judge (Judg. 2:16, 18). When the judge dies, the people return to bondage (Judg. 2:19). We can never allow deliverance ministry to die. We can pray that the Lord will restore judges if there is a lack of genuine deliverance ministry.
Judges are responsible for executing judgment and delivering people out of the hand of the wicked (Jer. 21:12). According to Psalm 82:4, judges are commanded to: “Deliver the poor and needy; free them out of the hand of the wicked.”
When there are no judges, the Lord’s people end up snared in holes and hidden in prison houses. They become prey for the forces of darkness. The Lord asks who will listen to this word that explains the sad plight of God’s people when there is no deliverance (Isa. 42:22–23). Unfortunately, many ignore this word and do nothing. The enemy is able to tear (fragment) the souls of many people when there is “none to deliver” (Ps. 7:1–2). The enemy plots to persecute and take the souls of the saints when there is none to deliver (Ps. 71:10–11). He preys upon those who are weak. Deliverance is very important in destroying and canceling the plans of the wicked.
Kabbalah
Kabbalah, Cabala, or Cabbala (kab’ a-la), a mysterious kind of science or knowledge among Jewish Rabbis, pretended to have been delivered to the ancient Jews by revelation—specifically to Moses on Sinai—and transmitted by oral tradition, serving for the interpretation of difficult passages of Scripture. This science consists chiefly in understanding the combination of certain letters, words, and numbers, which are alleged to be significant. Every letter, word, number, and accent of the law is supposed to contain a mystery, and the kabbalist pretends even to foretell future events by the study of this science.
Kabbalah is a mystical or occult philosophy. Eventually used as a term for almost any mixture of occultism, Hermetism, Rosicrucianism, exotic theosophy, and general infatuation with a secret lore.
The Kabbalah was originally a body of Jewish doctrine about the nature of God and the vital role of man in God’s universe.
kings (Ps. 149:8)
There are high-ranking spirits called kings. A king is one that holds a preeminent position. Leviathan is a king of pride (Job 41:34). We have the honor of binding kings with chains (Ps. 149:8). The Lord will strike through kings in the day of His wrath (Ps. 110:5). Joshua destroyed thirty-one kings (Josh. 12:1–24). Each city that Joshua destroyed had a king over it. Satan has assigned a king to each city, and those kings need to be bound. There are also higher ranking spirits known as chief kings.
King of terrors (Job 18:14)—demons fear this king and panic at the mention of this verse. Terror means a state of intense fear or a frightening aspect. Terrors shall make the wicked afraid on every side and drive him to his feet (Job 18:11). This particular verse is effective in causing stubborn demons to manifest. Loose the terror of the Lord upon demons in spiritual warfare (Gen. 35:5).
legal grounds
All demons have legal, biblical grounds. They may not torment at will. But if demons have legal grounds, then they have the right to remain. Sin, unforgiveness, curses, occult involvement, pride, and ungodly soul ties give demons legal grounds to remain. Some demons feel they have the right to remain based on longevity (being in a family for generations). Renunciation and breaking curses destroys the legal grounds enabling the person to receive deliverance. (See renunciation.)
legion (Mark 5)
A legion is a Roman regiment (3,000–6,000) meaning “many.” Individuals with a legion do not necessarily have to be in the condition of the madman of Gadara. A person can have many demonic spirits and appear quite normal. These spirits hate to leave a specific area or even a country because of the time spent setting up, organizing, and carrying out their wicked plans. (See Gadarenes.)
manifestations
Something readily perceived by sense and sight. Demons are invisible, but when they manifest, their characteristics can be seen through people. Demonic manifestations differ because the personalities of demons vary. Some demons are passive and leave with no visible manifestation, while others are violent and manifest in an uproar. Some demons are very stubborn and resist expulsion. Some are talkative and boastful, while others are quiet and secretive. Most do not like to manifest because it usually results in their exposure and expulsion. Witchcraft spirits manifest in the hands (Mic. 5:12). Lust spirits can manifest through the eyes (tears). Insanity and madness can manifest with insane laughter. Anger and hatred manifest with rage. Demons tend to act out their personalities. Other manifestations include serpentine movements, hissing sounds, a loud voice (Acts 8:7), persons falling or being thrown to the ground (Mark 9:20), foul odors, and more.
mind control
Spirits can control the mind and affect the way a person thinks. If evil spirits can control the thoughts, they can defeat the individual (Prov. 23:7). Mind control is a very important spirit in Satan’s arsenal. People can receive mind control spirits through music (rock, jazz, disco, and the like), meditation, reading certain books, drugs and alcohol (or anything that alters the mind and breaks down the hedges—Eccl. 10:8), passivity, control by another person, exposure of the mind to false teachings, psychology, pornography, and so on.
Mind-control spirits can also be inherited. They have tentacles and resemble creatures such as the octopus and the squid. Migraine headaches are caused by mind-control spirits. Mind control works with insanity, mental illness, schizophrenia, intellectualism, and a host of others that operate in the mind.
Mind control also gives a person the ability to control the mind of another. Many pastors and church leaders have very powerful mind-control spirits. False teachers and cults also use mind control to keep people bound to them.
These spirits hate the anointing of the forehead with oil, and this is helpful in binding them. Also anointing the top, back, and sides (temples) of the head is sometimes necessary.
When a person receives deliverance from the mind control, they are able to think clearly, some for the first time in their lives. In attacking mind control, come against the tentacles by asking the Lord to send angels to sever them. (See tentacles.)
occult
Occult means something not revealed, secret, or mysterious. Occult involvement gives legal grounds for demons to operate. Past and present occult participation has to be renounced in order to receive deliverance (Acts 19:18; see also legal grounds and renunciation).
Occult participation includes:
• Fortune-telling, palm reading, crystal ball gazing, card readings, tea leaves reading, handwriting analysis, occult games (i.e., Ouija, Dungeons & Dragons, etc.), ESP, telepathy, Kabbalah
• Horoscopes, clairvoyance, voodoo, pendulums, astrology (or anything that predicts your future or advises your life), readers, and advisers
• Magic practices and spiritism, mediums and séances, table tipping, levitation, necromancy, communicating with the dead or spirit guides, automatic handwriting, divining, water witching or dowsing with forked sticks or other objects for water, oil, minerals, etc.
• Psychic powers, hypnosis, self-hypnosis, auras, metaphysics, trances, visions, dreams, superstition
• Witchcraft, black magic, charms, good luck items, spells, fetishes, amulets, talismans, ankh, magic, horoscopes, incantations, potions, sorcery, curses
• Materialization or apport, ghosts, apparitions, poltergeists, healing through wart or burn charming; spiritualism, psychic, spirit or metaphysical healing; rod or pendulum diagnosis; acupuncture
oil (anointing)
Oil represents the anointing. The anointing destroys the yoke (Isa. 10:27). Demons, especially witchcraft and mind control spirits, hate oil. Oil is also effective in dealing with the third eye. (See eyes). Anointing the forehead, palms, and even the home (window sills, bed linens, etc.) is helpful in dealing with the evil spirits. The anointing of oil is also to be used in healing the sick (James 5:14). Satan understands the anointing because he was the anointed cherub (Ezek. 28:14–15).
anoint—from the Hebrew word mashach meaning to rub with oil. Anointing with oil and casting out demons work together.
passivity
Webster’s defines passivity as lacking in energy or will, lethargic; tending not to take an active or dominant part; not active or operating; inert. Passivity is dangerous because it opens the door for demons to enter and operate. We are to resist the devil (James 4:7). Religious spirits operate through passivity causing saints to receive any spirit, thinking it is the Holy Spirit because it sounds or feels religious. We are to try the spirits and prove all things (1 John 4:1; 1 Thess. 5:21).
• Passivity of body—abandoning the body to any spirit; allowing slothfulness, laziness and tiredness to control the body; not taking authority over the body
• Passivity of emotions—allowing moods to come and go without resistance; not taking authority over the soul; allowing depression, sadness, self-pity, etc. to dominate the emotions without resistance
• Passivity of mind—not taking control of thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5), daydreaming, fantasy, lack of concentration, using drugs and alcohol; allowing anything to enter the mind
• Passivity of will—not making active decisions; not acting on decisions made; allowing others to make all decisions; indecision; not exercising the will
perverse spirit (Isa. 19:14)
Perverse means to be distorted, false, crooked, to commit iniquity, pervert. Perversion is deviating from what is right. It does not have to be sex; it could be anything. If you drive down the street on the left side instead of the right, you would be perverting the driving laws of the United States. The spirit of perversion causes a person to err, get off track, deviate from what is right, become crooked, turn aside. Perversion in sexual character includes homosexuality, lesbianism, oral sex, anal sex, masturbation, incest, bestiality, and the like. In the natural that which is crooked cannot be made straight (Eccl. 1:15). However, by the power of God it can (Luke 3:5–6).
Other biblical references include a perverse way (Num. 22:32), a perverse generation (Matt. 17:17), a perverse woman (1 Sam. 20:30), perverse lips (Prov. 4:24), a perverse heart (Prov. 12:8), and a perverse gospel (Gal. 1:7).
pride
Inordinate self-esteem, exalted opinion of oneself, haughtiness, arrogance. Pride is manifested as the spirit of Leviathan (Job 41), the king over the children of pride (v. 34). Leviathan is a ruling spirit of pride that causes people to be stubborn and stiff-necked (v. 22). He is also responsible for hardness of heart (v. 24). Leviathan is known as the piercing serpent, crooked serpent, and dragon (Isa. 27:1). This spirit hates Psalm 74:14.
Other manifestations of pride include cursing and lying (Ps. 59:12); contention (Prov. 13:10); drunkenness (Isa. 28:3); wrath (Prov. 21:24); strife (Prov. 28:25); disobedience, rebellion, and stubbornness (Neh. 9:16, 29); arguing and disputing (1 Tim. 6:4; 2 Tim. 3:2); not seeking the Lord (Ps. 10:4).
psychic (psychic prayer)
Psychic spirits can be inherited, giving the person manifestations of ESP, telepathy, premonitions, and other psychic phenomena. These manifestations are demonic and are counterfeit works of the Holy Spirit. Persons with ancestors that were involved in the occult are more susceptible to these spirits.
Psychic prayers are soulish prayers enlisted by a person to pressure the spirit and mind of another person to come around to their desired way of thinking. People who confess and claim certain people for marriage partners and pray over them, can unknowingly operate in the realm of psychic prayer. This can affect the person prayed for, causing them to make decisions or act in a way that is not the will of God. It is also a form of witchcraft because God never intended that we be puppets or robots controlled by others. Prayers should always be directed to the Father in the name of Jesus and led by the Holy Spirit.
rebellion (1 Sam. 15:23)
Rebellion means to oppose or disobey one in authority or control. Rebellion is the gateway to the temple. Authority is for our protection. When a person rebels against lawful authority, he forsakes the protection God has given and is open for demonic attack. Stubbornness, being stiff-necked, pride, unteachableness, and self-will are all manifestations of rebellion. God hates rebellion and classifies it as witchcraft. Rebellious people usually have strong spirits of witchcraft.
• Absalom (2 Sam. 15)—represents pride, vanity, bitterness and rebellion. Absalom was bitter toward David. One of the Hebrew words for rebellion means bitter. There is a relationship between bitterness and rebellion.
• Korah (Num. 16)—represents rebellion and gainsaying (speaking against authority). Korah led a rebellion against Moses. The Bible refers to the rebellion of Korah (Jude 11).
• Cruel messenger (Prov. 17:11)—an evil angel sent against a rebellious person. An evil spirit vexed Saul because of his rebellion.
Rebellious people are demonized and need to renounce rebellion, submit to authority, and receive deliverance.
rebuke (Matt. 17:18)
Rebuke means to mock, to ridicule, to reprimand, to turn back or keep down; reproving evil spirits for what they say or do. Demonic spirits can be rebuked when they manifest violently with cursing, blasphemy, and lying.
religious spirits
There are many different manifestations of religious spirits. Everything that is religious is not necessarily of God. The following are ways to detect religious spirits:
• A vehicle for worship and grace becomes the object and focus of our attention and worship, i.e., baptism, the Lord’s Supper, spiritual gifts, certain liturgies and forms of worship, etc.
• Church writings and/or explanations of Scripture become as important (and gradually more important) than Scripture itself, whereas those who have written, studied, or understood them are in turn exalted
• Seeking after supernatural highs or experiences, believing that such are always of God
• Always operating on a soulish realm, mistaking it for the Spirit, and believing that anything emotionally charged with spiritual overtones is of God
• Being fearful of anything emotional and insisting that we keep our religion on a safe but elevated mental plane
• Making into law and insisting upon certain church rituals, rites, methods, practices, or formulas as the only way to dress, praise, confess, etc.
• Building doctrinal walls and elating positions and offices in the body of Christ, which leads to separation, pride, and exclusiveness
• Leadership becomes dominating and controlling, insisting on heavy (often unquestioned) submission because they are the ones who are to hear from the Lord.
References to religious spirits in Scripture:
• Matthew 15:9, 13–14; 22:29, 23:4–32—vain worship, blind leaders of the blind, tradition, error, ignorance of the Scripture and the power of God, heavy burdens, hypocrisy, love of position, religious titles, pride, obstruction, hindering others, unbelief, covetousness, swearing, unmerciful, unfaithful, unrighteous, blindness, extortion, excess, death, uncleanness, iniquity, self-righteousness, murder
• Mark 8:17—lack of perception, lack of understanding, hardness of heart
• Luke 16:15—self-righteousness
• John 10:12–13—wolf, hireling
• Acts 20:29—grievous wolves
• Romans 8:15—bondage
• 2 Corinthians 4:2; 11:4, 13—dishonesty craftiness, handling the Word of God deceitfully, another Jesus, another spirit, another gospel, false apostles, deceitful workers, angel of light
• Galatians 2:4; 3:1; 4:9–10—false brethren; witchcraft; turning again to the weak and beggarly elements; desiring to be in bondage; observing days, months, times, and years
• Ephesians 4:14—wind of doctrine, sleight of men, cunning craftiness
• Philippians 3:2–dogs, evil workers, the concision
• Colossians 2:8, 16—philosophy, vain deceit, tradition of men, judging in meat and drink, new moon, sabbath, worshipping angels, subject to ordinances (touch not, taste not, handle not), commandments, and doctrines of men
• 2 Thessalonians 2:7–12—mystery of iniquity, power, signs, lying wonders, deceivableness of unrighteousness, strong delusion, pleasure in unrighteousness
• 1 Timothy 1:6; 4:1; 6:5—vain jangling, seducing spirits, doctrines of devils, lies in hypocrisy, forbidding to marry, commanding to abstain from meats, perverse disputings, gain is godliness
• 2 Timothy 2:16; 3:5, 13—profane and vain babblings, form of godliness (but denying the power), ever learning, never coming to the truth, not enduring sound doctrine, itching ears, turning from the truth, turned to fables, seducers
• Titus 1:14; 3:9—Jewish fables, foolish questions, genealogies, contentions, strivings about the law, heresy
• Hebrews 5:11; 13:9—dull of hearing, divers and strange doctrines
• 2 Peter 2:1–18—false teachers, damnable heresies, pernicious ways, covetousness, feigned words, lust of uncleanness, despising government, presumption, self-will, riot, deception, adultery, beguiling unstable souls, love of money, swelling words of vanity, wantonness
• 1 John 2:22—liar, antichrist
• 2 John—transgressing, not abiding in the doctrine of Christ
• 3 John—love of preeminence, malicious words, casting the brethren out
• Revelation 2, 3—doctrine of Balaam, Jezebel, false prophetess, seduction, fornication, deeds of the Nicolaitanes, lukewarm
renunciation (2 Cor. 4:2)
To renounce means to give up, refuse or resign, usually by formal declaration; to refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further, to repudiate. Cults, the occult, certain relationships, habits, sins, and attitudes need to be renounced before deliverance. This removes the legal grounds that demons have to remain. (See legal grounds.) Ungodly soul ties need to be renounced and broken and the evil spirits cast out. (See soul ties.)
schizophrenia (double-mindedness)
This is a disturbance and disintegration of a personality. It is also known as double-mindedness, which causes instability in a person’s character and life (James 1:8). The demonic personalities of rejection (inward expression or manifestation) and rebellion (outward expression or manifestation) have taken over, causing a split personality. Schizophrenia begins with rejection, which in turn opens the door for rebellion. This pattern usually begins in childhood and can be inherited.
Spirits operating under rejection include lust, fantasy, perverseness, suicide, guilt, pride, vanity, loneliness, fears, attention seeking, inferiority, withdrawal, sensitivity, frustration, impatience, inordinate affection for animals, self-rejection, envy, despondence, despair, discouragement, hopelessness, unworthiness, and shame.
Spirits operating under rebellion include accusation, selfishness, pride, hatred, resentment, violence, disobedience, suspicion, distrust, persecution, self-will, stubbornness, bitterness, anger, unteachableness, control, witchcraft, possessiveness, unforgiveness, retaliation, self-deception, and inordinate affection for animals.
Through deliverance the schizophrenic can become a stable individual with the personality formed in the image of Christ.
self-deliverance (Luke 6:42)
Christians can and should be trained to minister deliverance to themselves after receiving deliverance from an experienced and mature deliverance minister. Every believer has authority over evil spirits, including the ones in his or her own life. Jesus tells us to cast the beam out of our own eye. The phrase cast out in Luke 6:42 is ekballō, which means to drive out or expel. It is the same Greek word used in reference to casting out devils (Mark 16:17). After a person has received deliverance at the hands of experienced workers, he can practice self-deliverance. Self-deliverance is experienced the same way that occurs when a person is ministered to by another. The only difference is that the person delivered is his own minister.
sickness (infirmity)
Sickness is an oppression of the devil (Acts 10:38). Jesus cast out spirits with His word and healed all that were sick (Matt. 8:16). Those that were vexed with unclean spirits were healed (Luke 6:18). There is a close relationship between deliverance and healing. Sometimes spirits of infirmity need to be cast out before a healing can take place. The reason some people are not healed is because the spirits are not dealt with. The spirit of destruction (Osmodeus) usually works with sickness and infirmity to destroy the body. The spirit of death usually enters with any long-term illness. Witchcraft can cause sickness and prevent healing (Nah. 3:4, 19). Spirits of arthritis, cancer, disease, infirmity, and sickness all work in this category. Curses of sickness and infirmity need to be broken in some cases and the spirits cast out. (See curses.)
soul ties
A bond between two individuals. The souls (mind, will, emotions) of individuals knit or joined together. A bond, a joining together of souls for good or evil. There are godly and ungodly soul ties.
spirit
The word spirit is taken from the Hebrew word ruwach and the Greek word pneuma, both meaning wind, breath, air. Spirits are associated with breathing. Most unclean spirits leave through the mouth and nose. Breathing exercises practiced in yoga, meditation, and martial arts can open the door for demons because of this relationship between breathing and spirit. Evil spirits are exhaled during deliverance.
strongman (Matt. 12:29)
The ruling spirit over a group of demons in an individual, family, church, city, or nation. We must first bind the strongman (Matt. 12:29). The strongman can be any spirit (pride, anger, sickness, etc.). The strongman considers the person’s body to be his home. Usually the strongman will send up the lower-ranking spirits first to do battle before he is encountered and cast out.
tentacles
These are slender, flexible appendages in some invertebrates, used for feeling or grasping. Tentacles are found in creatures such as the octopus and the squid. Mind-control spirits resemble these creatures in the spirit realm and also have tentacles for feeling and grasping. In spiritual warfare these tentacles need to be severed from the minds of those affected by mind control. This breaks mind control’s power and speeds the deliverance (Ps. 58:7; 107:1; 129:4). The spirit of octopus (mind control) has eight tentacles while some mind-control spirits have ten tentacles, resembling the squid. (See mind control).
tongues
This is a manifestation of being filled with the Holy Spirit and is also a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Tongues provide rest and refreshing for the workers while engaging in spiritual warfare (Isa. 28:11–12). This is important due to the spiritual drain of the deliverance ministry. Speaking in tongues during deliverance sessions also irritates and weakens demon spirits. Jesus cast out demon spirits by the Holy Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit and tongues we too can drive out evil spirits. Praying in tongues also keeps us built up and edified that we may be strong in the Lord and the power of His might (1 Cor. 14:4; Jude 20; Eph. 6:10–12).
There is also a demon spirit named false tongues that counterfeits the genuine manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
transference
This means to convey from one person, place, or situation to another; to cause to pass from one to another. Spirits can be transferred from one individual to another through the bloodline (inheritance), by association (soul ties), through laying on of hands, and even without physical contact (i.e., psychic prayers, witchcraft, curses). Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (2 Kings 2:15), and Moses transferred the spirit of wisdom to Joshua through the laying on of hands (Deut. 34:9). False teachers can transfer another spirit to believers through their teachings (2 Cor. 11:4). Absalom transferred his rebellious spirit to Israel through seduction (2 Sam. 15).
When ministering deliverance, it is sometimes necessary to bind any transfer of spirits between the workers and those being prayed for. Demons in one person can give strength to demons in another through transference. Sometimes demons can transfer without two people touching. In this case, ask the Lord to send angels to seal off any transfer.
unclean spirits (foul spirits)
Unclean spirits like foul, odious, offensive, reeking and destructive conditions to dwell in, and noxious odors to sniff. Unclean spirits are uncomfortable living in clean bodies and homes. A person who has an unclean spirit dwelling in them may be compelled by their own human spirit to clean themselves up by taking several showers or constantly washing their hands. Sometimes unclean spirits will leave voluntarily when a person attempts to clean himself. They will leave the place empty, swept, and garnished, but they will return with seven more wicked (Matt. 12:43–45). Unclean creatures that are (symbolically) types of demons include: the vulture, raven, owl, cormorant, bat, weasel, mouse, lizard, snail, swine, hawk, kite, ostrich, dragons (jackals), satyr (he goat, faun, devil), and frogs (Lev. 11; Isa. 13:21; Rev. 16:13; 18:2). Waste places are the habitation of these creatures (Isa. 13:19–22).
vagabond (wanderer)
From Hebrew word nuwd meaning to wander up and down, a fugitive. The first person to be identified as a vagabond in the Bible is Cain (Gen. 4:12). He became a vagabond as the result of murder.
vexed (Luke 6:18)
Vexed, translated from the Greek word ochleō, means to mob, harass, or vex. A mob is a large disorderly crowd bent on riotous or destructive action.
vomit
Webster’s defines this as uncleanness, filthiness; to spew forth, to eject violently or abundantly. This can mean returning to old sins and demonic influence (2 Pet. 2:22). Sometimes in deliverance the person will eject violently (vomit) the uncleanness when demons are cast out. The land of Canaan vomited out the inhabitants (types of evil spirits) (Lev. 18:28; 20:22).
whoredoms
Spirits of lust and fornication are related to idolatry (spiritual adultery). The spirit of whoredoms works with Jezebel (2 Kings 9:22) and causes people to err (Hosea 5:4). This spirit also works with witchcraft (Nah. 3:4). This is the spirit that Israel brought from Egypt causing them to commit idolatry and fornication (Ezek. 23:3–8). The spirit of whoredoms takes away the heart, resulting in an inability to love the Lord (Hosea 4:11). The spirit of whoredoms operates through the curse of whoredoms and opens the door for spirits of lust, prostitution, adultery, and fornication to operate.
witchcraft (Gal. 3:1)
One person or group of persons controlling or dominating the soul of another by a power other than the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit never seeks to control or dominate us in any way. There are many forms of witchcraft, but the common denominator is the same—control. Saints can and do come under the power of witchcraft when they allow themselves to be controlled by false teachers, pastors, or other saints. Many pastors use mind control and manipulation and operate as lords of God’s heritage (1 Pet. 5:3). A husband dominating his wife, a wife controlling her husband, pastors dominating the flock, and organizations and cults dominating and controlling the souls of people can all be forms of witchcraft. People who have been controlled and dominated by others need deliverance from witchcraft spirits. People who have controlling and dominating spirits also need to repent and receive deliverance. As long as believers walk in holiness and stay under the protection of the blood of Jesus, they need not fear witchcraft.
wounded spirit (Prov. 18:14)
The word wounded (from the Hebrew word, naka’) means smitten, afflicted, broken, stricken, wounded. Individuals with wounded spirits need deliverance from spirits of hurt, deep hurt, rejection, sadness, grief, etc. A person can receive a wounded spirit through bad relationships, divorce, tragedies, rape, molestation, words, failure (i.e., an emotional wound that will not heal—Jer. 15:18). An outcast—a person who has been rejected (Jer. 30:17)—causes much grief and hurt (Jer. 10:19). Deliverance is the key (Ps. 109:21–22).