TBR Bible Study -- Matthew 10

It's true it never gets any press or mainstream attention, but it does still happen. You just have to know where to look.

As far as how to conduct an exorcism, the key is that it's still Jesus casting out demons (or at least His authority). Bob Larson has a decent book out about his experiences called Larson's Book of Spiritual Warfare. He had some interesting insights as to how demons gain and hold possession of people.


The basic idea I got from a close friend and pastor of mine is to remember two things:

1. We can't do anything on our own -- we rely fully upon the authority of Christ.
2. We are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, and our new identity in Christ can be used in Spiritual warfare.

After that, from what I can tell so far it's a battle of wills. Factors can include the power of the entity, the claim it has on the victim, the spiritual condition of the exorcist, and the willingness of the victim to repent and be saved.

It's definitely a nasty business. I've talked to several people over the years who say that exorcism seems to be a gifting for some people. They seem to have more success than others, and because they do, they seem to be presented with more opportunities to use that particular gift. I have a hunch it might tie into the Spiritual gift of discernment, but I'm not sure. But those same people also say it's a curse. Once one engages with the enemy, they seem to make an effort to harass you. And the conflict goes on and on...

 

It just makes you wonder about people who are demon possessed and what hope they have. There are not many Christians who will attempt an exorcism.

I do think though that even someone who is demon possessed can repent and be saved if the Holy Spirit draws them to it. In fact I think that many people have demons cast out automatically upon accepting Christ. I have heard some people give testimony and although they did not say they knew demons left them it sounds like it might have been the case.

 

True, and they shouldn't if they're not fully prepared. Spiritual warfare is serious business.

Absolutely. In most exorcisms I've studied, that's actually part of the process.

I could easily see that happening. Like I mentioned earlier, demons and the Holy Spirit cannot occupy the same space. Spiritually speaking, they're polar opposites.

 

How does one become prepared to do and exorcism? Not that I plan on ever trying to do one, I am just curious. I have never really heard of any formal training program that people can go to for this.

 

Outside of the Catholic church, I'm not sure there's much out there. I did a quick search on Moody Bible Institute where I learned how to preach and found a little blurb on Spiritual warfare, but nothing definitive. A google search came up with some interesting results of independent ministries and a few churches offering that type of training, but nothing I would call established or formal like the Catholics have.

 

It seems like there would be a lot of opportunity for good if it were possible to identify people who are possesed and do exorcisms on them. I would imagine that the satan uses people who are demon possessed as key parts of his plans.

 

Agreed. I think the biggest hindrance to this particular ministry is public perception.

 

This is a classic thread. HoF

 

Agreed, didn't someone say that the devils greatest trick was to convince us that he did not exist?

 

What if it was the devil who said that?

What if the devil is fooling you into thinking he is trying to make you think he does not exist, so that you will think he does exist, when he actually does not exist? That would be devilish.