Freedom from Demon Bondage

Demon bondage can be brought about when an individual is possessed, oppressed, or is in rebellion towards God. It takes God's discernment to determine which of these is producing the bondage in an individual's life.

The Bible makes it clear that there are demons, or evil spirits, in the world that interfere in people's lives (Ephesians 6:11-19). Evil forces, or powers, influence and control the minds of individuals, bring sickness, and cause undesirable behavior, inability to function normally, and even suicide. As a result of these forces, people can become a danger to themselves as well as others.

What Scripture Says

Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 18:10-13).

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).

When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water (Matthew 8:28, 32).

Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed (Acts 5:16).

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).

Indications of Demon Activity

The following areas may help you to recognize your need for being released from demonic oppression, possession or bondages of the flesh (sin):

1. Compulsion to abuse animals or people
2. Sexual perversion and immorality (homosexuality, molestation, etc.)
3. A compulsion to abuse your body (drugs, alcohol, gluttony, abuse, or misuse of other substances, etc.)
4. Seeking spiritual knowledge through Eastern religions and other counterfeit religious groups
5. Involvement in occult practices (fortune-telling, Satanism, etc.)
6. Mental distress or oppression (anxiety, fear, disorientation, anger, etc.)
7. Psychological disorders (split and multiple personalities, paranoia, etc.)
8. Physical disorders may be demon caused (Matthew 9:32-33)
9. Lack of freedom or joy in the Lord (spiritual bondage)
10. Inability or constant refusal to repent of sin, though you know you are sinning (rebellion).

If you are having difficulty in discerning your problem, please seek help from a local pastor, elder or Christian counselors who will help you to discern your need and can counsel and pray with you.

What Is God's Answer?

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

This prophecy concerning the Messiah was fulfilled in Christ, and the authority noted herein has been passed on to Christians (see Mark 16:17).

Jesus came to free those under demon bondage. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:13). The term "saved" or "salvation" includes your spiritual, physical, and mental health.

You need to pray sincerely to the Lord that He will forgive your sin, cleanse you, be your Saviour and Lord and baptize (fill) you with the Holy Spirit (see 1 John 1:8-9; John 1:12; Luke 11:13; Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit will give you the power to overcome demon bondage, activity, and influence. You will be free. You can experience an abundant, full, meaningful life with the joy and purpose God desires for you (John 10:10).

If you can't pray in victory, first, you need to be sure your problem is not a fleshly, willful one on your part. Take a bold, fearless inventory of yourself. You must choose whom you will serve; self and fleshly desires, Satan, or God? Repent of all sinful desires. Renounce sin and sinfulness and its ingrained habits. Commit yourself to Christ with determination and resolve. After you have repented and asked for forgiveness, accept God's assurance that you are a child of God and have been forgiven.

How You Can Stay Free

You cannot reckon an evil spirit dead nor crucify an evil spirit. Neither can you cast out the flesh. You must crucify the flesh (see Galatians 2:20) and its desires and cast out evil spirits (see James 4:7). When demons or evil spirits are cast out, you need something to replace them, lest they return (see Matthew 12:43-45).

You can be assured of victory over demons if you have received Jesus as Saviour and Lord (see John 1:12), and have received the baptism with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit guides you into truth, empowers you, and intercedes for you. He also gives you spiritual gifts, such as discerning of spirits, for your welfare and that of others (see 1 Corinthians 12; Mark 16:9-20).

As you receive God's nature, the traits of your fleshly nature (such as irresponsible behavior, pride, and lack of love) will be replaced by the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23).

Scripture is quoted from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.