Demonic deliverance is an important topic in the Christian life. However, there are differing views on how much emphasis it should receive. On one end of the spectrum are those who see demons behind every problem and overemphasize deliverance ministry. On the other end are those who rarely mention demons or deliverance. As with most issues, a balanced approach is best.
What the Bible Says About Demons and Deliverance
The Bible affirms the reality of demons and spiritual warfare. It portrays Jesus and the apostles as regularly confronting demonic spirits and setting people free (Matthew 4:24, 8:16, 10:1; Mark 1:34, 16:17; Luke 4:41, 13:32; Acts 5:16, 8:7, 16:16-18; Ephesians 6:12). Scripture also instructs believers to resist the devil (James 4:7), be alert, stand firm in the faith, and put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Clearly, demonic activity is real and believers need to take it seriously.
However, the Bible does not present deliverance from demons as the central focus of the gospel message. Jesus proclaimed the arrival of the kingdom of God and the importance of faith, repentance, love, forgiveness, and seeking after righteousness (Matthew 4:17, 5-7; John 3:16-17). The epistles extensively discuss doctrinal truths, spiritual growth, godly living, and ministry practice. Deliverance is a component, but not the totality, of the biblical message.
Dangers of Overemphasizing Demonic Deliverance
While demons are real, overemphasizing their influence can lead to unhealthy extremes. When Christians blame every sin, character flaw, emotional issue, and personal problem on demons, it can distort their view of the causes of sin and human responsibility. It also shifts focus away from growth in godliness and places unhealthy attention on the demonic realm.
Overzealous deliverance practices can lead to bizarre manifestations and an unbiblical excessive obsession with the demonic. Some deliverance techniques involving shouting at demons, laying hands violently on a person, or conversing with the spirit realm are not modeled in Scripture. Focusing too much on demonic influence can breed fear, anxiety, and unnecessary spiritual warfare.
If all problems are attributed to demons, it can downplay the complex inner workings of the human heart and diminish personal responsibility for growth in holiness. The biblical solution to sin and impurity is growth in Christ-like character through the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, which comes through means like Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and denying the flesh (Galatians 5:16-24; Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8-9; Hebrews 12:14).
Dangers of Underemphasizing Demonic Deliverance
While avoiding unhealthy extremes, the church must still take the demonic realm seriously. Some churches seldom mention demons, deliverance, or spiritual warfare. But dismissing or ignoring this biblical reality leaves believers ill-equipped for the spiritual battles they face (Ephesians 6:10-12). Failing to understand the demonic realm and not learning to resist it through spiritual warfare weapons, exposes Christians to enemy attacks.
If believers with genuine demonic oppression cannot find help in the church, they will search for deliverance through unhealthy means. Secular society recognizes spiritual darkness and the demonic through popular books, movies, and ghost-hunting adventures. But the church should be the place where people find truth, deliverance, and spiritual authority over the demonic realm through Christ.
When the church is silent about the dark spiritual forces Christ has triumphed over (Colossians 2:15), it projects weakness rather than the power of the risen Savior. It risks capitulating territory to the enemy that Jesus has already conquered and granted to his church (Luke 10:17-19).
A Balanced, Biblical Approach
The balanced biblical approach takes evil spirits seriously while also keeping focus on spiritual growth and not overemphasizing demons. Believers must remember that the Holy Spirit within is greater than the defeated spirits of darkness (1 John 4:4). Yet this confidence is coupled with being watchful, resisting enemy schemes, and wearing God’s armor through spiritual resources like truth, righteousness, prayer, and the Word (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Deliverance has a valid, biblical place in ministry, but should not dominate it. When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, he gave them authority over unclean spirits (Matthew 10:1). But he also commanded them to preach the kingdom of God. Likewise, the Great Commission calls us to make disciples of Christ, which includes teaching them to obey all of Christ’s commands (Matthew 28:19-20). Deliverance is one component of the Christian message, but not the entirety.
Churches need to make biblical spiritual warfare training available. But even more importantly, they must help believers find identity, purpose, and victory in Christ; train them to reject lies with God’s truth; model placing faith in God’s sovereign power over any spirit; teach denial of sinful desires through the Spirit’s strength; and encourage growth in Christ’s character through Bible study, prayer, fellowship, worship, and serving God. Our primary identity and focus must be on Christ and living in the blessing of who we are in him (Ephesians 1:3-14).
In life’s spiritual battles, believers have hope and victory through Christ’s triumph over the powers of darkness at the cross (Colossians 2:13-15). The church best fulfills its mission not by obsessing over demons, but by affirming the superior authority, love, and truth of Jesus Christ. He is our deliverer who sets people free (John 8:31-36; Romans 8:1-2). Keeping balanced focus on Christ gives demonic deliverance its proper biblical place in the context of Christian discipleship and ministry.