Why Deliverance Sometimes Fails: Why does deliverance sometimes fail? This is, in essence, the same question raised by Jesus first disciples. When these disciples were unable to cast out a spirit of epilepsy, they were puzzled and asked Jesus the reason for their failure.
Jesus gave a multi-part answer which leads us to take into account the petitioners faith, the deliverance ministers capability, the spiritual qualifications that must be met, the strength of the spirit confronted and the strategy of warfare employed.
Obstacles to Deliverance: In particular, there are myths, misunderstandings and misinformation concerning the ministry of deliverance. The first battleground is in the minds of men, where Satan has sown questions, doubts and fears that become hindrances to involvement in this valid, biblical ministry.
Those who want an answer should be given an answer. Ignorance, prejudice and fear are hurdles that some sincere Christians must get over before they are willing to become involved in spiritual warfare. Before one can bring himself to obedience to deal with the devil and demons, certain obstacles must be overcome in ones mind.
Table of Contents
Part 1: Why Deliverance Sometimes Fails
Lack of Faith
Lack of Spiritual Discipline
Varying Strength of Demons
Conditions Not Met
Passivity
Unteachable
Control
Self Deception
Not Understanding How Satans Kingdom Functions
Failure to Seek the Lords Battle Plan
Lack of Knowledge Concerning Deliverance
Learning from our Failures
Part 2: Obstacles to Deliverance
Obstacle 1: Fear and Terror at the Mention of Demons, the Devil or Deliverance
Obstacle 2: Unbelief: There is No Such Thing as the Devil or Demons
Obstacle 3: Demons are Real, But Too Powerful for Us to Confront
Obstacle 4: Deliverance is Valid; However, it Should be Left to the Experts
Obstacle 5: Christians Cannot Have Demons
Obstacle 6: Demons Have no Activity in Civilized Countries
Obstacle 7: Demons Will Come Back Seven Times Worse
Obstacle 8: Deliverance Must Never be Done in Public
Obstacle 9: Deliverance is Just a Matter of Faith
Obstacle 10: Deliverance Must be With (or Without) Manifestations
Obstacle 11: Demonology and Deliverance Glorify the Devil, We Should Keep our Minds on Jesus
Obstacle 12: Those Who Get Involved in Deliverance Suffer Personal Attacks from the Devil
Obstacle 13: Jesus Did It All For Us We Dont Need to Fight
Conclusion
About the Author
Frank Hammond was a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with over forty years experience as a pastor and teacher in the Body of Christ. He has authored numerous books, DDs and compact discs on spiritual warfare and family relationships, with translations in several languages. He and his wife, Ida Mae, started in the deliverance ministry in 1968 and had an international ministry.