Self Deliverance 101

In the Bible we see that deliverance from demonic powers happens through the name of Jesus, the blood of Jesus, the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. These mighty weapons are available to all believers (Rev 12:1).

Now, I want to make a disclaimer that there isn’t a precedent in Scripture we don’t actually see this particular act of “self-deliverance” happening without the help of others.

Now, this does not mean that I don’t believe it can happen, as I have heard many testimonies regarding it. I would say that the idea of self deliverance is more extra-biblical rather than anti-biblical. With all of that, if today you need deliverance or perhaps just additional help and don’t know where you can start, here are a few things to consider.

10 Things That Help With Self-Deliverance

1. Recognize that there is a demonic activity or an open door.

I believe that one of the first steps to finding freedom is recognizing that the problem exists in the first place.

If you don’t think you have a demon then typically you won’t be looking for deliverance and I don’t believe that deliverance is something that God forces on people. In fact, that would explain why Jesus  didn’t deliver Judas and why Peter didn’t deliver Ananias and Sapphira. You have to be willing to recognize you have an issue and desire God to set you free from it.

2. Repent of any known sins.

Repentance is about confessing your faith in Christ, confessing any known sins, and closing any open door to sin. Repentance closes those doors. It disconnects you from the demonic world and it washes those sins through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Renounce anything that the Lord brings to mind and choose to turn from it.

3. Renounce all contact with the devil and the occult.

According to 2 Corinthians 4:2, we are called to renounce all the hidden things of shame. In essence, another important step to self-deliverance is to renounce any contracts made with false religions or in the occult. Renounce any soul ties that you have had with somebody in a false religion like a priest, guru, or someone that you may have had sexual intercourse with. As well as anyone that introduced you to the demonic.

4. Remove any demonic objects.

Another thing to address is any demonic objects. This could be anything used to consult the occult. For example, trying to read the future through the stars, horoscopes, ouija boards, dream catchers, charms etc. All of which are forbidden in God’s Word. Take some time to remove these things from your possession and your life.

5. Relinquish unforgiveness and bitterness.

A lot of people do not experience deliverance  because of unforgiveness.

You must release and relinquish your need to punish them, be the judge, the jury, and the executioner. If you relinquish that and you put them into God’s hands, you’re saying, “Lord, I forgive them for what they did, not because it’s fair, but  because I care more about being free than about it being fair.”

So many people get to this part, and immediately begin to experience freedom because it’s a powerful act.

6. Release yourself in the name of Jesus.

Make a simple prayer and release yourself from that unclean spirit in Jesus name.

7. Resist the devil who will seek to gain control again.

James 4:7 it says to resist the devil and he will flee. As you get to this step, you may feel something leave you. You may cough it out, yell it out, vomit it out.

However, it’s important to note that sometimes people don’t experience physical manifestations as a demon leaves. Instead, people often take a deep breath in and out and feel a sense of lightness and relief.

8. Replace whatever the Lord has delivered you from with God’s Word.

If God delivered you from demonic things, your goal isn’t just to remove bad stuff. Instead, God wants to replace it. 

The goal isn’t just to have an empty boring life. The goal is now to live a life full for Jesus and fully living in revival for the Lord. Take some time to make new godly friendships, develop new habits, and fill yourself with God’s word, sermons, or podcasts that can strengthen your faith.

9. Renew your mind in your new identity in Christ.

John 8:32 says, that knowing the truth brings freedom. God’s truth, the name of Jesus, by the power of the  Holy Spirit, gets the demons out. The truth of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit breaks down the strongholds built in the mind.

You can be totally free, forgive other people and experience release from whatever spirits that were tormenting your life but if you don’t actively engage in discipleship and renewing your mind by reading the scriptures regularly and applying them, you might experience the same suffering–not because you’re not free but because you’re mentally bound. 

10. Remain rooted in a local church and a small group.

You are new generation. You are a royal priesthood. You are His holy people.

When people experience deliverance but they don’t get grounded in the church, they may not end up walking the full life of victory and dominion that God intended for them to discover through the fellowship and discipleship that happens in the local church.

I pray this helps as you seek the Lord for your freedom.

Read: Deliverance–How to Cleanse Your Temple