The Christian Doesn’t Need Deliverance

The Christian Doesn’t

Need Deliverance…

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”

(Matthew 6:13).

     The word “evil” used above is the Greek noun “poneros,” which actually means “the evil one.” Some translations such as the Amplified Bible and the New International Version actually read, “deliver us from the evil one.” Thus, the Lord Jesus, in Matthew 6:13, while giving His disciples a model for praying, was talking about the one who’s responsible for evil, not necessarily an evil act, and we know who that is—the devil.

           Therefore for anyone to pray, “O Lord, deliver us from evil,” suggests that we’re still subject to the devil, and that’s inconsistent with the truth of God’s Word in the New Testament. As Christians, we don’t need deliverance from Satan, for we’ve already been delivered: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Colossians 1:12-13). The new creation is therefore superior to Satan.

           Jesus taught His disciples this model of prayer because at the time, the evil one still had power over them and God was their succour. They therefore had to pray to Him to deliver them from the evil one. But today, to the believing ones, Jesus said, “These signs shall follow them that believe: in My Name shall they cast out devils…” (Mark 16:17). To be able to cast out devils surely means you have authority over them.

         After the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, there’s no place in the Bible that suggests that we should pray about the devil or ask God’s help against him. Satan and his demons are under your feet; they’re no match for the authority you have in Christ Jesus; they’re not a factor. All you have to do is resist the devil, and he’ll flee from you terrified (James 4:7).

Confession

Dear Father,

I thank you the authority you’ve given me over Satan, to cast him out, and exercise dominion over all the powers of the enemy. Thank you for the life of victory you’ve given me in Christ and your glory which is manifested in me today,

in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Colossians 1:13; Luke 10:18-19

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1 Year Bible reading plan: Luke 12:22-38; Judges 9
2 Year Bible reading plan: Mark 1:14-28; Leviticus 10