The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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4. Do not be distracted by exhibitionist or mining spirits, nor be deceived by lying, boasting,
mocking, threatening or bargaining spirits. These should be ignored or silenced. “Be quiet!” said
Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” (Mk. 1:25).
5. The exercise of forceful physical restraint may easily provoke a physical reaction. Lack of a
proper relationship with the Lord on the part of those ministering may also produce this response
(Acts 19:16).
6. There is always a danger of those ministering that they are operating on the basis of a
technique, when only the operation of God’s Spirit will be effective.
7. The suggestion from an affiliated person that the cause of his problem is a demon is not
sufficient grounds in itself for initiating
8. Beware of those Christians who are persistently avoiding taking responsibility for their own
lives and seek deliverance from demons as an escape. Such people waste precious ministry time.
Sooner or later they have to make decisions for themselves if they are to be healed. 54
Preparation
In no ministry is spiritual preparation more important than in this most difficult ministry. The
following are essential:
1. A right relationship with the Lord is paramount (Jn. 15:4).
2. Prayer and “The Lord’s Prayer” is especially relevant.
3. Fasting. This may not always be necessary, but there are some kinds of spiritual afflictions
for which it is helpful (Mk. 9:29).
4. Scriptures which recount Jesus’ victory on the cross, the defeat of Satan, and the authority
which Christ gives to his disciples should be meditated upon (Mk. 16:15-20; Lk. 11:21-22;
Rom. 8; I Cor. 2:14; II Cor. 10:3-5; Col. 2:15; Rev. 18, etc.).
5. All known sin must be confessed and cleansed (I Jn. 1:7,9).
6. The whole armor of God should be put on (Eph. 6:10-18 ).55