All Believers Have Authority to Cast Out Demons

I recently announced the release of a deliverance training manual called How to Minister Deliverance. One of the things that I emphasized in the manual is that deliverance is not meant for a small, elite few. While not all believers will emphasize deliverance to the same degree, the truth is that all believers have authority to cast out demons.

Jesus never limited deliverance to Himself. He was always equipping others to cast out demons (along with preaching the gospel and healing the sick). First, He trained and sent the twelve apostles but then He sent out a larger group (see Mark 6:7-13, Luke 10:1-20). Finally, He gave the commission to the whole church: “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons.” (Mark 16:17)

What Gives Believers Authority Over Demons?

Chapter Two in How to Minister Deliverance is called Understanding Your Authority in Christ. Here is an excerpt that describes where our authority to cast out demons derives from:

It is important that we internalize and fully grasp the authority that Jesus has given us. We don’t want to simply understand it and give assent to it in our minds. We want to know it and have it deeply engrained in our hearts.

Demons want us to be afraid of them so that we will feel intimidated at the prospect of ministering deliverance to others. But the truth is, we do not need to be afraid of evil spirits. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Consider the following passage, which comes in the context of some of Jesus’ followers who returned to Jesus after successfully preaching the gospel and casting out demons.

Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20)

This passage reveals the truth about our spiritual authority in Christ: In the name of Jesus demons are subject to us! While Jesus reminded His followers to take more joy in the fact that their names were registered in Heaven, He also confirmed their position of spiritual authority over demons.

We do not need to be afraid to learn about deliverance, receive deliverance, or cast evil spirits out of others. We should not be arrogant about our authority over demons, but we must embrace it and walk in it with confidence and boldness. Evil spirits want you to be afraid of them, but the truth is that they are terrified of Christ in you!

So, don’t let fear of the enemy keep you from stepping out. Don’t be intimidated by evil spirits or afraid of the topic of deliverance. Use wisdom, walk in humility, and exercise discernment; but do not allow fear to paralyze you or keep you from bringing freedom to others.

Remember, our authority to cast out demons is based upon:
• Being in Christ – we are in Christ and He is in us.
• The promises of God’s Word – we have authority over evil spirits because God says that we do.
• The name of Jesus – He has given us the right to exercise authority in His name.

Step Out in Your Authority in Christ

You don’t have to be a pastor or other church leader to cast out demons or minister deliverance to those in need. Some might be called to deliverance in a stronger way than others; not all Christians will have the same emphasis. But all believers have authority to cast out demons. If you are a believer in Jesus, you are qualified.

I encourage you to allow God’s Word to renew your mind so that you can stand in a position of authority in Christ. As you come across those who are oppressed by demonic influence, step out in faith and boldness, trusting that the Holy Spirit will anoint you and lead you. Learn and grow so that you can be more equipped and empowered to exercise the authority that Jesus has given you to set captives free!

Click below to purchase your copy:

God is restoring deliverance to the church, but many believers feel intimidated or ill-equipped to cast out demons. Perhaps the only examples they have seen use bizarre, unbiblical, or unhelpful methods. How to Minister Deliverance is a training manual that will help equip and empower you to step into the ministry of deliverance. This manual is not just for church leaders—it is for any believer who wants to begin or grow in ministering deliverance. Make sure to get your copy!