(Clip) Curses, Witchcraft and Demon Possession
Zac Poonen teaches that through Christ's victory on the cross, believers are protected from curses, witchcraft, and demon possession, and encourages bold spiritual resistance by speaking out in faith.
This sermon delves into the topics of curses, witchcraft, and demon possession, emphasizing that as believers in Christ, we are protected from curses and attacks of the enemy. It highlights the power of speaking against Satan and declaring the victory of Jesus on the cross over demonic forces. The importance of maintaining a clear conscience and faith in Christ's authority to overcome evil is emphasized, along with the need to speak boldly against the schemes of the devil.
Full Transcript
Curse, witchcraft and demon possession. Galatians 3.13 says that Christ became a curse for us, so there is no curse for us anymore. So there is no curse for us anymore.
A true child of God can never be cursed. If the whole world tries to curse me, it won't touch me. No witchcraft can touch me, unless I myself go and open myself to the devil and to darkness.
But if I keep my conscience clear, no witchcraft, no curse can ever touch me. It cannot touch my family. It cannot touch my house.
It cannot touch my property. Because there are fences around me and my family and my house. I must believe that.
But the devil fools us. He says, no, no, no, I can attack you. You got to say to Satan, you are a liar.
If any of you are being oppressed by Satan like that, here is what you should do. Tell the devil, Satan, you were defeated on the cross by my Lord Jesus Christ. You must speak it with your mouth.
The devil cannot hear your thoughts. You know, Jesus could not cast out the devil by thinking in his mind. He had to speak, then only the demon left.
So, if you think in your thoughts, the devil cannot hear you. Speak to him. And say, in Jesus' name, I resist you.
You were defeated on the cross by my Lord Jesus Christ. Christ lives in me. And I can overcome you.
Because Christ lives in me. The one who lives in me is greater than you. You know, just like we can speak to God, we can speak to Satan.
And the more you speak to Satan, the more bold you will be against Satan. So, you must learn to speak back to Satan when he tries to make you discouraged and fearful. Some of you have never spoken to Satan in your life.
Revelation 12.11 says, we overcome by the word of our testimony to Satan. We must give our testimony to Satan. That means, Satan, you are defeated on the cross and I belong to Jesus Christ.
There are many people in the world who are possessed by demons. That is different from mental madness. Mental madness is a sickness.
That can be cured with tablets. But demon possession, the demon must be cast out in the name of Jesus Christ. And if your life is clean and you have faith, you can cast out demons.
But if you are not sure about it, don't do it. Ask somebody who has faith for it to do it.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Christ became a curse for us so we are no longer under any curse
- True children of God cannot be cursed or touched by witchcraft
- Protection comes from keeping a clear conscience and faith
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II
- The devil tries to deceive us into fear and discouragement
- We must boldly resist Satan by speaking out loud in Jesus' name
- Spiritual victory requires verbal declaration, not just thoughts
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III
- Overcoming Satan involves giving our testimony of Christ's victory
- Demon possession is distinct from mental illness and requires casting out
- Faith and a clean life enable believers to cast out demons
Key Quotes
“A true child of God can never be cursed. If the whole world tries to curse me, it won't touch me.” — Zac Poonen
“Tell the devil, Satan, you were defeated on the cross by my Lord Jesus Christ.” — Zac Poonen
“Revelation 12.11 says, we overcome by the word of our testimony to Satan.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Speak out loud in faith against any spiritual attacks, declaring Jesus' victory.
- Maintain a clear conscience and a clean life to protect yourself from demonic influence.
- If unsure about casting out demons, seek help from a mature believer with faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a true child of God be cursed?
No, Zac Poonen explains that a true child of God cannot be cursed because Christ has redeemed us from the curse.
How can we resist the devil according to the sermon?
We must speak out loud to Satan, declaring Jesus' victory and resisting him boldly in faith.
What is the difference between demon possession and mental illness?
Demon possession is a spiritual condition that requires casting out in Jesus' name, while mental illness is a sickness treatable with medicine.
Is it safe for any believer to cast out demons?
Believers with faith and a clean life can cast out demons, but those unsure should ask a mature believer to help.
Why must we speak to Satan and not just think resistance?
Because the devil cannot hear our thoughts; Jesus cast out demons by speaking, so we must also speak to resist.