How to exercise authority over demons?
How can we exercise the authority to "drive out demons" in our lives today?

Reading the Key Text

“...and to have authority to drive out demons.” (Mark 3:15)


The Source of Our Authority

• Jesus Himself delegates the authority (Mark 3:14-15; Matthew 10:1).

• His name is the legal right: “In My name they will drive out demons” (Mark 16:17).

• Authority is confirmed for every believer, not just the Twelve (Luke 10:17-19; Acts 16:18).


Preparing the Vessel

• New birth and obedience—authority flows from a surrendered life (John 1:12; James 4:7).

• Holiness and repentance close doors the enemy exploits (Ephesians 4:27).

• Filling with the Spirit keeps us under divine control (Ephesians 5:18).

• Knowledge of the Word equips us to recognize lies (Matthew 4:4; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).


Putting On the Armor Daily (Ephesians 6:10-18)

• Belt of truth—stay honest before God and people.

• Breastplate of righteousness—walk in integrity.

• Gospel shoes—be ready to speak Christ’s victory.

• Shield of faith—extinguish fiery darts of accusation.

• Helmet of salvation—guard thoughts with redemption realities.

• Sword of the Spirit—declare Scripture aloud.

• Prayer—constant communication with Headquarters.


Practical Steps When Confronting Demonic Influence

1. Discern the presence of an unclean spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10).

2. Ensure the person desires freedom; demons are not expelled against a person’s will.

3. Stand on Christ’s finished work (Colossians 2:15).

4. Command, don’t beg: “In the name of Jesus Christ, come out” (Acts 16:18).

5. Persist until freedom is evident; some cases require fasting (Mark 9:29).

6. Maintain order—no theatrics; focus on Jesus’ authority (Luke 10:20).

7. Avoid presumption—imitating without relationship leads to defeat (Acts 19:13-16).


Essential Spiritual Habits That Sustain Authority

• Regular Scripture intake—faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17).

• Consistent prayer and fasting—sharpens sensitivity (Matthew 6:16-18).

• Worship—enthrones Christ and dislodges darkness (Psalm 22:3).

• Fellowship and accountability—protection within the body (Hebrews 10:24-25).

• Communion—proclaims the Lord’s victory over every power (1 Corinthians 11:26).


After Deliverance: Guarding the Ground

• Encourage immediate discipleship and baptism (Matthew 28:19-20).

• Teach the person to renounce former practices (Acts 19:18-19).

• Fill the house—Spirit, Word, community—so nothing “returns” (Matthew 12:43-45).

• Cultivate thanksgiving; praise disarms the enemy’s counterattacks (Psalm 149:6-9).


Serving Within the Church Context

• Submit to pastoral oversight; deliverance ministry is best practiced in community (Hebrews 13:17).

• Operate in love and humility; the goal is restoration, not spectacle (Galatians 6:1).

• Recognize diverse gifts—some counsel, others intercede, others command (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).


Living Confidently in Christ’s Triumph

“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

Walk daily in this settled truth, and the authority to drive out demons becomes a natural extension of abiding in the victorious Savior.

What is the meaning of Mark 3:15?
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