Scriptures: Matthew 15 v 11 - 20; James 1 v 13 - 16.
When we are carnally minded ie when we are not yet
spiritually enlightened, we would say without hesitation that a drunk man is
behaving in a very bad way because of the amount of liquor he has consumed.
Similarly, that one who is erratic is behaving that way because they are hooked
on drugs. Jesus says that it is not the substance one has taken that causes the
bad behaviour but that which is within him that defiles him!
People generally shy away when one talks about demons or
evil spirits. It does not fit into any scientific study or medical category.
However, 70% of Jesus' ministry on Earth was casting out demons. They still
exist today but their favourite party trick is to be invisible and pooh poohed
by all and sundry.
If we want to seriously deal with alcoholism and
addictions then we need to know what we are actively dealing with. David
Wilkerson and Nicky Cruz of The Cross and the Switchblade book and movie
started a ministry for addicts in New York called Teen Challenge. It has a 94%
success rate of the addict still being free of drugs after 5 years. Most other
rehabs have 15% success rate. This is because Teen Challenge sets the captives
free of demons that cause them to take drugs and defike themselves.
The drugs or alcohol trigger the demons into action which
can range from unconsciousness to deadly violence and all in between. The root
demon in every case is Bitterness (Read The Tree of Bitterness blog) which
triggers feuds, fighting, murder, hate, rage, rape, and other evil deeds. Some
courts give leniency for being under the influence. They are under the
influence of a demon.
To get to the heart of this person he/she needs to
confront the bitterness and unforgiveness within their heart. When that
poisonous thorn is plucked out the bondage to alcohol or drugs can be dealt
with. Trying to wean an abuser is like putting bandaid on a gangrenous wound.
The bitter demon within thrives on bitter substances. It
drives the person to drink or drug to feed its own hunger. It, the demon, now
has full control over the person and proceeds to cause as much havoc and
distress as possible. It calls in its friends and they work together to destroy
the person's life and reputation.
Demons have one agenda towards humans - kill, maim or
destroy. (John 10v10). They can be inherited through the genes; they can be
acquired by frequent sin and little discipline; they can be sent as a curse.
When Jesus died He conquered Satan and his demons and
gave believer's power over them. The
person should always accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour before any demons are
bound or cast out of him. The demons have no legal hold on one who is born
again.
Its not only substance abuse but other things too.
Adultery, sexual sin, - people like Tiger Woods and George Michael need
deliverance from demons of lust. Swearing, cursing and bad language are also
demonic manifestations. Cheating,fraud, lies and theft are all demons defiling
us.
To live a victorious Christian life we need to overcome
our nature based in original sin and walk in purity of mind and body as Jesus
did. He lives inside us to help and encourage us over the rough places. Baptism
in water removes our sinful nature and replaces it with the righteous nature of
Jesus. Baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers us to testify of Jesus to others so
they may walk in the light with Him free of demons, alcohol, drugs and other
negative behaviour.
Prayer: Heavenly Father You made us and Satan hijacked us
and warped us. You sent Jesus to remove the warps. We need to believe in His
ability to set us free and keep us free. In Jesus' name. Amen.