Power to Set Captives Free

In a recent article, I emphasized the authority that we have over demons. In the name of Jesus, we can break demonic strongholds and cast out evil spirits. But it is not only authority that we need; we need the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus stated that it was by the power of the Holy Spirit that He set captives free. When He began His ministry, He quoted this from the book of Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
–Luke 4:18

In Matthew 12:28 Jesus said, “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.” We cannot minister deliverance effectively without the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus sent out the twelve, He equipped them with both authority and power: “Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases” (Luke 9:1).

Authority has to do with permission; it is a legal authorization to perform a task. Power has to do with the actual ability to get the job done. Authority gave the disciples the right to cast out demons, but it was power that gave them the capability to cast out demons.

Consider the following illustration: If you ask a landscaper to remove a tree from your yard, you have given him permission to remove it. He has all the authority he needs to take the tree out. However, if he does not have the proper equipment, he will not be able to uproot the tree. What he needs is power–the right tools to get the job done.

One time, I was ministering deliverance to a young lady, and the demons came to the surface but were not leaving easily. I had her stand up, and I asked for the power of the Holy Spirit to come and minister to her. She instantly fell backwards, and the demons began leaving faster than I could call them out. The combination of the authority of Jesus’ name and the power of the Holy Spirit set her free.

When it comes to setting captives free, we need a revelation of our authority in Christ, but we also need the power of the Holy Spirit. He lives inside of every believer, but we must pursue a greater empowerment of the Holy Spirit to come upon us so that we can do the works Jesus calls us to. The same Holy Spirit who rested upon Jesus will come upon us and release His supernatural gifts in us, empowering us to set captives free!

Have you ever experienced the power of the Holy Spirit working through you to minister to another? What happened? What do you believe about the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to move in our lives?