Matthew 15: 21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”23 But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”26 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
We have now come to the final part of this story: the real reason the Canaanite woman sought Jesus.
Matthew 15:22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.”
She said “my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely”
Today’s Watch will be slightly different from my usual pattern. I will lay down the foundation then we will pray. So get ready to do a little bit of reading.
(If you do not want to read through Pastor Tee’s long texts you can scroll down to where it says Let us pray.)
What is Demonic Oppression?
The Canaanite woman came to Jesus because her daughter was demonically oppressed. What does this mean?
Demonic oppression is a spiritual attack that can manifest in various forms, such as fear, anxiety, depression, and physical ailments. It is a tactic used by the enemy to hinder our relationship with God and prevent us from walking in the fullness of His promises.
Recognizing the signs of demonic oppression is crucial for every Christian who desires to live a victorious life in Christ. It is important to be aware of the subtle ways in which the enemy can try to infiltrate our lives and hinder our spiritual growth. By being vigilant and discerning, we can identify the signs of demonic oppression and take the necessary steps to overcome it through the power of prayer.
The following are some common signs of demonic oppression
- A persistent feeling of fear, anxiety, or despair that seems to have no logical explanation. These negative emotions can weigh heavily on our hearts and minds, making it difficult to focus on God’s promises and truths.
- A sudden and unexplained change in behaviour or personality. If we notice that we (or someone else) are acting out of character, experiencing unexplained mood swings, or engaging in destructive behaviours, it may be a sign that we are under spiritual attack.
- Physical symptoms such as unexplained illnesses or chronic pain can also be signs of demonic oppression. The enemy seeks to weaken our bodies in order to weaken our spirits. But as Christians, we have the power to speak healing and wholeness over our bodies through the authority of Jesus Christ.
- Spiritual attacks such as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or a sense of spiritual heaviness can indicate demonic oppression. The enemy seeks to disrupt our peace and intimacy with God through these attacks.
However, we can combat these spiritual assaults by putting on the full armour of God and standing firm in our faith in the finished work of Christ. By using Scripture to rebuke the enemy and declare victory in Jesus’ name, we can break free from the chains of demonic oppression and walk in the freedom that Christ has won for us on the cross.
Biblical Basis for Overcoming Demonic Oppression
The Bible provides powerful guidance to help us overcome these demonic challenges and stand firm in our faith.
1. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 speaks of the “weapons of our warfare,” which are not carnal but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds. This passage informs us of God’s spiritual weapons—prayer, faith, the Word of God—to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. Meaning they are weapons we use to demolish demonic strongholds against our l
2. Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us to “put on the full armor of God.” This passage equips us with the spiritual tools necessary to stand against the schemes of the devil. It emphasizes the importance of truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. By embracing these divine protections, we are fortified against the enemy’s attacks. (Refer to the Watchers website on past prayers about the armour of God there are 6 lessons on the armour of God. Here is the link The Armour of God)
3. 1 John 4:4 assures us that “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.” This powerful truth reminds us that the Holy Spirit within us is mightier than any demonic force. We can walk in confidence, knowing that God’s presence in us is a constant source of victory.
4. James 4:7 calls us to “submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This verse underscores the power of submission to God’s sovereignty. When we humble ourselves and align our lives with His will, we gain the strength to resist the devil’s temptations and oppression.
5. Finally, 1 Peter 5:8-9 urges us to “be alert and of sober mind.” This call to vigilance reminds us that our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. By standing firm in our faith and resisting him, we can overcome his attempts to oppress us.
Let these scriptures be a beacon of hope and strength as you face any form of spiritual warfare. Equip yourself with God’s armour, submit to His will, rely on His greater power within you, use His mighty weapons, and remain vigilant. In doing so, you will stand victorious against demonic oppression.
Deliverance from Demonic Oppression
Our God is the Lord of Hosts
Our God is the Lord of Hosts, the mighty Commander of heaven’s armies, who fights on our behalf. In Psalm 24:10, it is written, “Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—He is the King of glory.” This verse reminds us of the overwhelming power and authority of our God. He is not only the King of glory but also the commander of all heavenly forces.
As we face demonic oppression, let us remember that we do not fight alone. The Lord of Hosts is with us, leading the charge and giving us dominion over all the powers of darkness. Psalm 46:7 declares, “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” With God as our fortress, we are protected and empowered to stand against any form of demonic attack.
Therefore, let us stand firm in our faith, knowing that the Lord of Hosts is our defender. Through Christ, we have been given authority to overcome every evil force. In His name, we can command every demon to flee, for our God is the Lord of Hosts, and He fights for us. Amen.
Our God is a Man of War
Our God is a Man of War. This powerful truth is declared in Exodus 15:3, which states, “The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.”
When we say that our God is a Man of War, we are acknowledging His mighty power and His willingness to fight for His people. The Lord is not only our loving Father but also our fierce protector. He stands ready to battle against any force that threatens His children.
The Lord is His name, and with that name comes unparalleled authority and strength. As a Man of War, He goes before us, defeating our enemies and bringing victory. He is relentless in His pursuit of justice and unwavering in His defense of His own.
In our spiritual battles, let us take courage and stand firm, knowing that the Lord, our Man of War, is on our side. No weapon formed against us shall prosper because the Lord fights for us. With Him leading the charge, we are assured of triumph over every demonic oppression and adversary.
Let us trust in His mighty name and call upon Him in this hour of deliverance from demonic oppression. The Lord is His name, and He will deliver us and our loved ones. Amen.
The Workings of the Lord of Hosts and the Man of War
In the realm of spiritual warfare, understanding the distinct roles of the Lord of Hosts and the Man of War can greatly empower us as believers. Both titles reveal different aspects of God’s character and His commitment to fighting for His people.
The Lord of Hosts, also known as the Lord of Armies, signifies God’s supreme command over all heavenly and earthly armies. As the Lord of Hosts, He orchestrates and leads the angelic forces in battle. His function in warfare is to provide strategic oversight, ensuring that every move aligns with His divine plan. He commands His heavenly hosts to protect, defend, and execute His judgments against the powers of darkness. When we call upon the Lord of Hosts, we are invoking His authority to marshal His angelic armies on our behalf, bringing heavenly intervention into our earthly struggles.
On the other hand, the Man of War reflects God’s personal engagement in the battle. As a Man of War, God steps onto the battlefield Himself, demonstrating His willingness to fight directly for His people. This title emphasizes His active and personal involvement in our battles. He is not a distant Commander but a warrior who fights alongside us. When we invoke the Man of War, we are calling upon God’s direct intervention and His mighty power to vanquish our enemies. He engages with the enemy head-on, ensuring our victory through His strength and might.
Together, these titles paint a comprehensive picture of God’s role in our spiritual warfare. The Lord of Hosts assures us of His strategic control and the deployment of heavenly forces, while the Man of War reassures us of His personal, hands-on involvement in defeating our foes.
As we face our spiritual battles, let us remember to call upon both the Lord of Hosts and the Man of War. We can have confidence that our God, in all His might and authority, fights for us and ensures our victory. Amen.
Example
The Role of the Lord of Hosts
In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced a massive coalition of enemies coming against Judah. The situation seemed dire, and in response, Jehoshaphat called for a fast and led the people in seeking the Lord. As they prayed, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who prophesied that the battle was not theirs, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15)
Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were instructed to position themselves and stand firm, but they would not need to fight in this battle. Early the next morning, as they went out to the battlefield singing and praising the Lord, God set ambushes against their enemies. The enemies turned on each other and were utterly defeated without Judah lifting a sword. (2 Chronicles 20:22)
Here, we see the Lord of Hosts at work. God, commanding His heavenly armies, orchestrated the events so that Judah’s enemies destroyed themselves. This strategic intervention by the Lord of Hosts demonstrates His supreme control and command over the forces of heaven to fight on behalf of His people.
The Role of the Man of War
In contrast, consider the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. When the Philistine giant Goliath defied the armies of Israel, David, a young shepherd boy, stepped forward to challenge him. David declared, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45).
David’s confidence was in the Lord, who he knew was both the Lord of Hosts and the Man of War. He took a sling and a stone and faced Goliath, trusting that God would deliver him. When David released the stone, it struck Goliath on the forehead, and the giant fell. David then used Goliath’s own sword to kill him and cut off his head.
In this instance, we see the Man of War at work. God’s power was directly involved in guiding David’s hand and ensuring the stone hit its mark. Though David was physically on the battlefield, it was the Lord, the Man of War, who secured the victory through David’s faith and actions.
Conclusion
These examples demonstrate the complementary roles of the Lord of Hosts and the Man of War. The Lord of Hosts commands and mobilizes heavenly forces to fight our battles, ensuring victory through divine strategy and intervention. The Man of War, on the other hand, engages directly in our battles, fighting alongside us and empowering us to triumph through His strength and might.
Armed with this knowledge we are assured of our victory over demonic forces.
God has promised to deliver you
Jeremiah 15:1 – I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible
Declare for the next 5 minutes:
God has promised to deliver me. God will redeem me
God will deliver (mention names) He will redeem (mention names)
I make my boast in God. God will deliver me; He will redeem me.
I know it, God will deliver me.
What is our responsibility?
1. Supplication to God
⁃ Psalm 119: 170 Let my supplication come before You; Deliver me according to Your word.
What is supplication?
A supplication is a form of prayer where a person earnestly and humbly requests something from God. It involves presenting specific needs and desires before God with a sincere heart, often characterized by a sense of urgency and dependence on God’s provision and mercy. Supplication is often associated with deep personal requests and petitions, whether for oneself or on behalf of others.
Key Aspects of Supplication:
1. Earnestness: Supplication is marked by a heartfelt and sincere appeal. It goes beyond casual asking and reflects a deep longing for God’s intervention.
2. Humility: It involves approaching God with a humble heart, acknowledging His sovereignty and our dependence on Him.
3. Specific Requests: Unlike general prayers, supplications are specific in nature. They focus on particular needs or situations that require God’s attention and action.
4. Persistence: Supplication often involves persistent prayer, continuously bringing the request before God until an answer is received.
Biblical Examples of Supplication:
1. Hannah’s Prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-11): Hannah, in her deep anguish, prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. She made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.”
2. David’s Plea (Psalm 86:6): “Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you because you answer me.”
3. Paul’s Exhortation: (Philippians 4:6): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Supplication is a powerful way to deepen our relationship with God, expressing our dependence on Him and our trust in His love and power to meet our needs.
2. Confrontation against the enemy
Job 20:27 states: “The heavens will expose his guilt; the earth will rise up against him.”
This verse is part of Zophar’s second speech to Job, found in Job 20. In this chapter, Zophar is asserting the fate of the wicked and emphasizing the certainty of divine judgment. Let’s break down the verse for a better understanding: “The heavens will expose his guilt”: The heavens often symbolize God’s omniscience and righteousness. It means that nothing is hidden from God, and even if a person tries to conceal their iniquities, God will bring them to light.
On the other hand, the adversary is aware of the iniquity inherent in the life of a person, or their family and it is the job of the adversary to expose this iniquity by bringing it up in the courts of heaven as a legal ground to wreck harvoc in the life of a believer.
“The earth will rise up against him”: This part of the verse states that even the physical world will turn against the wicked person. It can be interpreted as nature itself reacting to the person’s sins, causing their downfall. This could manifest in various forms of calamities or misfortunes that serve as consequences of their actions or generational iniquity.
In the context of Zophar’s speech, he is emphasizing that iniquity cannot escape judgment. Both heavens and earthly forces will conspire to ensure that justice is served.
But God, who is rich in mercy, made a way for you and me by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Jesus became our substitute so that we no longer have to bear the consequence of our iniquity. Hallelujah.
Let Us pray
This prayer is in two parts.
We will conclude the second part “Deliverance from Demonic Forces” online during the session “let us break bread together”
The following prayers are to guide you; please make them your own by emphasizing the areas relevant to your situation.
1. Address every iniquity
Jo 20: 27 The heavens will reveal his iniquity,
And the earth will rise up against him.
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today with a humble heart, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy. Your Word in Job 20:27 declares that the heavens will reveal iniquity and the earth will rise up against the wicked. I acknowledge my sins and the sins of my bloodline, knowing that nothing is hidden from Your sight.
Lord, I repent of my personal sins—those thoughts, words, and actions that have grieved Your heart. I also repent of the sins committed by my ancestors, those transgressions that may still affect my life today. I ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing, trusting in the blood of Jesus that was shed for me.
Father, I plead for Your mercy to prevail over judgment in my life. Let Your grace cover me and my family, breaking any generational curses and removing any hold that the past sins may have on us. I declare that the earth will not rise up against me and that the forces of darkness will not prevail because Jesus is my substitute. He bore my sins and iniquities, and through Him, I am redeemed and set free.
Lord, I thank You for Your unfailing love and compassion. I trust in Your promise that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I stand on this promise today, believing that I am forgiven and made new by Your power.
In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
2. Take Communion
Break bread as a reminder of the covenant you have with God through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Declare
1 Corinthians 10: 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
Ask the blessing of the Lord on the bread and cup. Take the communion and then pray as follows:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude and reverence. As I partake in this holy communion, I remember and proclaim the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You, Jesus, for being the bread of life, the sustenance of my soul. You are my daily bread, the source of all that I need, and I acknowledge that without You, I can do nothing.
Lord Jesus, You are my perfect substitute. On the cross, You bore my sins, my shame, and my pain. You took my place so that I might have life and have it more abundantly. Your body was broken so that mine could be whole. Your blood was shed to redeem my life from destruction. Thank You for Your redemptive power that has delivered me from the grip of sin and death.
As I drink of this cup, I declare that Your blood cleanses me from all iniquity. Your blood speaks better things over my life than the blood of Abel. By Your blood, my bloodline is purified, and every generational curse is broken. Because of Your blood, the earth can no longer rise against me, for it is written in Job 20:27, “The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him.” I stand in the righteousness of Christ, free from condemnation and accusation.
I affirm that I am a covenant child of God. The covenant established by Your blood is everlasting and unbreakable. This covenant speaks of better promises, blessings, and favor that are my inheritance. The covenant is working for me in every area of my life. I walk in divine health, prosperity, protection, and peace because of this covenant.
Lord, I thank You that through this communion, I am reminded of Your great love and sacrifice. Let this be a continual reminder that I am Yours and You are mine. Empower me by Your Spirit to live a life that reflects Your glory and honors Your name.
In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen.
3. Personal Petition
Having addressed the iniquity now present your requests before the Lord
Matthew 11: 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Every matter before God is simple. Table your matter before God and be assured of a favourable answer.
Present the cases before God. Those cases that you have discerned are the result of demonic oppression. Here is a guide, but make it yours and heartfelt.
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart full of supplication, lifting my voice to You in prayer. According to Psalm 119:170, I ask that You let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word. Lord, I know that You hear the cries of Your people, and I trust in Your unfailing love and mercy.
Just as You spoke through Your prophet in Jeremiah 15:1, I know that You are a God who sees and hears. Even when Moses and Samuel stood before You, Your attention was on their pleas. Therefore, I stand before You now, humbly bringing my requests before Your throne.
Lord, I lift up {insert specific requests} to You. You know the depths of my heart and the struggles I face. I ask for Your divine intervention and guidance in these matters. Please, Father, deliver me from every distress and grant me the wisdom and strength I need.
Your word promises that You will never leave nor forsake those who call upon You. So, I rest in the assurance that You are with me, working all things together for my good. Help me to remain steadfast in faith, trusting that Your timing and plans are perfect.
Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer and for the answers that are already on their way. I give You all the glory and honour, knowing that You are a faithful and loving God.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
4. Call on the Lord of Hosts and the Man of War
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today, calling upon You, the Lord of Hosts and the Man of War, to manifest Your mighty power in my life. You are the Commander of Heaven’s armies, and there is none who can stand against You. Your word declares that You are a warrior; the Lord is Your name.
Lord of Hosts, I present before You every area of demonic oppression in my life. Specifically, I bring {insert specific issues} before Your throne. These battles are beyond my strength, but they are not beyond Yours. I ask that You rise in Your power and fight on my behalf.
Man of War, just as You delivered the Israelites from the hands of their enemies, I ask that You deliver me from every form of demonic oppression. Break every chain, destroy every stronghold, and scatter every enemy that seeks to devour and destroy my peace and joy.
Your word in Isaiah 54:17 declares that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against me in judgment shall be condemned. I stand on this promise and declare that every weapon of the enemy is null and void in my life.
Lord, manifest Your presence and power. Let the forces of darkness tremble at Your name and flee from before You. Cover me with Your divine protection, and fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
I trust in Your unfailing love and power, knowing that You have already secured the victory through Jesus Christ. Thank You, Lord, for fighting for me and for the deliverance that is on the way.
In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen.
To complete your watch – Victory over Demonic Forces,” please join the live session (or the replay).
Please do not miss it. You will need communion emblems and anointing oil for this session.
I will be live on YouTube and Instagram at 1 PM EST/ 6 PM WAT (Nigeria).
All handles are @thewatchersprayerministry.
Thank you for joining this weekend’s watch. You have the victory in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Tee
