Week 5 | Chapters 16-17 | Why I'm Still Surprised by the Power of the Holy Spirit
Introduction
About Table Communities
Table Communities are community gatherings for the purpose of:
- Building meaningful relationships through intentional time together
- Engaging in mutual discipleship through directing one another towards Christ with truth shared in love
- Multiplying grace through love, prayer and gifts of the spirit
The notes will guide you through praying together, reading scripture and engaging in intentional relational time together. The time together is not about getting through all the note content, but rather about building meaningful relationships, engaging in mutual discipleship and experiencing God's multiplying grace. Let those values shape the direction and pace of your time together.
Remember: What we all have in common
Saint : Beloved, forgiven, being renewed, filled with the Holy Spirit.
Sufferer : Carrying real pain and struggle.
Sinner: Still in need of ongoing grace and transformation.
Kick off with prayer
Some one pray for your time together.
Example prayer, if needed. Ideally pray freely as you feel called:
Father we praise you for gathering us together. Despite whatever weighed on our hearts as we entered this house, we pray that your Spirit guides our time together and free us from anything that is not of you. We pray that by the strength of your might we may speak truth in love to one another. We pray that we are led by the gifts of your spirit, so that we may build up one another and your church as a whole. As we read your word, we pray that we may be filled with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner pleasing to you.
Demons and deliverance: Chapters 16-17
These chapters take a look at our spiritual opposition. Deere walks through the inroads to demonization on p. 142–155 and how to minister deliverance safely on p. 155–159.
Video - Setting the Scene
Please watch this video together.
Discussion
Discussion Questions
Chapter 16: Demonisation
We didn’t look for demons…they just manifested (don’t become fascinated by demonic power) Rev 2v24 - Jesus warns don’t study the dark secrets.
The demons where always there, ruining peoples lives
- Don't fear demons or Satan
- Don't mock or revile Satan
The Key to overcoming the devil is Submitting to God
Demonised (subject to the influence of a demon) - rather than “Demon possessed”
There are levels of being demonised…. (Sliding scale)
Demonic temptation
Demonic illness (most sickness comes from living in a fallen world)
Demonic mental illness (Josh example on the street with Phil)
Demons don’t have authority to enter whoever they want. You give authority
Come to the feet of Jesus (all Authority)
Chapter 17: Demonic Inroads
Can a christian have a demon?
Yes demons operate, and they operate through open doors
You can have theological discussion about influence vs possession - but demons have influence and can affect believers in various ways.
What are the open doors for demonic inroads and influence?
- Anger and unforgiveness Ephesians 4v26-27 (Majority of demonic open doors) Real forgiveness from the heart
- Sexual immorality
- Violence
- Envy, Jealousy, Selfish ambition these are opposite of gratitude and love
- Occult practices
- Idolatry (Worship of that which is not God)
- Blasphemy
The secret of being content.
Setting a demonised person free.
I don’t look for demons, use a unified team, take notes.
If a demon remains it may have a legal right to be there, pray and ask the person to repent
Be loving kind and patient. Pray a cleansing prayer at the end.
No one gets healed or stays healed without being in healthy relationships with people who are persuing God.
Don’t glorify casting out demons
Jack listed unforgiveness as the most prevalent open door that he has seen in peoples lives.
If you are uncomfortable discussing some of these in a group setting please reach out to your Table community leader, a trusted christian friend or one of the Elders or their wives.
James 5v16
Simply confess sin and pray for each other.
Kingscross desires to cultivate a safe, pastoral environment where people can confess deep struggles and trauma and receive authority-backed prayer for deliverance without feeling shame or sensationalism.
If you feel this is something you would liketo pursue please speak with one of the elders or simply come to the Pray Station at the end of a Sunday service
Habit of Grace
Going Deeper
PRAYER
Spend some time praying for each other.
SCRIPTURE TO READ TOGETHER
Ephesians 6:10–13 — Our struggle is not against flesh and blood — the call to put on the full armour of God.
Luke 10:17–20 — The seventy return rejoicing that even the demons submit to them in Jesus' name.
Read these verses together as a group.
What stands out to you? what do you notice?
QUESTIONS
If you have questions of your own, you can of course discuss them with your group or someone you know. You're also welcome to reach out to one of the Elders with further questions.