Page 1 of 3 rye/nor of cogreoi There is a very destructive and dangerous spirit working in the church today. At times it works in unity with witchcraft and the Jezebel spirit. It breaks the unity of the church and challenges the leadership causing rebellion, strife and division. It is very subtle and sly and unless one is moving in discernment and haws knowledge of it, it will go undetected. Many churches and individuals have been greatly hindered or destroyed by this spirit. It is not limited to churches, but will be active in every area of life. It is called a spirit of control. Definition -To exercise a directing, regulatory or governing influence over. To restrain, or curb. Power to regulate and direct: command to control one. Exercise restraint or direction. Dominate, command or hold in check. I. How controlling spirits operate A. Words I.John 6:63 2. Proverbs 18:21 3. James 3:5-6 4. Acts 20:30 Power of words to control. People control other people through the power of words. 5. Words spoken to a. Teachings 2Tim 3:61.) Appeals to people's sense of lust 2.) Discipleship b. 2Tim3:13 Deceive and being deceived. c. False use of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit 1 .) Words from the flesh 2.) Words from occult powers Word of knowledge becomes ESP. Prophecy becomes fortune telling 6. Words spoken about A. Gossip, prayers, vows, slander, idle talk. B. Actions Acts 8:9-11 1 . Simon the sorcerer (presented himself as a man of God) 2. One with a controlling spirit will be a giver of gifts 3. Manipulation 4. Complaining 5. Attention getting devices (sickness, tantrums, etc.) a. children say "I'll hold my breath until I die!" Sew. 718 m. pke Street Houston, $a. 15342 724-745-8539Page 2 of 3 C. Superiority 1. 2Tim 3:1-2 boaster and pride 2. Superiority is almost always implied. "I've been in this longer than you." 3. Rooted in: Pride -self willed and rebellion. "I will do it my way I will show them." 4. Root problem is rejection and deep hurt. D. Thoughts 1. Matt 15:18-10 Mark 7:20-23 2. Luke 5:22 Matt 9:4 3. Thoughts have substance they travel in the spirit world. n. Why do people operate in control? A. False Compassion (false caring to where you owe them. One friend at a time.) B. Jealousy and envy (develops the victim mentality, Paranoia, everybody is out to get you.) C. Deep hurt -rejection D. Desire for the anointing or office (criticism separates.) E. Pride (God resists the proud doesn't he?) F. Greed (There is money in the body of Christ.) ITim 6:3-5 G. Leadership without Love = abuse. 1. No self-esteem 2. No self-identity (identify yourself with Jesus.) H. Fear of being proven wrong (last word-ers.) 1. A way of gaining control. ffl. What it does A. Breaks unity and challenges the leadership 1. Power from God there is a gifting 2. Power from control there is a taking. IV. Discerning Controlling Spirits a Comparison A. Vexation or Conviction B. Worship or Honor C. Fear (of Pastor ,etc.) or Fear of God D. Cloning or Individuality E. Heaviness or Liberty and Joy F. Dependency continual control co-dependant or a releasing G. Secretiveness or OpennessV. Overcoming and Victory A. Forgive B. Love ICor 13:8 C. Break these bonds in your life by confessing they are broken in the name of Jesus. D. Resist and spiritual warfare James 4:7 Ephesians 6:12 E. Confront the person in Love F. Separate from that one, when everything else fails. Titus 3:10 Prayer for Deliverance: for those who have controlled Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask you to forgive me for controlling others. Forgive me for directing their lives outside of your purpose. I receive your forgiveness and thank you for it. I release all those I have controlled. (Name each person.) Help me, Jesus, to be free of the causes for control. Set me free from rejection, all deep hurts, help me to know who I am in Christ Jesus and to have an identity with you Lord. I come against all spirits of control, rejection, self rejection, fear of rejection, fear of man, and fear of being proven wrong. I command all of you to leave me, now, in the wonderful name of Jesus. I thank you Jesus, for setting me free and healing all deep past hurts. I will not control nor seek to control anyone. I will allow you to make me what you want me to be. In the name of Jesus, Amen. Prayer for those who are controlled: Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask you to set me free from all control. In the authority of the name of Jesus, I break myself from all ties of control. I break myself from (name every person, organization and things that have controlle d you. Persons, lodges, denominations, churches, pastors, children, husband s, wives, un-Godly control, mind control, past memories, all types of fears, and anything else the Holy Spirit would show you.) I thank you Father for setting me free. Father, in the name of Jesus, I confess that I have willingly yielded to control. I see this as sin and I confess it now. I am sorry that I did not trust in you to guide me and direct me. Forgive me for not facing the issues and trusting in You. I receive Your forgiveness and thank you Help me, father, in the name of Jesus, to trust you and not to be afraid making decisions. I come against all fear in the name of Jesus and I d you to leave me now in Jesus' name. Thank you Lord that you have me and set me free. Amen. Page 3 of 3