When Pigs Fly Week 1: Deliverance with Craig Groeschel

When Light Meets Darkness

Scripture References

Primary text

• Ephesians 6:12
• Matthew 10:1

Other references

• John 10
• Matthew 17
• 2 Timothy 2
• 1 Timothy 4
• Isaiah 14
• Revelation 12
• John 1:5

Overview

Almost 1,900 people were baptized across Life.Church this weekend—fresh proof that God still works miracles. Pastor Craig opens a new series, “When Pigs Fly,” by tackling the least-discussed miracle category: deliverance from demonic power. From Ephesians 6 he reminds us that Christianity is a battleground, not a playground, and that every believer carries Jesus’ delegated authority to drive out darkness. The message exposes what demons do, explains our God-given authority, and calls the church to combine wise natural action with bold supernatural prayer.

Context

• Weekend celebration: 1,858 baptisms at 29 locations in nine states—each one “a name and a story.”
• Series map: healing, protection, provision, and—this week—deliverance.
• Cultural problem: the word “miracle” is losing weight; many doubt God will intervene for them.

Main Points

Miracles Defined & Misused

• A miracle is not convenient parking; it is “when an all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present God intervenes on earth.”
• Four biblical categories of miracles: healing, protection, provision, deliverance.
• Today’s focus—deliverance—often feels “creepy” or is ignored altogether.

The Reality of Spiritual Battle

• Ephesians 6:12: our real fight is not with people but with rulers and powers in unseen realms.
• Two common errors:
  • Over-emphasizing demons (“there’s a demon under every rock”).
  • Under-emphasizing demons (ignoring their very real influence).

What Demons Do

• Tempt to sin: lay traps, whisper lies—minimize sin beforehand, maximize shame afterward (2 Timothy 2).
• Distract from truth: lure believers into deceiving doctrines (1 Timothy 4).
• Inflict suffering: the boy in Matthew 17 harmed by a spirit until Jesus rebuked it.

Origins of Demons

• Isaiah 14 & Revelation 12: Lucifer’s rebellion—cast from heaven with one-third of the angels.
• One devil, many demons; what angels are to God, demons are to the devil.

Miraculous Authority Given to Believers

“If you are in Christ, you have miraculous authority over darkness in the name of Jesus.”

• Matthew 10:1—Jesus gives His disciples authority to drive out impure spirits and heal diseases.
• Illustration: police officer’s badge—authority outranks personal power.
• Story: In a college prayer circle, Craig witnessed a friend freed when a pastor simply commanded, “Come out of him in the name of Jesus.”

How to Fight Practically and Spiritually

• Do what is wise in the natural (doctors, counselors, budgeting, parenting boundaries).
• Simultaneously pray for supernatural intervention and protection.
  • Example: Pastor’s daughter Mandy seeking medical help and bold prayer.
  • Example: Addiction—attend a 12-step program and bind the spirit of bondage.
• Watch for Holy Spirit promptings; they often expose hidden battles.
  • Story: On a Hawaiian beach Craig felt prompted to call friend Ethan, who was moments from suicide; the call interrupted darkness and saved his life.

Light Always Defeats Darkness

• Darkness is not the opposite of light; it is the absence of light.
• John 1:5—light shines and darkness cannot extinguish it.
• Wherever a Spirit-filled believer walks, light enters, and darkness must retreat.

“You are not fighting for victory; you are fighting from victory.”

Key Truths

• Believers face a real but unseen enemy determined to steal, kill, and destroy.
• Not every problem is demonic, but more problems than we realize have spiritual roots.
• Jesus delegated His authority to every follower, not just pastors or specialists.
• Natural wisdom and supernatural prayer are meant to work together.
• The light of Christ in a believer is greater than any power of darkness.

Response

• Recognize the battle: begin each day aware that you step onto a spiritual battlefield.
• Speak Jesus’ name aloud over your home, marriage, children, and mind.
• Combine wise action with bold prayer—see doctors, counselors, mentors, and pray for God’s deliverance.
• Obey promptings of the Holy Spirit immediately; someone’s freedom may depend on it.
• Daily put on God’s armor (Ephesians 6) and stand firm after the battle.

Closing

Pastor Craig urged the church to rise in faith, put on God’s armor, and actively resist the enemy. With Christ’s delegated authority, we bind lies, protect our families, and shine light into every dark place.

“Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.”

Prayer

“Heavenly Father, I trust You with my life.
Forgive my sins, make me new, and fill me with Your Spirit so I can walk in faith and victory, living by Your power.
My life is not my own; I give it to You.
Thank You for a new life—now You have mine.
In Jesus’ name, amen.”