This podcast conversation between two voices is AI-generated. They discuss how authority and doubt impact efforts to evict a demon.
In jiu-jitsu, “no submission without position” means that before you execute a submission — a choke or an armbar, for instance — you need physical control over your opponent. Your technique won’t work if the person can wiggle free.
So how does this fundamental principle “no submission without position” apply to spiritual warfare?
1. The Disciples fail to evict a demon
In Matthew 17, after watching Jesus do something that they couldn’t do — evict a demon from a young boy — the disciples wondered why the demon wouldn’t leave when they commanded it to go.
They’d witnessed Jesus evict demons before. They knew what he said to make the demon come out. The disciples had more than enough actual experience after watching Jesus’ process multiple times.
But when they tried it, Jesus’ process didn’t work for them.
That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
— Mark 1:32-34, NIV
He wouldn’t let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
That’s what position before submission allows you to do. Jesus didn’t say, “Please leave, demon.”
Instead, Jesus let the demons know who had top position: Now that I have complete control over you, this is what’s going to happen next. You will keep my secret.
The demons don’t get a vote on whether they talk.
Jesus’ position decided that before a word was spoken.
So, did the disciples have position? Yes, they did.
“I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I’ve given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God’s authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you — that’s the agenda for rejoicing.”
— Luke 10:18-20, MSG
God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit have authority over humanity.
God has authority over you, personally.
Authority means power and control.
That authority passes through us, allowing us to step on snakes and scorpions.
And evict demons.
Not because we’ve earned it. And not as long as we behave ourselves.
Authority flows regardless of your performance — until something blocks it.
The channel doesn’t close from God’s end. We do something that closes it on our end.
When the disciples had Jesus off to themselves, they asked, “Why couldn’t we throw it [the demon] out?”
“Because you’re not yet taking God seriously,” said Jesus. “The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy [mustard] seed, say, you would tell this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn’t be able to tackle.”
Matthew 17:19-20 MSG
And once that channel is blocked, there’s not even a mustard-seed’s-portion left for God to work with.
Therefore, the demon has no reason to leave.
2. Mike Brewer fails to evict a demon
An impromptu deliverance happened to future Deliverance Minister, Mike Brewer, when he was 22 years of age. Brewer told his story on a recent podcast on YouTube, The Deep End with Taylor Welch (see video below).
When a demon manifested unexpectedly, Brewer used his jiu-jitsu and went knee-on-belly on his friend in the parking lot of an Applebee’s restaurant.
Brewer then commanded the demonic spirit to leave.
Instead of leaving, the demon taunted him, repeating his command, “Come out in the name of Jesus!” in a girly voice. *
Excellent use of an insult for a Demon Spotting grandiose attack, by the way.
Not knowing what to do next, Brewer called his spiritual leader and teacher. Just like the disciples, he now had an experience to learn from.
Both stories demonstrate the concept of working alone or “doing it in your own strength”, which just won’t work if you’re looking for a spiritual warfare win.
Same failure. Same missing ingredient.
Two similar stories, two different eras, and one identical mistake. The disciples stood next to authority (Jesus). They said what he said, but it didn’t work.
Brewer had real physical control over the man, but not the demon. Saying the right words wasn’t enough.
What was the missing ingredient?
Connection with Holy Spirit. Through Jesus, for the disciples. In-dwelling, for Brewer.
Different access, same requirement: partnership with Holy Spirit provides position and authority.
Instead, both tried to go it alone. Failure was imminent.
Driftgate, in his first round with Deadbolt, used the Courts of Heaven case prep analysis to establish position, power, and authority. That made him successful in his attempt to escape from Deadbolt’s trap (submission hold).
But just like the men in the first two stories, he relied on repeating the words he’d heard and memorized, effectively borrowing someone else’s authority.
Driftgate had one line in his encounter with Deadbolt that shifted him from copying (Chameleon) to intent with strong belief in where his support was coming from.
The moment he broke pattern, saying, “I am not building a case against you out of fear. I am preparing to win,” everyone heard authority in his voice.
Driftgate interrupted his pattern and changed the game between him and Deadbolt.
They will meet again.
And just like the disciples and Mike Brewer, Driftgate will learn and develop his skills to deepen his belief in his own authority.
But not alone, and not in his own strength.
* In case you didn’t know it: Demons can quote Scripture and say the name of Jesus.
To hear more about Mike Brewer’s first encounter with a demon in the parking lot at Applebee’s near the airport, watch this YouTube podcast video (below): Deliverance Minister Mike Brewer on The Deep End with Taylor Welch
Mike also shares details about his escapades in Haiti, where he established churches and kicked out witch doctors.
Brewer reflects on how he’s grown to be a kinder soul. He discusses how he used to behave back in his younger days as he learned how to plant churches and steward God’s people.
In this video, Brewer talks about his time in Haiti. Strange things happen there with voodoo and caves and long walks down mountain paths. His life sounds like it’s never a dull moment.
Listen and learn about casting out kingdoms of demons, groups of demons, and individual ones like Deadbolt, in the name of Jesus.
Are you curious to see what agreements you can break that release you from a trap? Don’t be passive! Get to work! Identify a complaint you have and take Satan to court.
The game I call Demon Spotting developed over time as I worked through emotional entanglements and confusing break-ups. My misery became code words. Code words became mat drills. Mat drills became winning combinations. And my confusion lifted. Consider this your invitation to play. Clarity is freedom.