Just to refresh what we discussed last week... The essence of Spiritual Warfare begins in our thoughts. What it means basically is whenever we allow a thought to reside in our mind, we are allowing that thought to manifest into an action. The Bible says we got to capture every thoughts in our mind and bring them to the obedience of Christ. Amen!
This week we will look at demon-possessed. Let's understand what exactly is demon-possessed and how one can be demon-possessed. I've found this website which have a good amount of information on this topic.
http://www.gotquestions.org/demon-possession.html
I've extracted this information here for our study today.
Question: "What does the Bible say about demon possession / demonic possession?"
Answer:The Bible gives some examples of people possessed or influenced by demons. From these examples we can find some symptoms of demonic influence and gain insight as to how a demon possesses someone. Here are some of the biblical passages:Matthew 9:32-33;12:22;17:18; Mark 5:1-20;7:26-30; Luke 4:33-36; Luke 22:3; Acts 16:16-18.
In some of these passages, the demon possession causes physical ailments such as inability to speak, epileptic symptoms, blindness, etc. In other cases, it causes the individual to do evil, Judas being the main example. In Acts 16:16-18, the spirit apparently gives a slave girl some ability to know things beyond her own learning. The demon-possessed man of the Gadarenes, who was possessed by a multitude of demons (Legion), had superhuman strength and lived naked among the tombstones. King Saul, after rebelling against the LORD, was troubled by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14-15;18:10-11;19:9-10) with the apparent effect of a depressed mood and an increased desire to kill David.
Thus, there is a wide variety of possible symptoms of demon possession, such as a physical impairment that cannot be attributed to an actual physiological problem, a personality change such as depression or aggression, supernatural strength, immodesty, antisocial behavior, and perhaps the ability to share information that one has no natural way of knowing. It is important to note that nearly all, if not all, of these characteristics may have other explanations, so it is important not to label every depressed person or epileptic individual as demon-possessed. On the other hand, Western cultures probably do not take satanic involvement in people’s lives seriously enough.
In addition to these physical or emotional distinctions, one can also look at spiritual attributes showing demonic influence. These may include a refusal to forgive (2 Corinthians 2:10-11) and the belief in and spread of false doctrine, especially concerning Jesus Christ and His atoning work (2 Corinthians 11:3-4,13-15;1 Timothy 4:1-5;1 John 4:1-3).
Concerning the involvement of demons in the lives of Christians, the apostle Peter is an illustration of the fact that a believer can be influenced by the devil (Matthew 16:23). Some refer to Christians who are under a strong demonic influence as being “demonized,” but never is there an example in Scripture of a believer in Christ being possessed by a demon. Most theologians believe that a Christian cannot be possessed because he has the Holy Spirit abiding within (2 Corinthians 1:22;5:5;1 Corinthians 6:19), and the Spirit of God would not share residence with a demon.
We are not told exactly how one opens himself up for possession. If Judas’ case is representative, he opened his heart to evil—in his case by his greed (John 12:6). So it may be possible that if one allows his heart to be ruled by some habitual sin, it becomes an invitation for a demon to enter. From missionaries’ experiences, demon possession also seems to be related to the worship of heathen idols and the possession of occult materials. Scripture repeatedly relates idol worship to the actual worship of demons (Leviticus 17:7;Deuteronomy 32:17;Psalm 106:37;1 Corinthians 10:20), so it should not be surprising that involvement with idolatry could lead to demon possession.
Based on the above scriptural passages and some of the experiences of missionaries, we can conclude that many people open their lives up to demon involvement through the embracing of some sin or through cultic involvement (either knowingly or unknowingly). Examples may include immorality, drug/alcohol abuse that alters one’s state of consciousness, rebellion, bitterness, and transcendental meditation.
There is an additional consideration. Satan and his evil host can do nothing the Lord does not allow them to do (Job 1-2). This being the case, Satan, thinking he is accomplishing his own purposes, is actually accomplishing God’s good purposes, as in the case of Judas’ betrayal. Some people develop an unhealthy fascination with the occult and demonic activity. This is unwise and unbiblical. If we pursue God, if we are clothing ourselves with His armor and relying upon His strength (Ephesians 6:10-18), we have nothing to fear from the evil ones, for God rules over all!
As you can see, the essence to demon-possession has to do with open one heart to evil, worshipping idols and possession of occult materials. When one allows his heart to be ruled by some habitual sin, it becomes an invitation for a demon to enter.
Very simple, spiritual warfare has to do with spirits, right? And spirits can be categorized into two: Good spirit and bad spirits. When we open our hearts to good spirits (Holy Spirit), we act and move according to God's will. When we open our hearts to evil spirits (Satan), we act and move under the influence of the devil.
That's is why it is very important whenever we cast out the devil from the person who is demon-possessed, we also at the same time invite that person to accept Jesus into his life. If not, the body (temple of God) will be left "empty" and the evil spirit may return to dwell in that person. Once the person accept Jesus as the Savior, the Holy Spirit dwell in him and no other spirits will dare to come near him. Amen!
Now that you are equipped with this knowledge, do not be afraid when you see someone who is being demon-possessed. In the name of Jesus, you have the authority to cast-out demons. The Bible says in Philippians 2:9-11
Philippians 2:9-11(AMP)
9 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,
10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Cast out the Hollywood and focus on the Holy Word. What is written in the Bible is the breath of God. What is said in the Bible cannot be unsaid. God can do all things. If there is one thing God cannot do, God cannot lie. The Bible says every knee MUST bow including those in HELL! So when you use the name of Jesus to command a demon to leave, the demon has to flee! Amen! Hallelujah!
Why is it that God exalt Jesus so highly and given Him a name where is above any other name??
If we look four verses before this, we have the answer. I shall leave you with this same passage to meditate:
Philippians 2:5-10 (AMP)
5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]
6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,
7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.
8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!
9 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,
10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
Grace and peace be with you.
Shalom,
Bro
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