Dealing With Demons Mark 5:1-20
In the West, we understand very little on this subject and when it was suggested, I thought – yes why not. Some immediate questions come to mind. I.E. What is the difference between demonic oppression as opposed to possession.
Demonic possession – 1. Our passage, Mark 5 (also found in Mt 16); the man who had a legion of demons – character traits before and after possession 2. Judas –character traits before and after.
Difference: one is in a state of grace and not able to be possessed; the other is not and able to be possessed. The Holy Spirit possesses the child of God. “His spirit testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.” His spirit dwells within us. We do not have a spirit of fear, but of power love and sound mind. The opposite is true.
So, what are the characteristics of demon possession? (Matthew 17:14-18 – boy with epilepsy – took control of his body, etc; Luke 4:33-35 - have knowledge about Christ and the spiritual realm; 8:27-33 – man with demons – strong, destroyed and mocked image of God – cut himself and naked); Sons of Sceva – Acts of strength, knew Jesus, Paul – these men left bloodied and naked. Modern cases of demonic possession – levitation, speaking in tongues – very common – with deep voices – recordings of Annalease Michal – poor German girl late 60’s early 70’s, hysterical laughter, evil grins.
Spiritual possession can take the form of multiple personalities – demons speaking = psychiatric wards – demons speak to each other – referring to the person they are inhabiting in the third person.
For the Christian. In the New Testament, we see no instances of demons being cast out of believers. Rather, believers are told to "resist" the devil. This is along the lines of resisting oppression or influence of demons, not possession by them (Ephesians 6:10-18; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9).
The Apostle Paul addressed the topic of satanic/demonic warfare with the Christians at Corinth in an off-hand kind of way. It would appear as though this subject was considered mundanely ordinary rather than extraordinary, at least to Christians in the first century. “But whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11) For a Christian, demon possession is not possible because Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19) Jesus has literally taken care of the spiritual strongman and replaced him and his influence with the stronger man – the Holy Spirit.
What about this situation? Jesus spoke about a house swept clean, then demons returned. (Matthew 12:38-45; Luke 11:16-36). Jesus is the strong man who came “to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8) Satan has been cast out – interesting it says the house is swept clean- I.E – unoccupied. The Holy Spirit hasn’t taken up residence either; the person is exposed to further spiritual attack and potentially more at risk.
Spiritual Oppression can be used by God for the Christian. Paul prayed 3 times – my grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians) Paul’s conclusion to this was lest I be puffed up through pride by seeing many revelations.
Take note here – oppression is not a one-off spiritual attack. Paul prayed three times that he be delivered from this demon. That is different to Satan attacking you in a dream, or a vision, a physical manifestation, with an acute attack of fear, a demon inspired thought, held down and finding it difficult to breathe etc, some of which people here have experienced.
Doors and gateways to spiritual attack? Five Paths Toward Demon Oppression and Possession
1. Dabble in the occult and paranormal. By engaging in occult and most paranormal activities such as astrology, fortune-telling, clairvoyance, etc., you are entering Satan's arena and opening yourself to demonic attack. Seeking aid or enlightenment from foreign spiritual influences, passively yielding one's mind through meditation, hypnotism, yoga, etc., and seeking knowledge or information from any type of "spiritual entity" is an excellent way to become demon possessed. Seeking power or authority from a supernatural source aside from the Holy Spirit, using witchcraft, sorcery, magic, charms, voodoo, etc., to give yourself power or influence over others in a supernatural manner is asking Satan to use you.
2. Abuse as a child. Physical, spiritual, psychological abuse opens the gate. Jesus says let the little ones come to me; whoever leads these little ones astray, etc. I.E they can be led astray.
3. Use or become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Anything that alters one's senses and places him in a passive state can allow the entrance of devils. Many under the influence of drugs or alcohol have claimed to see demons or the Devil.
4. Remain addicted to one's self. Neglecting prayer, Bible study, fellowship, witnessing, and other faith building activities can cause one to dwell constantly upon himself. He is following after Satan's will and not God's will.
5. All unbelievers – Eg Atheists, Agnostics or Spiritual belief other than Christianity. Why? Paul said, “if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:3) Eg. JW’s who visited, under the influence of Satan, they are under God’s judgement. They bring a different gospel, which is no gospel, which is why the Apostle John said, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” (2 John 1:10)
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:11-13)
Protection and Defence:
• David's trust in God's protection from evil spirits (Psalm 23:4)
• The disciples' use of Jesus' name to cast out demons (Mark 9:38-41)
• James' instruction to resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7)
Conclusion: “All authority has been given to me” (Matthew 28:19, 20), “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)