Are there any Scriptural examples showing how demons have possessed a Christian indirectly? By indirectly I mean to say a partial possession, one which possibly minimizes a Christian's faith in God and affects one's health negatively by haunting someone in his or her dreams?
This being said, could being tormented by demons qualify as an indirect possession?
I don't mean to make a judgment call on anybody but I am inclined to favour the idea that Christians who have a steady faith in God could NOT be tormented by demonic spirits AT ALL. And yet, the Scripture shows that even Apostle Paul had unpleasant encounters with them. Somehow I find myself cringing at the mere thought of this possibility.
The Bible says Christ's power can overcome demonic forces and as such, demons cannot kill or hurt Christians; however, I am not sure why demons have the power to draw near to Christians, torment them, even. If demons prowl around looking to torment their next victim who happens to be a Christian per se, is their act not pardoxical to the teachings of Christ? After all, demons may have formidable powers, but God is always greater than they are, so why should Christians be subjected to their annoying practices in the first place? Or could it be said that the "victimized Christian" really isn't a Christian because he or she was indirectly possessed by unclean spirits?
This being said, could being tormented by demons qualify as an indirect possession?
I don't mean to make a judgment call on anybody but I am inclined to favour the idea that Christians who have a steady faith in God could NOT be tormented by demonic spirits AT ALL. And yet, the Scripture shows that even Apostle Paul had unpleasant encounters with them. Somehow I find myself cringing at the mere thought of this possibility.
The Bible says Christ's power can overcome demonic forces and as such, demons cannot kill or hurt Christians; however, I am not sure why demons have the power to draw near to Christians, torment them, even. If demons prowl around looking to torment their next victim who happens to be a Christian per se, is their act not pardoxical to the teachings of Christ? After all, demons may have formidable powers, but God is always greater than they are, so why should Christians be subjected to their annoying practices in the first place? Or could it be said that the "victimized Christian" really isn't a Christian because he or she was indirectly possessed by unclean spirits?
