Can A Christian Have a Demon In Them?

[JEBrady]

Do you know if someone doesn't like the gifts of the Spirit, we all spend too much time on the gifts of the Spirit. If someone doesn't like healing, we all spend too much time on healing. Honestly if this is too insignificant, don't read anymore.

Demonology is one aspect of Christianity. We are told we would cast out demons. We are told we battle against demons. We are told the devil is walking around.

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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Demonology is one spoke in a wheel. It can be used to set people free. If that is true, then to the one who may need it, they probably need to hear about it.[/FONT]

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Being full of the Holy Spirit and walking in obedience to God's Word keeps a person safe from these imps. They can't get in if you don't leave the door open. Some folks seem to have some kind of morbid interest in the subject, and there are those who follow it to their own hurt, going beyond scripture, as DtB stated. If a person knows the voice of God and is obedient to Him, then all they need to know about demons is that they can be cast out and to just do so on the Lord's word. What is to be gained by studying them?

 

[lismore]

Can A Christian be demon posessed, oppressed, demonized, in need of deliverance?

Possessed and oppressed are not the same.

You cannot be possessed by a demon because you are the temple of the Holy SPirit.

You can be oppressed/ harrassed by a demon. In that case stand firm. Resist the devil and he will flee.

 

[irenemcg]

Yes Christians can be demonized, tormented by demons. We are in a battle , remember keep your battle on.

 

[JEBrady]

Yes Christians can be demonized, tormented by demons. We are in a battle , remember keep your battle on.

I think you mean battle gear, and you're right!

 

[Svt4Him]

Being full of the Holy Spirit and walking in obedience to God's Word keeps a person safe from these imps. They can't get in if you don't leave the door open. Some folks seem to have some kind of morbid interest in the subject, and there are those who follow it to their own hurt, going beyond scripture, as DtB stated. If a person knows the voice of God and is obedient to Him, then all they need to know about demons is that they can be cast out and to just do so on the Lord's word. What is to be gained by studying them?

You can pretty much say that about everything can you not? Can you not say there is no need to study the gifts, there is no need to listen to a pastor there is no need for any other external teaching on anything. But since most aren't that spiritual, then some study is good. To infer that that is somehow a morbid interest shows more about your feelings on it than those who'd question it.

 

[JEBrady]

You can pretty much say that about everything can you not? Can you not say there is no need to study the gifts, there is no need to listen to a pastor there is no need for any other external teaching on anything. But since most aren't that spiritual, then some study is good. To infer that that is somehow a morbid interest shows more about your feelings on it than those who'd question it.

(Not to be a grammar Nazi, but you used a double negative- I assume you meant to say, “Can you say there is no need to study the gifts…” etc.)

Everything in the Bible is worthy of study, all scripture is God-breathed and useful for instruction in righteousness, it’s all there for a reason. Some things are basic principles and more important than others, and they have far more written about them. There is much less written on demons, but what is written is worthy of examination. I should have made that distinction more clear in the previous post. It seems to me folks that make a career out of studying demons tend to get out of balance. I’ve seen folks who were literally looking for a demon under every rock, forcing their “deliverance ministry” down everyone’s throat, not being led of the Spirit, and offending others. I wish I was kidding, but I’m not. Maybe morbid is not the interest that gets them to this place, but it is definitely something in their flesh. Anyway, so I agree with DtB, in his assessment on “demonology” and it’s relative worth in light of the Bible revelation in general.

I don’t know what you mean by “external teaching”, so I can’t comment, but let’s not indulge unreasonable hyperbole. You don’t really think I or anyone else is saying not to listen to the gifts God has placed in the church, do you? There are some teachers I will not listen to, however. All weren’t placed by God, and all don’t teach the truth. That’s a side topic, though.

I agree with “some study is good”. I don’t agree with making a career out of it, for the reason stated. For people who aren’t that spiritual, the way to become “more” spiritual is through personal sanctification, not study of demons. Study of demons doesn’t make anyone more spiritual, though it gives more information on demons. Get the ears open to the Spirit before worrying about the ‘ology.

I was delivered from a demon by prayer from a man who didn’t study demons. He was just anointed and knew the voice of God.

Maybe you can give an example where someone you knew was delivered by demonology, to clarify what you’re trying to illustrate.

 

[kenrch]

Possessed and oppressed are not the same.

You cannot be possessed by a demon because you are the temple of the Holy SPirit.

You can be oppressed/ harrassed by a demon. In that case stand firm. Resist the devil and he will flee.

My thoughts exactly! I don't see how a demon will share the same house as the Holy Spirit.

 

[FLA2760]

Hi
This is an interesting topic. The scripture talks about a sinning believer being handed over to satan for the destruction of the flesh that HIS SPIRIT may be saved. The Jewish Temple consisted of the outer courts where the Gentiles were allowed access. The Holy place where the Jewish worshipers gathered and the Most Holy Place where the Glory of God was present. Here the High Priest entered once a year with the blood of the sacrifice to make atonement for his and the people's sins. The idea was that in the Most Holy Place all would be consumed by God's presence (Holiness) if the blood of the sacrifice was not present. I see here an illustration of a Spirit sealed child of God. A demon does not come with the blood of Jesus! No a believer cannot be possessed in their spirit due to the human spirit being joined to God's Spirit. The outer courts where the Gentiles were allowed were considered "unclean" by the religious Jews. No Gentile could be deemed ceremonially clean without first converting to Judaism. But; remember what Christ said about the one who is a Jew inwardly through circumcision of the heart! I see here in the Temple's outer courts a picture of the believer's old nature that is still subject to satanic attacks from without.For our old man this flesh is certainly prone to "uncleanness" i.e., sin! For we are in the world but not of the world due to the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Christ said he who is washed need only to wash his feet. This speaks of our contact with the world and the stains we pick up in this arena.Our old nature and satan's relentless efforts here should not be underestimated! See 1 John 1:9
So yes believers can be oppressed from without; hence the Armor of God we are exhorted to put on , but greater is He who is IN YOU than he who is in the world.
God Bless.

 

[Ariel]

Well, I don't want to argue about terms. "Possessed" means owned. A Christian is not owned by Satan.

But a Christian can certainly be oppressed.

Let me explain.

Look at 1 Thessalonians 5:23: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

We are spirits. We have souls. We live in bodies.

When you became a Christian, your spirit became Christ's. Satan had owned you before this, but now the Holy Spirit lives in your spirit. As stated above, there is no room for light and darkness.

But your soul is another thing. Everytime you sinned in your former life, you gave ground to Satan. Now Satan--or rather his demons-- need to be kicked out of your soul.

The Holy Spirit does this as you walk in obedience to the Word of God. Some of these struggles are difficult! But you can take authority over the enemy and tell him to be gone, James 4:7-8. Do this out loud in Jesus name.

For example, suppose you are dealing with a habitual sin that seems to get the better of you more times than not. Suspect a demon stronghold in that part of your soul.

Here is what you do to overcome that enemy:
1. Repent of the sin that gave Satan a legal hold on you, James 4:7; Ps. 94:20; 1 John 1:9.
2. Address that demon specifically. Tell it out loud that in the name of Jesus you are resisting it and therefore it must leave, James 4:7-8.
3. Spend time in praise and prayer, James 4:8.
4. Ask God to seal that area of your soul with the blood of Jesus, and seal the door that was used to attack you.
5. Walk in obedience to Scripture. Make no provision for this sin ever again in your life. Psalm 85:8 warns us not to go back to things we have been delivered from.

If you do fall again, repeat the steps. Don't let sin rule over you, because Jesus has given you authority to rule over it! Romans 6:12

The third part of you is your body. I believe that some diseases are actually caused by demons. That is why when Jesus healed we often hear of people being delivered from demons. Discernment is needed. When praying for someone like this, ask the Lord to show you anything that needs to first of all be forgiven, and then any demon that you need to come against. James 5:14-15 talks about sin being forgiven in the context of healing.

I hope this helps. Like many Christians, I didn't want to believe that demons could oppress people, but I was wrong. There came a time in my life when I prayed for Christians--and they were delivered from demons. I had to correct my theology.

 

[Ariel]

Hi
This is an interesting topic. The scripture talks about a sinning believer being handed over to satan for the destruction of the flesh that HIS SPIRIT may be saved. The Jewish Temple consisted of the outer courts where the Gentiles were allowed access. The Holy place where the Jewish worshipers gathered and the Most Holy Place where the Glory of God was present. Here the High Priest entered once a year with the blood of the sacrifice to make atonement for his and the people's sins. The idea was that in the Most Holy Place all would be consumed by God's presence (Holiness) if the blood of the sacrifice was not present. I see here an illustration of a Spirit sealed child of God. A demon does not come with the blood of Jesus! No a believer cannot be possesesd in their spirit due to the human spirit being joined to God's Spirit. The outer courts where the Gentiles were allowed were considered "unclean" by the religious Jews. No Gentile could be deemed ceremonially clean without first converting to Judaism. But; remember what Christ said about the one who is a Jew inwardly through circumcision of the heart! I see here in the Temple's outer courts a picture of the believer's old nature that is still subject to satanic attacks from without.For our old man this flesh is certainly prone to "uncleaness" ie, sin! For we are in the world but not of the world due to the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Christ said he who is washed need only to wash his feet. This speaks of our contact with the world and the stains we pick up in this arena.Our old nature and satan's relentless efforts here should not be underestimated! See 1 John 1:9
So yes believers can be oppressed from without; hence the Armour of God we are exorted to put on , but greater is He who is IN YOU than he who is in the world.
God Bless.

FLA, I just saw your post. What a beautiful way to put it--the typology of the Temple! Thank you, I believe you are right!

 

[Atlantians]

I have seen people in deliverance ministries call out demons out of Christians in my church, they said these demons were oppressing them to mental anguish, alchohol, tobacco, sexual immorality, etc. What do you mean by demons oppressing believers?

That is called "devil made me do it" Christianity.
This idea that whenever we do something wrong, a demon is forcing us.
Sillyness.
A way of trying to trick your own conscience.

 

[tonysma]

That is called "devil made me do it" Christianity.
This idea that whenever we do something wrong, a demon is forcing us.
Sillyness.
A way of trying to trick your own conscience.

Maybe there are demons at every turn wanting us to fail in our walk with Christ...I know this sounds kinda whack....I can just be sitting around and then out of no place, this thought, taste, and smell pop in to my brain...example, a flash of blueberry pie, with whip topping on it flashed in my brain...i could actually taste the goodness of it...not particularly fond of blueberry pie...have had other...

 

[lismore]

That is called "devil made me do it" Christianity.
This idea that whenever we do something wrong, a demon is forcing us.
Sillyness.
A way of trying to trick your own conscience.

I agree with you. One day we will all give an aco[wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth] to God. Adam and Eve used excuses, she made me do it, the serpent made me do it. We have no-one to blame but ourselves, but God is a God of forgiveness. If we only admit then he will forgive.

 

[rollo]

there is a difference between made you and suggested you. though and I doubt anyone can give scriptural arguments that demons don't tempt christians. I think addictions are just being tempted and giving in over and over and as the saying goes if it's not broke why fix it. therefore why wouldn't it be a demon tempting a person in the same way over and over that leads to what we call addiction. I also think inside outside is simantics because our bodies are physical and demons are spiritual and therefore can pass through matter. Again not into soul or spirit but if our bodies were completly safe from all attacks of demons we would never be tempted or sin or be sick in any way whatsoever again because these are all the results of sin and if our bodies are sanctified from sin they should no longer feel the affects of sin.

 

[Ariel]

Well, I don't want to argue about terms. "Possessed" means owned. A Christian is not owned by Satan.

But a Christian can certainly be oppressed.

Let me explain.

Look at 1 Thessalonians 5:23: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

We are spirits. We have souls. We live in bodies.

When you became a Christian, your spirit became Christ's. Satan had owned you before this, but now the Holy Spirit lives in your spirit. As stated above, there is no room for light and darkness.

But your soul is another thing. Everytime you sinned in your former life, you gave ground to Satan. Now Satan--or rather his demons-- need to be kicked out of your soul.

The Holy Spirit does this as you walk in obedience to the Word of God. Some of these struggles are difficult! But you can take authority over the enemy and tell him to be gone, James 4:7-8. Do this out loud in Jesus name.

For example, suppose you are dealing with a habitual sin that seems to get the better of you more times than not. Suspect a demon stronghold in that part of your soul.

Here is what you do to overcome that enemy:
1. Repent of the sin that gave Satan a legal hold on you, James 4:7; Ps. 94:20; 1 John 1:9.
2. Address that demon specifically. Tell it out loud that in the name of Jesus you are resisting it and therefore it must leave, James 4:7-8.
3. Spend time in praise and prayer, James 4:8.
4. Ask God to seal that area of your soul with the blood of Jesus, and seal the door that was used to attack you.
5. Walk in obedience to Scripture. Make no provision for this sin ever again in your life. Psalm 85:8 warns us not to go back to things we have been delivered from.

If you do fall again, repeat the steps. Don't let sin rule over you, because Jesus has given you authority to rule over it! Romans 6:12

The third part of you is your body. I believe that some diseases are actually caused by demons. That is why when Jesus healed we often hear of people being delivered from demons. Discernment is needed. When praying for someone like this, ask the Lord to show you anything that needs to first of all be forgiven, and then any demon that you need to come against. James 5:14-15 talks about sin being forgiven in the context of healing.

I hope this helps. Like many Christians, I didn't want to believe that demons could oppress people, but I was wrong. There came a time in my life when I prayed for Christians--and they were delivered from demons. I had to correct my theology.

I'm re-posting this, hoping that someone will see it.

I believe that when the bible says that Jesus cast our demons, it means He did just that.

This is not "the devil made me do it" convenience. This is spiritual reality.