How does Possession Happen?

[Shannonkish]

AB,

All I ask for is scriptural proof.. provide that for me and I will be happy.

 

[Jim B]

Shannon,

Sorry for butting in here. But you appealed for scriptural proof that Christians can be demon possessed. There is none, of course, because Christian (nor anyone else) can be “possessed” by demons for reasons I have already covered in previous posts.

But I know you believe Christians can be influenced by demons (which we are calling “demonized)” and, yes, Christians can be demonized.

From my understanding of the NT, believers can be

“sifted” by demons (Lk.22.31) and
tempted by demons (1Thess.3.5).​

So, we are instructed to be

watchful against demonic influences (1 Cor.2.11);
to “resist” such demonic influences (Js.4.7, 1 Pt.5.9); and
to put on spiritual armor to protect us from demonic “wiles” (Eph.6.11).​

Jim
\o/

 

[Shannonkish]

Jim,

According to Vine's Expository Dictionary-

daimonizomai NT:1139, "to be possessed of a demon or demons"

daimonizomai NT:1139 signifies "to be possessed of a demon, to act under the control of a demon." Those who were thus afflicted expressed the mind and consciousness of the "demon" or "demons" indwelling them, e. g., Luke 8:28. The verb is found chiefly in Matt. and Mark; Matt 4:24; 8:16,28,33; 9:32; 12:22; 15:22; Mark 1:32; 5:15-16,18; elsewhere in Luke 8:36 and John 10:21, "him that hath a devil (demon)."

According to the Merrim-Webster's Dictionary-

pos·sess ([font=verdana, sans-serif] P ) Pronunciation Key (p

-z

s

)
tr.v. pos·sessed, pos·sess·ing, pos·sess·es

1. To have as property; own.
2. To have as a quality, characteristic, or other attribute: possessed great tact.
3. To acquire mastery of or have knowledge of: possess valuable data.
   1. <LI type=a>To gain or exert influence or control over; dominate: Fury possessed me.
   2. To control or maintain (one's nature) in a particular condition: I possessed my temper despite the insult.
4. To cause to own, hold, or master something, such as property or knowledge: She possessed herself of the unclaimed goods.
5. To cause to be influenced or controlled, as by an idea or emotion: The thought of getting rich possessed him.
6. Obsolete. To gain or seize.

[/font]

 

[Jim B]

Shannon graciously points out

According to Vine's Expository Dictionary-

daimonizomai NT:1139, "to be possessed of a demon or demons"

daimonizomai NT:1139 signifies "to be possessed of a demon, to act under the control of a demon."

Good response, Shannon.

Vines is a wonderful resource, but his goal is to shed light on the existing English Bibles by showing their equivalent terms in the Greek language. The existing English (KJV and some modern translations) phrase was, as Vine notes, "to be possessed of a demon or demons." He failed to note, however, that the word “possessed” is not in the original langage of the Bible. It was an unfortunate addition made by the KJV translators.

While I do disagree with your conclusion in this matter, I admire your scholarship

Respectfully,
Jim
\o/

 

[Shannonkish]

Jim, that is the Strong's Concordance numbers for you... would you like me to search it out in Strong's too... because I am pretty sure I will find the same thing..

According to Strong's Definition..

daimonizomai (dahee-mon-id'-zom-ahee); middle voice from NT:1142; to be exercised by a daemon:
KJV - have a (be vexed with, be possessed with) devil (-s).

From a Greek Lexicon-
daimonizomai (dahee-mon-id'-zom-ahee); middle voice from NT:1142; to be under the power of a demon. (not only is possessed used in the KJV, but also the NAS which according to Biblical scholars is the most accurate at the moment)

Now, to use your own words.. Demonize--

According to Merrim-Webster-
de·mon·ize ([font=verdana, sans-serif] P [/font]) Pronunciation Key (d

m

-n

z

)
tr.v. de·mon·ized, de·mon·iz·ing, de·mon·iz·es

1. To turn into or as if into a demon.
2. To possess by or as if by a demon.
3. To represent as evil or diabolic: wartime propaganda that demonizes the enemy.

 

[Shannonkish]

Now, should I reject Strong's, A Greek Liexicon, and Vine's which all say the same thing and are all pretty authoritative??

(did I mention that I am a Senior in College whose double major happens to be Psychology and Christian Studies (I study words on a daily basis) )

 

[Jim B]

Well, I've got a GED and am taking a correspondence course in remedial reading.

[just kidding]

 

[Spiderrr]

I have had a few thoughts personally on these things...this statement has really evoked something.

There is, it appears, a covering placed on all of us. All of God's human creation has this covering, and you might call it "our authority" over the spirit realm, even though we are below it. It seems that this covering, similar to our health, can be destroyed and degraded (moth eaten...). Sin appears to be the direct cause of this effect, and the more abhorrent and definite, such as satanic worship, work directly against this covering, seeking to destroy it. I cannot define this cover but by a "feeling" I get, and I am sure we all rest in knowledge of it.

We are currently, this very second, surrounded by forces of might far greater than ourselves, but there is something dividing us, keeping us from their grasp: I like to call it "choice," but I believe it extends far beyond that, where our covering actually has spiritual substance. Do not leave your covering; God has commanded us not to sin for a good reason, and it reaches into the realm of personal spiritual health. So why do we not run in fear of these unseen giants which encompass us? Because we have a covering. WE ARE COVERED, Praise God, we are covered, THERE'S POWER IN THE BLOOD. As parents, it is imperitive we pray for our children and their covering, for they encounter things daily which seek to kill, rob, destroy. SO DO WE.

I believe that such "possession" may be related to this covering, and our opting out of it at some time and place. Any thoughts on this?

Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of faith. Herein is our safety and our covering - beholding Him and walking in the light of His presence.

There are times when the enemy comes in like a flood - not because we have sinned or done anything amiss, but because we are the possession of the Father, the workmanship of His Hand and the enemy is threatened. He seeks to snuff out the light that burns for the Lord and smash the vessel being formed to express the life of the Spirit. But when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him - the standard or banner of His Love covers us - and His protection cannot be penetrated.

The darkness and the oppression can be fearful and the struggle seems long, but remember, He is our Rock - we shall not be moved - The Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

I have found in times of darkness and oppression the Psalms of David a source of life and encouragement. Psalm 18 expresses the fears and anguish David felt and his song of joy in the deliverance God gave him - "for you have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued under me those who rose up against me."

Praise is a powerful weapon - we do not look at ourselves and our failures - He has delivered us from death and sin - exalt the Name of the Lord.
"He delivers me from my enemies.
You also lift me up above those who rise against me;
You have delivered me from the violent man.
Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles,
And sing praises to Your name."

 

[Jim B]

Shannonkish said

Now, should I reject Strong's, A Greek Liexicon, and Vine's which all say the same thing and are all pretty authoritative??

Okay Shannon,

You say demon possessed and I’ll say demon-ized.

You say potato and I’ll say patahto
You say tomato and I’ll say tamahto …

Let’s call the whole thing off.

Jim
\o/

 

[Lottedah]

Demons do indeed affect your physical body.
Ask any believers whose ailments have their doctors stumped.
Demons do indeed affect the mental body.. christians may not be possessed but they are oppressed and when they manifest the demon can take over for as long as the christian isnt in control of their mind.
I have extensive experience in this ministry having been raised under a minister and having my own ministry specializing in deliverance since June with my husband..I have an extensive occult past and am very familar with the spirits that tag along onto baby christians from their past and keep them in bondage.
It is this confusing doctorine rather than using common sense and the experiences other christians have been through that upsets people who feel guilty for being oppressed when they have the holy spirit and love jesus and know its not a fleshly failure.
Praise God for discernment so they can learn of these chinks in their armor and get the nasty spirits out and keep them out with daily warfare and laying down their flesh.

Alex you did well in answering the questions dont be upset or anything some people have to experience it for themselves before they can fully comprehend.
If you have anymore questions I would be delighted in answering them.

 

[altya]

Shannonkish said


Okay Shannon,

You say demon possessed and I’ll say demon-ized.

You say potato and I’ll say patahto
You say tomato and I’ll say tamahto …

Let’s call the whole thing off.

Jim
\o/

Thanks