They Will Cast Out Demons pt3

WHAT IS OPPRESSION? POSSESSION?

In Scripture, ‘oppression’ means to cause trouble. Demonic oppression is when the devil afflicts you from without (i.e. your body or your circumstances). If you’re being afflicted, then it’s a good chance it’s spiritually motivated (Acts 10:38).

The reason these people needed healing was because they were oppressed of the devil. Therefore, their sickness wasn’t simply physical, or psychological. Instead, it was spiritual (demonically motivated).

You don’t have to have an evil spirit (spirit of infirmity) in order for sickness to be motivated by evil. In fact, Jesus treated most sicknesses like they were the result of demonic influence (Luke 4:38, 39).

Jesus rebuked this fever as though it were an evil spirit. The sickness also obeyed Jesus, revealing to us that there was a spiritual authority behind it. (Similar to the ‘wind’ that Jesus rebuked. It too had a spiritual authority behind it.) Therefore, our circumstances, as well as our sicknesses, often are the result of demonic influence.

Many do not agree with this. Instead, they believe most sicknesses are natural (normal) occurences. But, this is exactly what Satan wants us to do, because when we accept his afflictions (oppression) as something normal, he gains a foothold in our life. When we accept the Satan’s attacks (verbal or physical) we give him permission to enter (or re-enter) our life!

Not only is it possible to be oppressed by the devil, it’s possible to be possessed by him (Mark 1:32)! The word ‘possession’ means to ride, command or even become the person. Demonic possession is when the devil (demons) reaches into your soul (i.e. mind, will and emotions). The goal is to try and possess and influence your personality and behavior.

The world calls this schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is when a person has false ideas about reality (hearing voices, etc.). This is really just demon possession (2Corinthians 10:4, 5). Demons are really skillful at creating strongholds in our minds and making us believe that their thoughts are really our own!

Now, it’s possible to have an evil spirit and not be under the control of that evil spirit at all times. The same is true of the Holy Spirit. It’s possible to have the Spirit and not be led (under the control) of the Spirit at all times. God and the devil wants to possess our soul. God uses the Holy Spirit to help your spiritual man ‘gain’ or possess your soul (Luke 21:19). The devil uses evil spirits to gain possession of your soul and give it to your carnal man.

WHO CAN BE OPPRESSED? POSSESSED?

ANYBODY can be oppressed by the devil (Psalm 34:19).

Afflictions are from the devil. The devil (demons) are in charge of ministering the curse. There are different reasons Christians can be oppressed...

Afflictions/oppression comes to PROVE us (Job 1:8, 12; Matthew 4:1)

Afflictions/oppression comes to HUMBLE us (2Corinthians 12:7)

Afflictions/oppression comes to JUDGE us (1Corinthians 5:1-5)

The Church has taught that Christians can ONLY be oppressed, but not possessed by demons. I’m not saying that everyone who is oppressed is demon possessed. Instead, I’m suggesting that sometimes Christians are possessed with evil spirits. It’s possible to be a Christian (child of God) and have a demon spirit.

First, all you have to do is look at the way some of us act! Reoccurring issues, not acting yourself, losing control. A lack of temperance (self-control) is often a sign that an evil spirit is present in a person (2Timothy 1:7).

Second, there is precedence in Scripture of God’s people under the influence of demons (1Samuel 16:14; John 13:2, 27; Matthew 16:21-24).

Finally, according to Scripture only Christians have a covenant right to be delivered from demons (Matthew 15:22, 26)!

What are some of the things that exposes believers to demonic possession?

Demons can enter in through sin/willful disobedience (Hebrews 10:26)

We are only protected from the curse and demon spirits when we walk under the blood. However, notice that willful disobedience is not under the blood. Now, not EVERY defiant (willful) sin ends in demonic possession, but the point is that there’s a RISK of it ending in demon possession. Not EVER criminal act results in a prison sentence, but there’s a RISK that it will. When you are defiant and commit willful disobedience, God does not have to forgive you. He can immediately turn you over to Satan for destruction. He still may turn you over to Satan for a season even if He forgives you (2Timothy 2:24-26).

Demons can enter in through unforgiveness (Matthew 18:32-35)

Jesus came to set the captives free, and as ministers of reconciliation we are supposed to be doing the same thing. Those who do not forgive are turned over to the tormentors (demons) as a form of judgment.

Demons can enter in through bitterness (Hebrews 12:15)

The flesh is always trying to get us to justify our position. “You have a good reason to be upset.” Remember, Esau was unjustly treated by his brother, who stole his birthright! It doesn’t matter if your rights have been violated, you do not have a right to be bitter and hold a grudge against someone else (James 5:9). Be careful, Satan will try to use the injustices that are committed against you to put you into bondage!

Demons can enter in through criticism and judgment (Matthew 7:1)

Remember, we are not permitted to judge the world (1Corinthians 5:12, 13). Those who insist on judging the world will come under God’s judgment (Romans 2:3).

Demons can enter in through evil thoughts (Ephesians 6:16)

The devil constantly tries to get us to accept his thoughts/desires (Acts 5:3). We must cast down his thoughts and suggestions (2Corinthians 10:5).

Demons can enter in through fellowship (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Fellowship with the world can expose us to devils (1Corinthians 10:20). Included in this is accepting false doctrine (1Timothy 4:1).