Demon spirits are also known as devils, evil spirits, unclean spirits, and spirits.
DEMONIC INFLUENCE
When we commit repeated acts of sin, habitually yield to the flesh in certain areas, or practice unclean habits, the door is open for demons to enter and oppress areas of our lives. Since witchcraft and the occult is sin, demons have legal right to occupy and control our lives when we participate in these activities. They are able to attack, afflict, oppress, torment, or hold in bondage and occupy.
All demons need is a point of contact through our eyes, ears, mind, or body to gain a legal right. The eyes, ears, mind, and tongue are entry points into our hearts. That’s why Scripture states that we must GUARD OUR HEARTS (Proverbs 4:22-23).
HOW DEMONS CAN INFLUENCE US
- Mind – They can influence the mind through filthy, unclean thoughts, insanity, fear, confusion, etc.
- Tongue – They can cause constant lying, blasphemy, profanity, unclean speech, and criticism
- Sex – They can cause lust, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, and pornography addiction
- Unclean Habits and Addictions – They can cause addictions to drugs, alcohol, smoking, food, TV, rock and gangster rap music
- Physical Sickness – Epilepsy seizures, fits, asthma, migraines, deafness, extreme cases of arthritis, allergies, cancer, etc.
- Emotions and Attitudes – Unnatural restlessness, rejection, hatred, envy, anger, rage, bitterness, tension, jealousy, self-pity, depression, resentment, heaviness, despair, and suicide.
Remember, demons are only able to influence us when we yield to sin. Witchcraft and the occult is sin. If we continue in these sins without repenting, Satan and demons get a grip, attach themselves to us, lay hold on us, and have a place to influence our lives.
We know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ’s divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him]. (1 John 5:18 AMP)
DEMONIC POSSESSION
Demonic possession means a complete takeover and ownership of spirit, soul, and body. Evil spirits indwell, occupy, and control the person’s personality. ONLY LOST PEOPLE CAN BE POSSESSED BY DEMONS.
Examples of demon possession (evil spirits indwelling and totally controlling people):
- People who commit rape, murder, child abuse, e.g. serial killers. They are PSYCHOPATHS.They manifest extreme cruelty.
- The SCHIZOPHRENIC is a person who withdraws from and loses contact with reality.
- People who are PARANOID have delusions of being somebody else. They are unable to accept themselves as they really are, but imagine themselves to be Napoleon, or some film star, or a war hero, etc. They live in a fantasy world and can be controlled by all types of unnatural fears.
- The MANIC DEPRESSIVE has severe ups and downs, severe feelings of rejection, and destructive behavior – suicidal tendencies.
ONLY CHRISTIANS CANNOT BE POSSESSED BY DEMONS
Christians cannot be demon-possessed, but they can be troubled by demons and attacked with demonic oppression. They can be influenced and held in demonic bondage in their body or soul (MIND, WILL, EMOTIONS), but NOT in their recreated spirit. Why? Once we are saved (or become Christians), the Lord takes ownership of our spirit (or inner man). Therefore, Satan and/or demons cannot possess us.
A Christian who sincerely seeks to live for God (Romans 12:1-2) and attempts to live a disciplined lifestyle (prayer, attending church, reading the Bible, walking upright before the Lord), yet has recurrent or persistent problem areas in their life that they cannot control, needs to be set free from the influence and oppression of demon spirits.
A child of God living outside the will of God in rebellion or disobedience to the commands of the Scripture, such as the occult, is an OPEN TARGET for demon spirits.
- Christians can have demons. They can be demonized or troubled by demons.
- Christians are the target of demonic attack and activity.
- Christians cannot be demon-possessed.
- Demon possession means total ownership and being indwelt and ruled by evil spirits – spirit, soul, and body.
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