Demon Possession

Occasionally, we will get a counseling call that deals with demon influence over a person or in a particular location. We have been asked to pray to cast out demons, or to pray that the Lord will protect a family and a home from the effects of demons.

We need to understand first who a demon is and to whom he must listen. It is also important to recognize the signs of demon influence. These are far more in number than most Christians believe. Powerful, violent, outlandish acts are not the only manifestations of demon power and influence. We also need to understand the limitations put on demons by our God and how our God tells us to deal with demonic power. Even demons must obey God and are subordinate to Him in power.

We have quite a few examples in scripture of people who were possessed of demons. Our Savior dealt with the demons by ordering them to obey Him. In one case, the most notable, perhaps, He ordered them to move from the body of a man to the bodies of swine. The apostles, also, cast out demons on occasion. However, we are given an example in the Bible of some who felt this was a good way to make a good living. These seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, attempted to cast the demon out of a man, and wound up being badly beaten and driven out of the house without their clothes!

Since a Christian is possessed by the Holy Spirit, he cannot be possessed by a demon, but he can be influenced, causing virtually the same action that would occur if he were possessed. We need to remember, though, that we are not helpless in our struggle with evil. 1 John 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” God does not leave us to be victimized by the Devil and his demons. 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Ephesians 6

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh [Grk. blood and flesh] and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual [or, wicked spirits] wickedness in high [or, heavenly] places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

For more on this topic see our Bible Institute course:10200 Doctrine of Satan