It is argued throughout Christian circles that a Christian can’t be demon-possessed. I say the argument is irrelevant. Whether it is possession or oppression seems to matter little. The point is that people, including Christians, can become demonized, and terribly tormented in their souls and bodies.
This teaching is for Christians who have become tormented by demonic influence. Let’s discover from God’s word how this happens. We will also learn how to avoid it. Lastly, we’ll see how to stay free from being demonized.
The letter of James gives us insight into why and how Christians become tormented by devils.
James 3:13-17 (ESV) But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
When our hearts are wounded, hardened, jealous, bitter, resentful, or self-seeking, we become a target of the enemy. We can also become a weapon he can use to hurt others.
Notice that James calls this wisdom, but not wisdom from God. It is earthly, demonic wisdom. This ungodly wisdom has a certain reasoning that justifies our jealousy, bitterness, and selfishness. It makes perfect sense to the unrenewed, carnal mind. It makes unforgiveness seem like a reasonable choice.
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Bitterness, selfishness, envy, and jealousy can not freely enter our hearts. We must willingly receive those thoughts by responding with our words and actions. When that happens, we become a magnet for every evil work and a landing strip for demonic activity. We don’t just open the door to demonic influence; we send out invitations and serve up their favorite meal. This is one way the enemy walks about, seeking whom he may destroy.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Guarding our tongue is crucial. It helps protect our hearts from the enemy’s deceptions. As he roars in our thoughts, we must respond with God’s word and prayer instead of entertaining his lies and agreeing with his tormenting thoughts.
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Words have creative or destructive power and we must be ever mindful of what we say. If we are not mindful of our words, know that demons are.
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Words can minister grace, peace, and life, or they can minister death and invite demonic activity. When we give voice to thoughts from the enemy, we allow that evil seed to be planted it in our hearts.
The entire Bible is replete with passages warning us and encouraging us about the power of our words. The enemy knows about this power and tries to exploit it by attacking our minds with ungodly thoughts. He provokes us until we speak or act on those thoughts.
This is spiritual warfare and make no mistake, we must treat it as such. This is why it is so important to renew our minds with God’s written word. Without God’s word abiding in us, we have little to no ability to take demonic thoughts captive
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Without having healthy consistent exposure to the word of God, we cannot equip ourselves for spiritual warfare. We need to intake the word of God for ourselves. Otherwise, we lack the weapons necessary to fight our enemy. This does not come from listening to preaching and teaching from others. It will only come from reading, studying, and listening to the Bible for oneself.
The Bible says we are to desire the sincere milk of the word so that we may grow spiritually. Even the devil knows it is easier to fight and win against an immature Christian than it is to tackle a spiritual adult.
1 Peter 2:1-3 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
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