As illustrated in previous articles, there is a spiritual war
going on in our world today. Some contend that all evil and sin is from Satan
and his demons, yet that is not the case. “If we think of the overall emphasis
of the New Testament, we realize that very little space is given to discussing
demonic activity in the lives of believers or methods to resist and oppose such
activity. The emphasis is on telling believers not to sin but to live lives of
righteousness” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, p. 420).
Therefore, agreeing with Grudem, I believe that demonic
influence/possession is not as common as some would like to think. However, I
do believe that it is much more common than a lot of people would like to
contend. On this note, I also agree with Roger Ellsworth who says, “Satan is
never happier than when people believe he does not exist” (What the Bible
Teaches About Angels, p. 26). Thus, this month, I asked Alan McNeely, an
elder here at ECC to share an experience that he had with demonic influence/possession.
“When I was a student at CMSU, I also attended Christian Campus
House. I met a girl, Marsha, who also attended Bible Study there.
We became good friends. I learned she had been abused as a child and had
also participated in séances and other occult practices against her will. After
our conversations, I realized why the Bible so strongly prohibits involvement
in such practices (Lev. 19:31; Deut. 18:10-12). She was in a situation
that allowed opportunities for the devil to attack her.”
How can demonic influences be recognized? First, Scripture illustrates that a demonically influenced
individual will commonly be violent, especially towards themselves. For
example, in one instance, a boy who suffered from demonic influence would be
thrown violently to the ground by the spirit; he would foam at the mouth, grind
his teeth, become rigid, and often the spirit would throw the boy into fire or
water attempting to kill the boy (Mark 9:17-22 see also 5:2-5). “Such violent
actions, especially those tending towards destruction of the affected person,
were clear indications of demonic activity”(Grudem, Systematic Theology,
p. 425).
Second, Scripture illustrates that a demonically influenced
individual can suffer from various health issues such as epilepsy or other
infirmities (Matt. 17:14-18; Luke 13:11ff). However, elsewhere epilepsy is
distinguished from those who are under demonic influence (Matt. 4:24).
Thus, sometimes health issues can be the result of demonic
influence.
Third, Scripture illustrates that a demonically influenced
individual will commonly oppose the teaching or preaching of Jesus Christ as
the only way to salvation (1 Cor. 12:3; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; John 4:1-6). While
sometimes these false teachers will deny Jesus’ human nature, most commonly
they will deny that Jesus is God (see
http://eugenechristianchurch.blogspot.com/2013/12/god-revealed-2-greatness-of-our-god.html)
And fourth, sometimes they can be recognized through spiritual
discernment as in Alan’s experience. “There were many inconsistencies in
her behavior which led some to believe she might be demon possessed. The campus
minister was the driving force behind this determination (1 Cor. 12:10).”
How should we as Christians respond to encounters with demonically
oppressed individuals? In Alan’s situation, “they
consulted with others and thought an exorcism might be required. I was asked by
him to sit with Marsha during the exorcism. The campus minister and minister
from Northside were there. They had apparently agreed what protocol to follow
according to their interpretation of Scriptures. I had no idea what was to
happen next. There were demonstrations of supernatural phenomena during
the conversations of the minister with the demons who possessed her. I
was one wide-eyed and wondering guy as all this took place. I've been asked
many questions since then. Do you think she was demon possessed? “Yes.”
Relating to the question of how Christians should respond, Alan
was asked “Do you think an exorcism should have been performed? “I'm not sure.”
Do you think it should have been performed at Christian Campus House? “Probably
not.”
What did I take from all this? Much! I am convinced that Ephesians
6:12 is absolutely correct. “For our struggle is not against flesh and
blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of
this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly
places.”
How am I to conquer these strong evil forces? The next verse
in that passage gives the answer. v.13 “Therefore, take up the full
armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done
everything to stand firm.” The next verses talk about those
protections. I take great confidence in knowing God has not left us
defenseless in fighting back against demonic forces.
Some of my favorite verses point out how Satan is limited by God
as to what he can do. Luke 22:31 points out that Satan begged for permission to
put Peter through trials (sift like wheat). You can't be too powerful if you
have to ask for permission to do something.
So as a Christian I need to respect the power of Satan. (1 Peter
5:8 “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil,
prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”) My
paraphrase “I'd better watch out so I won't be his next snack.” Another
favorite which shows God has more bullets than the devil in this spiritual
warfare is “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the
world.” 1 John 4:4b
—Alan
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