Christians Can Have Demons | Bible Study with TheChristianKing

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The Bible nowhere says one way or the other if believers can be "demonized" (either possessed or heavily influenced by demons), yet there are differing views within Christianity on the issue. To form the discussion, let us consider some important biblical principles and verses. First, protection of believers from demonic possession;
Many argue that believers cannot be possessed by demons because indwelling Holy Spirit would never coexist with demonic forces. There are many scriptures that apparently support the thought that Christians are safe from this kind of spiritual invasion:

1 John 4:4 (ESV)

"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price."

These verses establish the fact of the indwelling Holy Spirit in believers, and some view this as assurance against total possession by demons.

2. Believers Can Be Under Demonic Influence or Attack
While the question of full possession-the complete control-is debated, many are convinced that the believers may be influenced, oppressed, or attacked by the demonic forces. The Bible gives illustrations of such Satanic attacks against believers:

Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV)
"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Paul warns believers to be watchful against spiritual attack; therefore, it infers that Christians are under demonic influence and schemes.

2 Corinthians 12:7
"So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited."

Paul refers to a "messenger of Satan" being a buffeting influence in his life, yet he was a believing man.
3. Demon Influences Examples
The Bible does not give evidence of the possession of believers, but it does give examples of demonic attacks:
Peter:
Jesus rebuked Peter when he spoke against Jesus going to the cross showing at that moment, Peter was under Satan's influence.
Matthew 16:23 (ESV)
"But he turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.' "

Even one of Jesus' followers, Peter, had the potential to be under the influence of Satan.

Synopsis of Views:
Possession: Many believe that no true believer who has the Holy Spirit in them can be demonically possessed.
Oppression/Influence: However, it is possible that believers be spiritually attacked, oppressed, or influenced by demonic forces without the demons taking full control of the believer's will or body.
This balance of spiritual protection and vigilance against attack is emphasized in the New Testament.

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