DEMON AFFLICTION & OPPRESSION OF CHRISTIANS
Spiritual War
| DEMON AFFLICTION & OPPRESSION OF CHRISTIANS Many people seem to be disturbed when someone speaks of demons and the spiritual realm. Some people completely reject the existence of spiritual places and beings. Demon affliction of Christians is probably one of the most controversial topics among Christians. Why is this? Scripture is clear about the sure existence of heaven, hell, angels and demons. They are real places and real spiritual beings of a realm we will all spend eternity in; whether in heaven or in hell. The rejection of demon affliction, oppression or attachment concerning Christians is theological presumption. It is a matter of Biblical interpretation. I am only suggesting to take an objective view. To suggest that a Christian can not experience demonic affliction and attachment because the Holy Spirit is in them and the Holy Spirit can not dwell with evil is the same as suggesting; if every Christian is indwelt with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit can not sin then a Christian can not sin. The New Testament does not teach that demons will leave a person when they accept Christ. Many times that is the case but more often deliverance is a process. Deliverance is also part of the sanctification process. Although demons are unable to posses a Christian, they can afflict and oppress them and be deeply rooted in their lives. A new believer just learning to walk in victory, faith and obedience is sure to encounter a hostile attack by demons trying to regain control. Demon activity in the life of a believer is made possible through two avenues. They were demonized before conversion or demon affliction occurred by giving a place to the devil (Eph 4:27). If a believer falls into sin they are giving the devil a foothold and this can lead to severe demonic affliction. Demons will attach themselves to the sin problem areas of the Christian's life and work to assume control in these areas and expand upon them to gain further control. Since it is not possible for demons to have complete control in a believer's life the first step toward deliverance is to confess sin and to renounce Satan and his demonic forces. Although I have discussed the battle for the mind and the destructive power of the imagination I can not stress enough how imperative it is to gain control in this area. Giving into fantasy can lead to habits, addictions, bondages and eventually actions (giving into evil desires) that are almost impossible to break. Sin is first conceived by a thought in the mind. Christians should not even find themselves giving thought to desires of the flesh because they give birth to sin that lead to death. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death (James 1:14-15). Phillipians 4:8 says to meditate on things that are good, true, just and pure. When an evil thought or desire enters the mind go back to the sword of the Spirit, the word of God and proclaim to yourself "of such things do not even give thought, my mind will be set on the will of God"! There are four basic areas of sin that involve demonic attachment that will grow to serious affliction and oppression. 1) Sexual immorality - The practice of sexual immorality usually leads to severe sexual addictions, fantasies, exploring same sex relations, pornography addiction, exploring prostitutes and finally rape. Most sex offenders admit their addictions started with a mild form of pornographic magazines. 2) Unforgiveness - resulting in anger and bitterness. As previously mentioned the refusal to forgive people who have sinned against you leave you vulnerable. Just think of all the sins God has forgiven you. If you're honest you should be overwhelmed and quick to forgive even the most vulgar sins against you. 3) Depression (guilt, shame) - This area is often the area Satan first strikes a new believer. The realization of our past sin can be overwhelming resulting in a feeling of being unworthy. 4) Activity and involvement in the occult - Satanism, witchcraft, psychics, horoscopes and fortune tellers. Even some of the seemingly harmless games (dungeons and dragons, ouija boards) can open doors to evil forces. Symptoms of demonic influence / attachment / affliction & oppression Many Christians are unaware of demonic forces at work in their lives. There are some recognizable symptoms of demonic activity in a person's life. 1) A dominating sin area in a persons life either in thought, imagination or open sinful activities that result in torment and bondage. 2) Often thinking to yourself "something is wrong with me", or "how did I become what I am now"? 3) Often experience confusion, fear and emotional instability Deliverance & Victory by Overcoming Satan Let me begin this section by informing the reader with some hopeful information. The result of your wars, battles and struggles will only serve to strengthen you. Take hope because the true, sincere believer who earnestly seeks God and a holy life empowered by the Holy Spirit will rise up in victory and overcome. (1 John 4:4) James 4:1-10 lays a foundation of principles that lead to freedom and deliverance from demon affliction and attachment in our lives. This passage covers the flesh, the world, evil forces and how the Christian opens doors to demonic influence. This passage can slip by the reader just as Paul's "armor of God" passage in eph 6:11. So let us examine the scripture closely. James 4:7-10 is often referred to as the ten commands in James. Before we examine theses commands in the next article there are a few steps that need to be taken first. In order for righteousness to manifest into a life of Holy living empowered by the Holy Spirit an environment of peace must be established first. James 4:1 begins with James asking "what causes fights and quarrels among you?" James 3:16 says "for where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there". Conflicts among believers draws Satan. Where you have conflict, Satan is sure to be there. The body of Christ must refrain from conflicts within the church and with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ at all costs. Christians must walk in peace (Eph 4:1-3) and not invite evil among each other. We must not only forgive each other within the church but all who have offended or hurt us in the past and in the present. As previously mentioned, refusal to forgive is the root cause of deep seeded anger, bitterness and selfishness and it gives Satan a stronghold in your life. James 4:1 continues by telling the reader where the fighting comes from. "Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members"? This refers to the battle of the flesh, therefore the next step is to confess and renounce active sin in your life. Giving into the desires of the flesh is becoming a friend to the world and an enemy of God. But God's grace is bigger than the sum of all our sins and eventually God's grace will bring those who fight the spiritual battle into victory. The next prerequisite is to cast aside pride. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6).To experience the full potential of God's giving grace you must humble yourself. To humble yourself is to exercise complete, willful submission to God's will and plans for your life. Being proud is living life on your terms, having difficulty taking sound advice, inability admitting when you're wrong and satisfying your own desires. The possibility for demonic influence exists within every church and every person. Most people will deny this when it comes to their church, their relatives or themselves. This is a form of pride. Believe me; wherever you encounter the Holy Spirit working you can be sure the enemy is desperately attempting a counte attack. The more aware you are of the possibilities the more prepared you are for your spiritual defense. Please see part two of this article - The Ten Commands in James / Deliverance and Victory |
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