What role do demons play in the lives of believers? Christians can be oppressed and obsessed by demonic forces, but can Christians be possessed by evil spirits? Satan and unclean spirits were very active when Jesus was manifested in the flesh on earth. And many in New Testament times were delivered from demons.
Peter was a spokesperson for the enemy when he discouraged Jesus from going to the cross (Mark 8:32-33). Paul spoke about giving place to the devil through unforgiveness (2 Cor. 2:10-11). James tells us to resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7).
We need to understand that not every bondage and besetting sin is devil induced. Some things are just plain Sin caused by selfish choices. The works of the Flesh don’t need to be “cast out”—these tendencies need to be denied!
A believer came to Watchman Nee and asked him cast a demon out from him. Watchman Nee replied, “You let the devil in, you can cast him out!”
As Christians, we can break the power of evil forces by repenting of our sin, and walking in the light. Human impulses, in and of themselves, are not demonic. But when we yield to these sinful tendencies then satanic beachheads can develop within our souls. The Bible tells us that we have mighty weapons to pull down these devilish strongholds and cast down wicked imaginations (2 Cor. 10:4-5). God has given His people authority over the enemy, because all power in heaven and earth has been given to us (Matt. 28:18).
So instead of running off to some meeting where sensational and bizarre things are happening, why not run to the prayer closet and get thoroughly right with God?
🔸 RENOUNCE all the ground you have given to Satan. Drug use, unforgiveness, evil fantasies, and all works of the flesh grieve the Spirit of God. Willful sin allows Satan access to our hearts.
🔸 REPENT of every known sin. Confess every evil deed of the flesh and spirit. And plunge these sins beneath the cleansing flood of Jesus blood.
🔸 Make RESTITUTION where possible. Clear the air and put things right with the people you have wronged.
🔸 RENEW your mind with the Word of God.
🔸 REVEL in the goodness of God. Worship Him in prayer with singing (Ps. 100:2).
🔸 Daily ask God to fill you with His Spirit (Gal. 5:16).
🔸 Obey every prompting God lays upon your heart.
Stop acting like a victim. Quit blaming the devil for the choices you have made. Take full responsibility for personal sin. Listen, we are not victims of the devil because Jesus has made us victors! Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Thanks be unto God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:57). We have ample and powerful weapons to overcome the wiles of the devil. The armor of God is ours for the taking, but we must suit up every day (Eph. 6:11).
Can Christians give place to the devil? Absolutely. Can believers be troubled by evil spirits? For sure. The evil influences you feel deep down in your soul may be self induced.
Calvary is our banner of victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. So rejoice because “We are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Ro. 8:37)!
Harold Vaughan
For more on this topic check out the book “LORD, HELP ME NOT TO HAVE THESE EVIL THOUGHTS” by Harold Vaughan.
