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Earmarks of Possession

   John 8:44 warn sinners, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in hum. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

 

   Can we easily recognize a person who is demon possessed? Obviously, it would be hard for a person to hide possession by six thousand demons. However, it makes me shudder to consider how many people we might encounter, day after day, who are possessed by one or two or even a dozen demons-all the while managing to blend undiagnosed right into common society.

 

   There are some telltale signs of which we can be wary. Often, those who are struggling with demon possession carry with them a dark, depressing cloud that contaminates all those around them. You can almost tell when they enter a room; it is as though their gloomy atmosphere is contagious. But there are several more-tangible indicators and the demoniac in our story features many of these prominent characteristics.

 

   Radical personality change. The ‘before and after” of the demoniacs life reveals that he was once a totally different person. This shows that his very identity and individuality were swallowed up by the demons within him.

 

   Those who have witnessed demon possession often report that each demon seems to have its own distinct personality and that the individual possessed often manifests the various personalities of the demons or demons possessing them. The demoniac must have demonstrated a wide array of the ghoulish personalities that were striving for the mastery of his senses.

 

   Antisocial behavior. The conduct of the pathetic lunatic was obviously antisocial, which explains why he was living in the remote solitude of the tombs. Clearly, he lacked all social skills. In many cases, this symptom of demon possession might include lewd or sexually explicit behavior. (“He wore no clothes.”)

 

   Spiritual insight.  The possessed man also showed an unusual depth of spiritual insight. He recognized Jesus to be God even before Jesus spoke. This insight was obviously beyond any human spiritual capacity. Demons also have an intuitive knowledge of their impending doom. (“Have You come here to torment us before the time?”)

 

   Supernatural strength. Norman means of human confinement could not control the demoniac. No chain was strong enough-he snapped shackles as if they were strings. Other places in the Scriptures also associate superhuman strength with demon possession (Acts 19:16).     

 

   Torment. The price tag of possession is very high; those who fall victim of demons often suffer constant torment. Such was the case of the demoniac (see Mark 5:5). His animalistic shrieks horrified the locals. Those possessed by demons might also babble incoherently. (“He was crying out.”)

 

   Tendency toward self-destruction. Another indicator of demonic possession is the desire to harm one’s self. (“Cutting himself with stones.”) Often demoniacs described in Scripture were bent on self-destruction, often accompanied by fits and convulsions (see Mark 9:17-29). The drowning of the swine dramatically demonstrates the self-destructive desires of the demons.  We also see this played out in Judas’s end. (Remember, Scripture says that at the Last Supper, Satan entered him-see Luke 22:3.) “Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5). 

 

   A preoccupation with death. The demon-possessed frequently have a morbid preoccupation with death and it’s trapping. The demoniac chose to live in a cemetery. Likewise, in our culture today, young people easily become addicted to rock music with suicidal themes. They frequently dress in black clothing and highlight themselves with black-colored lipstick and fingernail polish.

 

   They also wear jewelry or sport tattoos that depict skulls and other graveyard images.

 

Casting Out Stubborn Spirits

   After televangelist Jimmy Swaggart was caught in a moral scandal, he defied the orders of the Assemblies of God to refrain from preaching for a year and undergo counseling. Instead, he assured the public that he was free of moral defect. He said Oral Roberts had already cast the demons from his body over the phone. Roberts confirmed the report, insisting that his friend had demons that had embedded their claws deeply in his flesh. Now that the rascals were gone, Swaggart and Roberts asserted, the televangelist could get on with preparing the way for Christ’s return. But only a few months later, according to media reports, Swaggart was caught in Palm Springs with a prostitute in his car, which was strewn with pornographic magazines. 

 

   I need to tread softly as I venture on the important topic of the casting out of demons. I do not want to leave you with the impression that there is some simple, three-step formula. It would be nice if a doctor could prescribe a pill that would eliminate all of the demons within like medicine that kills worms in a dog. However, the casting out of devils is not something to be taken lightly. It certainly involves more than speaking a few mystical words over the phone.

 

   I am very suspicious of Christians who claim to have a special exorcism ministry, because I find no evidence in the Bible that one of the gifts of the Spirit is casting out of demons. 

 

   However, the Bible plainly teaches that in cases of demon possession, God’s servants can, through His power, cast demons out. We are no match for these spiritual enemies; but in the might of our Lord, we can stand against even legions of them. “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast of demons. Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

 

   Still, God’s Word cautions that the devil does not go easily. And casting out demons is not a business to be executed with a flippant attitude. Earlier, I alluded to a story in the book of Acts that illustrates just this point. Some presumptuous young men attempted to cast out a demon using some canned formula they thought the apostle Paul was using.  Their plan backfired terribly. Let us take look at the whole story:

 

   Some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the name that Paul preaches.” In addition, there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish priest, who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” Then the man whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so they fled out of the house naked and wounded (Acts 19: 13-16).

 

   Satan clings tenaciously to his victims. The story of the Exodus tells us that Moses, like Jesus, came to save his people from slavery. The pharaoh, like Satan, fiercely resisted freeing them from their bondage, even though it meant the destruction of his kingdom. Indeed, new birth always has the element of pain and blood. Freedom from tyranny often requires sacrifice and struggle-whether it is the birth of the nation or of a single soul as it is being liberated from the shackles of sin. 

 

What Can We Do?

   Cite Scripture. When Jesus battled with the devil in the wilderness, He quoted Scripture. It is our most powerful weapon. We must plunge the sword of God’s Word directly into the temptations of the deceiver. It was frequently in the context of preaching that Jesus cast out devils: “He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons” (Mark 1:39). Encourage those who are afflicted to read the Bible, and, if they can, to attend services where the Word is proclaimed. You might even read Scripture aloud to them. 

 

   Pray and fast. Once, a father brought his son to Jesus and complained about a demon that possessed his boy: “Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down and he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and become rigid. So I spoke to your disciples, that they should cast him out, but they could not” (Mark 9:18).

 

   Jesus responded, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). It might require several sessions, or even days, of special prayer and fasting to see a soul delivered. Do not give up easily; you can be sure the devil will not. 

 

   Believe. We must pray in faith that God will liberate those who are tormented. Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes” (Mark 9:23).         

 

   Prepare your own heart. Those involved in praying should reach their own souls and confess and forsake their sins. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

 

   Anoint with oil. Often there is a thin line between medical and spiritual affliction, between physiological and diabolical torment. For this reason, it might be appropriate to anoint the victim with oil. “Is any one among you sick? Let him call the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5: 14, 15).

 

   Invoke Jesus’ name. Always invoke the name and authority of Jesus when venturing into spiritual combat. “Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And he came out that very hour.” (Acts 16:18). “These signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons” (Mark 16:17).

 

Does the Devil Know Your Name?

   Sports enthusiasts might know all the names of the players on their favorite team. But only a few unusually gifted athletes become household names among average citizens-names like Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, Mohammed Ali, and Tiger Woods.  During World War II, every Japanese soldier recognized the name of General Douglas MacArthur.

 

   This also holds true in the spiritual realm. Wherever Jesus went throughout His earthy ministry, the devils He encountered always knew who He was. “There was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, ‘Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are- the Holy One of God!’” (Mark 1:23,24). Another time we learn, “He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him” (Mark 1:34). This awareness is understandable. After all, Jesus had once been their heavenly commander.

 

   God, of course, is omniscient; He knows all things, He knows even more than just our names-He knows the very number of hairs we have on our heads! The devil, on the other hand, is not all knowing. However, he is acquainted with certain people because he regards their godly reputation and conduct as a threat. A perfect example of this is Job, who apparently was a big thorn in the devil’s side.

 

   Scripture recounts, “The Lord said unto Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and shuns evil?’” (Job 1:8). The devil responded that he was well acquainted with Job. And you can be sure that the devil also knew the names Moses, Noah, Daniel, and David. And the enemies of God knew Paul well: “The evil spirit answered and said, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?’” (Acts 19:15).

   Does the devil know who you are? It is a disturbing question, but one worth considering. I am sure it might even make you shudder, because nobody wants to invite the diabolical attention of Lucifer. Still, wouldn’t we want to live a life that alarms the enemy? 

 

   I submit that when we consecrate our lives to God and live that way, we become a threat to the devil. Whether we like it or not, we are all players on a cosmic football field, surrounded by the angels of God and Satan-all watching from their stadium seats. The angels of God certainly cheer our victories, and the demons obviously boo. And when we publicly announce our faith in Christ’s promises, our names are proclaimed over the cosmic sound system. “I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man will confess before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8).

 

   On the other hand, when we deny Christ by our words and behavior, demons cheer while God’s angels hang their heads and fold their wings in despair. “’He who denies Me [Jesus] before men will be denied before the angels of God’” (Luke 12:9). So, fight valiantly for victory on the field of life that your Master may pronounce with beaming smile, “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). 

 

   In the next section, we will see how the Lord will help you do all this and more…

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