What does the Bible say about demonic oppression?
What does the Bible say about demonic oppression?
Answer
There is strong biblical evidence that a Christian cannot be demon possessed. But the question remains about how much influence a demon can have over a Christian. Many Bible teachers describe demonic influence on a Christian as “demonic oppression” to distinguish it from possession.
When a demon possesses a person, it enters that person and has direct control over the person’s mind and body (see Matthew 17:14–18; Luke 4:33–35; 8:27–33). Demonic oppression, on the other hand, involves an external demonic attack. Oppression can result in spiritual and/or physical trouble and strong temptation to sin.
The Bible says that the devil seeks to devour believers (1 Peter 5:8), and Satan and his demons carry out “schemes” against Christians (Ephesians 6:11). As Satan tempted Jesus (Luke 4:2), so demonic forces tempt us to sin. A believer being oppressed by demons will often experience strong temptation, feelings of despair and doubt, and, in some instances, physical ailments. The Christian under attack will be hindered in his ability to serve God and might even give in to the temptation. At the point of stumbling, the oppression can increase to the extent that the demon strongly influences the Christian’s thoughts and behavior.
Job was a godly man, yet he was severely oppressed by Satan. Peter was one of Jesus’ closest disciples, yet he also experienced demonic oppression. Jesus warned him ahead of time: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31–32). Later that same night, Peter denied the Lord three times. The devil seemed to have won a victory, but the Lord had promised that Peter would return and be able to strengthen others.
When we are oppressed by our spiritual enemies, we must turn to God for help: “The name of theLordis a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). God alone can break the power of demonic influence. He will rescue His children: “This poor man called, and theLordheard him; he saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:6). The apostle John gives us great encouragement in this area: “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them” (1 John 5:18).
Victory over demonic oppression is always available to the Christian. John declares, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). We have the indwelling Holy Spirit, and nothing, “neither angels nor demons,” can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Romans 8:38).
Peter encourages believers to resist the devil, “standing firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:9). We must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to successfully fight against demonic oppression. We must build our faith through the Word of God, persistent prayer, and godly fellowship with other believers. Our faith is a shield with which we can “extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:16).