Demonization and Demon Possession

As we saw in the first part of this Lesson, Christians understand demons to be fallen angels. These are angels who left their first state and joined Satan in departing from heaven (Jude 6). They and Satan now face an eternal destiny in the lake of fire (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 12:9; 20:11).

One of the key features of Jesus’ earthly ministry was casting out demons. This ministry certainly showed that Jesus had compassion on all people. Those who were demon-possessed were perhaps the most to be pitied of all. 

However, the ministry Jesus had with exorcisms had a much deeper significance. It indicated the retaking of the earth for God from Satan. Jesus says in Luke 11:20, “If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” Jesus’ casting out of demons was one of the signs that the kingdom of God was returning “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10).

Here are just a few of the places where Jesus cast out a demon, an evil spirit:

• The Gerasene Demoniac (Mark 5:1-20): A man possessed by a legion of demons, exhibiting extreme strength and living among the tombs. Jesus cast out these demons, demonstrating his power over the demonic realm.
• The Boy with a Spirit (Mark 9:17-29): A boy possessed by a spirit that caused seizures and life-threatening behaviors. Jesus’ disciples initially failed to cast it out, but Jesus himself expelled the demon, emphasizing the need for prayer and faith.
• The Woman with a Spirit of Infirmity (Luke 13:10-17): This woman was crippled for eighteen years due to a spirit. Jesus healed her on the Sabbath, highlighting his lordship over physical and spiritual afflictions.
• The Mute Demoniac (Matthew 9:32-34): After Jesus cast a demon out of a man who could not talk, the man spoke, astonishing the crowd. This incident demonstrated Jesus’ authority and also provoked accusations from the Pharisees.
• Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2): She is mentioned as someone from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons, indicating a history of severe demonic oppression.

Demonization

Rev. Brian Burke makes a sharp distinction between demon-possession and
“demonization.” The former is the sort that takes place in the Gospel references above. These individuals were effectively taken over by a demon. They lost all power over their own wills. The demon was in total control.

Rev. Brian Burke seeks to help us understand how Christians can be affected by demons by clarifying the Greek term “daimonizomai” which is often translated as “demon possessed” in our English translation.  He and others have suggested a better way to translate this term would be “to be demonized,” since the original term is more about a spectrum of demonic interference or control.  So, there are two issues with translating this word as “possession.”  First, in the English language, “possession” often implies complete ownership.  If I possess a house or a car, for example, I own it.  But, if a believer is demonized, they are not “owned” in any way by Satan.  Take a look at Luke 13:10-17, and the woman who was crippled by an evil spirit for 18 years in the list above.  She was not “possessed by the enemy” in the sense of ownership.  The enemy didn’t own her.  In fact, in the text, as Jesus is arguing with the Pharisees about healing on the Sabbath, Jesus refers to this woman who was worshiping in the synagogue as a “daughter of Abraham” in verse 16.  This woman was a faithful, Jewish believer who was afflicted by an evil spirit.  She was not “owned” by demonic spirits.

As believers, Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV – emphasis added), “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  In this sense of ownership, we as believers cannot be “possessed” by evil spirits.  We are God’s possession (owned by) God!

Second, in our Western culture, we are very much influenced by Hollywood images of spiritual warfare.  When we see horror movies that depict “demonic possession,” we see extreme cases of demonic activity, with people’s heads turning, levitating, shrieking, etc. This is much more on the extreme side of the spectrum of demonization as the Gerasene Demoniac found in Mark 5.  But this is not always how demonization looks in the life of a believer.  Often, it’s more subtle along the lines of spiritual “oppression” when speaking of Christians.

Scripture does indicate that Satan and demons can oppress and attack Christians. This sort of demonization can manifest in such ways as physical infirmities, emotional struggles, spiritual doubts, or sinful temptations.

Numerous biblical examples that suggest demonic oppression include:

• Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10): While not explicitly described as demonic oppression, Paul’s reference to a “messenger of Satan” tormenting him might suggest a form of demonic harassment.  Despite this, Paul’s experience led to a deeper understanding of God’s grace.

• Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18): This passage describes the believer’s struggle against spiritual forces of evil.  While not detailing specific instances of oppression, it acknowledges the reality of demonic forces working against believers.  Similarly, just two chapters earlier in Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul makes the direct connection between holding onto anger for too long and spiritual warfare (giving the devil a “foothold” in our lives). 

• Peter’s Denial (Luke 22:31-34): Jesus’ warning to Peter about Satan's desire to “sift you as wheat” can be interpreted as a form of spiritual attack or oppression, aiming to undermine Peter's faith and loyalty.

No one would run a marathon without preparing.  In the lead-up to the race, you eat the right foods.  You discipline your body.  Otherwise, you will fail to finish or perform well.  The “armor of God” mentioned in Lesson 1 are key ways to prepare for spiritual battle. Remember the seven sons of the Jewish priest Sceva in Acts 19:13-16?  They tried to cast out a demon in Jesus’ name, even though they were not believers.  The result was that they were driven from the house naked.  We are in a spiritual battle. We had best be prepared!