Personal Demons

Two women commited suicide this week.  Both were on TV, one with an addiction (possible overdose) and the other by hanging.  The One was 43 years old the other 29. 

This is a sad state of affairs to see anyone this young take their lives.

But the reality is this is becoming common place. 

People are trying to take their life everyday. 

How can this be so when so many people today will say they believe in God. 

Those that have written responses to these two deaths are just so common among our society.  They say they are praying for the families or keeping them in their thoughts, but in reality if asked most of these people know of God but do not really know God. (Their actions speaks a thousand words)

Many people think we should fear God because He is mean and demanding.

While others become mad at God and blame Him for everything. 

But the question is why are so many taking their own lives?

Many say their personal demon is the cause of their problems.  What are they referring to? Are they saying people are demon possessed , or is it some physical or mental illness.

This statement of being demon possessed might hold water, but is it possible for a demon to take possession of a person? Mary Magdalene was demon possessed when she came to Jesus for help. 

Luke 8:1-3 says, “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases [including] Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out…”.

But every time you read of someone being possessed by demons or wicked spirits, there is a common link or denominator.  Another situation written about a person possessed.  

Matthew 8:28-33, “When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.  The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.”

Does Demon Possession Still Happen Today?

Since demon possession happened in the past then it most certainly can be happening today.  There are numerous stories of people being possessed in modern times.  Many times they are dabbling in the occult (horoscopes, palm readers, physic's, etc.), trying to contact spirits, and some even openly worship the Devil.  This is truly asking for trouble.  The first king of Israel, king Saul, was troubled by an evil spirit but it was only after the Spirit of God had departed him (1 Sam 16:14-23).

 Is it Possible for a Demon to Take Possession of a Believer in Christ? 

Can a believer in Jesus Christ, who has been born-again and saved be possessed by the devil or by a demon or fallen angel?  The answer is no.  The Bible is clear about who is in control of the spiritual world.  In 1 John 4:4 it says, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”  Christians are called children of God and the Holy Spirit dwells within each and every believer. 

This clearly indicates that if you have come to faith in Christ, it is impossible since God dwells within the believer. 

But Jesus gives a clear warning about wicked spirits in Matthew 12:43-45 saying,

 “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

So we know that for Un-believers demon possession is possible and that for Believers it is Impossible. 

So why then do some Christian say that Satan made them do it?

Is this just an easy cop-out for not wanting to take responsibility for their situation?

Cop-out or reality?  The abilities Satan and his angels need to be examined.  From scripture we know that the angels were created beings.  They were most likely created on the First day.  Being created they do not have the same attributes as God.  They are not omnipotent -all powerful, omniscient - all knowing, or omnipresent – present everywhere. 

So this means that the present ideology that Good and evil in this world are equal is incorrect. 

But we have to be careful not to get a sense of false security regarding Satan’s power either. 

For they can watch our actions and know exactly what temps us along with what hurts us and use that to try and lead us to our destruction.

So it looks like Satan can tempt us but cannot make us do it if we are true believers in Christ. 

So why are so many taking their own lives?

Many will say their personal demon is the cause of their problems.  What are they referring to? Are they saying people are demon possessed , or is it some physical or mental illness.

They maybe referring to a Physical addiction

Addiction is the state of behavior outside the boundaries of social norms which reduces an individual's ability to function efficiently in general routine aspects of life or develop healthy relationships

 There are three factors believed to contribute to substance-related disorders: genetic factors, psychopathology, and social learning.

Addictions make people act outside the norm for the most part as if being possessed possible.  And then they end up destroying themselves. 

If we consider this as our person demon then what can we do about getting over it?  What do we know about demons from scripture? 

THEY CANNOT OCCUPY THE SAME PLACE THAT GOD IS IN! 

SO many of our addictions or “personal demons” are things we have used to fill a void in our lives.  The void we do not even realize we have until we become believers. 

But even as believers we have to be careful for we know that;

Ephesians 6: 12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

We can surely expect that Satan knows what tempts us and will continue using this against us.  We need to stay strong and put on the FULL ARMOR of God!!  We cannot just think we can be a believer and then never put on the armor.  For pauls tells us that “when the day of evil comes,…” not if it comes… or we will end up like the man Jesus spoke of in;

  Matthew 12:43-45 saying,

 “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

Not only do we have to believe that Christ died for our sins, we have to ask for His forgiveness, and we have to be willing to put on the armor of God.

If we do not we are going to open up ourselves up to Satan’s assaults.  We are going to have no way to protect ourselves from Him tempting us with our weaknesses. 

Conclusion:

Maybe today you are wondering if you really have a relationship with God?  Have you asked Him to forgive you?  Have you began seeking Him?  Have you shared you desire to know God with someone who is already a believer?

 Maybe you are a believer already but struggling with that old sin.  Are you devoting time to God?  Are you seeking to see where God is working and joining in, or are you just sitting by?  Are you a truly trusting God with your life or are you still hanging on to some part of it?  Are you putting on the full armor of God everyday to protect yourself? 

But if today you have asked God to forgive you please do not be the one who believes then goes off and thinks that is all they have to do.  You will end up like the man we just talked about in Matthew 12:43-45.