The Bible is clear.  Demons are real.

But can a Christian have a demon? 

 First, let’s clarify what it means to have a demon.  In the Bible, there are levels of demonic influence.  On one end there’s demonic influence. This is where the enemy attacks and influences your mind and life.  On the other end, there’s demonic possession.  This is where Satan’s demons come in and take over your body.

There is also much grey area in between these two extremes that are debated among Christians.

Many will acknowledge that a Chrisitan cannot be possessed by a demon, but they will concede that they can be ‘oppressed’ by a demon.  In this, they are acknowledging that while Christians cannot be completely inhabited by demonic forces, they do believe that a demon can oppress particular areas of a believer’s life.  

There are two schools of thought as to whether a Christian can have a demon in ANY measure.  One says “No”, Christians cannot have demons and they will hang on to 2 Corinthians 6:14 that says “light and dark, cannot coexist” or Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit so, therefore, a demon cannot occupy the same space as the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11)

The other side will say “Yes”, If we give place to the devil, his demons can gain access (Eph 4:27) so if a Christian opens the door to the devil, they give access to demonic oppression.

I can certainly see both sides. 

John 8:36 tells us “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

I believe that we are free in the mighty name of Jesus and he drives out every unclean spirit but do they stay out if we keep giving them access?

If I had to choose, I would have to say that I believe it’s possible for a Christian to be oppressed by demons in a certain area of their life.  

Possessed, no.  

Influenced, absolutely.  

Oppressed, possibly.

I know I was ….

I was delivered from several demons several years after I came to Christ. 

For my testimony on deliverance from demons, click here. 

I don’t think the debate over whether Christians can have demons will be settled any time soon,  and while I believe that a Christian can have a demon, I also believe that this is not the norm.

And that’s where many Christians are finding themselves in trouble.

Instead of owning the responsibility of their sins, thoughts, and behaviors, they are conveniently blaming it on a demon, finding their friendly neighborhood deliverance minister to have them ‘cast out’

But unfortunately, this can lead to a host of other issues as oftentimes it’s not a demon, it’s a discipline issue.  

Galatians 5:24 reminds us that “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.”

And Romans 8:13 gives the stern choice when it says “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”

We are called to crucify our flesh – not blame it on a demon.

Believe me, Satan will be happy to take credit for something he didn’t do.  I believe he loves the Christians’ obsession with demons because it keeps the focus on his kingdom and it takes it off the responsibility of the believer to crucify their flesh and work out their salvation with fear and trembling.

Deliverance is not the Christian’s magic pill to continue in sin and destructive behaviors. 

Demons are real, but it’s high time as mature followers of Christ that we own our stuff.

If you’ve been struggling with pornography, stop blaming a spirit of lust.  Resist the devil and he will flee.

If you’ve been struggling with addiction, lean on Jesus and take his way of escape.

If you’ve been battling with negative, destructive thoughts, get the godly counsel you need to work through past hurts so you can move forward in the abundant life.

Even in the cases where demonic deliverance is needed, it is still the believer’s responsibility to resist, endure and stand strong against the tactics and temptations of the enemy.

There is victory in the mighty name of Jesus.

So, what do we do?

If you do have a demon, cast it out.  In the mighty name of Jesus, it has to go. And as his disciple, you have the authority to slam the door and command it to leave.

But the truth is, if you are a born again believer, it’s more likely a discipline issue, so here’s what we’re called to do to keep the enemy from laying claim of any area of our life.

James 4:7 instructs us.  “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  

This is not the time to justify your behavior.  If you want true freedom, you must repent of your involvement and turn from it.  Believe me, my friend, when you resist the devil, he will flee.

And lastly, put on the WHOLE Armor of God.  Every. Last. Piece.  This is not the time to pick and choose which pieces of armor are needed or not needed.  

Ephesians 6:10-18 says: 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints”

When I was in the fitness industry, there were 5 factors that would contribute to the success of a client’s goal.  We called it the 5 steps to fitness.  Follow these 5 steps and you will be almost guaranteed to see results (baring any medical issues of course).

These 5 steps were Resistance Training, Cardio, Diet, and Supplementation and Rest.  Now each of these steps had detailed components and variables, but the point is that everything was detailed…..all a client needed to do was to follow the formula and they would see success.  

But inevitably, there were those people who said, “I don’t want to diet”. 

“ I hate cardio”. 

“I don’t want muscles, so why do resistance training”.

And on and on.  

And they would hold firmly to their excuses, and they wouldn’t see results.  

They believed that certain parts of the problem weren’t important.

The same is true for the armor of God.  

I see many Christians today picking and choosing their armor and wondering why they’re getting attacked. 

You have all the weapons needed to stand against the enemy.  Jesus has already defeated Satan and his minions.  You simply need to hold your ground and resist him.  

He will flee.

Whether you believe that a Christian can or can’t have a demon, the instruction that remains irrefutable is that we are called to RESIST the devil.