PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)
NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD
(Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.
THE BIBLE AND DELIVERANCE
MINISTRY (PART 1)
Symptoms of Demon Possession and Demon Casting
Devotional Text: Matt.
8:28-32
Introduction:
Simply put, a symptom is an indication or sign of the presence of
something in a substance or life. Therefore, by symptoms of Demon possession,
the writer shows certain signs that depict the presence of demons in the life
of a victim of demonic powers. Biblically speaking, demons possess people and
live in their bodies, which they refer to as their house(s) (Matt. 12:43-44),
and casting them out in deliverance signifies the manifestation of the Kingdom
of God, (vs. 27-28)
GENERAL
REMARKS
(1) Satan is the
head of demonic kingdom, (Ezek. 28:14-19)
(2) Demons are
fallen angels who sinned with Satan (2 Peter 2:4)
(3) They were
about one third of the angels in heaven, (Rev. 12:4)
(4) They were
cast down to this earth when they sinned (vs. 9)
SYMPTOMS
THAT SHOW THE PRESENCE OF DEMONS IN THE LIFE OF SOMEONE
As deduced from the Scripture cited as the text of this lesson,
two major signs of the presence of demons in the life of someone are aggressive
behaviour (Matt. 8:28) and mindless unclean habit, (vs31). Another concrete
sign of the presence of demons in the life of an individual is un-natural
sexual drive, as was the case of Mary Magdalene, before her conversion, (Luke
8: 2). Also, demon possession could be noticed in certain religious
individuals, manifesting prophetic utterances, (Act 16: 16-18). Other signs of
demon possession include:
(i)
physical torments (Act 5: 16 ) and spirit of deaf and dumb (Mark
9:25)
(ii) violent
attitude and convulsion ,(vs. 25-26)
(iii) uncontrollable
attitude and restlessness, (Mark 5:2-5)
(iv) cries out
under anointing (Mark 1:23-26) etc
Furthermore,
there are certain seductive influences in certain beautiful or handsome
individuals with its concomitant “lust” that leads to incest and other forms of
immorality that indicate the presence of seducing demons. At times, too, the
cited seductive influence could unnaturally posses those who are not naturally
beautiful or handsome, for the same purpose. A good example of this, is the
case of Amnon and Tamar (2 Sam. 13:1-12). Also, for the fact that certain
beauty and sexual desire are demonic, hatred immediately replaces the so called
love after the act, (vs. 13-19)
JESUS’
METHOD OF CASTING OUT DEMONS
Principally, Jesus remarks that demons are cast out by the Spirit
of God, and indicates the manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven, (Matt.
12:28). And, from this lesson, it becomes obvious that Jesus cast out demons by
the Power of His Word. Thus, “when he arrived at the other side in the region
of the Gaderenes, 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 (Jesus)
said to them, “go!” So, they came
out and went into the pigs”… (Matt.8:28-32). Another Scripture that reveals
that Jesus cast out demons by the Power of His Word shows that “He rebuked
(word) the unclean spirit, and healed a child and delivered him again to his
father” (Luke 9: 42). In this connection, therefore, it becomes established
that:
(i)
Jesus cast out demons by the Power of His word and not by handing
out religious ornaments,
like, apron, bangle, bead, etc. (Matt. 8:5-13;16)
(ii) He rebuked
and cast out demons by the same Power of His word and not by appeasing them
through
religious rituals, like
animal sacrifices or exchange of gifts with the devil ,etc (Luke 9: 42)
(iii) Jesus
equally reveals that when demons are cast out by the Finger of God, it shows
the Kingdom
of God is present, and at work, (Luke 11:20-)
THE BELIEVER
AND THE AUTHORITY TO CAST OUT DEMONS
The believer’s authority to cast out demons strictly lies in the
Name of Jesus. Thus, Jesus remarks … “these signs will accompany those who
believe: In my Name, they will drive out demons”… (Mark 16:17). Here, it
becomes important to let the believer know that the Name of Jesus produces the
desired power in deliverance only when the person ministering deliverance is in
the same character with Jesus, and by way of information, the character of
Jesus is holy, and never compromises with sin. Furthermore, the believer should
also note that the Name of Jesus in deliverance ministry is never used in a
vacuum, but must be based on the Word of God, as a way of activating the Power
in the Word,(Heb. 4:12). So, in deliverance work, it is important to remind God
of His promises, as well as hit the devil with the “authoritative” or what
is expressed as “ it is written” (Matt.4:4,7,11). Having
cited the above, the believer should, as well take cognizance of the fact that
the power to cast out demons requires personal consecration, and so, the
believer who desires to be effective in casting out demons must be a man or woman
of:
(i)
unshakable faith, (Matt. 17:14-20)
(ii) fervent
prayer, (vs21)
(iii) devotional
fasting, (vs. 21)
In
conclusion,
please be reminded that this lesson is an attempt to reveal certain basic
symptoms of demon possession, as well as show biblical ways of casting them out
of their victims based on the teachings and acts of Jesus in deliverance
ministry, as it also points to Satan and his fallen angels as the mainstay of
the problem, which the believer must deal with, without compromise. BE INFORMED
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