Can True Christians Be Used By Demons?

[Annagrace]

Careful there.
Don't speak evil of any man. (Titus 3:2)

Thank you for holding me accountable.

 

[Highway54]

There are actually several scriptures which answer this question clearly, but I will leave those for anyone who wants to provide them.

For starters, I will simply cite a modern vision on how it is in reality the greatest and most powerful strategy Satan is using in our time:

Given in the 1980s:

The demonic army was so large that it stretched as far as I could see. It was separated into divisions, with each carrying a different banner. The foremost divisions marched under the banners of Pride, Self-Righteousness, Respectability, Selfish Ambition, Unrighteous Judgment and Jealousy. There were many more of these evil divisions beyond my scope of vision, but those in the vanguard of this terrible horde from Hell seemed to be the most powerful. The leader of this army was the Accuser of the Brethren himself.

The weapons carried by this horde were also named. The swords were named Intimidation; the spears were named Treachery; and the arrows were named Accusation, Gossip, Slander and Faultfinding. Scouts and smaller companies of demons - with names such as Rejection, Bitterness, Impatience, Unforgiveness and Lust - were sent in advance of this army to prepare for the main attack…

The primary strategy of this army was to cause division on every possible level of relationship - churches with each other; congregations with their pastors, husbands and wives, children and parents, and even children with each other. The scouts were sent to locate the openings in churches, families or individuals that such spirits as Rejection, Bitterness and Lust could exploit and enlarge. Through these openings would pour demonic influences that completely overwhelmed their victims.

The most shocking part of this was that this horde was not riding on horses, but primarily on Christians! Most of them were well-dressed, respectable, and had the appearance of being refined and educated, but there also seemed to be representatives from almost every walk of life. While these people professed Christian truths in order to appease their consciences, they lived their lives in agreement with the powers of darkness. As they agreed with those powers, their assigned demons grew and more easily directed their actions…

I noted that the demons were riding on these Christians, but were not in them as was the case with non-Christians. It was obvious that these believers had only to stop agreeing with their demons in order to get free of them. For example, if the Christian on whom a demon of jealousy was riding just started to question the jealousy, that demon would weaken very fast. When this happened, the weakened demon would cry out and the leader of the division would direct all the demons around that Christian to attack him until the jealousy, etc., would build up on him again. If this did not work, the demons would begin quoting scriptures, perverting them in a way that would justify the bitterness, accusations or other satanic influences they were spreading.

As I looked far to the rear of this army, I saw the entourage of the Accuser himself. I began to understand his strategy, and I was amazed that it was so simple. He knew that a house divided cannot stand, and his army represented an attempt to bring such division to the church that she would be powerless and ineffective.

It was apparent that the only way the Accuser could do this was to use Christians to war against their own brethren, and that is why almost everyone in the forward divisions was a Christian, or at least a professing Christian. Every step these deceived believers took in obedience to the Accuser strengthened his power over them. This made his confidence and the confidence of all his commanders grow with the progress of the army as it marched forward. It was apparent that the power of this army depended upon the agreement of these Christians with the ways of evil.

No. God protects us from him, however one must remain a true Christian or can become susceptible to the demons. The good news is satan has always used the same tactics throughout history, so a true Christian will see his attacks coming early and take evasive action.

 

[Hidden In Him]

No. God protects us from him, however one must remain a true Christian or can become susceptible to the demons. The good news is satan has always used the same tactics throughout history, so a true Christian will see his attacks coming early and take evasive action.

Then Peter was not a true Christian? Give me your interpretations of the scriptures I posted in Post #4, Post #8, Post #10, and Post #12.

 

[Annagrace]

Then Peter was not a true Christian? Give me your interpretations of the scriptures I posted in Post #4, Post #8, Post #10, and Post #12.

Context is key.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23).

In Matthew chapter 16, Jesus was telling His disciples what would happen in Jerusalem; that He was going to suffer at the hands of the religious leaders, the Sanhedrin, and eventually be put to death. Naturally, the apostles are astonished at the very idea of this. After all, they had all become intimately close with Him & had been by His side since the start of His earthly ministry.

So, in response to hearing Jesus speak of the crucifixion that would soon take place, Peter’s emotions got the best of Him and He told Jesus he would never allow such things to happen.
Peter certainly meant well, but he had no idea what he was saying.

Despite how well-intentioned as he was, his suggestion would’ve obstructed the will of God — — and so Jesus, in response to him, said “Get behind me, Satan!”

To suggest that Peter was under demonic possession (or even implying that he ever could’ve been) demonstrates a complete & utter ignorance of scripture.

 

[Annagrace]

No. God protects us from him, however one must remain a true Christian or can become susceptible to the demons. The good news is satan has always used the same tactics throughout history, so a true Christian will see his attacks coming early and take evasive action.

There is no such thing as remaining a true Christian. You’re either following Christ and living with Him as Lord of your life (complete submission to Him/complete self-abasement), or you’re not. Those who are in Christ & have made Him Lord of their life never have to worry about demonic possession. Demons are permitted to “attack” believers, so to say, but the attacks of Satan will never and could never overtake a true believer.

 

[GodsGrace]

Don’t take the words of @HiddeninHim as anything other than lies and confusion of Satan himself.

Hint: The “Him” that he is “hidden in” is not Almighty God, but the enemy of such.

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM INSULTING OTHER MEMBERS.

PLEASE ADDRESS THE TOPIC AND NOT THE MEMBER PERSONALLY.
YOU ARE BREAKING TOS RULES.
PLEASE FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE RULES YOU AGREED TO UPHOLD WHEN JOINING THIS FORUM.

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS POST ON THIS THREAD. USE TALK WITH STAFF IF NECESSARY.

THANKS.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

When christians are calling other christians reviling names like such a “hostile, self-righteous spirit you so obviously have,” they are being used by the Accuser of the Brethren, that is, the Devil is speaking through them.
Do you honestly believe I am being used by the accuser of the brethren?

On the advise of counsel, I decline to answer.

I care to know if this was just something you said in the heat of the moment or if it’s something you truly believe.

I never write in the heat of the moment. I’m not run by emotions.

Also, I wish you’d say what you wished to say to me directly instead of speaking of me to someone else as if I’m not here.

The mods don’t like us to work it out between each other. They request us to call them to monitor. It’s a bit like kindergarten, not adults I’m afraid. Not my preference but well, it’s the rules.

Besides, since you think I’m such an awful person, how is talking going to help? You already labeled me with pretty terrible adjectives. What hope could I have of a calm exchange? You attacked me, not my position.

 

[Tenchi]

Can True Christians Be Used By Demons?​

It depends, I think, on what one means by "used by demons." No believer can be compelled, possession-like, to demonic behavior. They are already occupied by the Holy Spirit, his living temples, (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and there is no place for a demon to occupy in them and from that place of occupation force them to evil action. But born-again believers certainly can be influenced in thought, attitude and desire by the demonic into wickedness. The believers at Corinth are a good, biblical example (1 Corinthians 3, 5, 6, 11); the believers in the province of Galatia who were being led into OT legalism are another (Galatians 3-5); and the seven churches of the Revelation of John provide a third series of instances of spiritual degeneration that is always helped by demonic influence (Revelation 2-3). James, too, wrote of the involvement of the demonic within the Church:

James 3:14-16 (NASB)
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

 

[Annagrace]

On the advise of counsel, I decline to answer.

I never write in the heat of the moment. I’m not run by emotions.

The mods don’t like us to work it out between each other. They request us to call them to monitor. It’s a bit like kindergarten, not adults I’m afraid. Not my preference but well, it’s the rules.

Besides, since you think I’m such an awful person, how is talking going to help? You already labeled me with pretty terrible adjectives. What hope could I have of a calm exchange? You attacked me, not my position.

Advise of counsel? I’m curious as to who your advisory counsel is. The mods?

 

[GodsGrace]

Advise of counsel? I’m curious as to who your advisory counsel is. The mods?

The Theology Forum is to discuss topics having to do with the nature of God and His teachings.
It is not for personal discussion. This is allowed in The Lounge.
Also, it's necessary to use scripture to support your POV in this forum.
Please follow rules.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Context is key.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23).

In Matthew chapter 16, Jesus was telling His disciples what would happen in Jerusalem; that He was going to suffer at the hands of the religious leaders, the Sanhedrin, and eventually be put to death. Naturally, the apostles are astonished at the very idea of this. After all, they had all become intimately close with Him & had been by His side since the start of His earthly ministry.

So, in response to hearing Jesus speak of the crucifixion that would soon take place, Peter’s emotions got the best of Him and He told Jesus he would never allow such things to happen.
Peter certainly meant well, but he had no idea what he was saying.

Despite how well-intentioned as he was, his suggestion would’ve obstructed the will of God — — and so Jesus, in response to him, said “Get behind me, Satan!”

To suggest that Peter was under demonic possession (or even implying that he ever could’ve been) demonstrates a complete & utter ignorance of scripture.

Insinuating I was suggesting Peter was demonically possessed demonstrates an equal ignorance in what I was saying in this thread, Lol.

Context is key, Annagrace, so if you're going to respond, read the OP again and respond with something that argues against my actual position.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Context is key.

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23).

Jesus identified the one tempting him through Peter as Satan. We would be wise to think Jesus was not mistaken.

In Matthew chapter 16, Jesus was telling His disciples what would happen in Jerusalem; that He was going to suffer at the hands of the religious leaders, the Sanhedrin, and eventually be put to death. Naturally, the apostles are astonished at the very idea of this. After all, they had all become intimately close with Him & had been by His side since the start of His earthly ministry.

So, in response to hearing Jesus speak of the crucifixion that would soon take place, Peter’s emotions got the best of Him and He told Jesus he would never allow such things to happen.

That’s not what Jesus said. He didn’t tell him that “his emotions were getting the best of him.” Either we take Jesus’ evaluation of the motivation or we decide Jesus didn’t know what he was talking about.

Peter certainly meant well, but he had no idea what he was saying.

No he didn’t “mean well.”

Despite how well-intentioned as he was, his suggestion would’ve obstructed the will of God — — and so Jesus, in response to him, said “Get behind me, Satan!”

Because Satan was indeed tempting him through Peter.

To suggest that Peter was under demonic possession (or even implying that he ever could’ve been) demonstrates a complete & utter ignorance of scripture.

No one is suggesting Peter was demon possessed. And please stop accusing those who have a different understanding than you of “being ignorant.” Please stop attacking the character or ability of those who think differently than you do.

 

[Hidden In Him]

But born-again believers certainly can be influenced in thought, attitude and desire by the demonic into wickedness...

James 3:14-16 (NASB)
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

Yes. The Greek in James 3:15 is οὐκ ἔστιν αὕτη ἡ σοφία ἄνωθεν κατερχομένη, ἀλλὰ ἐπίγειος, ψυχική, δαιμονιώδης, which translated literally is "earthly, soulish, demonic." When combined with his statement that the tongue is "being set on fire by Hell" (φλογιζομένη ὑπὸ τῆς γεέννης) it is very obvious what he was implying here. The tongue of Christians can be manipulated by demons to speak curses and slanders over their brethren rather than blessings (James 3:10).

But now, let me show you something else that becomes interesting in context. The fuller quotation of his second claim is this:

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by Gehenna.

The highlighted phase is speaking of a body of believers becoming spiritually defiled by constant infighting, which is what he will be discussing when he gets to Chapter 4. But the question then becomes, in what way specifically would demons defile the body of a congregation, and to what extent?

I have my own position, but since you are more discerning, I assume you will know I am not talking about full on demonic possession.

Blessings in Christ, and thanks for the response.
- H

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Yes. The Greek in James 3:15 is οὐκ ἔστιν αὕτη ἡ σοφία ἄνωθεν κατερχομένη, ἀλλὰ ἐπίγειος, ψυχική, δαιμονιώδης, which translated literally is "earthly, soulish, demonic." When combined with his statement that the tongue is "being set on fire by Hell" (φλογιζομένη ὑπὸ τῆς γεέννης) it is very obvious what he was implying here. The tongue of Christians can be manipulated by demons to speak curses and slanders over their brethren rather than blessings (James 3:10).

Just read what is written here if there are still doubts. I mean people express pretty terrible attacks and insists they’re believers.

But now, let me show you something else that becomes interesting in context. The fuller quotation of his second claim is this:

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by Gehenna.

The highlighted phase is speaking of a body of believers becoming spiritually defiled by constant infighting, which is what he will be discussing when he gets to Chapter 4. But the question then becomes, in what way specifically would demons defile the body of a congregation, and to what extent?

Not agreeing is not the main problem. Cults completely agree as the individuals have no choice but still the Devil is in them.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Not agreeing is not the main problem.

Yes, having simple disagreements is only natural. But it is the spirit we walk in, so to speak, (i.e. harbor, as when manipulated by demons of resentment, bitterness etc) that corrupts things.

My question is, to what extent was James implying when he stated, "The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body"?

 

[Dorothy Mae]

No. God protects us from him, however one must remain a true Christian or can become susceptible to the demons. The good news is satan has always used the same tactics throughout history, so a true Christian will see his attacks coming early and take evasive action.

Where did God promise to protect us from Demons? Ephesians 6 implies we must protect ourselves.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Yes, having simple disagreements is only natural. But it is the spirit we walk in, so to speak, (i.e. harbor, as when manipulated by demons of resentment, bitterness etc) that corrupts things.

My question is, to what extent was James implying when he stated, "The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body"?

The body is OUR body.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Not agreeing is not the main problem.

Let me put it another way. James also stated:

10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Demonic spirits are directly referenced in this passage, and he is comparing how unnatural it would be for believers to be speaking both blessings and cursings to how strange it would be for a spring to yield both bitter and fresh water, or for a fig tree to bear olives.

Springs do not yield salt water unless salt is in them. A tree would not yield olives unless the olive had become part of its inner DNA through some form of modification. So to what extent can demonic spirits "inhabit" the believer is the question I am asking.

 

[Hidden In Him]

The body is OUR body.

That's the traditional way of interpreting the verse, but it doesn't fit the context of the passage well. He starts the Chapter by saying "Let there not be many teachers," and then goes into how destructive arguing over doctrine can become within a congregation, which continues all the way through the early parts of Chapter 4. The context suggests he is talking about a body of believers, not an individual person's body.

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Let me put it another way. James also stated:

10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Demonic spirits are directly referenced in this passage, and he is comparing how unnatural it would be for believers to be speaking both blessings and cursings to how strange it would be for a spring to yield both bitter and fresh water, or for a fig tree to bear olives.

Springs do not yield salt water unless salt is in them. A tree would not yield olives unless the olive had become part of its inner DNA through some form of modification. So to what extent can demonic spirits "inhabit" the believer is the question I am asking.

The word in Greek, I believe, is “demonized” or demon inspired. Jesus said Satan had “nothing in him.” Why? Because of his obedience. So to the degree we obey the urges of the Enemy, he has something “in us.” I mean look at the words and deeds of some believers? Don’t they seem to come from “unsavory” sources? I rest my case.