SECTION TWO: Myths About Demons
Myth #1: Christians cannot be demonized.
Not true. When you came to Christ, He renewed your spirit by placing His Spirit within. However, your soul (mind, emotions, will) and body can still be places where demons can negatively affect you.
Myth #2: People are “possessed” by demons.
Not true. “Possessed” implies rather strongly that all control is given over to demons, and nothing is to be done about it. The term ‘demon possessed’ is commonly – and incorrectly used – in many older translations and even the NIV to describe a demon(s) living inside a person.
However, the Greek word - daimonizomai daimonizomai – more accurately translated would be to ‘have a demon’. Clearly, the difference is obvious.
Demons cannot totally control a person all the time. A better translation would be ‘demonized’ which speaks of be afflicted or affected by demons, but not utterly controlled by them.
Myth #3: Deliverance is a one-shot deal.
Not true. Some times a person can be freed up simply and quickly. But other times, it seems to be more of a process a waging war against Satan. When you read the story of Jesus freeing the Gerasene demoniac in Luke 8 you’ll see that Jesus “was commanding…” the demons to leave. Implying that it took some time and effort.
Myth #4: Demonization is simply psychological illness.
Not true. Demonization and mental illness frequently (but not always) go hand in hand. But, to demand that demonization is simply another word for psychological illness denies a number of realities:
1. The spirit world
2. The spiritual war
3. Evil as a present and personal force
Ultimately, demonization is more than mental illness, it is the intentional efforts of God’s enemies to disrupt and defeat God’s people.
Myth #5: All emotional problems are caused by demons.
Not true. In fact, if can be just the opposite. Emotional problems can create opportunities for demons to invade. They seek weakness and vulnerability. Emotional problems can be the result numerous ‘reasons, including but not limited to: chemical imbalances, improper responses to stress and life-circumstances, or genetic predisposition. But demons are opportunistic and will take advantage of any crack in our armor.
Myth #6: Emotional problems are either psychological or demonic.
Not true. This isn’t an either/or issue. Sometimes emotional problems are the result of both. Those with a naturalist bent, want to blame problems on naturalistic reason. Those who a spirit base, want to blame problems on demons. But sometimes it is a combination of both.
Our aim is to bring healing regardless of the cause. Therefore, as we minister, we minister to the spiritual needs and to the physical or emotional needs. We want to care for the whole person.
Demons are like rats. They go where there is food. So, we are equipped to get rid of the rats (deliverance), but we must also help the person get rid of the food that feeds the rats (emotional healing).
Myth #7: Demonization is uncommon in the USA.
Not true.
The USA has become a major world center for:
Occult Practices (Wicca, Astral projection, Psychic, Palm readers, numerology, ouiji boards, guided meditation, vampires, voodoo, Santeria, goth, etc.)
Eastern religions (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Scientology, etc.)
Satanism is on the increase.
Psychology seeks to provide answers to all emotional and emotional problems. However, psychology denies the spiritual nature of man and instead seeks to find human-based understanding of all such problems.
In addition to this, western Christians have an incredible lack of knowledge and understanding of the reality of the spirit realm and the nature of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6). This is because the western church has bought into western rationalism and largely denied the reality of the spirit world.
Don’t you think that this environment sets us up to be invaded by forces that we do not recognize because we are predisposed to NOT believe in their existence?
Myth #8: Those with demons are guilty of spiritual rebellion.
Not necessarily true.
Jesus never blamed people for having demons. Those Christians who are demonized are likely to some of the most faithful, courageous believers who genuinely love Jesus and cannot seem to get free of the hold that Satan’s demons have on them.
Christians do not need to have guilt heaped on them (Romans 8:1). Instead they need to be helped to believe that John 8:32 is true.
Myth #9: Only those with ‘special giftings’ can cast out demons.
Not true. In fact, nowhere in scripture is given a description of someone having the ‘gift of exorcism’ or ‘gift of deliverance’.
Jesus worked in the power of the Holy Spirit to free people from demons. He then gave His disciples authority to cast out demons (Luke 9:1). Later He gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit that is the same power source He used to minister deliverance. Since we have been given the same Holy Spirit, we should anticipate that we can work in that same power to bring people to freedom.
Myth #10: Those who hear ‘inner voices’ or who have Multiple Personalities Disorder
(MPD) are demonized.
Not true. Not all problems are demonic in origin. MPD is a condition where the individual develops numerous separate personalities within, usually as an escape from horrific abuse. We need to pray for and seek after the gift of discernment as we minister to people. For more info on MPD read: Uncovering The Mystery of MPD, by Dr. James Friesen.
Myth #11: Deliverance always involves a big fight.
Not true. Luke 10:17
Demons will only be able to do, what the minister of deliverance will allow. Take authority. Tell the demons to be quiet and bind them against doing harm, all in the Name of Jesus.
Myth #12: The demonized will speak in a different voice.
Not necessarily true. Demons who have a stronger grip on the person may be able to use an alternative voice, frequently mimicking the voice of someone who is dead, but again, we have authority to silence them and to free their victim.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
We need not fear demons.
1. We are God’s children – 1 John 5:19
2. We are Christ’s church - Matthew 16:18
3. We are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit – 2 Timothy 1:7
Not true. When you came to Christ, He renewed your spirit by placing His Spirit within. However, your soul (mind, emotions, will) and body can still be places where demons can negatively affect you.
Myth #2: People are “possessed” by demons.
Not true. “Possessed” implies rather strongly that all control is given over to demons, and nothing is to be done about it. The term ‘demon possessed’ is commonly – and incorrectly used – in many older translations and even the NIV to describe a demon(s) living inside a person.
However, the Greek word - daimonizomai daimonizomai – more accurately translated would be to ‘have a demon’. Clearly, the difference is obvious.
Demons cannot totally control a person all the time. A better translation would be ‘demonized’ which speaks of be afflicted or affected by demons, but not utterly controlled by them.
Myth #3: Deliverance is a one-shot deal.
Not true. Some times a person can be freed up simply and quickly. But other times, it seems to be more of a process a waging war against Satan. When you read the story of Jesus freeing the Gerasene demoniac in Luke 8 you’ll see that Jesus “was commanding…” the demons to leave. Implying that it took some time and effort.
Myth #4: Demonization is simply psychological illness.
Not true. Demonization and mental illness frequently (but not always) go hand in hand. But, to demand that demonization is simply another word for psychological illness denies a number of realities:
1. The spirit world
2. The spiritual war
3. Evil as a present and personal force
Ultimately, demonization is more than mental illness, it is the intentional efforts of God’s enemies to disrupt and defeat God’s people.
Myth #5: All emotional problems are caused by demons.
Not true. In fact, if can be just the opposite. Emotional problems can create opportunities for demons to invade. They seek weakness and vulnerability. Emotional problems can be the result numerous ‘reasons, including but not limited to: chemical imbalances, improper responses to stress and life-circumstances, or genetic predisposition. But demons are opportunistic and will take advantage of any crack in our armor.
Myth #6: Emotional problems are either psychological or demonic.
Not true. This isn’t an either/or issue. Sometimes emotional problems are the result of both. Those with a naturalist bent, want to blame problems on naturalistic reason. Those who a spirit base, want to blame problems on demons. But sometimes it is a combination of both.
Our aim is to bring healing regardless of the cause. Therefore, as we minister, we minister to the spiritual needs and to the physical or emotional needs. We want to care for the whole person.
Demons are like rats. They go where there is food. So, we are equipped to get rid of the rats (deliverance), but we must also help the person get rid of the food that feeds the rats (emotional healing).
Myth #7: Demonization is uncommon in the USA.
Not true.
The USA has become a major world center for:
Occult Practices (Wicca, Astral projection, Psychic, Palm readers, numerology, ouiji boards, guided meditation, vampires, voodoo, Santeria, goth, etc.)
Eastern religions (Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Scientology, etc.)
Satanism is on the increase.
Psychology seeks to provide answers to all emotional and emotional problems. However, psychology denies the spiritual nature of man and instead seeks to find human-based understanding of all such problems.
In addition to this, western Christians have an incredible lack of knowledge and understanding of the reality of the spirit realm and the nature of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6). This is because the western church has bought into western rationalism and largely denied the reality of the spirit world.
Don’t you think that this environment sets us up to be invaded by forces that we do not recognize because we are predisposed to NOT believe in their existence?
Myth #8: Those with demons are guilty of spiritual rebellion.
Not necessarily true.
Jesus never blamed people for having demons. Those Christians who are demonized are likely to some of the most faithful, courageous believers who genuinely love Jesus and cannot seem to get free of the hold that Satan’s demons have on them.
Christians do not need to have guilt heaped on them (Romans 8:1). Instead they need to be helped to believe that John 8:32 is true.
Myth #9: Only those with ‘special giftings’ can cast out demons.
Not true. In fact, nowhere in scripture is given a description of someone having the ‘gift of exorcism’ or ‘gift of deliverance’.
Jesus worked in the power of the Holy Spirit to free people from demons. He then gave His disciples authority to cast out demons (Luke 9:1). Later He gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit that is the same power source He used to minister deliverance. Since we have been given the same Holy Spirit, we should anticipate that we can work in that same power to bring people to freedom.
Myth #10: Those who hear ‘inner voices’ or who have Multiple Personalities Disorder
(MPD) are demonized.
Not true. Not all problems are demonic in origin. MPD is a condition where the individual develops numerous separate personalities within, usually as an escape from horrific abuse. We need to pray for and seek after the gift of discernment as we minister to people. For more info on MPD read: Uncovering The Mystery of MPD, by Dr. James Friesen.
Myth #11: Deliverance always involves a big fight.
Not true. Luke 10:17
Demons will only be able to do, what the minister of deliverance will allow. Take authority. Tell the demons to be quiet and bind them against doing harm, all in the Name of Jesus.
Myth #12: The demonized will speak in a different voice.
Not necessarily true. Demons who have a stronger grip on the person may be able to use an alternative voice, frequently mimicking the voice of someone who is dead, but again, we have authority to silence them and to free their victim.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
We need not fear demons.
1. We are God’s children – 1 John 5:19
2. We are Christ’s church - Matthew 16:18
3. We are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit – 2 Timothy 1:7
posted by Doug Love at 11:14 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home