Possessed And Oppressed
July 30, 2023, 3:00 AM

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the Knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

 

The question before us today is whether or not a believer can be possessed by a demonic spirit. The short answer to this question is no BUT we can certainly be oppressed by demonic spirits. There is a big difference between being oppressed by Satan and being possessed by him and that will be our topic of discussion today.

 

The Dictionary defines oppressed as the condition of being burdened, harmed, or prevented from having opportunities and freedom by an unfair, cruel, or harsh use of power and authority. The Dictionary defines possessed as being totally and completely controlled by an evil spirit. As you can see, there is a BIG difference between the two.

 

We know we can be oppressed by the enemy because we all are every day. Every thought of worry, negativity, confusion, fear, doubt, anxiety, depression, and unbelief is the work of the enemy to oppress us; hold us down; burden us, and keep us from doing what the Lord would have us do.

 

While in this oppressed state of mind, we are certainly burdened but we are not totally possessed by the Devil. A possessed person has no control over their own actions. The demon will speak through them and cause them to do outrageous things. Take the time to read Mark 5:1-20. This is a word picture of a demon-possessed man.

 

On the contrary, due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every born-again believer, we have the ability and free will to cast off every demonic influence that comes near us. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the Knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

 

The enemy will attack us by planting thoughts in our minds. If we don’t recognize these thoughts as being from him, and allow them to remain, eventually they will become a stronghold in our lives. A stronghold is just that, something that has a strong hold on you and argues with you against your faith in Christ and His Finished Work on the Cross of Calvary.

 

If we know AND BELIEVE that Jesus defeated ALL POWER of the enemy on the Cross, we have the spiritual authority and power to cast any and all demons from our midst. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross; and having spoiled principalities, and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:14-15)

 

If you believe that Jesus conquered the enemy on the Cross (as the above Scriptures states) then place your faith in His Finished Work and take authority over every demon that seeks to oppress you. As born-again believers in Christ, we do not have to be oppressed by the enemy.

 

If you are oppressed by him it’s because you are allowing him to oppress you. It’s as easy as just saying no to the enemy. Whatever it is that he is attacking you with, Jesus nailed it to the Cross. There is nothing Satan has that is greater or more powerful than the shed Blood of Jesus on the Cross. Satan and every one of his demons cannot stand against the Power of God!

 

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4) If you believe that the Holy Spirit that is in you is greater than the enemy then do what Paul instructed you to do and cast down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the Knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) You have been given the authority to do this! Do it!

 

 

The Power of the Holy Spirit will……….turn the tide……….in your life!

 

I rebuke you Satan in the Name of Jesus!         Doreen

 

 

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