Vineyard Church North Phoenix | Demonic “Possession” Defined

Spiritual Warfare Series

Demonic “Possession” Defined

1. Introduction
1. James 3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
1. “Demonic” ? “Diamoniodes”
2. James 3:13-16 ¹³Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. ¹⁴But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. ¹⁵This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. ¹⁶For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
1. Whenever we make choices or decisions contrary to the Bible, that is demonic wisdom!
3. Matt. 8:16 When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill.
1. “Demon-possessed” (“Diamonizomai”) ? under the control and/or influence of a demon.
4. Mark 1:32-34 ³²When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. ³³And the whole city had gathered at the door. ³⁴And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
2. Demonization happens in varying degrees with different people.
1. Luke 13:11 And there was a woman who for eighteen years had had a sickness caused by a spirit; and she was bent double, and could not straighten up at all.
2. Being demonized can happen from the outside of a person or on the inside . (“Possessing” a person)
3. Demons cannot dwell in the spirit of a Christian.
4. People become demonized by giving demons access to themselves.
1. John 14:30b “For the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.”
2. When people repeatedly give in to sin , demons have the opportunity to indwell them.
3. Any sins involving the occult will especially open up a person to demons!
1. a. I Sam. 15:23a “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.”
4. Any disobedience to the Word of God leaves us open to demonic attack!
5. I John 2:1a My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.
3. The war against sin
1. James 1:13-15 ¹³Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. ¹⁴But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. ¹⁵Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
2. I John 2:15-17 ¹⁵Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. ¹⁷The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
3. Rom. 6:1-7, 12-13
4. James 4:7-8a ⁷Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
5. II Tim. 2:22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
6. Those who habitually yield to sin leave themselves open to the possibility of demonic activity (demonization) in their lives.
7. John 8:34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.”
8. Stay close to Jesus and don’t allow any demonic presence to gain a foothold in your life!
4. Conclusion

(Unless otherwise indicated all Scripture verses are in the New American Standard Version.)