Long time ago, I always wondered if Christians & non believers can be demon possessed. No one could answer my question.
Kenneth Hagin & Derek Prince said in their books that a true Christian cannot be demon possessed, only demonised as defined in the New Testament Greek language. This is because a true Christian is controlled by Jesus. A non believer, however, can be either/(both) demonised or/(and) demon possessed.
I like to use a story in Mark 1:23-25 where Jesus had recently moved to Capernaum from Nazareth. Capernaum was a thriving wealthy town where there is great sin & decadence.
"Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God." vs 25 "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!"
Jesus cast out a demon from a man worshipping in the synagogue (in present day, it's the church). He was dealing with orthodox Jews who were respectable. They led upright normal lives like us eg go to school, church & work to provide for the family. We should not have the impression that people who are demonised are criminals or maniacs.
A demon can be attached to a human's soul in some way most probably through unrepented sin & rebellion. In other words, they are not fully in control of some areas of their lives. It can be in a physical area, in their emotions or their minds. So a person can have control over lustful thoughts but may not have control over her anger. We say that a person is demonised because she doesnt have control over her anger. However, not all expression of anger is demon related. Do be careful not to be over spiritual.
It is interesting to note that Jesus' ministry on earth was a combination of healing & deliverance. They were interwoven.
Luke 4:40-41 " When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, & laying his hands on each one, he healed them. Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting,"You are the Son of God!" But Jesus rebuked them & would not allow them to speak because they knew he was the Christ."
Some problems which we thought was physical was actually spiritual. Jesus cast out demons that were causing the sickness.
In the New Testament, no one was sent out to do ministry without 1st commissioning them ie Jesus gave his disciples authority to deal with evil spirits. That was included in their 'tool bag' besides the ministry. Jesus gave the great commission in Mark 16:15-17
"Go into all the world & preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes & is baptized will be saved; but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe. IN MY NAME, they will drive out demons..."
Demons still fear & obey the name of Jesus when it is used in faith. Perhaps the reason why some problems are not solved is because the ministry/prayer is not paired with the authority to drive out the demonic.
Some Christians cannot separate myth from biblical truth & view deliverance as superstitious mumbo jumbo. Deliverance is a normal part of Christianity; it should be part of our lifestyle if we want to see victories in our lives.
With Love
Mum :)