What the Bible Says About Demonic Oppression?
By Babatunde Olugboji
This is a fascinating topic among believers and unbelievers alike. Demonic oppression refers to the external impact of demonic entities that induce emotional, psychological, or physical suffering in an individual. Although demons have the capacity to oppress or demonise, they remain ultimately under the authority of Christ.
Demonic oppression, more accurately termed demonisation, as outlined in the Bible, is a genuine and complex matter. Both the Old and New Testaments validate the presence and actions of demons, with examples ranging from severe possession to more subtle influences. Major demonisation, exemplified by the man possessed by a legion of demons, illustrates extreme cases where the individual appears to be completely dominated by demonic forces. 
Conversely, minor forms, such as the subtle influence exerted over Ananias and Sapphira, may be less apparent yet still detrimental. Despite the existence of demonic oppression, Scripture underscores that Jesus possesses ultimate authority over demons, having triumphed over them and nullified their power (Colossians 2:15). We are assured of our protection and authority in Christ, which enables us to resist demonic forces through spiritual armour and a Christ-centred focus (Ephesians 6:11-12).
Both the Old and New Testaments confirm the existence of demons (1 Samuel 16:14-15; 1 Kings 22:19-23, Matthew 4:23-25; Mark 1:34; Luke 8:30–33; Acts 16:16-18). The term used to describe demonic influence in an individual’s life is daimonizo, accurately translated as “demonized.” This demonization can manifest as either major or minor. In the case of the man with the legion of demons in Mark 5 and Luke 8, a major demonization escalated to the point where the individual seemed entirely possessed by the enemy. In contrast, the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, where their hearts were “filled by Satan,” serves as a more subtle and less severe example of demonic oppression (although this “mild” oppression ultimately led to their demise).
The Scriptures indicate that demons can induce illness or other physical ailments (e.g., Matthew 9:32; Luke 13:11), provide seemingly clairvoyant or fortune-telling abilities (Acts 16:16), demonstrate immense strength and exhibit violence towards others (Acts 19:16), and inflict physical damage upon a so-called host (Mark 9:14–29). Although the Bible clearly affirms the reality of demonization, it also unequivocally conveys that God holds sovereignty over demons and that Jesus wields complete authority over the adversary (Mark 1:27).
“[God] disarmed the rulers and authorities [demons] and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in [Christ]” (Colossians 2:15). Christians need to understand “what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19–21).
Jesus is exalted above all demonic forces and has completely eradicated the works of Satan, as stated in the Bible: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Christ is the source of authority and power over demonic oppression, not any individual (Luke 10:19; Acts 19:13–15; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:18). James 4:7 advises, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (see also 1 Peter 5:6–11).
Implications for today’s believers
Christ is our protector. Paul states, “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:11–12). While the Bible affirms the reality that demons can afflict humanity, it also emphasises that believers are secure in Christ and should not succumb to demonic defeat.
The appropriate mindset for achieving victory is to be centered on Christ, a concept effectively articulated by A. W. Tozer in his book Born After Midnight: ” “The scriptural way to see things is to set the Lord always before us, put Christ in the center of our vision, and if Satan is lurking around he will appear on the margin only and be seen as but a shadow on the edge of the brightness. It is always wrong to reverse this – to set Satan in the focus of our vision and push God out to the margin. Nothing but tragedy can come of such inversion … The best way to keep the enemy out is to keep Christ in … It is not the praying sheep Satan fears, but the presence of the shepherd.”
Have a great week!
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