Demonic Oppression: Is It Real?

Ten years ago, I never would have thought that I’d be writing this post.  I had never heard of demonic oppression, and I’m sure I would have been highly skeptical of it if I did. I guess a lot has happened since then!

I talk a lot on this blog about my life changing dramatically over the last few years, and much of that is due to being set free from demonic oppression.  I’ve never been sure how to explain all of this on my blog, since it can be a such a complex and sometimes controversial subject, but I finally took the time to write a few posts about it all to share with you what I have learned and experienced first-hand. 

I admit that I have been nervous to write a series like this, because I’m not sure how people will respond to it.  I have finally chosen to write about it all, though, because demonic oppression (along with lack of repentance) is a very real component to why many people are not experiencing the freedom that Christ died for us to have.

If I’m going to write a blog titled, “Walking In Freedom”, then I need to explain how I truly began to walk in freedom!

I pray that you will continue with me through this post and the next while I explain a lot about demonic oppression and deliverance.  When I speak about my life changing in countless ways, this subject is a huge reason why.

Despite the exaggerations and craziness that is sometimes portrayed by the world and media concerning it all (“The Exorcist”, for example), demonic oppression is very real.  My pastors did a message series on this subject a few months ago, and one of their statements has really stuck with me:

The worst kind of captive is a prisoner unaware.

First of all, demons are very real. This may sound like something I’m making up from a horror story, but demons are mentioned all throughout the bible.  If we don’t know that Christ died to set us free from them, will we ever seek deliverance?

I believe that this affects many more people in the church than is often recognized.  While it’s true that Christians cannot be possessed by the devil (since we are Christ’s possession), we are still able to be oppressed by demons.

It’s not only from the outside that satan can attack us – even as Christians.  There are many references in the bible of Jesus casting demons out of people. When we give our lives to Christ, we are not automatically delivered from all of the demons that have afflicted us.  Once we are saved, our spirits are renewed, but we still have our souls (mind, will and emotions) that need renewed.  When we give our lives to Christ and are born again, our souls are not instantly renewed. (Wouldn’t that be nice?!)  This is why we must learn who we are in Christ and work on renewing our minds.  This explains how we can have the Holy Spirit inside of us yet still have demons that need to go. (Please stick with me! )

I’m not suggesting that we, as Christians, have demons controlling us.  God has given us free will, and the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility. Demons do have the ability to oppress us, though.  We are all in a spiritual battle that we may not be able to see, but is very real.

Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”.

I know that this is a subject that many people are very suspicious of, depending on what your background is, and I understand that.  Even mentioning the word “demon” probably makes a lot of people uneasy.  It’s mentioned throughout the bible, though, which settles the matter for me.

I am hoping that you will stick with me in this post and the ones following, because this is not just something that I have learned in a book.  This is something that I have been studying for several years, but it is also something that I have personally experienced, so I know how real it is.  My life has changed in so many areas since using my authority in Christ to be set free.

What are some signs of demonic oppression or torment?

• Strongholds (any thought pattern that controls our emotions and behavior)
• Recurring nightmares
• Feeling a constant compulsion to do something you know is a sin
• Irrational fear, anxiety, anger
• Irrational behavior
• Constant feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, suicidal thoughts
• Frequent sickness - especially those “mystery” illnesses that doctors cannot find the origin for.
• Sexual compulsions

Those are just a few examples of how demonic oppression/torment might be recognized in our lives.  The good news is, Jesus came to set us free!  It’s important to know that we don’t need to fear the devil if Jesus is our Savior.  Malachi 4:2-3 says, “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the LORD Almighty.

When I first learned about demonic oppression years ago, I started thinking that everything was demonic.  That’s just not so.  It’s far more common than many people realize, though.  This is why I’m writing this post.

Many people are in bondage, and they don’t realize that they are being held down by demonic oppression.

How do people become oppressed by demons?  There are a few main ways that we let the enemy into our lives.

1. Sexual contact outside the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman.
2. Unrepentant anger, fear, unforgiveness, strongholds, traumatic events, soul ties.
3. Any involvement in the occult, idolatry.
4. Generationally inherited

What do we do if we suspect demonic oppression in our lives?  Join me next week as I write about the topic of deliverance: Deliverance: Truth or Hoax?

I recommend any of Neil Anderson’s books for anyone who may want additional info. that goes beyond the scope of what I have explained in this post.  There is so much to this topic, and he does a great job at going into a lot of easily understood detail about it all.  He focuses on biblical aspects of healing, deliverance, bondage and many other subjects all relating to the freedom that Jesus died for us to have.  I am also open to any comments or questions that you may have!