When Demons Return

When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation (Matthew 12:43-45).

Demons are fallen angels who supported Lucifer in his attempted coup in heaven prior to the physical creation. When he was thrown out of heaven, they were thrown out with him. Now they serve Lucifer (Satan), in disrupting, discrediting, and destroying God’s word and work throughout creation.

Demon possession is as contemporary as it is ancient. Demons delight in taking control of people’s lives. Much of what we see by way of serial killers, rapists, abusers, etc., and those who destroy lives, systems of morality, Christian institutions, etc. are in fact people who are either demonically influenced or possessed.

True Christian can be influenced by demons, but cannot be possessed by demons. Where the Holy Spirit of God resides, demons cannot abide.

Jesus revealed to the Pharisees and Scribes the nature of demonic behavior and activity. He also spoke of the difference between regeneration (salvation) and reformation (ethical or moral improvement). A demoniac that has been healed is still vulnerable and open to demonic repossession - the house (body/life) is swept and put in order (reformed), but unoccupied. A demoniac that has been saved is not vulnerable and open to demonic repossession because the house is swept and put in order, and is occupied by God’s Holy Spirit. Not all demoniacs became followers of Jesus.

Although a Christian cannot be demonically possessed, he/she can be demonically influenced to sin against the Lord. If that sin is confessed and repented of, and if the individual turns that part of his/her life over to the Holy Spirit, there is the greater possibility that sin will not take a foothold in the person’s life. If that sin is not confessed or truly repented of, there is the greater possibility that sin can become a strong-hold in the person’s life; it can become a sin that easily ensnares him/her (Hebrews 12:1). The longer that sin is cherished in the heart and mind, the more likely the life of the Christian will become a shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19). This sin, like any other sin, can be confessed, repented of, and that part of the person’s life restored when the sinning Christian lays that sin aside in obedience to the Lord.

“Lord Jesus, continue to shine the spiritual searchlight of Your Holy Spirit in my life, exposing the areas of darkness and sin that hinder me from faithful and fruitful service to You. Convict and cleanse me from every spot and stain that I may be wholly pleasing in Your sight. To Your honor and glory I ask, Amen.”

Pastor