Yesterday we began a discussion concerning the role of the demonic in the lives of individuals today. We affirmed that for many of us, the full extent of scriptural teaching concerning the demonic is both strange and scary. Yet, as believers in the modern world we need to address the role of the demonic in our thought and ministry.
Yesterday we took a brief look at modern psychology's attempt to understand the demonic. We discovered that the "scientific" discipline of psychology leaves little room for supernatural influence. Instead, many Christian psychologists use mental illness as the primary category for understanding what the bible refers to as demonization. We did learn that many Christian psychologists want to keep the category of demonic influence, but they struggle in how to define or describe it. Thus, as a discipline, psychology struggles to clearly explain the role of demonic influence in a person's life.
Today we will begin a discussion of what the bible describes as demonization. I know many well-meaning believers will be glad to move beyond modern psychology to the clear teachings of scripture. I think these folks will be disappointed! Instead of great clarity, we will see that while the bible affirms the work of demons and Christ's victory over them, it does not provide a complete demonology handbook. Instead, it provides glimpses into the spiritual realm and some general principles from which we must develop a workable and practical ministry in our modern context. So let's begin with the NT and the work of Jesus.
It cannot be denied by anyone who takes Scripture seriously that Jesus and his disciples cast out demons. There are many references to the demonic in the pages of the NT and in the ministry of Jesus. Sydney Page has condensed the New Testament accounts of encounters between demonized people and Jesus or his disciples into the following paragraph.
There are seven accounts of exorcism in NT 1.) The demoniac in the synagogue at Capernaum (Mark 1:23-27; Luke 4:31-36). 2.) The demoniac(s) in the region of the Gerasenes (Matt. 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39). 3.) The daughter of a Syrophoenician woman (Matt. 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30) 4.) An epileptic boy (Matt. 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-42); 5.) A mute demoniac (Matt. 9:32-24). 6.) A blind and mute demoniac (Matt.12:22-23). Also Acts 16:16-18 when Paul cast out the demon in the Philippian slave girl. Also there are many NT references that Jesus cast out demons and gave his disciples power to cast out demons (Matt 10:1,8; Mark 3:15; Luke 9:1). Jesus attributes his work of casting out demons to the work of God against Satan’s kingdom (Matt. 12:24-30; Mark 3:22-27; Luke 11:15-23). (Page, 122)
Page then affirms, I think correctly, that the church is to be an extension of Christ’s work and therefore, following Christ’s teaching, exorcism is a valid Christian practice. Yet, this does not answer the question of what does this mean?
While we cannot deny that Jesus cast out demons, it is clear that the NT was not written as a demonology handbook. It is assumed and affirmed that Jesus had authority over demons: he recognized them, they recognized Him, he spoke with them, and they spoke to Him. He commanded them to leave and they left. He also gave his apostles authority over evil spirits, and they reported with joy that they obeyed them as well (Luke 10 and 12). Yet, there are still many questions that the Biblical accounts of engagement with demons do not answer clearly.
One vitally important question the New Testament does not clearly answer is how can a Christian tell if someone is demonized? How do we discern between demonic influence, psychological brokenness and illness, or a combination of both?
Many suggest that 1 Cor. 12:10 provides an answer by affirming that some are blessed with the spiritual gift of discerning of spirits. One contemporary author defines discernment as "the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to know with assurance whether certain behavior purported to be of God is in reality divine, human or satanic" (Wagner).
So what does someone with discernment know that tells them if a person, situation, or whatever is under demonic influence? How will one know if they are hearing from the Lord or just their own intuition since it is possible to project our own understanding on any situation?
To these questions, the bible does not give a clear answer. Yet, I believe those with the gift of discernment do have insight and ability given by God that many believers lack. This is one of my spiritual gifts, and I must confess that I often do just "know" if something or someone is of God, human effort, or demonic influence. Yet, there are other times when I do not have clear understanding. At these times, I have to pray with great dependence for wisdom. Sometimes, I get an answer, but often I do not. At these times of silence, I just assume it is not important for me to know! Again, this gift is not an exact "science" that can be explained with easy step by step instructions.
So where does this leave us? For some, they will argue that this proves that we should not worry about or deal with the demonic since scripture is not clear. These folk would claim the scripture regulatory principle or some form of it to argue that lack of clarity means we should not engage in spiritual warfare. Is this a valid argument? I think not!
The bible also does not explain clearly how to organize and run a church. It gives parameters concerning leadership, mission, and goals, but it does not clearly explain what we are to do in every situation. Should we just give up on organizing a church? Obviously no. Instead, we must understand the principles and then we develop a plan for implementing these principles in a particular ministry context.
Similarly, the bible does not give one clear presentation of what it looks like or what one experiences when they are converted. We have some like Timothy who knew of Jesus from infancy and others like Paul who were converted by a blinding light on the road to Damascus. Did both have the same experience? Obviously not. Yet, the bible lays out some general principles of what happened to both. They were humbled and confronted with their sin before God. God led them to repentance and they believed in Jesus as their only hope for salvation. At that time, they were converted and the Holy Spirit came to dwell within them.
I would argue that spiritual warfare and the work of the demonic is a topic similar to those above. The bible lays out general principles that must always inform any discussion of the demonic. Jesus and the apostles treated the demonic as real, and they emphasized the importance that every believer have an awareness of the devil's schemes.
So what does it mean to be demonized? I have moved all around the topic, but this post is becoming too long to answer the question! Tomorrow, I will gather from the biblical principles at least a partial answer to this important question.
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