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Questions and Answers
Demon possession was a phenomenon that occurred exclusively in the first century Palestine.
False
The spiritual gifts in the epistles allow for demonic deliverance ministry.
False
The biblical criteria gathered from the gospels and acts provide evidence of demon possession in pagan eras.
True
Demon possession was limited to believers and Christians during the time of Christ's ministry on earth.
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The silence of the epistles led to the conclusion that demon possession was a rare phenomenon.
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The author accepts the biblical criteria on demon possession without any redefinition.
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According to the scripture, demoniacs did not have any supernatural knowledge.
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Demoniacs were able to come to be cured by themselves.
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The article by William Behrens is a primary source for understanding demon possession from an evangelical perspective.
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Christ commanded a ritual or formula to cast out demons.
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The absence of virtue and its consequences are indicative of demon possession.
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Majoring in demonism is a recommended approach to dealing with spiritual issues.
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In the past, some descriptions of Judaism involved the idea of demons being present everywhere, even amongst the crumbs on the floor under a table.
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Paredi's books encouraged people to focus on demonic activity and constant combat.
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New Testament warnings advise against participating in the occult or spiritism.
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Galatians 5 states that idolatry and sorcery are fruits of the Spirit.
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In the New Testament, demonic possession is the primary focus of dealing with demonic activity.
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The book of Acts describes a detailed analysis of demonic activity in Ephesus.
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Satan is bound and not active today.
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The non-avert nature of demon activity today is similar to that in the early passages in Luke.
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Demons can choose to possess anyone they want, including believers, without any restrictions.
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Heavy involvement in occult-like activity is wise for both believers and unbelievers.
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Generational cursing is a biblical concept that passes down a family line.
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Living in a home with occult activity is safe for children.
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Worship of Artemis in Ephesus was accompanied by the presence of angels.
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Apotrapeic magic is meant to attract evil forces.
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The ministry of the Lord can be done victoriously without dealing with demonic activity.
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The author believes that demon possession is currently a major focus of Christian ministry.
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Demon possession corresponds to the level to which a people or society have consciously rejected God.
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The level of demonic activity was higher during the time of Christ's ministry.
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Florin Verac came from a Christian background that emphasized the Gospel.
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Florin Verac's mother is a Christian preacher.
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Lille is a city known for its Christian influence.
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It is wise to meddle with demonic activity as a Christian.
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The Bible teaches that Christians can be free from demonic hurt.
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We should bring all thought processes into subjection to Christ.
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The Bible emphasizes the importance of ritualistic formulas for holding back demonic power.
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We should focus on demonic activity and constant combat in our spiritual lives.
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The New Testament warns against participating in the occult or spiritism.
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Galatians 5 states that idolatry and sorcery are fruits of the Spirit.
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Study Notes
Demonic Possession and the Biblical Criteria
- The biblical criteria for demon possession were gathered from examining 50 instances in the gospels and Acts
- Demon possession was not limited to a particular era in history, but was more intense during Jesus' time and the time of the apostles
- The silence of the epistles regarding demonic deliverance ministry suggests that demon possession was less common during that time
Nature of Demon Possession
- Demon possession was likely more common in pagan areas due to the presence of pagan religions and occult activity
- Demoniacs (those possessed by demons) were readily recognized and exhibited supernatural knowledge
- Examples of this supernatural knowledge include:
- Recognizing Jesus as the Son of God
- Knowing where they were going
- Demoniacs never came to Jesus on their own, but were brought to Him or encountered Him by chance
Exorcism
- The biblical way of exercising demons is through authoritative words spoken in faith, without the use of rituals or formulas
- Examples of this can be seen in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles
Limiting Focus on Demons
- While acknowledging the reality of demon possession, Christians should not major in demonism or make it the focus of their ministry
- Instead, they should focus on the gospel and dealing with the person, not the demon
- Most problems are a result of sin and immaturity, not demonic possession
Historical Context
- In the New Testament, demonic activity is more focused on doctrine rather than possession
- In Ephesus, demonic activity was particularly high due to the presence of idolatry, immorality, and superstition
- However, the focus of the ministry of the church should be on the gospel and dealing with the person, not the demon
Warning Against Involvement with the Occult
- Involvement with the occult, sorcery, and magic is warned against in the Bible
- Such involvement can lead to demonic activity and is not wise for believers or unbelievers
Can Anyone be Demon Possessed?
- Anyone, except believers, can be demon possessed
- However, demons do not have free will to possess whoever they want, but are restricted by God's plan
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Description
Explore the biblical criteria for demon possession based on instances in the Gospels and Acts, including the scope, nature, and exorcism. Understanding the historical context of demon possession in 1st century Palestine.
