We should approach this question humbly since it's not directly addressed in Scripture, and genuine, Bible-believing Christians come to different conclusions.
Jesus, who indwells believers, is greater than Satan (1 John 4:1-6), and God promises protection from Satan (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
However, we can walk out from under God’s protection and give Satan a place in our lives if we don't resist him by:
1. Genuinely repenting of our sins (James 4:7-8).
2. Being alert and sober minded, standing firm in our faith (1 Peter 5:8-9).
3. Forgiving others (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).
4. Dealing with anger in a timely fashion (Ephesians 4:26-27).
6. Separating ourselves from all pagan and occult things (2 Corinthians 6:14-17; Acts 19:19).
We also know that God allowed Satan to test Job and torment Paul to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:6-10).(1)
It may not be accurate to say Christians can be "demon-possessed," but Christians can be tested, tormented, tempted, and oppressed by Satan.
Let's be alert to Satan's methods and let's resist His temptations.
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(1) We aren't given enough details to fully understand Paul's condition, but we know that he had to endure temptation, illness, or some other form of satanic harassment. While God refused to deliver Paul from this "messenger of Satan," He most certainly gave Paul the power to victoriously persevere (1 Corinthians 10:13).
If you are interested in seeing the full text of these passages with some additional Scriptures and thoughts to consider, please check out today’s Bite Size Bible Study. You will also find links to two articles by respected ministries which come to slightly different conclusions about this question.
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See Also:
5 Ways Satan Speaks
Satan is Not God's Opposite
Jesus Crushed Satan's Head
Satan's Twists & Turns
4 Keys for Defeating Satan
3 of Satan's Tricks
Satan is a Pick-Pocket
Eve's Temptation: Insights into Satan's Strategies
Beware of Satan's Twisted Scriptures
Amen Praise His Mighty Name i read and thankyou so much Pls keep me posted 😊 GB
ReplyDelete"Dealing with anger in a timely fashion." Ephesians 4:26,27 is about Focusing Anger Against Sin. It isn't about holding on the anger for just a short while. Believers ought never to "let the sun go down on our anger against sin". This is HOW we "Give no place to the devil".
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