Text: Mark 1:21-25
Memory text:
“Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.”
Luke 8:35 NKJV
Generally, demonic possession manifests in extreme and uncontrollable behaviours. However, sometimes these behaviours may just be the signs of underlying mental health issues, trauma, or other medical conditions. So, what are the common signs of demonic possession in a person?
First is a manifestation of uncleanliness in all forms. It is marked out by a basic moral uncleanliness and filthiness and a desire to go without clothing or to dress indecently. Mark gives the first description of the mentally derailed man of Gadara as “ …a man with an unclean spirit” while Luke says, “ .. he wore no clothes” (Mark 5:2; Luke 8:27). The sudden change after the demons was cast out is worthy of note. “…They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had been sent, sitting there at Jesus’ feet, wearing decent clothes and making sense.”. (Luke 8:35 MSG).
Second is their unusual and supernatural strength. The victim shows extraordinary physical strength beyond human capability.
No one could bind the demoniac of Gadara, not even with chains and no one could tame him. He broke the chains and shackles (Mark 5:3-4). Two strong men may not be able to hold down a possessed female!
Third is uncontrollable rage. The victim exhibits outbursts of rage and loss of control and may be accompanied by foaming in the mouth (Mark 9:18). It is not a fleeting annoyance or frustration, but the unchecked, destructive, overwhelming and often irrational rage that possess an individual. When Jesus cast out the demons from the demoniac, in a fist of rage, they entered the swine and violently drowned them (Luke 8:33). What a rage!
Another sign is their negative reaction or opposition to the name of Jesus or anything about God and the Holy Spirit. They show extreme hatred toward God and spiritual things. They fear the name of Jesus, prayer and the Word of God. Often, they block their ears or hiss when the name Jesus’ is mentioned or during prayer. Sometimes, it is accompanied by blasphemous comments (Mark 1:24; 5:7).
Friends, since mental illness, trauma, or drug effects can manifest like demonic possession, it is important to pray for grace to be able to discern the exact cause and to seek counsel from those who know.
Prayer points
1. Father, please, fill me with compassion for the unsaved and the possessed and use me to deliver them, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, I ask for the gift of discernment, so I will be able to discern between mental health issues and possessions, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I show compassion on unbelievers who love to dress almost naked or indecently as they may be demon possessed or have mental health issues.
2. I have a divine mandate to share the good news of salvation with the unsaved and to bring deliverance to the possessed.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng