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Discerning Demonic Influence Series
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 24, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Here are few examples to help you identify potential demonic influence.
Discerning whether you're interacting with a human or a demonic entity can be challenging. Here are few examples to help you identify potential demonic influence.
Unusual or unsettling physical sensations: Feeling an intense, unexplained chill, heat, or presence.
Inconsistent or contradictory statements: Receiving answers that are contradictory, nonsensical, or unrelated to the conversation.
Unholy or blasphemous language: Encountering language that is overtly profane, blasphemous, or anti-God.
Unusual vocal tone or pitch: Hearing a voice that is unfamiliar, unsettling, or unnatural.
Unexplained fear or anxiety: Feeling an intense, unexplained sense of fear, anxiety, or dread.
Inability to reason or think clearly: Experiencing confusion, disorientation, or an inability to think critically.
Unusual or repetitive behaviors: Observing behaviors that are repetitive, ritualistic, or seemingly controlled.
Lack of empathy or compassion: Encountering a complete lack of empathy, compassion, or understanding.
Unsettling or unexplained visuals: Seeing visions, images, or apparitions that are unsettling, disturbing, or unexplained.
A sense of darkness or evil presence: Feeling an intense, palpable sense of darkness, evil, or malevolence.
Confronting Demonic Influence:
The Bible provides numerous examples of demonic influence and the importance of discernment. Here are few biblical examples:
Jesus and the demon-possessed man (Mark 1:23-26): Jesus encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit and casts it out, demonstrating His authority over demonic forces.
The temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11): Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness, but Jesus resists, demonstrating the importance of spiritual discernment and obedience.
The demonic influence on King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-23): An evil spirit troubles King Saul, leading to erratic behavior and ultimately, his downfall.
The casting out of demons by the disciples (Matthew 10:1-8): Jesus gives His disciples authority to cast out demons, demonstrating the importance of spiritual authority and discernment.
The encounter with the demon-possessed girl (Acts 16:16-18): Paul and Silas encounter a girl possessed by a spirit of divination and cast it out, demonstrating the power of the Gospel to overcome demonic influence.
The warning against demonic deception (1 Timothy 4:1-3): Paul warns Timothy about the dangers of demonic deception and the importance of sound doctrine.
The armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18): Paul exhorts believers to put on the armor of God, including the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and helmet of salvation, to withstand demonic attacks.
May these examples provide guidance on discerning demonic influence and encourage you to seek God's wisdom and protection.