Can I get an evil spirit if I’m a believer, like the spirit of oppression. I didn’t think you could get an evil spirit if you belonged to Jesus Christ. How do we get rid of it then?
The Lord gives us a valuable lesson in Luke 11:21-22, “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.” Here, the Lord is giving a lesson concerning protecting one’s household. When the owner is armed and guarding his home, he goods are in no danger of being stolen. An intruder cannot come into a man’s home and steal from him unless he is mightier than the homeowner. There is a practical lesson for us in this.
Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. We read in 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” We read in Ephesians 2:21-22, “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” There are other verses that also assure us that when we trust in the Lord Jesus as our savior, we are indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit. (Read Ephesians 4:30).
Since we have the Holy Spirit dwelling is us, the only way that Satan could possess us is to overpower the Spirt dwelling in us. Is Satan more powerful that the Lord? Absolutely not! We read in 1 John 4:4, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is HE THAT IS IN YOU (the Holy Spirit), than HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD (Satan).” While we may be INFLUENCED by Satan, as believers, we cannot be POSSESSED by him. We thank the Lord for that truth!
While we may use expressions such as “the spirit of oppression”, or “the spirit of depression”, or “the spirit of poverty”, etc. this is not scriptural language. Being oppressed by others may be because of our testimony for the Lord. 2 Timothy 3:12 tells us, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” If we truly seek to live for the Lord, we will be oppressed by the world. Depression is not an evil spirit. It is a diagnosable medical condition that many people suffer from…believers and non-believers alike. Depression can be treated by several means such as physical exercise, diet, counselling, or prescribed medication. Some cases of depression are mild while some are severe and must be treated accordingly.
If we find ourselves plagued by conditions that are beyond our control to treat, let us be wise enough to avail ourselves of good doctors and the wonderful knowledge the Lord has given them to treat our medical conditions. Of course, above this, let us be often in prayer, seeking the Lord’s will in dealing with our conditions. Rest assured. True believers in the Lord Jesus Christ cannot be possessed by Satan or any demon. Realizing that, let us seek the Lord’s guidance in how to treat our infirmities.
The beloved Apostle Paul suffered from medical conditions. He had a doctor who accompanied him on much of his journeys and times in prison. His name was Luke and he is referred to as “the beloved physician” in Colossians 4:14. So, I encourage to you cast all your cares upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) and seek His guidance in times of oppression, despair, or depression. He will lead you in the proper direction to find help for your weaknesses. (390.2)