Can Christians be controlled by the Devil?

I think sometimes we can give the devil too much credit. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand how real spiritual warfare is. I’ve experienced some things and I know a number of other people who have experienced some things from the supernatural, spiritual realm. Things that go on around us that we generally have no awareness of whatsoever.

These forces can be powerful and without a doubt can influence us, but they cannot control us, there is a difference. As followers of Christ, it is impossible for an evil spirit to possess and control us. Now, it is hard to find scripture to support this exact statement, but the bible does talk about demon possession and in no instance is it in reference to a believer. Additionally, in 1 John 5:18 it says,

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

This verse really speaks to the fact that if you are a believer in Christ Jesus as your savior you are under God’s protection from the evil one.

Scripture also tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:15-16

What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,

and I will be their God,

and they shall be my people.

And in 1 John 4:4,

“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

These verses speak to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and how there can not be room for darkness among those indwelled by the light.

So if we cannot be controlled by the devil as Christians, wouldn’t it stand to reason that we give the enemy too much credit, or maybe a better word is blame, when it comes to our sin? I think the answer is yes, we do. Now don’t get me wrong, I know that the enemy can affect us and cause things to happen in and around our lives. He knows he can’t possess us, so his goal is to oppress us. He wants to drive us away from God and quench the Spirit within us. But at the end of the day, we have to allow him to do it… Ouch!

If satan can render you ineffective as a Christian then he is being effective in his attacks. Scripture tells us in Ephesians 4:26-27, “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Some common areas that the enemy can get a foothold on us as Christians are: pride, addiction, lack of forgiveness, bitterness, shame, guilt, and unconfessed sin.

What areas of your life do you ALLOW the enemy to have a foothold? Remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. So if the enemy has a foothold on you, it is only because you allow it to happen. You have the power and authority through Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit within you to break every chain the enemy has on you. And you also have the ability to prevent future attacks. How, you may ask, can you go about this? I’ll tell you.

First, pray out loud against the enemy.

Satan and his demons cannot read your mind. God can, and you can pray to God to help you through silent prayers and only thinking them. But if you want the enemy to listen to the authority you have within you, you need to say it out loud for him to hear.

Be specific in what you are praying against and demand in the name of Jesus that any evil spirit or presence be removed and released to be handled by God himself in the ways he sees fit. This is important, you are accessing the power within you, not your power. The devil and his demons flee at the sound of the name of Jesus.

I’ve done this many times, and I know others who have as well, and it is effective, very effective.

Second, equip yourself.

Follow what it says in Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

The preceding section of scripture lays out a blueprint for winning the battle over our spiritual enemy. And it looks a little something like this:

1. Be grounded in and protected by truth which is every word spoken by Jesus and is exemplified in Jesus himself (see post: Truth, what is it? Can it really set you free? For a deeper dive).

2. Live in righteousness. We have become righteous through Christ, we must accept and live in that righteousness. Listen to the Holy Spirits promptings inside you. He will help, that's what he is there for.

3. Have knowledge and understanding about the Gospel and keep at the forefront of your mind the sacrifice that was made. Live in light of the Gospel of Peace!

4. Maintain strength in your faith. Do not succumb to doubt.

5. Remember that your salvation has brought the Holy Spirit upon you to indwell you. He is there to help you, guide you, and protect you.

6. Study the word of God. Read your bible… a lot.

7. Pray continually. There is so much power in prayer.

(see post: Winning the Battle Over Temptation for a deeper look at this)

There it is. Your 2 step process to kick the devil’s… butt (haha) on a regular and continuous basis.

Get out of your own way and stop letting the enemy influence you with his nasty schemes. His only desire is to keep you as far away from God and His will for your life as possible. That sounds awful. You got this!

Be blessed.