How to Spot a Demonic Presence

[Miss E]

Take it easy. We're all just talking here. Some believe demon possession no longer happens today. Like you, I think it's misguided. Scripture says the devil roams about like a roaring lion.

I think some wrongly believe Satan is bound today, in the Church age. Peter disagrees.

1Pet. 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.​

But I'm curious where the above info came from. Are you part of a deliverance ministry?

No I’m just an observant follower of Christ who has been given a gift of discernment . All what I said above comes from my experience from dealing with the demonized while I was in a psych ward for two weeks and my experience working in a maximum security prison. I suffer from bipolar and I was placed in a hospital during a time two years ago when I suffered from a severe manic attack.

I just want people to be aware and I don’t appreciate fellow believers or even nonbelievers who are blind to the truth of where evil comes from to spread lies and naive ness to those who are either suffering from demonic influence or ever interact with someone under demonic possession or influence. I apologize to @Van for my harshness but my eyes have seen these demonized people and I know what the Bible says about them and that they are still tormenting mankind today.

if anyone else has stories of interacting with the demonized please share, please don’t be afraid to speak up .

 

[Calminian]

Think about it, to say scripture teaches something, when it is not mentioned, is speculation, the mother of false doctrine.

Exactly. Scripture says demon possession exists, both during and after Christ's death. Scripture doesn't mention this possession cessation you're espousing. I'm a cessationist based on the historical evidence. There is no single verse you can point to to sustain it. But the historical evidence, and present testimony support cessation.

It appears you're arguing against your own position.

 

[Calminian]

No I’m just an observant follower of Christ who has been given a gift of discernment . ...

I would suggest you're hurting your own case by saying this. If you know if this truth because of a gift, how can you possible expect others without this gift to know it?

I don't think a gift is required to understand demon possession. Just biblical knowledge.

 

[Van]

Exactly. Scripture says demon possession exists, both during and after Christ's death. Scripture doesn't mention this possession cessation you're espousing. I'm a cessationist based on the historical evidence. There is no single verse you can point to to sustain it. But the historical evidence, and present testimony support cessation.

It appears you're arguing against your own position.

I missed the verse where demon possession is said to exist after the NT was authenticated?
And I do not think you are addressing my position.

To say scripture does not teach something not mentioned is the absence of speculation. I am not saying scripture teaches demon possession has stopped, that would be speculation not based on scripture. I am saying we should focus on our character and service to Christ as ambassadors of Christ, rather than be side tracked into demonology.

The miracles that are recorded in the New Testament seem to most people to have "ceased." But when does scripture say miracles will in the future occur? End Times. And who will do them? The dark side. So beware Sir you are not ensnared in a false flag operation of the dark side.

 

[Calminian]

I missed the verse where demon possession is said to exist after the NT was authenticated?
And I do not think you are addressing my position.

The Bible doesn't say anything about this. The only cessation talked about in Scripture is when Christ returns—when the perfect comes.

And even if you believe this is about the cannon, the burden of cessation is on you. What is your historical evidence it no longer exists? What is your biblical evidence it ceased?

 

[Miss E]

I would suggest you're hurting your own case by saying this. If you know if this truth because of a gift, how can you possible expect others without this gift to know it?

I don't think a gift is required to understand demon possession. Just biblical knowledge.

I didn’t say those with the gift of discernment are the only ones who know demons are real and could see them, but my discernment is greater to observe them due to the gift I have been given in Christ .

 

[1689Dave]

1. Act Extremely Abnormal, Crazy, Deranged, Rabid, Malevolent, Evil, Maniacal, Wrathful and/or Lustful While I'm not saying that EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO ACTS ONE OR MORE OF THESE WAYS IS DEMONIZED, 9 times out of 10 if they show an extreme sign of any of the form things I listed, they have become demonized. You can bet your bottom that a man or woman who says they want to kill you or others, or who threatens and screams and takes pleasure in any form of EVIL act like murder, hating and the like, they are either demonized themselves, or being influenced by demonic spirits. Even Christians can become like this, but in lesser extremes obviously, by suddenly feeling very hateful or wrathful toward someone or something. A demon could be influencing you to watch porn and you can't find yourself being able to help yourself. Where there is temptation to sin, there is a demonic influence IMO. Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan himself in the Garden and they chose to sin in their free will (yes, i'm not putting the blame entirely on demons or Satan), but ANYTIME there is sin, there is a demon/dark spirit involved that is there whispering and tempting us to make that decision to sin. But with a demonized person, they cannot help themselves and it feels as if they are being controlled by someone else. Oftentimes that is why a demonized person who has been healed does not remember what the demon did in them when they come to.
2. Other things demons will do for sure is mock, taunt intimidate you and try to cause YOU and others to sin. Oftentimes demons will use the pride and ego to puff you up, they will say nice things about you to get you to have pride and think yourselves great. That's the most common one they will try and get you to do. Another is lust, they will make themselves look attractive they will make others look enticing to you, they will try to get you to sin and if you can resist them, that weakens them I believe. So guard your heart and mind brothers/sisters! And of course if they discover you know what they truly are they will mock you and your faith to try and scare and intimate you and make you look small. Don't let them take away your power you have in Christ! Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world!!
3. Other things I have discovered in my personal experiences with demonized people are that they can provoke a sense of dread, fear and hatred in you, and almost ALWAYS give off a cold air, it will feel like when they walk past you there is a VERY cold draft. I experienced that in the psych ward and I can attest that it was a very HOT and MUGGY afternoon and the air wasn't on very well and whenever one of the demonized people walked past me they felt like literal death, so cold and it gives you chills.
4. They will always, ALWAYS try to trick you. They are crafty and deceitful, they will use you, abuse you, and use other demons to trick you. They are liars by nature and nothing they say is trustworthy and it is always convoluted in some way. Be warned! They will make you believe whatever they want, pray that God gives you a spirit of wisdom and discernment so you won't be fooled or played!
5. A few other things I discovered (especially from working at a prison), demonized people love to smoke, whether that's cigarettes, drugs or anything that damages or alters the mind state. They gain power that way I believe since the drugs not only dull your mind, but open you up to more demonic attacks and control. And another thing I suspect (there's no proof but this is my personal judgement), demons are drawn to smoke and fire since that is what they are accustomed to, being cast into hell with fire and such.
6. They love committing sins. This should be a given though, right? You name it, lust, cursing, gluttony, lying, cheating, coveting, anything and everything, you won't see any demonized person truly give off any of the fruits of the spirits (and if they do, they're faking it to get others to trust them or to manipulate them)
7. They will group up. I believe demons not only enter people in groups, but they stick together. They will find other demonized people and work together with them to cause havoc. Why do you think gangs are so rampent? Of the devil. And I can attest that demons work together as when I was in the psych unit, a demonized man (who I believe was the leader of the others in that unit), gave hand-signals to the other demonized people and they NEVER SPOKE OR INTERACTED TOGETHER. I never saw them interact verbally or physically, and I think it was because they didnt' want me to know they wre interacting. So there you have it.

I pray all that I have shared came from God's wisdom and Godly discernment. I know demons are alive and real on this earth and they influence us, they possess unbelievers and they cause death and destruction wherever they go. For the Bible said this:

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12)

Stand firm in the Word of God, be ready for anything, protect yourselves and others by praying (fasting too if you feel God is leading you to do it) and anything of the fruit of the spirit, act and rest in those things and the demonized people and the demonic influence cannot overtake you. You are stronger than them when you have faith and trust completely in Christ Jesus.

If anyone else has stories, wisdom or concerns, please share because this is important to understand and be aware of with our walk with Christ.

I've seen some more obvious manifestations. In a prayer meeting, one lady fell to the floor paralyzed from the level of the Spirit's presence. I also saw it again at another meeting. The guy was paralyzed, the face was drawn. Fingers and arms in a clump as we cast the spirit out in Jesus' name.

 

[Miss E]

I've seen some more obvious manifestations. In a prayer meeting, one lady fell to the floor paralyzed from the level of the Spirit's presence. I also saw it again at another meeting. The guy was paralyzed, the face was drawn. Fingers and arms in a clump as we cast the spirit out in Jesus' name.

Have you ever had a conversation with someone with a demon? It’s quite astounding and eerie to have.

 

[JonC]

Sorry I though this was a political thread on
How to spot a DEMOCRAT presence?

Rob

I do not understand.I guess this one's over my head . What is the distinction you are trying to make?

 

[Wesley Briggman]

Speculation pure and simple. God might have put invisible pink elephants in orbit around Mars, the Bible does not say He did not. Any belief not specifically supported from scripture should be avoided. Who wants us to be focused on demons in others, rather than our own character and service? Think about it before you post "taint so."

In my experience and what I have read in my Bible, there are a number of ways to discern when a demonic presence is active around you.

Van said: "Who wants us to be focused on demons in others..."

Discernment of demonic presence being active around you is beneficial.

Greek: Pharmakeia English: Pharmacy, drugs
The KJV translates Strong's G5331 in the following manner: sorcery (2x), witchcraft (1x).

Outline of Biblical Usage [?]
I. the use or the administering of drugs
II. poisoning
III. sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it
IV. metaph. the deceptions and seductions of idolatry


[Gal 5:20 KJV] 20 Idolatry, witchcraft,[G5331] hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

[Rev 9:21 KJV] 21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries,[G5331] nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

[Rev 18:23 KJV] 23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries[G5331] were all nations deceived.

 

[Deacon]

I do not understand.I guess this one's over my head . What is the distinction you are trying to make?

Simply that’s how I originally scanned the OP title.

Rob

 

[JonC]

Simply that’s how I originally scanned the OP title.

Rob

I was joking.

 

[Dave G]

My view is Christ's miracles of healing the demon-possessed was part of His Sign and Wonder gifts, and thus the possessions ended with the authentication of the New Testament.

Van,
Offhand I'd say you've probably never seen God's enemy, the adversary ( for that is what "Satan" means, "adversary" ) manifested in the eyes and actions of someone who opposes all that the believer loves...
God's word, Jesus Christ and godly people.

There is a spirit that works in the children of disobedience, and I've had many occasions to remind me that he is among them.
I can tell that @Miss E has experienced similar things as I have.

 

[Dave G]

I missed the verse where demon possession is said to exist after the NT was authenticated?

I missed the passage that said that Satan has stopped being the spirit that works in the children of disobedience ( Ephesians 2:2 ), and that believers have stopped wrestling... not against flesh and blood, but with the rulers of the darkness of this world ( Ephesians 6:12 ).

 

[Dave G]

Have you ever had a conversation with someone with a demon?

Yes.

The man looked at me with lowering eyes and an evil smile, and asked me, " But how do you know that you are saved?"
I said ( as my knees started to get weak ), "Because I have faith."

That made him go away...

But it wasn't in fear.
I got the distinct impression that he was done messing with me.

Also, Scripture says to resist the devil and he will flee.
It worked.

 

[Dave G]

It’s quite astounding and eerie to have.

Yes, it was.

I've had several short conversations with people who have said things they couldn't possibly know, and I knew where they got it from.
I could see someone else in their eyes, looking back at me, too.
It was spiritual, not physical.

Also, they didn't remember saying anything after the fact, like an hour later.

The first few times ( especially the first ) I was very nervous ...
The last few times it has happened, I just looked them square in the eyes and waited to see if they were going to say something.

Normally, when they sense that you're not afraid, they simply stop.

Since then I've only gotten more comfortable knowing that God has saved me and I am His.
Yes, my enemy "has my number".
But the Lord is my Deliverer and He has their number, and they are living on short time that gets shorter and shorter, like Dorothy's hourglass...
and they know that their time is short.

Sometimes I remind them of how short it is when they are having an especially good day playing on my fears and faults.

But the Lord says I shouldn't talk to them, so more often than not, I don't unless they start it.
Then I keep my words direct and to the point, if I say anything at all.

 

[Dave G]

I would suggest you're hurting your own case by saying this. If you know if this truth because of a gift, how can you possible expect others without this gift to know it?

I don't think a gift is required to understand demon possession. Just biblical knowledge.

It's found in 1 Corinthians 12:10:

" For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." ( 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 ).

Not all spiritual gifts are sign gifts, like healing and tongues.
I believe that many of them are still quite valid today, but some have fallen silent.

I have underlined the ones above that I believe are still in effect.

Yes, I agree that one does not have to have the gift in order to tell if someone is demon possessed.
But when one has it, they can sense the presence of a demon working in someone right in front of them.

 

[1689Dave]

Have you ever had a conversation with someone with a demon? It’s quite astounding and eerie to have.

Yes, and it was very spooky as his complexion changed as he slumped from the chair onto the floor.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I've seen some more obvious manifestations. In a prayer meeting, one lady fell to the floor paralyzed from the level of the Spirit's presence. I also saw it again at another meeting. The guy was paralyzed, the face was drawn. Fingers and arms in a clump as we cast the spirit out in Jesus' name.

You would never see that in a Catholic Church. Seems like Pentecostal types encourage this wacky behavior.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Yes.

The man looked at me with lowering eyes and an evil smile, and asked me, " But how do you know that you are saved?"
I said ( as my knees started to get weak ), "Because I have faith."

That made him go away...

But it wasn't in fear.
I got the distinct impression that he was done messing with me.

Also, Scripture says to resist the devil and he will flee.
It worked.

I would think that it would be a lot harder to dissuade a genuine demonic spirit, especially if you are a convicted Christian... you are the enemy. Even Christ was tempted thrice by Satan.