CAN A PREACHER BE DEMON POSSESSED?

The origin of demons is not explicitly spelled out in the Scriptures. While there is mention of spirits in the Old Testament (e.g., 2 Chronicles 18:21) and the New Testament is full of stories regarding demonized individuals (e.g., Mark 5:9 et al); there is no exact explanation of where demons originate from. 

Some Bible teachers have instructed that demons are the disembodied spirits of a “Pre-Adamite Race” of Genesis 1:2-2. This “Gap Theory” is taught in the “Dake’s Bible,” an expository Bible, that is popular among Pentecostal preachers. Other Bible teachers have explained that demons are fallen angels. But, honestly, there is no way to pin point on where a demon spirit originates. 

Everything was originally created for the glory of God (Revelation 4:11). Then, in Colossians 2:10 Paul taught that Jesus is preeminent over EVERYTHING; including “principalities and powers.” However, it is inferred from the Ephesians text, that demons are included in Paul’s breakdown of the “devil’s” “kingdom” in Ephesians 6:11-12. Considering that (as well as the many stories of violent demon possession in the Bible); we know that demons (wherever they come from) are not good and they are unwelcomed guests.

The lingering question is, “Can a preacher, purported to be saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost be possessed by a demon and then have that demon(s) to manifest?” It may seem like there is an obvious answer to the question. However, I have personally witnessed a few occasions where preachers (and these were well respected individuals among their churches and families) have manifested demons. The demons literally started talking through the individuals; along with the “normal” manifestations of: growling, hissing, crawling, foaming at the mouth, voice change, talking in the third person, etc. 

The Bible is pretty plain that you cannot cohort with God and demons at the same time, “You cannot drink the cup of the LORD and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s Table and the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21). And even though he was referring to money in the text; the statement that Jesus made, is a principle that can be applied to a multiplicity of subjects, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24)

While a person may appear to be and even have the desire to live a saved life, in order for that individual to become demon possessed; somewhere somehow, they have had to let their defense down. 

Mark 3:27.

In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. 

Matthew 12:43-45.

43 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

With these Bible verses in mind, a person cannot be truly saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost and demon possessed at the same time. James rhetorical question implies that you cannot have good and evil flowing from the same source, “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” (James 3:11) If a person is saved, they will not be and cannot be possessed. To be saved means, “to be delivered from sin and its consequences.” To be possessed means, “To be seized or controlled.” You cannot be free and bound at the same time. 

The fact that I have seen PERSONALLY SEEN ministers, with upright reputations, manifest demons; lets me know that we must constantly take inventory of where we stand with God: 

1 Corinthians 10:12.

            So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!

2 Corinthians 13:5.

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test?

It is easy for preachers to become susceptible to the pride, glamor, politics, cut-throat, back-stabbing etc., which goes on in ministry – to the point where you allow yourself to become contaminated. I don’t know about you; but my anointing COST TOO MUCH to allow myself to become contaminated. Now you may argue and say that you received the anointing for free. That may be your testimony. Salvation is free; but this anointing cost EVERYTHING. Therefore, I constantly ask God to keep my heart pure and untainted:

Jeremiah 17:9.

            The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Psalm 51:10.

            Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

The Bible states that in the last days judgment is going to begin at the house of God. 1 Peter 4:17, “For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?” Considering what we have just discussed in this short writing; I feel that there was too much work for us to do SEARCHING OURSELVES and PREPARING OURSELVES for the SOON return of Christ; that we really do not have the time to focus on what's going on in somebody else's life. I think there's an old song that says, "Sweep around your own front door."