Topical Bible: Man: Possessed of a Spirit

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of a man being possessed by a spirit is a significant theme, particularly in the New Testament. This phenomenon is often associated with demonic possession, where an evil spirit inhabits and exerts control over an individual, leading to various physical, mental, and spiritual afflictions. The Bible provides several accounts of such occurrences, highlighting the power of Jesus Christ to deliver and heal those who are possessed.

Old Testament Context

While the Old Testament does not explicitly describe demonic possession in the same manner as the New Testament, it does acknowledge the existence of evil spirits. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:14, it is noted, "Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him." This passage suggests that God permitted an evil spirit to trouble Saul, indicating a divine sovereignty over such spiritual entities.

New Testament Accounts

The New Testament provides more detailed accounts of demonic possession and the authority of Jesus over these spirits. One of the most notable instances is found in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit in the synagogue at Capernaum. Mark 1:23-26 states, "Suddenly a man with an unclean spirit cried out in the synagogue: 'What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!' But Jesus rebuked the spirit. 'Be silent!' He said. 'Come out of him!' At this, the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and came out with a loud shriek."

Another significant account is the healing of the Gerasene demoniac, as recorded in Mark 5:1-20. This man was possessed by a legion of demons, causing him to live among the tombs and exhibit superhuman strength. Jesus commands the demons to leave the man and permits them to enter a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. This event demonstrates Jesus' supreme authority over demonic forces and His compassion for those afflicted.

Characteristics and Symptoms

The symptoms of demonic possession, as described in the New Testament, include physical ailments, such as muteness and blindness (Matthew 12:22), self-destructive behavior (Mark 5:5), and extraordinary strength (Mark 5:4). Possessed individuals often recognize Jesus' divine authority and identity, as seen in the aforementioned accounts.

Jesus' Authority and Deliverance

Central to the New Testament's portrayal of demonic possession is the authority of Jesus Christ to deliver those who are afflicted. His power over evil spirits is a testament to His divine nature and the coming of God's kingdom. In Matthew 12:28 , Jesus declares, "But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."

The apostles, empowered by Jesus, also exercised authority over unclean spirits. In Acts 16:16-18, Paul commands a spirit of divination to leave a slave girl, demonstrating the continued authority of Christ's followers over demonic forces.

Theological Implications

The accounts of demonic possession and deliverance in the Bible underscore the reality of spiritual warfare and the existence of evil forces opposed to God. They also affirm the victory of Christ over these powers, offering hope and deliverance to those who are oppressed. Believers are encouraged to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and the authority of Jesus' name in confronting spiritual adversaries.

Practical Considerations

In contemporary Christian practice, the topic of demonic possession is approached with discernment and prayer. The New Testament encourages believers to be vigilant and to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to stand against the schemes of the devil. The church is called to minister to those in spiritual bondage, offering prayer, support, and the message of Christ's redemptive power.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 18:14
The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 20:17
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 2:11
For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Showing How that Passage of the Apostle which the Heretics Pervert ...
... a living man; [there is] the rational blood preserved by God for the avenging [of
those that shed it]; [there is] the flesh possessed by the Spirit, forgetful ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ix showing how that passage.htm

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have ...
... near bond of union,""Because she was taken out of man," and, therefore ... in hand, you
must forsake and forget the flesh, and be possessed of his Holy Spirit. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxv if so be.htm

The Holy Spirit in the Mediator.
... gradually became a boy and youth, until He attained the fulness of man's stature. ...
but as God in union with the Father and the Holy Spirit possessed all things ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xx the holy spirit in.htm

The Faculty of Faith.
... There is no man possessed of the faith faculty but the Holy Spirit has
thus endowed him. There is no man enabled by this faculty ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxviii the faculty of faith.htm

The Doctrine of Man
... Eph.4:23, 24""And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the
new man, which ... e) The Original Man Possessed Moral and Spiritual Faculties. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of man.htm

Here is the Sum of My Examination Before Justice Keelin, Justice ...
... And that though one man may tell another how he should pray: yet, as I said ... Moreover,
they often said, that I was possessed with the spirit of delusion ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/here is the sum of.htm

The Holy Spirit in the Mystery of the Incarnation.
... was conceived not by the will of man, but by ... Hence the proper work of the Holy Spirit
consisted in ... according to His human nature, also possessed spiritual life ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xix the holy spirit in.htm

Making the Man.
... For three years this condition of affairs existed, and the spirit of unrest ... The man
possessed of gifts and grace, in whom the people had confidence, and who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclean/william black/ii making the man.htm

Who are My Brethren?
... Jesus had a second time performed the miracle of healing a man possessed, blind
and ... told them plainly that in attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 33 who are my.htm

The Preacher as a Man of the Word.
... When a man is truly called to it, it brings a vast audience within ... slow; Rise higher;
Take fire; When most impressed Be self-possessed; To spirit wed form ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iv the preacher as.htm