Unfortunately, the word possessed is confusing. In our Western culture when we think of someone possessed we think they are out of control. That’s not what the biblical word possessed means in this scripture. "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick" (Matthew 8:16). A person can be possessed and remain in complete control of their faculties.

It’s very common to see a person needing deliverance come to a church service for deliverance. If a person was under the total control of a demon that demon would never allow a person to attend an anointed church service nor come into contact with an anointed Christian. This answers the question, “Where were these possessed people during the day?” The answer is, “Probably at work.”

The English word “possessed” is from the Greek word daimonizomai. Daimonizomai is two Greek words daimon and izomai. Daimon is demon and izomai is an influence. The clearest meaning, therefore, is one influenced or under the influence of a demon. So a person can be daimon-harassed, daimon-vexed, daimon-tormented or just plain old demon influenced.

It's clear therefore that the word possessed means to be demon influenced or said another way demonized. This means that a person needing deliverance is harassed, vexed, tormented or influenced by demonic spirits and you have the authority to cast them out and bring healing in Jesus name.

OPPRESSED
Jesus did not anoint himself. He was anointed by the Holy Ghost. Christ said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me” (Luke 4:18). He is the Holy Ghost. Jesus was, is, and will always be God, but when he stood at the River Jordan, the Holy Ghost came on him anointing him with Holy Ghost power. Scripture declares, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil for God was with him” (Acts 10:38). “Oppressed of the devil” means to be burdened, laden, suppressed, or persecuted. Jesus, anointed by the Holy Ghost, healed all those daimon-influenced. Again, Scripture declares, “Himself took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses.”

All enemies of Christ including demon spirits, sickness, and disease belong under the feet of Christ. Scripture confirms, “For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25). As a disciple of Christ, you are charged with the continuing deliverance and healing ministry of Christ. Learn all you can. Study to show thyself approved a workman that need not be ashamed. Be a doer of the Word, not just a hearer. When demon spirits harass use the anointed Word of God and command them to “come out in Jesus name!” Give testimony to the resurrection of Christ and let there be great grace in your life.

Your partner,

(c) Apostle Jonas Clark
www.jonasclark.com