Can a Christian, someone who is a true follower of Christ, be demon-possessed?

Today, on Truth For Life, we'll see what the Bible has to say about this question, and we'll learn about the devil's strengths and his limitations.

This is another listener-favorite in our Encore 2023 series. The message is titled The Devil and Demons.

Alistair Begg is teaching from 1 John chapter 5. We're looking at verse 18.

When we take the Bible and begin to understand it, we find, first of all, that the devil was a created being.

There is great mystery in this, admittedly, but nevertheless, the devil fulfills the very purposes of God. He is a fallen angel.

The second thing that the Bible makes perfectly clear is that this devil is defeated.

First of all, it is clear that the devil had no power over Jesus. He had no power over Jesus. He has no power over Jesus.

John chapter 14 and verse 30. Jesus says, I will not speak with you much longer for the prince of this world is coming.

He has no hold on me. He's powerful, but he has no influence or power over Jesus. If you just turn back, I'll give you one or two verses.

John chapter 12 and verse 31. Now is the time for judgment on this world. Now the prince of this world will be driven out.

But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw men to myself. Jesus says the devil and his hosts are about to be defeated radically and powerfully.

The time is coming for his judgment to be declared, and it is directly related to his being placed upon the cross.

John chapter 16 and verse 11. And in regard to judgment because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

Stay with me now. Just keep your Bible going here. Hebrews chapter 2 and verse 14.

Since the children have flesh and blood, he Jesus shared in their humanity so that by his death, he might destroy him who holds the power of death.

That is the devil and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by fear of death. Now notice the phrase that by his death, he might destroy him the devil who holds the power of death.

The only way that he can hold it is because God allows him to hold it for a week while. God wants to take it back then he can't hold it.

Colossians chapter 2. Speaking of Jesus and having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphant over them by the cross.

And in Romans chapter 16, we learn that the devil is in deep trouble concerning not only his defeat, but also his ultimate destiny.

Romans chapter 16 and verse 20, the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. He is going to be crushed.

So the reason that I take time to emphasize this is because it is imperative that we understand that the devil is a defeated foe.

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