What does the LCMS church teach about demonic influence over a believer?
I’ve heard that demons can “gain a foothold” in a believer’s life, perhaps through some conscious, unrepented of sin, and thus have a strong influence over emotions, choices, etc., but they can’t really “possess” the believer like they can a non-believer. What’s the Biblical teaching on this, and how should we go about dealing with it? A. First of all, it is important to note that your question properly distinguishes between demonic influence on a believer, and demonic possession of human beings. The New Testament often speaks of the influence of demonic powers on people, including Christians. St. Paul exhorts Christians with God’s help to stand their ground against very real superhuman “powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). Paul’s exhortation is meant for Christians of all times and places and assumes the ongoing and present reality of demonic powers and entities (“demons”). He encourages them to use the weapons, both d
