Archive for April, 2006

How to help someone who is supposedly demon possessed or mentally ill?

I like to share with you my response to a query from one of my bible correspondence student on helping people who are supposedly demon possessed or suffering from mental illness: James

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Dear S

Bear with me as I attempt to address as much as possible your excellent questions. Your questions show you care for those who need God in their fight against mental illness.

For a start, let’s start with facts.

  1. All have sinned Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
  2. Scientifically it has been proven that some are more pre-disposed to mental illness because of genetics eg. Schizophrenia. Even a Christian with Schizo in the family is susceptible to it. It has nothing to do with demons
  3. It is true that the devil is at work and some people may be demon possessed.
  4. It is also true that if you are a Christian , you will not be touched by the evil spirit PROVIDED you remain true to God.
  5. Romans 8:37-39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  6. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

5. When medical science was not as advance, it is true that the ancient attribute mental illness to “demon” figuratively speaking when actually it may be a psychological problem.
6. Christians are God’s servants. He is the Master. As servants we are in no position to tell the Master what to do! We can only request not insists!!! This is an important point to remember when you approach God for help.

7. It is true that God can perform miracles, after all He is God and He created the whole universe out of nothingness. Just because He has the ability does not mean it is His will to cure all problems our way!

Example: I have the ability to buy an expensive car but it is not my will to. Just because I can sell my house to buy a Rolls Royce does not mean I want to. It also does not mean my maid can go out and buy a Rolls Royce and insists that I should pay for it simply because I have the means. We are servants not the Master. We cannot and should not insists how God should work based on our will.

How to help someone with mental illness or supposedly demon possessed?

  1. Most important is that he is saved regardless of whether his illness is cured. Illness is a physical condition of this world, but salvation beyond this life is critical whether the patient is physically healed or not.

  1. If he is not a Christian : Share Jesus and how to be saved in Christ and have his sins washed away in baptism and receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

  1. Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.( Jesus Himself said we must teach and practice baptism)
  2. Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. ( Paul who had a spiritual experience has to wash away his sins by baptism)
  3. 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also NOW SAVE US (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

  1. If the person you are ministering to, CLAIMS to be a Christian, find out how did he became one. If he says he prayed Jesus into his heart, ask your self “Is he a Christian based on the verses in #2 above?”. Has his sins been washed away? Claiming to be a Christians does not make you one!

  1. If this person is saved according to Jesus’ teaching then help the person to be focused. Depression often occurs when a person focus on the wrong things e.g. negative thoughts

  1. Psalms 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. ( People are downcast or depressed because their hope is not in God but their own control of what is beyond their ability)

    1. Do not fret or worry because it leads to evil including depression: Psalms 37:7-8 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

      1. Think of spiritually good and holy things , not thoughts that rob you of your courage: Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

      How to protect yourself when helping the supposedly demon possessed or who have mental illness?
      1. Are you yourself saved according to the scriptures? Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
       2. When you help a person make sure you do not get burnt yourself! Jude 1:21-23 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
      3. Have a lot of love of Christ because fear is cast out when you have the perfect love of Christ in you for others! 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
      James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

      1 comment April 17th, 2006