While Christians cannot be possessed (means ownership) by demons, we can certainly be afflicted or oppressed by them. This verse makes that clear as the woman is referred to as a “daughter of Abraham”.
How do we know when it’s demonic? If we’ve crucified the flesh (not living in sin: fornication, gluttony, drunkenness, gossip), followed proper medical advice (like when it comes to dealing with depression, over eating) etc; done everything we know to do but still struggling is often a tell tale sign of demonic oppression. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of1. The real shame is noticing the signs but refusing the medicine of deliverance in order to appear “super spiritual” or “not that bad”. Jesus wants us to live the abundant life and sometimes through trauma and sin2, demons get a foothold in our lives. We can be free of these by seeking deliverance. The deliverance process includes renouncing ungodly words, confession of sin or ungodly patterns found both in self and from parents / ancestors. Reclaiming ground and speaking to that mountain3 (Mark 11:23), in this case a demon, specifically telling that evil spirit to leave just as one would kick out a squatter or evict an unruly tenant. Then, finally, but very importantly, filling the mind with the Word of God where lies or unworthy thoughts once resided4.
Notes:
1. Deliverance doesn’t have to look animated or sometimes outright fake like we see in some churches or false churches / cults. Not everyone is going to shriek and scream (Acts 8:7) etc, as is seen in certain accounts in the Bible. The process can be messy but doesn’t have to be. If it is, think of it as an operating room, where there is blood and body parts exposed. We don’t condemn this appearance do we? The deliverance process doesn’t have to be public. And can occur at home. The individual receiving deliverance may experience a feeling as if something is leaving them through the mouth. Deliverance is an area in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, being ashamed of it is a hindrance to an individual’s own deliverance. That’s what the enemy wants. Don’t let him steal your joy.
2. Some things that can cause demons to get a foothold into our lives include:
a. Abuse (sexual, physical, verbal)
b. Unexpected death
c. War
d. Occult practices
e. Sexual immorality
f. Rejection / abandonment
These things can lead to prolonged wrong thinking, bitterness, envy, unforgiveness that can manifest in further cycles of abuse, fits of rage, depression, paranoia, sexual immorality, narcissism, substance abuse, lying tongues or gossip. When we recognize certain negative emotions, it is good to deal with them as the Bible advises us according to the emotion. (John 5:14, Matthew 6:15) Prolonged negative emotions are like poison, and is open invitation to unclean spirits.
3. Why would Jesus tell us to speak to something that cannot hear? Even if it doesn’t have ears to hear, we are reminded of the authority we have in Christ against the kingdom of darkness (Mark 11:12-25, Proverbs 18:21). We are created in the image of God, and God has the authority of speech. We see that from the Book of Genesis. So too do we have the ability to speak life or death with our tongue. Thus, with that authority, we can speak to things that are dead or bring death into our lives, and command them to leave (as Jesus did with the fig tree).
4. Repentance means changing the mind. Cannot change the mind with the same thoughts. Exchange the lies for truth, and truth is found in the Word of God. (John 8:31-32)