The encounter between Yeshua and the Gadarene demoniac (Mark 5:1–20) teaches us about the characteristics of one who is tormented, oppressed or even possessed by a demon or an evil, unclean spirit. Please note that a demon-possessed person is different than one who is influenced by a demonic spirit. The former, may exhibit the bizarre behavior of the Gadarene demoniac (Mark 5:1–20), while both former and the latter may act like a normal human except when they are triggered (emotionally or psychologically), and then their behavior suddenly alter.

The characteristics of a demon-possessed person can be the following:

• One with an unclean spirit is “unclean in thought and life” (Mark 5:2).
• Such an individual may have a pre-occupation with things relating to death and dying (Mark 5:3).
• They may possess superhuman strength thanks to the aid of the demon in them (Mark 5:4).
• They may act wild, and unable to be restrained (Mark 5:4).
• They may be prone to fits of shouting loudly (Mark 5:5), shrieking or making a shrill cry (Mark 9:18).
• They may cut themselves, or resort to other acts of self-mutilation (Mark 5:5) or self destruction (e.g., burning oneself by fire, Matt 17:15; Mark 9:22), or attempts at drowning (Mark 9:22).
• The demoniac may possess supernatural knowledge (Mark 5:7).
• The demon can speak through the demonized person (Mark 5:7), or cry out (Mark 9:26).
• A demonic spirit wants to possess or inhabit something; if not a human, then an animal (Mark 5:12), or a house, an objects like idols or books (Acts 19:19; Rev 13:15) or even a mechanical device or a “matrix” type system (e.g., the image of the beast in Rev 13:13–14).
• They may be clothed improperly or scantily (Mark 5:15).
• They will not a possess a “right [sound, self-controlled, sober]” mind (Mark 5:15).
• A demonic or an unclean spirit may cause convulsions or spasmodic contractions, bodily contortions within a person, or cause a person to be hurled to the ground (Mark 1:25; 9:18, 20) resulting in one wallowing or rolling around on the ground (Mark 9:20).
• Epileptic-type seizures or madness can be symptoms of demon possession (Matt 17:15).
• A demoniac may foam at the mouth (Mark 9:18, 20).
• A demoniac may grind or gnash their the teeth (Mark 9:18)
• A demonic spirit can cause one’s body to waste away, dry up or become rigid (Mark 9:18).
• Demonic spirits can accompany people as they come into the congregation of YHVH (Mark 1:23; Luke 4:33).
• A demonic spirit can make one to be mute or unable to speak (Mark 9:17).

How to Deal With the Influences of a Demonic Spirit in Yourself or Someone Else

How does one deal with either demon possession of or demonic influence in a person (these are two different, though similar situations)? There are several possible ways. This is where wisdom and the spiritual gift of the discerning of spirits is helpful (1 Cor 12:10). Here are some quick points and guidelines that will help you to help yourself or someone else who is under demonic influences at one level or another.

If the evil spirit is in you or is influencing you, then repent of the sin that your are committing that is opening the spiritual door (like a chink in your spiritual armor) that is allowing or giving legal permission for the evil influence to affect you. Command the evil spirit to leave in the name of Yeshua. This is how you cast a demon out of yourself or shut the door to demonic influences. If this is too difficult for you to do, then seek the help of wise and knowledgeable biblical counselors who have experience in the area of spiritual deliverance. 

If the demon or demonic influence involves another person, you can only help them if they recognize that they have a problem and want help, are willing to repent of their sin, and want to accept Yeshua’s lordship over all areas of their life. If they are willing to confess and repent of their sin and accept Yeshua not only as their Savior but also their Mater, then share the gospel with them and have them accept and confess the Truth concerning Yeshua. Then with the person’s approval, cast the demon out of the person and forbid the demon from influencing them again. Then teach the person how to stay free of the demonic influence by loving and obeying Yeshua their Lord and Savior by embracing a lifestyle that conforms to biblical standards of holiness and righteousness. 

If they don’t recognize that they have a problem and don’t want to repent of their sin, there’s not a lot that you can do, except to pray for them and to avoid them if they are toxic. This is because each person has free will, and only they can control what influences their lives or not. If you are dealing with a family member that you live with, a demonic influence is even more difficult to deal with and avoiding the person may be nearly impossible. There may not be much that you can do except to create a spiritual “God bubble”  or “force field” around yourself by fortifying yourself through prayer, spiritual warfare,  by living a Yeshua-like life, and by surrounding yourself with as many godly and positive influences as possible. You may also need to set boundaries around yourself (of tolerating or not tolerating  certain behaviors) and stick to them when dealing with the person. Beyond that, pray for wisdom and guidance from above on how to deal with this situation. It will be a character building experience for sure! Yeshua cast many demons out of people who wanted his help, but not out of people who didn’t want help. YHVH has given each of us freedom of choice. Some people choose to live in dirty houses, while others want Yeshua and Holy Spirit to come in and clean house. It is up to the individual. Demonically inspired people continually persecuted Yeshua, his apostles and the prophets during their entire ministries. As a result, Yeshua and many of his servant ended up as martyrs for their faith. Study the life of Yeshua to learn how he wisely dealt with demonically influenced people. Sometimes he confronted them, and sometimes he avoided them. This is a whole other study in itself.

If a demonic spirit is attacking you directly or through another person, Yeshua gave his disciples the authority to bind that spirit. Just be aware of a couple of things. We don’t have authority over demons except through Yeshua (Luke 9:1; 10:19; Mark 16:17). Furthermore, if we have major sin in our lives, then we limit or negate our authority over demons. To be effective at controlling demons, you must first repent of your own sins. Finally, be careful about binding or casting a demon out of someone against their will. When you’re gone, it may come back seven times worse and the end condition of that person’s life may be worse than before making ministry to that person at a latter date all but impossible (Matt 12:29,  43–45). 

When dealing with demonic spirits, remember these Scripture promises:

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. (Luke 9:1)

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in Elohim for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Elohim, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Messiah (2 Cor 10:3–5)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of Elohim, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of Elohim, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Elohim; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. (Eph 6:10–18)

Ye are of Elohim, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Submit yourselves therefore to Elohim. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (Jas 4:7)

And they overcame [Satan the serpent] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Rev 12:11)