"These intrusive thoughts about harming myself or others mean I'm becoming demonized."
How it sounds in your head: Thoughts flash through my mind - violent, horrible images I'd never act on but can't control. 'Push her down the stairs. Drive into oncoming traffic. You're worthless, end it.' This can't be my mind. Something evil is invading my thoughts.
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."
-- 2 Corinthians 10:4-5Source: Misunderstanding of spiritual warfare that attributes all intrusive thoughts to demonic invasion rather than recognizing the battlefield of the mind where the enemy suggests but doesn't control.
The thoughts are egodystonic - completely contrary to his character and desires - making them feel external and alien. Their shocking nature seems too evil to originate from his own mind, so demonic source feels like the only explanation.
Satan spoke directly to Jesus - 'If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down' - putting thoughts and suggestions into the sinless Son of God's mind. Jesus didn't accept the thoughts or consider Himself demonized. He simply said 'It is written' and the devil fled. Intrusive suggestions don't mean possession.
I REFUSE the lie that intrusive thoughts mean demonization. IT IS WRITTEN that I have authority to take every thought captive to Christ - you can't take captive what already owns you. These are SUGGESTIONS, not ownership. Jesus Himself heard the devil's voice suggesting evil and wasn't defiled - He spoke truth and the enemy fled. IT IS WRITTEN to resist the devil and he will FLEE. I have the mind of Christ. I am sealed with the Holy Spirit. The BARAK blessing protected Abraham from enemy kings - I am protected from enemy thoughts. I REJECT every suggestion contrary to God's nature. I am NOT my thoughts. I am a BELOVED SON with authority to command silence.
The Father isn't horrified by the intrusive thoughts you battle - He knows the enemy's tactics and sees you resisting lies rather than accepting them. He's running toward you with the helmet of salvation to cover your mind, saying 'Those aren't your thoughts, son - you're proving whose you are by fighting them.'