Can a believer be demon possessed?

The Bible does not explicitly state whether a Christian can be possessed by a demon. However, since a Christian is indwelt by the holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19), it would seem extremely unlikely that the holy Spirit would allow a demon to possess the same person He is indwelling. While we recognize that this is a controversial issue, we strongly hold to the belief that a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon. In fact in this present dispensation there is no reference by Paul that a person (believer or unbeliever) can be demon possessed. We believe there is a sharp difference between being possessed by a demon, and being oppressed / influenced by a demon. Demon possession involves a demon having direct control over the thoughts and/or actions of a person (Luke 4:33-35; 8:27-33; Matthew 17:14-18). Demon oppression / influence involves a demon or demons attacking a person spiritually and/or encouraging him/her into sinful behavior (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7 pay note to the fact that none of these passages are from Paul’s writing). You will notice that in all the New Testament passages dealing with spiritual warfare, we are never told to cast a demon out of a believer (Ephesians 6:10-18). Israel is told to resist the devil (1 Peter 5:8-9; James 4:7), not to cast him out. It is unthinkable that God would allow one of His children, whom He purchased with the blood of Christ (Col.1:14) and made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) to be possessed and controlled by a demon. Yes, as believers, we wage warfare with Satan and his demons, but not from within ourselves.