2003-06-29 - Demons

The Doctrine of Angels Part 8 ~ Demons (Cont'd)

3. Cont'd
   1. Cont'd
      3. Evil Spirits

         "At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind" (Luke 7:21).

      4. Deceiving Spirits

         "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (1 Timothy 4:1).

      5. Foul Spirits

         " When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him" (Mark 9:25 KJV).

   2. Their Activities Describe Their Powers

      If their names are illustrations of their jobs/work, then these in turn are illustrations of their powers. Keep in mind that their activities are done in conjunction with Satan.

      1. Satan and demons work against the church.

         "You used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient" (Ephesians 2:2).

      2. Satan and demons work to control principalities, powers; and they are the rulers of darkness. 9 " For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

      3. Demons can posses the bodies of unbelievers.

         "They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won't torture me!" For Jesus had said to him, "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!" Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many."" (Mark 5:1-9).

      4. Demons possessing humans can cause them to suffer physical ailments.

         "While they were going out, a man who was demon-possessed and could not talk was brought to Jesus."  "Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see" (Matthew 9:32; 12:22).

         "When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."" (Mark 9:25-29).

      5. Demons can encourage people to move further into the sinful ways they have chosen.

         " You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44).

      6. Demons can speak through the humans they possess.

         "Then Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" "My name is Legion," he replied, "for we are many."" (Mark 5:9).

      7. Demons are often the power behind idols.

         "Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling" (Acts 16:16).

         Demons are behind many of the so-called powers we are seeing even in our society. The following are some of those practices and their related references: Sorcery, (Acts 8:9-11); Witchcraft, (Galatians 5:20); Necromancy, (Isaiah 8:19, Deuteronomy 18:10-12); Astrologers, (Daniel 1:20; 2:2; 4:7); Divination, (Ezekiel 13:6-7; Acts 16:16); Magician, (Daniel 1:20, Exodus 7:11, 22).

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