Demons
There are some people who do not believe that demons exist. Not only do they exist, but the terms demon and spirit are often used interchangeably in the New Testament (Luke 10:17, 20; Mark 7:25, 29; 9:20-26), so they are often mistaken for fallen Angels. In a small way that thought is not completely wrong, because they are “a type of fallen angelic being” and like Angels, they too were created and they are messengers. They also operate above the natural realm, they do not have physical bodies, and they are invisible. The bible makes mention of a number of other attributes that they possess:
- They are spiritual beings. – Matthew 12:43-45.
- There are many of them. – Mark 5:8-13
- They can control men. – Mark 5:2-5
- They are can be violent, cause people to be violent, and are considered to be Sons of God – Genesis 6:2.
- They can be unclean. – Matthew 8:28
- They are angelic beings who have intelligence and wisdom. – 1 Kings 22:22-24;Acts 16:16
- They can manipulate Believers* who are disobedient to the way and will of the Lord. Ephesians 2: 1-3 * In other words, those Believers who find themselves not following the way of the Lord, doing contrary to what the Lord tells Believers to do, and those Believers who are living outside of the will of the Lord, can find themselves being seduced and manipulated (NOT CONTROLLED) by these Demons. (expound)
- They are also disembodied evil spirits. – Judges 9:23; Revelation 16:13-16
- They are not human, but they seek to possess humans.* – Mark 16:17 *As already stated, these demons/spirits have no physical body of their own (Unlike Angels who can take on human form) so they seek a person whom they can enter in. IF A PERSON IS INDEED A TRUE BELIEVER, these demons cannot enter them because the Holy Spirit has already taken residence.
- They are the source of lusts. – John 8:44; Ephesians 2:13; 1 John 2:15-17
What can, and should, Believers do about demons?
- Believers are to have no dealings with them – Leviticus 19:31; 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Acts 16:16; 2 Peter 2:1-3
- Realize that demons have to be tested, discerned, resisted, and rejected by Believers – Matthew 12:22; 17:15-18; 1 Corinthians 12:10; Ephesians 4:27; 6:10-18; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:10-12
- Realize that they can be made to be subject to them just as they are made to subject to Christ. – Matthew 8:16-17; 12:28; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 19:15
- Realize that Believers must always WATCH, PRAY, and APPLY the whole arsenal that the Lord has provided for us to use against Satan and his minions. – Ephesians 6:10-18