Demons

There are controversies and debates all across the net, and the subject of demons is one that is certainly one of these hot topics. There is no shortage of ignorance in this area, but as always, the Word must be where we get our information. It is sad that the Word is denied and tossed aside for the sake of one's pet beliefs taught by an ignorant church, pastor or denomination. I am not putting any down, but truly shame on us for not going to the Word and believing what it says! What is happening to this church world that we live in? The answers are truly sad! Satan and his hordes stand virtually unopposed doing what they want!

Let's look at something that Paul tells us. Ephesians 3:9-10 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, This reveals the heart of the Lord to reveal to the church the principalities and powers set up in the heavenlies. God wants us to know what's up there and why it is there. So let's get a definition of these key words from the Greek.

746 arch arche ar-khay'

from 756; TDNT-1:479,81; n f

AV-beginning 40, principality 8, corner 2, first 2, misc 6; 58

    1) beginning, origin
    2) the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader
    3) that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause
    4) the extremity of a thing
      4a) of the corners of a sail
    5) the first place, principality, rule, magistracy
      5a) of angels and demons

1849 exousia exousia ex-oo-see'-ah

from 1832 (in the sense of ability); TDNT-2:562,238; n f

AV-power 69, authority 29, right 2, liberty 1, jurisdiction 1, strength 1; 103

    1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases
      1a) leave or permission
    2) physical and mental power
      2a) the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises
    3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege)
    4) the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed)
      4a) universally
        4a1) authority over mankind
      4b) specifically
        4b1) the power of judicial decisions
        4b2) of authority to manage domestic affairs
      4c) metonymically
        4c1) a thing subject to authority or rule
          4c1a) jurisdiction
        4c2) one who possesses authority
          4c2a) a ruler, a human magistrate
          4c2b) the leading and more powerful among created beings superior to man, spiritual potentates
      4d) a sign of the husband's authority over his wife
        4d1) the veil with which propriety required a women to cover herself
      4e) the sign of regal authority, a crown

1107 gnwrizw gnorizo gno-rid'-zo

from a derivative of 1097; TDNT-1:718,119; v

AV-make known 16, declare 4, certify 1, give to understand 1, do to wit 1, wot 1; 24

    1) to make known
      1a) to become known, be recognised
    2) to know, to gain knowledge of, have thorough knowledge of
      2a) in earlier Greek it means "to gain a knowledge of" or "have thorough knowledge of"

From the syntax of the Greek and the meanings of these words in the sentence, we see the Lord desires the church to know about prinicipalities and powers. He wants Paul to show His desire for His body to understand the second heavens or the spirit realm where the prince of the power of the air resides (Eph 2:2). For all those preachers and teachers who have mistakenly taught or implied that the devil should go back to hell where he came from or that he even lives there or any other mistaken position concerning Lucifer, shame on you! God doesn't want us ignorant about the demon realm that Jesus talked so much about. Demons set themselves up because of sin! Now because of ignorance or unbelief they exist and by default are not even opposed in prayer.

To understand a little about kingdoms working in the second heaven and the first heaven, let's look at a famous passage that records a confrontation between Jesus and some mistaken and misguided Pharisees.

Matthew 12:22-28 ¶ Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

We see a number of things in this passage:
    1) God's kingdom coming into contact with Satan's kingdom
    2) Satan's kingdom works together
    3) A kingdom that is divided will fall
    4) There is power in unity of purpose
    5) God's kingdom can overpower Satan's kingdom
    6) Pharisees are skeptical about God's manifested power
    7) The people see God because only God would do what Jesus did
    8) The people interpret what happens based on what God would do
    9) The Pharisees interpret what happens based upon their position of the Sabbath
    10) Demons are real
    11) Demons can be cast out by the Spirit of God

    There are perhaps a number of other things here, but these are important to what we are looking at and this list is not meant to be all inclusive just somewhat insightful.

In today's language what Jesus did was exorcism when He cast out demons from a person. When coming against the prince of the power of the air and his kingdom, this would be commonly known as spiritual warfare. There are many good books available on this subject, some are listed on the Books Page on this site.

Now there must be a correct way to cast out demons and an incorrect way as simple logic would tell us. Now to this we must also understand that casting out demons from a person is similar to casting down principalities and strongholds. In a person's possession we know one can be possessed by as little as one demon such as an unclean spirit or as many as hundreds as shown by the Gadarene possessed by Legion. With strongholds and principalities we have geographical areas that are controlled from a continent to a country to a state to a county to a town to a street to a house to a person and there can be any number from one to hundreds maybe thousands that are working together. Let me give you an example at this point. I am convinced that over the continent of North America there is a demon spirit of lies in control. I was in prayer years ago desiring to find out the name of the spirits so that I could pray against them and with the Lord's direction and help pull down the strongholds. I began to think about what Canada and Mexico and the USA and some of the other smaller countries have in common and the Lord told me the ease that people believed a lie rather than the truth. I asked if a demon of lies was in control and He answered yes. In the area where I live in South Carolina, if I travel an hour to the coast, I come into the region where people are freer in their thoughts and actions which is clearly seen to be in control by a spirit of lust. Therefore I rarely go there and only under consideration of the day and when people are there etc. because I do enjoy a walk on the beach with my wife, but I don't enjoy having to fight against the lust that is brought out in so many.

As a person plays with sin in the beginning, it is sin that is growing into a bondage if left unchallenged, deceiving the person, and perpetuating itself. Some sins grow in such a way that the demon in charge of that sin area sets up a home within the realm of the darkness of that sin. The darkside is where demons and the devil live and operate, and when we continue in sin, they reside in that sin. If you think about it, there are levels of activity. This applies to people and principalities.
    1) demonic influence
    2) demonic oppression
    3) demonic possession

What begins with a person can influence a home, a street, a town, a region or county, a state, a country, a hemisphere or continent. As we look into this issue of demonic activity, what becomes clear is that people's sins do affect many others, and the reverse is true, the demons that are entrenched as principalities also influence and affect people. Just as a person through serious prayer and intercession can have the chance of deliverance, so can an area or geographical location. Yet because of unbelief and even apathy on those that should know, the demonic realm goes almost unchallenged in people's lives and in principalities. Now, this is spiritual warfare, and all who name the name of Christ should have a serious approach to the demonic realm in prayer and Biblical understanding. If we would begin to take the kingdom of God by force, take back our towns for Jesus, tear down those principalities, and most importantly stand against the devil in people's lives, our world would be much different. We would see Christians gathering on prayer night at their churches in the hundreds instead of the tens. People would be set free from Satan's grip. Our services would have worship and adoration for the King of Kings and He would sit down on His throne in our hearts and manifest Himself in the miraculous, the gifts of the Spirit flowing, people receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. We would have church and we would enjoy it and be participants once again in the kingdom.

We should know that Jesus didn't leave us defenseless. Paul tells the Corinthians about weapons that we need to combat the enemy. Let's see what Paul tells them. 2Cor 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Paul reveals the power in the weapons that we use, but we must first realize that the flesh is not the war and the weapons in this war aren't from the flesh. This is a spiritual war, so the weapons must be up for the task at hand. Sadly this is why the church is powerless. Far too many have taught us the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit are gone, that people don't have demon problems anymore, and we must sin because we're just sinners by nature. This is such a disheartening word from leaders in the church world! I just can't imagine people believing that jesus would leave us defenseless and that what Paul told the Corinthians was just for a moment and when the moment is gone we'll be at the mercy of the devil for nearly 2000 years. No wonder there are so many disillusioned and hurting Christians! If you add to that the crazy Pentecostals and Charismatics, we have a mess. I can speak on this since I am Pentecostal and I know the fleshly abuse of things in the church and it is called of God or credited to the Holy Spirit, and I am so sick of it.

Paul told the Ephesians some very important things about weapons and war. Let's see what he told them. Eph 6:11-20 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Paul again reveals the intensity of the war and our need to be pro-active in this war. We are the ones under attack, and yet we're taught the war is useless and the weapons meaningless. We see these things in Scripture and we must conclude that there is a war, and knowing it or not we are in it. Whether we know the truth, the war still rages on until the final battle at Armageddon and ultimately Gog and Magog.

We have the armor listed and so many have taught on that, but let's look at the actual weapons that we have from this listing:

    1) sword of the Spirit or the Word of God
    2) shield of faith


We have some more weapons to look at. The writer of Hebrews tells us one of the most important weapons that we have, the blood of Jesus Christ! We also see the usage from the Book of Exodus. Let's read. He 10:19-22 ¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Ex 12:7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. Why is the blood important? It isn't just a sacrifice for salvation, but we have access into the throne of God to petition the Lord Himself! remember what happens in Job 1 and 2 when the throne of God has some visitors and how God's hand is moved on the earth to set up hedges and remove hedges of protection. This is the access that we have into His throne room and the ability once into His throne room to petition the King (See Esther 5-7)! in some circles we talk about pleading the blood in situations similar to striking the doorposts and doortops. So we have this weapon.

    3) the blood

1. As food, prohibited in #Ge 9:4 where the use of animal food is first allowed. Comp. #De 12:23 Le 3:17 7:26 17:10-14 The injunction to abstain from blood is renewed in the decree of the council of Jerusalem #Ac 15:29 It has been held by some, and we think correctly, that this law of prohibition was only ceremonial and temporary; while others regard it as still binding on all. Blood was eaten by the Israelites after the battle of Gilboa #1Sa 14:32-34

2. The blood of sacrifices was caught by the priest in a basin, and then sprinkled seven times on the altar; that of the passover on the doorposts and lintels of the houses #Ex 12:1ff #Le 4:5-7 16:14-19 At the giving of the law #Ex 24:8 the blood of the sacrifices was sprinkled on the people as well as on the altar, and thus the people were consecrated to God, or entered into covenant with him, hence the blood of the covenant #Mt 26:28 Heb 9:19,20 10:29 13:20

3. Human blood. The murderer was to be punished #Ge 9:5 The blood of the murdered "crieth for vengeance" #Ge 4:10 The "avenger of blood" was the nearest relative of the murdered, and he was required to avenge his death #Nu 35:24,27 No satisfaction could be made for the guilt of murder #Nu 35:31

4. Blood used metaphorically to denote race #Ac 17:26 and as a symbol of slaughter #Isa 34:3 To "wash the feet in blood" means to gain a great victory #Ps 58:10 Wine, from its red colour, is called "the blood of the grape" #Ge 49:11 Blood and water issued from our Saviour's side when it was pierced by the Roman soldier #Joh 19:34 This has led pathologists to the conclusion that the proper cause of Christ's death was rupture of the heart. (Comp.) #Ps 69:20

We have one more weapon to use against the enemy and this one is taken for granted almost to the point that people haven't a clue of the power! Many of you who are reading this article probably know, but there will be so many that you come into contact during the day who do not know. Let's look at John's Gospel. Jo 14:12-14 ¶ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. The name of Jesus isn't a magic word as some profess, yet to deny the identification and intimacy in the name as well as the power behind His name and what Jesus states to His disciples is foolishness and absurdity. Let's take a look at what's in the name of Jesus.

Lord

from Online Bible Topic

There are various Hebrew and Greek words so rendered.

1. Heb. Jehovah, has been rendered in the English Bible LORD, printed in small capitals. This is the proper name of the God of the Hebrews. The form "Jehovah" is retained only in #Ex 6:3 #Ps 83:18 Isa 12:2 26:4 both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.

2. Heb. 'adon, means one possessed of absolute control. It denotes a master, as of slaves #Ge 24:14,27 or a ruler of his subjects #Ge 45:8 or a husband, as lord of his wife #Ge 18:12 The old plural form of this Hebrew word is _' adonai_. From a superstitious reverence for the name "Jehovah, " the Jews, in reading their Scriptures, whenever that name occurred, always pronounced it _' adonai_.

3. Greek kurios, a supreme master, etc. In the LXX. this is invariably used for "Jehovah" and "' adonai."

4. Heb. ba'al, a master, as having domination. This word is applied to human relations, as that of husband, to persons skilled in some art or profession, and to heathen deities. "The men of Shechem, " literally "the baals of Shechem" #Jud 9:2,3 These were the Israelite inhabitants who had reduced the Canaanites to a condition of vassalage #Jos 16:10 17:13 5. Heb. seren, applied exclusively to the "lords of the Philistines" #Jud 3:3 The LXX. render it by satrapies. At this period the Philistines were not, as at a later period #1Sa 21:10 under a kingly government. (See) #Jos 13:3 1Sa 6:18 There were five such lordships, viz., Gath, Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron.

God

from Online Bible Topic

(A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering 1. of the Hebrew _' el_, from a word meaning to be strong;

2. of _' Eloah_, plural _' Elohim_. The singular form, _Eloah_, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by "LORD, " printed in small capitals.

The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argument to prove it. He who disbelieves this truth is spoken of as one devoid of understanding #Ps 14:1 The arguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being of God are:
    1. The a priori argument, which is the testimony afforded by reason.

    2. The a posteriori argument, by which we proceed logically from the facts of experience to causes. These arguments are, a. The cosmological, by which it is proved that there must be a First Cause of all things, for every effect must have a cause.
    b. The teleological, or the argument from design. We see everywhere the operations of an intelligent Cause in nature.
    c. The moral argument, called also the anthropological argument, based on the moral consciousness and the history of mankind, which exhibits a moral order and purpose which can only be explained on the supposition of the existence of God. Conscience and human history testify that "verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth."
The attributes of God are set forth in order by Moses in #Ex 34:6,7 (see also) #De 6:4 10:17 Nu 16:22 Ex 15:11 33:19 #Isa 44:6 Hab 3:6 #Ps 102:26 Job 34:12 They are also systematically classified in #Re 5:12 7:12
    1. God's attributes are spoken of by some as
      a. absolute, i.e., such as belong to his essence as Jehovah, Jah, etc.
      b. relative, i.e., such as are ascribed to him with relation to his creatures.
    2. Others distinguish them into
      a. Communicable, i.e., those which can be imparted in degree to his creatures: goodness, holiness, wisdom, etc.;
      b. Incommunicable, which cannot be so imparted: independence, immutability, immensity, and eternity.
    3. They are by some also divided into
      a. natural attributes, eternity, immensity, etc.
      b. moral, holiness, goodness, etc.
So we have as our final weapon, the name of Jesus, our Lord! This weapon can not be done away with by deniakl or ignorance or even wrong teaching. What it merely means is what is quoted in John 14 already, you are a believer, one who believes. if we believe just as His disciples in the first century, we will have similar results as He has promised, and we KNOW He keeps His promises as the promises of God are yes, and amen!

    4) the name of Jesus

All these weapons are spiritual weapons to fight a spiritual war that is raging whether we believe it or not and whether we are participating or not. Those principalitiies and the demon possessed are in need of someone who will stand in their town and with the armor of God launch his/her weapons to remove the enemy from those geographic locations. as Paul told the Ephesians, these weapons are indeed very strong in God, and to the Corinthians they are mighty in God, and we must also see that we are to launch these weapons from our prayer closet! yes, they are launched by prayer using the name, the blood, the Word, and faith. All are integral parts of the weaponry and their effectiveness. Jude tells us the same thing about the weapons being launched. 20-21 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. This is what Paul told those Ephesians: "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit," So prayer and praying in the Spirit launchs and empowers those activities causing the principalities to bow and submit to the power of God.

Let's take back what the devil has stolen. Let's free those in need of deliverance. Let's pull down stronholds and take back out towns for Jesus. We don't know when the world events are to come to pass, and Jesus has already told us to occupy until He comes! So let's do it! can you imagine what we could do if more Christians were aware of the responsibility, the authority, and the power given them in this world that we live in? This is all a part of God's will because we have found it in the Scriptures. Study it out for yourself and see what you have for a great big God and the power He has entrusted you with!