Demonology is
clearly set forth in the Bible. Jesus spoke to demons and commanded them
to come out of the possessed. Demons are disembodied spirits, fallen
angels. They belong to Satan, who is the ruler of the demons. In the
King James Version diabolos, daimon, and daimonion are translated
“devil” or “devils.” Diabolos (devil), meaning “accuser” or “slanderer,”
is always used in the singular in the New Testament. The words daimon
and daimonion are used both in the singular and the plural and are not
interchangeable with diabolos, since there is but one diabolos, the
Devil, but many daimonion or daimon, demons. This distinction has been
made in the New King James and other versions. To illustrate, the King
James Version reads, “And when he went forth to land, there met him out
of the city a certain man, which had devils long time.” Now the New King
James reads, “And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a
certain man from the city who had demons for a long time” (Luke 8:27).
The word diabolos is used thirty five times in the New Testament,
meaning “devil.” Daimonion and daimon are used sixty one times, meaning
“demon” or “demons.”
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “We are not ignorant of his [Satan’s] devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Are you ignorant of Satan’s devices? He would like of keep you in total ignorance of himself, his powers, and his demons who serve him. If you believe in Jesus Christ, that He is the Son of God and God the Son, if you love Him and serve Him, you can be sure of one thing: Satan and his demons are going to buffet you. Take your “stand against the wiles of the devil.” He performs spiritual trickery, called “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:10 12). This spiritual wickedness is found in all religions that deny that Jesus is God. It is also found in witchcraft, fortune telling, astrology, mediums, the occult, and so on. God calls on all believers to “come out from among them and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). Satan’s strategy is intended to beguile, ensnare, or deceive all who are “ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Therefore, our greatest defense is knowledge of God’s Word. Jesus defeated Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness. After each temptation He said, “It is written”; then He quoted God’s Word (Matthew 4:4).
13-1 Demons: Their Identity
(Jude 6)
Demons are fallen angels, “who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode” (v. 6). When created, they were perfect and were given the power of choice. Demons are angels who chose to disobey God and do the will of Satan.
There are two divisions of fallen angels:
First, those who sinned and are now imprisoned in “chains of darkness” (2 Peter 2:4) waiting for the judgment of angels (1 Corinthians 6:3).
Second, those who fell, and whom God has allowed to continue to serve Satan and his kingdom. The reason for this is one of God’s secrets (Deuteronomy 29:29). Satan is not omnipresent, but he has a multitude of demons or disembodied spirits, who do his will so thoroughly that it seems as though he is present everywhere.
1) Demons are unclean spirits. Some are more wicked than others. They can “possess” a person. They can also invite other demons to enter and dwell with them (Matthew 12:43 45).
2) Demons are intelligent beings. They spoke to Jesus from a possessed man and said, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” (Luke 4:31 37). This demon
a) talked to Jesus;
b) knew Jesus;
c) knew that Jesus had the power to destroy him;
d) knew that Jesus was the “Holy One of God.”
3) Demons have supernatural strength. In the country of the Gadarenes, Jesus met a man with an unclean spirit, who was so strong that no chains or shackles could hold him (Mark 5:1 4).
In human strength we are no match for Satan or his demons. Our protection is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17), and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit possess every part of your being, and present your body to the Lord as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1, 2).
Remember, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). James tells us:
a) “Therefore submit to God.”
b) “Resist the devil [Satan], and he will flee from you.”
c) “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:6 8).
13-2 Demons: Servants of Satan
(Matthew 12:24)
Satan is “the ruler of the demons” (v. 24). He is their god and they are his servants, to do his will. The Scriptures tell us that “the god of this age has blinded [the minds of those] who do not believe” (2 Corinthians 4:4). How can Satan blind the minds of all unbelievers and keep them in spiritual darkness, since he is not omnipresent? His servants (the demons) assist him in this evil work. They can keep unbelievers in spiritual darkness until they are cast out by “the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus said to a man with a demon, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit” (Mark 5:8), and the demon came out of the man. The power of God’s Word can help us resist Satan and his demonic servants.
Satan and his servants are great counterfeiters. For example, as believers, we worship the Lord when we partake of His Supper. Paul rebuked members of the Corinthian church for allowing the servants of Satan to corrupt the Lord’s Table. He had instructed the church in the proper observance of the Lord’s Supper. This instruction was itself a revelation from the risen Christ. Paul said, “I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you” (1 Corinthians 11:17 34). They, however, had allowed Satan and his demons to pollute the Lord’s Supper. Demons can influence believers and use them to destroy a whole congregation. Paul’s warning to the church was fourfold (1 Corinthians 10:20, 21):
1) Do not sacrifice to demons.
2) Have no fellowship with demons.
3) “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons.”
4) “You cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.” Satan and his demons are anti Christian and often make a show of “religion” (James 2:19)!
The apostle Paul warned Timothy that in the latter days some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits (demons); and will believe and teach “doctrines of demons.” All of the doctrines of demons are lies. In the last days, lying will become a way of life; it is almost that way today.
1) “Speaking lies in hypocrisy.” Many people will live a lie, pretending to be what they are not.
2) “Having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” there will be no conviction of sin.
3) “Forbidding to marry.” This may mean enforced celibacy, but also may mean that in the last days the holy bonds of marriage will be widely abolished.
4) “Commanding to abstain from foods which God created” for mankind (1 Timothy 4:1 5).
Satan, his demons, and all unbelievers who accept their doctrines, “shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).
13-3 Demons: Their Work
(2 Corinthians 12:7 10)
“A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger [angel] of Satan to buffet me” (v. 7). This is a startling statement. Paul is saying that God allowed Satan to assign one of his fallen angels to buffet this great apostle. Satan is the ruler of the demons, i.e., fallen angels (Matthew 12:24). They do the will of their master. Just as God assigns good angels to minister to “those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14), so also Satan assigns demons to buffet born again believers.
These evil spirits cannot enter a believer and possess his or her body; but they can influence the believer and make it difficult to do the will of God. God allows this for the believer’s good and for the accomplishment of His purposes in our lives. Paul prayed three times that God would deliver him from this fallen angel, who was a “thorn in the flesh” (v. 7). God did not remove the demon, but said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9).
In this experience, Paul learned a valuable lesson, the most difficult lesson for any believer to learn. He said, “I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (vv. 9, 10).
Paul’s thorn in the flesh, Satan’s angel, was used by God as a help to Paul’s ministry, not a hindrance. God knows how to take what Satan sends and turn it to good. Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. But the Lord raised him to the highest office in Egypt. Pharaoh said, “Only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you” (Genesis 41:39, 40). In the time of famine Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt for food. There they had to face him who had all authority over Egypt’s wealth. When Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, they feared for their lives. Then Joseph said to them, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Satan means evil against every saint, but God allows it for good (Philippians 1:12).
Satan’s evil angels not only buffet believers, they also:
1) Afflict God’s people. “There was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.” Jesus loosed her from her infirmity, and the rulers of the synagogue were indignant because He healed on the Sabbath. Jesus asked, “Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?’ (Luke 13:10 17).
2) Resist the servants of the Lord (Ephesians 6:10 12).
3) Perform miracles (Revelation 16:13, 14).
4) Possess the bodies of humans and animals (Luke 8:26 39).
If you love and serve the Lord, you can be sure that Satan will attempt to buffet you in every possible way.
13-4 Demons: Their Power
(Mark 5:1 20)
This demon possessed man (v. 2) had the physical strength of many men. When Jesus asked the demon his name, he replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many” (v. 9). A Roman legion consisted of three thousand to six thousand troops, and this man had the strength of a legion of demons. Demons are not only strong, but they can also work miracles. John wrote, “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs…they are spirits of demons, performing signs” (Revelation 16:13, 14). Yes, Satan and his demons can perform miracles and deceive those who are not rooted and grounded in God’s Word. In the last days signs and wonders by occult groups may prepare the world for the coming of the Antichrist. (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
Satan and his demons often appear “religious.” Do not be deceived by occult groups, false religions, or even merely professing Christians. They all have one thing in common: they deny the deity of Jesus Christ. The apostle John warns the believer, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit [some are evil spirits], but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:16). How can we test the spirits? John said, “Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ [the Messiah] has come in the flesh [that Jesus is the God Man] is of God.” All other religions are satanically inspired and demonically controlled. Their adherents may even pray in the name of Jesus and call Him “Lord, Lord.” Some of these false prophets will stand before Christ at the Great White Throne judgment and say, “Have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” and Jesus will say, “I never knew you; depart from Me” (Matthew 7:21 23). You can know false teachers: all you need to do is ask them if the believe that Jesus is God (John 1:1, 14). If they answer, “No,” they are false prophets. They may be leaders of large congregations and even thought to be outstanding Christian leaders, but if they deny the deity of Jesus they are Satan’s prophets.
God warned Israel, as they entered the Promised Land, to beware of the spiritist mediums, saying, “You shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations” (Deuteronomy 18:9 14). They were not to worship Molech, who required human sacrifice of young children; the Lord called this demon religion an “abomination,” and no wonder. Yet the Israelites briefly worshiped Molech and offered their sons and daughters to this demon god. Even Solomon in all his wisdom sinned in erecting an altar to Molech (1 Kings 11:7). Don’t underestimate the power of Satan and his demons (Ezekiel 16:20 23).
Furthermore, do not let the Devil lead you into some so called innocent cult. Our Lord calls all believers to “come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean” (2 Corinthians 6:14 18). God says we are not to touch the following:
1) Divination—those who claim to have secret knowledge of the future (fortune tellers). This practice is demon controlled (Ezekiel 13:6 8).
2) Witchcraft. Witches will be on the increase in the last days. During Saul’s reign one even had the ability—and permission—to bring up the dead (1 Samuel 28:7 20).
3) Mediums those who claim to have familiar spirits (demons). “For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:12).
13-5 Demons: Their Judgment
(1 Corinthians 6:3)
“Do you not know that we [the saved] shall judge angels?” (v. 3). Just think! God’s Word says, “we shall judge angels.” Truly, Satan and his angels have already been judged, and sentence has been passed. Some fallen angels are chained in darkness, awaiting execution of the judgment (Jude 6). Others, including Satan, have been allowed to continue their evil work of accusing the brethren, buffeting the saints, and opposing the will of God (Job 1:6 11). Satan, also called Beelzebub, as the god of this world system, is master of the fallen angels; they do his will (Matthew 12:24). The Lord’s final act, which will close the books on Satan and his demons, will be shared with His bride, the church. We will have a part in executing the sentence that has already been passed on the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
1) When will we judge the fallen angels? Jude 6 tells us that the execution of the sentence will judicially be carried out at “the judgment of the great day.” The “great day” is the day of the Lord (Isaiah 2:12 22).
a) It will be a day of instituting peace and righteousness. “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:31 40).
b) It will also be a Day of Judgment. “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41 46). This is the beginning of “the judgment of the great day.” The end will not come until the world has enjoyed righteous government for a thousand years. Simon Peter tells us “that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8).
c) For a thousand years Satan will be bound and cast into the bottomless pit. When the thousand years are finished, he will be released and will go out to deceive countless thousands who were born during the millennial (thousand year) reign of Jesus Christ, but who were never born again (Revelation 20:1 3, 7 9).
2) The judgment of fallen angels will precede the Great White Throne judgment of the wicked dead, after the thousand years (Revelation 20:10). Therefore, it is in harmony with the Scriptures to conclude that Satan and all evil angels will be judged by Christ and believers at the end of the thousand year kingdom age, just before the Great White Throne judgment. Remember, Jesus said that hell was “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).
Master Outline 13 – Demons
[1] Demons are ________________________ ________________________ fallen angels.
[2] The Greek word “DIABOLOS” means ___________________________. Is it singular or plural in meaning?
[3] The word, “DIABOLUS” is used __________________ times in the New Testament.
[4] The words “DAIMONION” and “DAIMON” are used _____________ times in the New Testament.
[5] Our greatest defense against Satan is______________________________ of
___________________________.
[6] Demons are angels who ____________________________ to disobey God and to the will of Satan.
[7] Demons are _________________________ ____________________, with some being more
_____________________________ Than others.
[8] Demons are unintelligent. TRUE or FALSE. Explain.
[9] Demons have ____________________________ strength.
[10] What are James’ three (3) points of victory in James 4:6-8?
1.
2.
3.
[11] How can Satan blind the mind of unbelievers and keep them in spiritual darkness since he is not omnipresent?
[12] Satan and his servants are great __________________________. Explain.
[13] What was Paul’s warning to young Timothy concerning the latter days?
[14] In the last days, ____________________________ will become a way of life. Explain.
[15] What did Paul mean when He said, “A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me?”
[16] Can evil spirits enter a believer and possess his or her body?
[17] What valuable lesson did Paul learn with respect to this “Thorn in the flesh?”
[18] Besides buffeting believers, what else do Satan’s evil angels do? List four (4) things.
1.
2.
3.
4.
[19] In the last days what will Satan do to prepare the world for the coming of the anti-Christ?
[20] Can Satan and his demons appear religious? YES or NO. Explain.
[21] How can you know a false teacher?
[22] What was God’s warning to the children of Israel concerning spiritualist and mediums?
[23] How did Salomon sin even with all his wisdom?
[24] What are the unclean things believers are to separate themselves from?
1.
2.
3.
4.
[25] Jude 6 says, “Some fallen are chained in ____________________.” What for?
[26] Satan and others of his demons have been allowed to do three (3) things. What are they?
1.
2.
3.
[27] When will the believers with Christ judge the fallen angels?
[28] Explain Satan’s thousand years of being bound?
[29] Hell is prepared for whom?
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “We are not ignorant of his [Satan’s] devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). Are you ignorant of Satan’s devices? He would like of keep you in total ignorance of himself, his powers, and his demons who serve him. If you believe in Jesus Christ, that He is the Son of God and God the Son, if you love Him and serve Him, you can be sure of one thing: Satan and his demons are going to buffet you. Take your “stand against the wiles of the devil.” He performs spiritual trickery, called “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:10 12). This spiritual wickedness is found in all religions that deny that Jesus is God. It is also found in witchcraft, fortune telling, astrology, mediums, the occult, and so on. God calls on all believers to “come out from among them and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17). Satan’s strategy is intended to beguile, ensnare, or deceive all who are “ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Therefore, our greatest defense is knowledge of God’s Word. Jesus defeated Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness. After each temptation He said, “It is written”; then He quoted God’s Word (Matthew 4:4).
13-1 Demons: Their Identity
(Jude 6)
Demons are fallen angels, “who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode” (v. 6). When created, they were perfect and were given the power of choice. Demons are angels who chose to disobey God and do the will of Satan.
There are two divisions of fallen angels:
First, those who sinned and are now imprisoned in “chains of darkness” (2 Peter 2:4) waiting for the judgment of angels (1 Corinthians 6:3).
Second, those who fell, and whom God has allowed to continue to serve Satan and his kingdom. The reason for this is one of God’s secrets (Deuteronomy 29:29). Satan is not omnipresent, but he has a multitude of demons or disembodied spirits, who do his will so thoroughly that it seems as though he is present everywhere.
1) Demons are unclean spirits. Some are more wicked than others. They can “possess” a person. They can also invite other demons to enter and dwell with them (Matthew 12:43 45).
2) Demons are intelligent beings. They spoke to Jesus from a possessed man and said, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” (Luke 4:31 37). This demon
a) talked to Jesus;
b) knew Jesus;
c) knew that Jesus had the power to destroy him;
d) knew that Jesus was the “Holy One of God.”
3) Demons have supernatural strength. In the country of the Gadarenes, Jesus met a man with an unclean spirit, who was so strong that no chains or shackles could hold him (Mark 5:1 4).
In human strength we are no match for Satan or his demons. Our protection is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17), and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit possess every part of your being, and present your body to the Lord as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1, 2).
Remember, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). James tells us:
a) “Therefore submit to God.”
b) “Resist the devil [Satan], and he will flee from you.”
c) “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:6 8).
13-2 Demons: Servants of Satan
(Matthew 12:24)
Satan is “the ruler of the demons” (v. 24). He is their god and they are his servants, to do his will. The Scriptures tell us that “the god of this age has blinded [the minds of those] who do not believe” (2 Corinthians 4:4). How can Satan blind the minds of all unbelievers and keep them in spiritual darkness, since he is not omnipresent? His servants (the demons) assist him in this evil work. They can keep unbelievers in spiritual darkness until they are cast out by “the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus said to a man with a demon, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit” (Mark 5:8), and the demon came out of the man. The power of God’s Word can help us resist Satan and his demonic servants.
Satan and his servants are great counterfeiters. For example, as believers, we worship the Lord when we partake of His Supper. Paul rebuked members of the Corinthian church for allowing the servants of Satan to corrupt the Lord’s Table. He had instructed the church in the proper observance of the Lord’s Supper. This instruction was itself a revelation from the risen Christ. Paul said, “I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you” (1 Corinthians 11:17 34). They, however, had allowed Satan and his demons to pollute the Lord’s Supper. Demons can influence believers and use them to destroy a whole congregation. Paul’s warning to the church was fourfold (1 Corinthians 10:20, 21):
1) Do not sacrifice to demons.
2) Have no fellowship with demons.
3) “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons.”
4) “You cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.” Satan and his demons are anti Christian and often make a show of “religion” (James 2:19)!
The apostle Paul warned Timothy that in the latter days some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits (demons); and will believe and teach “doctrines of demons.” All of the doctrines of demons are lies. In the last days, lying will become a way of life; it is almost that way today.
1) “Speaking lies in hypocrisy.” Many people will live a lie, pretending to be what they are not.
2) “Having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” there will be no conviction of sin.
3) “Forbidding to marry.” This may mean enforced celibacy, but also may mean that in the last days the holy bonds of marriage will be widely abolished.
4) “Commanding to abstain from foods which God created” for mankind (1 Timothy 4:1 5).
Satan, his demons, and all unbelievers who accept their doctrines, “shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).
13-3 Demons: Their Work
(2 Corinthians 12:7 10)
“A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger [angel] of Satan to buffet me” (v. 7). This is a startling statement. Paul is saying that God allowed Satan to assign one of his fallen angels to buffet this great apostle. Satan is the ruler of the demons, i.e., fallen angels (Matthew 12:24). They do the will of their master. Just as God assigns good angels to minister to “those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14), so also Satan assigns demons to buffet born again believers.
These evil spirits cannot enter a believer and possess his or her body; but they can influence the believer and make it difficult to do the will of God. God allows this for the believer’s good and for the accomplishment of His purposes in our lives. Paul prayed three times that God would deliver him from this fallen angel, who was a “thorn in the flesh” (v. 7). God did not remove the demon, but said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9).
In this experience, Paul learned a valuable lesson, the most difficult lesson for any believer to learn. He said, “I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (vv. 9, 10).
Paul’s thorn in the flesh, Satan’s angel, was used by God as a help to Paul’s ministry, not a hindrance. God knows how to take what Satan sends and turn it to good. Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. But the Lord raised him to the highest office in Egypt. Pharaoh said, “Only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you” (Genesis 41:39, 40). In the time of famine Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt for food. There they had to face him who had all authority over Egypt’s wealth. When Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, they feared for their lives. Then Joseph said to them, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Satan means evil against every saint, but God allows it for good (Philippians 1:12).
Satan’s evil angels not only buffet believers, they also:
1) Afflict God’s people. “There was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up.” Jesus loosed her from her infirmity, and the rulers of the synagogue were indignant because He healed on the Sabbath. Jesus asked, “Ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound—think of it—for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?’ (Luke 13:10 17).
2) Resist the servants of the Lord (Ephesians 6:10 12).
3) Perform miracles (Revelation 16:13, 14).
4) Possess the bodies of humans and animals (Luke 8:26 39).
If you love and serve the Lord, you can be sure that Satan will attempt to buffet you in every possible way.
13-4 Demons: Their Power
(Mark 5:1 20)
This demon possessed man (v. 2) had the physical strength of many men. When Jesus asked the demon his name, he replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many” (v. 9). A Roman legion consisted of three thousand to six thousand troops, and this man had the strength of a legion of demons. Demons are not only strong, but they can also work miracles. John wrote, “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs…they are spirits of demons, performing signs” (Revelation 16:13, 14). Yes, Satan and his demons can perform miracles and deceive those who are not rooted and grounded in God’s Word. In the last days signs and wonders by occult groups may prepare the world for the coming of the Antichrist. (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
Satan and his demons often appear “religious.” Do not be deceived by occult groups, false religions, or even merely professing Christians. They all have one thing in common: they deny the deity of Jesus Christ. The apostle John warns the believer, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit [some are evil spirits], but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:16). How can we test the spirits? John said, “Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ [the Messiah] has come in the flesh [that Jesus is the God Man] is of God.” All other religions are satanically inspired and demonically controlled. Their adherents may even pray in the name of Jesus and call Him “Lord, Lord.” Some of these false prophets will stand before Christ at the Great White Throne judgment and say, “Have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” and Jesus will say, “I never knew you; depart from Me” (Matthew 7:21 23). You can know false teachers: all you need to do is ask them if the believe that Jesus is God (John 1:1, 14). If they answer, “No,” they are false prophets. They may be leaders of large congregations and even thought to be outstanding Christian leaders, but if they deny the deity of Jesus they are Satan’s prophets.
God warned Israel, as they entered the Promised Land, to beware of the spiritist mediums, saying, “You shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations” (Deuteronomy 18:9 14). They were not to worship Molech, who required human sacrifice of young children; the Lord called this demon religion an “abomination,” and no wonder. Yet the Israelites briefly worshiped Molech and offered their sons and daughters to this demon god. Even Solomon in all his wisdom sinned in erecting an altar to Molech (1 Kings 11:7). Don’t underestimate the power of Satan and his demons (Ezekiel 16:20 23).
Furthermore, do not let the Devil lead you into some so called innocent cult. Our Lord calls all believers to “come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean” (2 Corinthians 6:14 18). God says we are not to touch the following:
1) Divination—those who claim to have secret knowledge of the future (fortune tellers). This practice is demon controlled (Ezekiel 13:6 8).
2) Witchcraft. Witches will be on the increase in the last days. During Saul’s reign one even had the ability—and permission—to bring up the dead (1 Samuel 28:7 20).
3) Mediums those who claim to have familiar spirits (demons). “For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord” (Deuteronomy 18:12).
13-5 Demons: Their Judgment
(1 Corinthians 6:3)
“Do you not know that we [the saved] shall judge angels?” (v. 3). Just think! God’s Word says, “we shall judge angels.” Truly, Satan and his angels have already been judged, and sentence has been passed. Some fallen angels are chained in darkness, awaiting execution of the judgment (Jude 6). Others, including Satan, have been allowed to continue their evil work of accusing the brethren, buffeting the saints, and opposing the will of God (Job 1:6 11). Satan, also called Beelzebub, as the god of this world system, is master of the fallen angels; they do his will (Matthew 12:24). The Lord’s final act, which will close the books on Satan and his demons, will be shared with His bride, the church. We will have a part in executing the sentence that has already been passed on the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
1) When will we judge the fallen angels? Jude 6 tells us that the execution of the sentence will judicially be carried out at “the judgment of the great day.” The “great day” is the day of the Lord (Isaiah 2:12 22).
a) It will be a day of instituting peace and righteousness. “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:31 40).
b) It will also be a Day of Judgment. “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41 46). This is the beginning of “the judgment of the great day.” The end will not come until the world has enjoyed righteous government for a thousand years. Simon Peter tells us “that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8).
c) For a thousand years Satan will be bound and cast into the bottomless pit. When the thousand years are finished, he will be released and will go out to deceive countless thousands who were born during the millennial (thousand year) reign of Jesus Christ, but who were never born again (Revelation 20:1 3, 7 9).
2) The judgment of fallen angels will precede the Great White Throne judgment of the wicked dead, after the thousand years (Revelation 20:10). Therefore, it is in harmony with the Scriptures to conclude that Satan and all evil angels will be judged by Christ and believers at the end of the thousand year kingdom age, just before the Great White Throne judgment. Remember, Jesus said that hell was “prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).
Master Outline 13 – Demons
[1] Demons are ________________________ ________________________ fallen angels.
[2] The Greek word “DIABOLOS” means ___________________________. Is it singular or plural in meaning?
[3] The word, “DIABOLUS” is used __________________ times in the New Testament.
[4] The words “DAIMONION” and “DAIMON” are used _____________ times in the New Testament.
[5] Our greatest defense against Satan is______________________________ of
___________________________.
[6] Demons are angels who ____________________________ to disobey God and to the will of Satan.
[7] Demons are _________________________ ____________________, with some being more
_____________________________ Than others.
[8] Demons are unintelligent. TRUE or FALSE. Explain.
[9] Demons have ____________________________ strength.
[10] What are James’ three (3) points of victory in James 4:6-8?
1.
2.
3.
[11] How can Satan blind the mind of unbelievers and keep them in spiritual darkness since he is not omnipresent?
[12] Satan and his servants are great __________________________. Explain.
[13] What was Paul’s warning to young Timothy concerning the latter days?
[14] In the last days, ____________________________ will become a way of life. Explain.
[15] What did Paul mean when He said, “A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me?”
[16] Can evil spirits enter a believer and possess his or her body?
[17] What valuable lesson did Paul learn with respect to this “Thorn in the flesh?”
[18] Besides buffeting believers, what else do Satan’s evil angels do? List four (4) things.
1.
2.
3.
4.
[19] In the last days what will Satan do to prepare the world for the coming of the anti-Christ?
[20] Can Satan and his demons appear religious? YES or NO. Explain.
[21] How can you know a false teacher?
[22] What was God’s warning to the children of Israel concerning spiritualist and mediums?
[23] How did Salomon sin even with all his wisdom?
[24] What are the unclean things believers are to separate themselves from?
1.
2.
3.
4.
[25] Jude 6 says, “Some fallen are chained in ____________________.” What for?
[26] Satan and others of his demons have been allowed to do three (3) things. What are they?
1.
2.
3.
[27] When will the believers with Christ judge the fallen angels?
[28] Explain Satan’s thousand years of being bound?
[29] Hell is prepared for whom?
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