| Answer Page |
In Jesus’ day we see an abundance of demonic activity with humans
both non-Christian and Christian. The scripture reminds us that in the
last days that things will wax worse and worse. Do we think that
demonic activity will be less of a problem in the last days? Actually the
problem will get worse. The following is a partial list of demonic
activity in the lives of both Christian and non-Christian in Jesus’ day.
Non Christian
Maniac of Gadara Mark 5:1-20
Son with a “dumb” spirit Mark 9:17-29
People with Palsy Matt. 4:24
Blind and dumb Matt. 12:22
People beat up Acts 19:12-16
Stooped over Luke 13:11
Spirit of Divination Acts 16:16-18
Christian
Paul’s thorn in the flesh II Cor. 12:7
Immorality I Cor. 5:1-5
Hinder people I Thes. 2:18
Intemperate spirit I Cor. 7:5
Unforgiving spirit II Cor. 2:10-11
Shipwreck faith II Cor. 11:3
Lack of discernment Matt. 16:21-23;
Luke 9:54-55.
Lying Acts. 5:3
7 Myths about demonic activity in people.
There are many misunderstanding or “myths” about demon possession
and oppression in people today. Below are listed seven myths about
demonic activity in people.
Myth #1. Christians cannot be Demonized
Christians cannot be demon possessed but they can believe Satanic lies
and thereby be influenced and then, to some degree, controlled by
them. A demon cannot live in a Christian’s spirit but he can live in his
soul, (mind, emotions, and will) and his flesh just like sin and the world
can.
Myth #2. People can be “Possessed” or owned by demons.
Since God created Adam and Eve and empowered them with the ability
to procreate, all of humanity, is His possession. God owns them.
Therefore Jesus is lord of both the living and the dead. Jesus could not
judge or punish those He does not own. Just because some people will
end up in hell with Satan does not mean Satan possesses or owns
them. God’s judgeship sends them both there.
Myth #3. All emotional, mental or psychological problems are
caused by demons. Although demonic activity is very common, not
all of man’s problems are caused by demons. For instance when a child
is sexually abused or traumatized by someone, even though a demon
may be behind it, the abuse or trauma is the thing that caused the
emotional problem in the child. Demons will, however, take advantage
of the abused child. Demons will take existing problems to extremes.
They get as much mileage as they can from man’s misery.
Myth #4. Demonic activity is uncommon in the United States.
Most people believe that Satan and his demons work mostly in the
jungles with people involved in oriental religions or voodoo. Nothing
could be further from the truth.
The U.S.A. is full of psychics, tarot card readers, astrological observers,
fortunetellers, etc. The American Religious Identification study looked
at religion in America today compared to what it was 10 years ago.
Protestants are down from 60% to 52%. Muslims are up 110%,
Hindus are up 237%, and Wicca’s are up more that 1500%. Wicca is
witchcraft.
Myth #5. Those with demons are guilty of spiritual rebellion.
Often demonization occurs through curiosity of the occult, parents
passing generational spirits to their children or demonization through
sexual abuses, or drugs (legal and illegal). Rebellion is not always the
reason.
Myth #6. The demonized speak in a different voice. Hollywood
has enhanced this myth. Although I have worked with several over the
years that speak in another voice or are bilingual when the demon is
speaking through a person, this is not normal.
Most frequently the voice will be that of the demonized person but the
demon will use the third person pronoun, they, he, etc. when referring
to the human host.
Myth #7. Deliverance from demons is a one-time thing. Most of
the time freedom from demonic activity of a moderate nature can be a
one-time event. However most people fail to protect their deliverance.
They will go back to the same ways and or thoughts. On at least 3
occasions, Jesus’ healings and deliverances appear not to have been
immediate. (Mark 5:1-15,8:22-26, 9:18, 29). Sometimes darkness and
lies must be removed in layers. Return to Question Page
Angels
Throughout his history, man has often wondered if he is the only
intelligent life in his universe. Billions of dollars have been spent in
search of this answer. Recently coded messages were transmitted by
radio telescopes into the distant recesses of outer space in hopes of
making contact with extraterrestrial life.
Man in his search for these answers and many others, always has
available to him two main libraries of research; his environment and the
Bible. Choosing to look to man’s environment instead of the Bible is
like looking at photograph negatives instead of the photographs
themselves.
This study will deal with the real photograph of intelligent life, other
than man, that now exists in our universe. The real photograph - the
Bible, refers to these beings as “Angels”. Let’s look through the
photograph album and answer some questions. Return to Question Page
I.
Note: Angels are mentioned in 34 books of the Bible - some 273 times
(108 times in the Old Testament and 165 times in the New Testament).
A. Angels, like everything else in the universe, were created by God
the Father through Jesus Christ in the energy of the Holy Spirit
in the 6 days of creation.
1. Gen. 2:1, "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all
the host of them."
2. Psa. 148:2,5, "Praise ye him, all his angels; praise ye him,
all his hosts. Let them praise the name of the Lord; for he
commanded, and they were created."
3. Col 1:15-17, "Who is the image of the invisible God, the
firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created,
that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is
before all things, and by him all things consist."
B. The number of angels that God brought into existence is fixed, but
innumerable to man.
1. Heb 12:22, "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the
city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an
innumerable company of angels."
2. Jesus said that angels do not reproduce themselves.
Matt. 22:30, "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor
are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."
3. Angels cannot die.
Luke 20:36, "Neither can they die any more: for they are equal
unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children
of the resurrection."
4. They must be considered a company or host of beings, not a
race. Return to Question Page
II.
A. They are spirit beings.
1. Psa. 104:4, "Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a
flaming fire."
2. They do not possess flesh and bone as we do Luke 24:39,
"Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me,
and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me
have."
3. They can be invisible or manifest themselves in visible form.
a. II Ki 6:16,17, "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be
with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha
prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he
may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man;
and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses
and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
b. Luke 2:13, "And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying."
4. They have personalities
a. Mind - Dan 9:21-22, "Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer,
even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the
beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the
time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and
talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to
give thee skill and understanding."
b. Will - Isa 14:12-15, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O
Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the
ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said
in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne
above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the
congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above
the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet
thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Jude 1:6, "And the angels which kept not their first estate,
but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting
chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day."
c. Emotions - Luke 2:13, "And suddenly there was with the
angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God."
I Pet 1:12, "Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto
themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which
are now reported unto you by them that have preached the
gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from
heaven; which things the angels desire to look into."
5. All angels in Scripture are spoken of as men. This does not
mean they are “sexless”. They live forever and have no need
for procreation although they do have that power.
a. Gen. 6:1-4, "And it came to pass, when men began to
multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born
unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men
that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which
they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always
strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be
an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth
in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came
in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to
them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men
of renown."
Wrong View: Some say the sons of God were the descendants of
Cain and when “saved” Seth’s see intermarried with “lost” Cain’s
seed, giants were the result. If this is true, then why don’t
marriages between “lost” and “saved” produce giants today?
Right View: The sons of God are angels who violated their
“guardianship” boundaries and became incestuous with
humans. The result was similar to human incest and the
deformities it causes.
b. Job 1:6, "Now there was a day when the sons of God came
to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also
among them."
c. Job 2:1, "Again there was a day when the sons of God came
to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came
also among them to present himself before the LORD."
d. Job 38:7, "When the morning stars sang together, and all the
sons of God shouted for joy."
e. II Pet 2:4-5, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but
cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of
darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the
old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of
righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the
ungodly."
f. Jude 1:6-7, "And the angels which kept not their first estate,
but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting
chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in
like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going
after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the
vengeance of eternal fire."
B. They are superior to man.
1. In strength - II Peter 2:11, "Whereas angels, which are
greater in power and might bring, not railing accusation against
them before the Lord."
2. In intelligence - Dan 9:21-22, "Yea, whiles I was speaking in
prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at
the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the
time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked
with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee
skill and understanding."
3. In speed - Rev 14:6 "And I saw another angel fly in the midst
of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them
that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people."
Dan 9:21, "Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man
Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being
caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening
oblation."
C. They are inferior to God-
1. They are not all-knowing - I Pet 1:12, "Unto whom it was
revealed, that not unto the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost
sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look
into."
Mat 24:36, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not
the angels of heaven, but my Father only. They can read our
actions and nature but not our mind."
Acts 19:15, "And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I
know, and Paul I know; but who are ye."
2. They are not omnipresent as seen above, they must fly, travel
and allow time to get from place to place.
3. They are not “all powerful”- Jude 1:9, "Yet Michael the
archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the
body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation,
but said, The Lord rebuke thee." Return to Question Page
III.
A. Some are good - some are evil
1. Civil war in heaven expelled 1/3 of all the angels to planet earth
with their rebel commander, Lucifer. They are referred to as
fallen angels.
a. Isa 14:12-15, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer,
son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground,
which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine
heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above
the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the
congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above
the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet
thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit."
b. Ezek 28:11-19, "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto
me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king
of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou
sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious
stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz,and the diamond,
the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald,
and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets
and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou
wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and
I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God;
thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of
fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou
wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude
of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with
violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as
profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O
covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine
heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted
thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the
ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold
thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of
thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I
bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee,
and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all
them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the
people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and
never shalt thou be any more."
c. Rev 12:3-4, "And there appeared another wonder in heaven;
and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten
horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew
the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the
earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was
ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it
was born."
d. Rev 12:9, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old
serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him."
2. Angels that remained loyal to God are referred to as holy or
elect angels.
a. Mark 8:38, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me
and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of
him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh
in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
b. I Tim 5:21, "I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things
without preferring one before another, doing nothing by
partiality."
B. They are arranged into orderly, ruling, ranks.
Eph 1:20,21, "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him
from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly
places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and
dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world,
but also in that which is to come:"
Eph 3:10, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and
powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the
manifold wisdom of God."
Col 1:16, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven,
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created
by him, and for him."
Col 2:10, "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all
principality and power."
I Pet 3:22, "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of
God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto
him."
1. Principalities. “Arche” - original...municipalities - Job 38:17,
"Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou
seen the doors of the shadow of death."
2. Powers. “Exousia” - delegated: right to act - Ezek 8:7-12, "And
he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked,
behold hole in the wall. Then said he unto me, Son of man,
dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a
door. And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked
abominations that they do here. So I went in and saw; and
behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts,
and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall
round about. And there stood before them seventy men of the
ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood
Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his
hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up. Then said he unto
me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house
of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his
imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD
hath forsaken the earth."
3. Thrones. “Thronos” - place of rule: capital city - John 10:9, "I
am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and
shall go in and out, and find pasture."
4. Dominions. “Kuriotes” - a lordship over boundaries
5. Might. “Dunamis” - inherited power or capability
C. They are referred to by various names
1. Ministers. Refers to their spiritual service-
a. Psa 103:20-21, "Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel
in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the
voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye
ministers of his, that do his pleasure."
b. Heb 1:14, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to
minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."
2. Host. Refers to their military service -
a. Gen 32:1-2, "And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of
God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is
God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim."
b. Josh 5:14, "And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of
the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the
earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord
unto his servant?"
c. I Sam 17:45, "Then said David to the Philistine, Thou
comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a
shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied."
d. Psa 89:8, "O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD
like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee."
3. Chariots. Refers to their swiftness
a. II Ki 6:16-17, "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be
with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha
prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he
may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man;
and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and
chariots of fire round about Elisha."
b. Psa 68:17, "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even
thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in
the holy place."
c. Zec 6:5, "And the angel answered and said unto me, These are
the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing
before the Lord of all the earth."
4. Stars. Refers to numbers -
a. Job 38:7, "When the morning stars sang together, and all the
sons of God shouted for joy."
b. Psa 148:2-3, "Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all
his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye
stars of light."
c. Rev 12:3-4, "And there appeared another wonder in heaven;
and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten
horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew
the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the
earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was
ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was
born."
5. Watchers. This refers to their duties as supervising agents -
a. Dan 4:13, "I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed,
and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from
heaven;"
b. Dan 4:17, "This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and
the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that
the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom
of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up
over it the basest of men." Return to Question Page
IV.
A. What do good angels do? They desire to carry out the will of
God.
1. Michael the military Archangel. He is the commander of God’s
military forces - Jude 1:9, "Yet Michael the archangel, when
contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses,
durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The
Lord rebuke thee."
a. He fights against Satan in the heavenlies - Rev 12:7, "And
there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought
against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels."
b. He will stand up for Israel during the Tribulation - Dan 12:1,
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince
which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall
be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a
nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people
shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the
book."
c. He gives the voice command for the Rapture - I Th 4:16,
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
d. Num 10:1-2, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou
make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the
assembly, and for the journeying of the camps."
2. Gabriel the Messenger Angel -
He is mentioned 4 times by name and each time he is carrying a
message from God.
a. He explains Daniel’s vision - Dan 8:16, "And I heard a man's
voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said,
Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision."
Dan 9:21, "Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the
man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning,
being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the
evening oblation."
b. He announces the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus - Luke
1:19, "And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel,
that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto
thee, and to show thee these glad tidings."
Luke 1:26, "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was
sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth."
Mat 1:20, "But while he thought on these things, behold, the
angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,
Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary
thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost."
c. He warns Joseph about the plot of Herod - Mat 2:13, "And
when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the
young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou
there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young
child to destroy him."
3. Cherubim Angels
Cherubim & Seraphim angels appear to be responsible to guard
the types and symbols of deity. Seraphim angels proclaim
God’s holiness.
a. Cherubim:
(1) Described in Ezekial as having four faces (Ezek. 1).
Face of a man - Gospel of Luke presents Christ as a Man
(Humanity)
Face of a lion - Gospel of Matthew presents Christ as a
Lion (King)
Face of an ox - Gospel of Mark presents Christ as an Ox
(Servant)
Face of an eagle - Gospel of John presents Christ as an
Eagle (God)
(2) Kept Adam from Tree of Life. A type of Christ.
Gen 3:24, "So he drove out the man; and he placed at the
east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming
sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the
tree of life."
(3) A golden Cherubim were placed at both ends of the Ark of
the Covenant...a type of God’s relationship to man.
Exo 25:18-20, "And thou shalt make two cherubims of
gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two
ends of the mercy seat. And make one cherub on the one
end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the
mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on two ends
thereof. And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings
on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their
faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall
the faces of the cherubims be."
Heb 9:5, "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing
the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak
particularly."
(4) Prior to his fall, Satan (Lucifer) was the chief Cherub
Angel.
Isa 14:12, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer,
son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground,
which didst weaken the nations."
Ezek 28:14, "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth;
and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain
of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the
stones of fire."
b. Seraphim:
Isa 6:1-3, "In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the
Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train
filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one
had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with
twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And
one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is
the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
4. Guardian Angels.
Mat 18:10, "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little
ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always
behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
Heb 1:14, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to
minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
a. Some theologians say that guardian angels are also
“recording” angels for the day of judgment. Our computer
minds will be deprogrammed and will bear witness with the
guardian angel’s records. “In the mouth of two or more
witnesses every word will be established”
b. Guardian angels are given to protect Christians and to help
conform them to the image of Christ.
(1) Psa 91:1, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most
High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
(2) Psa 91:11, "For he shall give his angels charge over thee,
to keep thee in all thy ways."
(3) Luke 16:22, "And it came to pass, that the beggar died,
and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the
rich man also died, and was buried."
(4) Acts 27:23, "For there stood by me this night the angel of
God, whose I am, and whom I serve."
Note: God’s angels will not accept worship.
Rev 19:10, "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said
unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of
thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God:
for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Satan
and his angels will accept worship. "
Mat 4:9, "And saith unto him, All these things will I give
thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me."
B. What do bad angels do? They desire to carry out the will of
Satan.
1. Names of these evil spirit angels
a. Devil’s angels - Devil - “Diabolos” - to accuse or slander -
Mat 25:41, "Then shall he say also unto them on the left
hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,
prepared for the devil and his angels."
Rev 12:9, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old
serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him."
b. Angels which kept not their first estate -
II Pet 2:4, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but
cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of
darkness, to be reserved unto judgment."
Jude 1:6, "And the angels which kept not their first estate,
but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting
chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day."
c. Familiar spirits - Deu 18:11, "Or a charmer, or a consulter
with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer."
Isa 19:3, "And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst
thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall
seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have
familiar spirits, and to the wizards."
d. Unclean spirits - unclean - “Akathartos” - impure, defiled,
immoral - Mat 10:1, "And when he had called unto him his
twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits,
to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all
manner of disease."
Mark 1:27, "And they were all amazed, insomuch that they
questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this?
what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he
even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him."
Mark 3:11, "And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell
down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of
God."
Mark 5:13, "And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the
unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the
herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were
about two thousand) and were choked in the sea."
Acts 5:16, "There came also a multitude out of the cities
round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them
which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed
every one."
Acts 8:7, "For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came
out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken
with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
Rev 16:13, "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come
out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the
beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
e. Evil spirits - evil - “poneros” - that which causes labor,
sorrow, pain, injury - Luke 7:21, "And in that same hour he
cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits;
and unto many that were blind he gave sight."
Acts 19:12-13, "So that from his body were brought unto
the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed
from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Then
certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to
call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord
Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth."
f. Seducing spirits - seducing - “pianos” to cause to wander or
lead astray - I Tim 4:1, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,
that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving
heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devil"
g. Wicked spirits - Luke 11:26, "Then goeth he, and taketh to
him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they
enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is
worse than the first."
h. Demons - Demon - “Daimon” - defiled spirit (used more than
75 times in the New Testament. Demons disseminate errors
among men and seek to seduce and deceive believers into the
supposition that through mediums they can converse with
deceased humans. They tempt people with unclean thoughts
and thoughts of personal injury, death or suicide.
2. Activities of Satan’s angels.
a. Evil angels rule over the nations of the world -Dan 10:13,
"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one
and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes,
came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of
Persia."
b. The bottomless pit is under the control of an angel called
Abaddon (Hebrew) - Apollyon (Greek) -
Rev 9:11, "And they had a king over them, which is the
angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew
tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name
Apollyon."
c. Four military angels will lead a hellish 200 million strong army
during the latter part of the tribulation -Rev 9:15, "And the
four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour,
and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part
of men."
d. Three demons organize those events which lead to the battle
of Armageddon - Rev 16:13-14, "And I saw three unclean
spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out
of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false
prophet." For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles,
which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole
world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God
Almighty."
e. They are responsible for many human afflictions.
(1) They disseminate false doctrine and write books - II Th 2:
2, "That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled,
neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us,
as that the day of Christ is at hand."
I Tim 4:1, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
(2) They can contribute to and cause insanity -Mat 17:15,
"Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore
vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the
water."
Mark 5:15, "And they come to Jesus, and see him that
was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting,
and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."
(3) Some cause muteness of speech - Mat 9:33, "And when
the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes
marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel."
(4) Some cause immorality - Mat 10:1, "And when he had
called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all
manner of sickness and all manner of disease."
Mark 1:23-26, "And there was in their synagogue a man
with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us
alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of
Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who
thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him,
saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when
the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud
voice, he came out of him."
Mark 3:11, "And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell
down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of
God."
Luke 4:36, "And they were all amazed, and spake among
themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority
and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they
come out."
Acts 5:15, "Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into
the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the
least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow
some of them."
Acts 8:7, "For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice,
came out of many that were possessed with them: and
many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were
healed."
(5) Some cause deafness - Mark 7:35, "And straightway his
ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed,
he spake plain."
(6) Some cause epilepsy - Matt. 17:15-18, "Lord, have mercy
on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes
he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I
brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure
him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and
perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how
long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus
rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the
child was cured from that very hour."
(7) Some cause blindness - Mat 12:22, "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."
Mark 8:25, "After that he put his hands again upon his
eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw
every man clearly."
(8) Some cause suicidal desires - Mark 5:3, "Who had his
dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him,
no, not with chains:"
Mark 5:5, "And always, night and day, he was in the
mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself
with stones."
(9) Some cause physical defects - Luke 13:11, "And, behold,
there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen
years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift
up herself."
(10) They can possess human beings
come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the
midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not."
come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the
whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea,
and perished in the waters.
spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went
seven devils.
apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them
money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I
lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto
him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that
the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither
part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of
God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if
perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I
perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of
iniquity. Then answered Simon, and
said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which
ye have spoken come upon me."
interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy
from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the
Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtlety
and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all
righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the
Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and
thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And
immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went
about seeking some to lead him by the hand."
certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which
brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same
followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of
salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved,
turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus
Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour."
f. God uses evil angels:
(1) To punish the wicked.
(a) King Abimelech.
Judg 9:23, "Then God sent an evil spirit between
Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of
Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech."
(b) To prepare for the execution of King Ahab in battle
I Ki 22:19-23, "And he said, Hear thou therefore
the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on
his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him
on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD
said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up
and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this
manner, and another said on that manner. And there
came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and
said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto
him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I
will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.
And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail
also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold,
the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all
these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil
concerning thee."
(c) To punish rebellious Israel.
Psa 78:49, "He cast upon them the fierceness of his
anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending
evil angels among them."
(2) To correct or “prove” believers.
(a) Paul’s thorn (see II Corin. 12:7)
(b) Believers sin (see 1 Corin. 5:1-5)
(c) False Prophet (see Deut. 13:1-3)
3. The destiny of Satan’s angels.
a. They will be judged by Christ and His church - I Cor 6:3,
"Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more
things that pertain to this life?"
Mat 8:29, "And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have
we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come
hither to torment us before the time?"
James 2:19, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou
doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
b. They will be cast into the Lake of Fire forever - Mat 25:41,
"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart
from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the
devil and his angels:"
II Pet 2:4, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but
cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of
darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;"
Jude 1:6, "And the angels which kept not their first estate,
but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting
chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day."
V. Can Christians Be Demon Possessed?
A. True born again Christians cannot be demon possessed.
1. Possession means ownership. Therefore, if Christ really owns
someone and possesses them with His Holy Spirit, they cannot
be owned by Satan or his demons.
a. John 10:27-29, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know
them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life;
and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them
out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater
than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's
hand."
b. John 17:12, "While I was with them in the world, I kept
them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and
none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the
scripture might be fulfilled."
c. Rom 8:9, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so
be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have
not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
B. Born again Christians can be influenced and oppressed by
demons. Christians have several misconceptions about demons.
1. Demons were more active in Christ’s day than they are today.
False
a. I Tim 4:1, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"
b. II Tim 3:13, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse
and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."
c. Rev 12:12, "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell
in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for
the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because
he knoweth that he hath but a short time."
2. Psychological and mental illness is not related to demonic
activity. False
a. Mat 17:15, "Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a
lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire,
and oft into the water."
b. Mat 17:18, And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed
out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour."
c. Mark 5:15, "And they come to Jesus, and see him that was
possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and
clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."
d. Luke 6:18, "And they that were vexed with unclean spirits:
and they were healed."
e. Rom 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove
what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
f. II Cor 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the
minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto
them."
g. II Tim 3:8, "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses,
so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds,
reprobate concerning the faith."
3. Christians are not subject to demon activity. False
a. II Cor 12:7, "And lest I should be exalted above measure
through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to
me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me,
lest I should be exalted above measure."
b. Acts 16:18, "And this did she many days. But Paul, being
grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the
name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the
same hour."
c. Mat 16:23, "But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee
behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou
savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of
men."
4. Freedom from demonic influence requires a “power
encounter.”
False
a. Freedom from spiritual bondage and demonic influence is not
a “power encounter”; it is a “truth encounter.”
b. Demons are like cockroaches. They scurry for the shadows
when the light comes on. Satan’s power is in the lie or
deception that he gives. He is the Father of lies who deceives
the whole world.
John 8:44, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of
your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the
beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no
truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:
for he is a liar, and the father of it."
c. We do not have to “out muscle” them to be free of his
influence, we have to “out truth” them.
Rev 12:9, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old
serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him."
John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall
make you free."
John 16:13, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of
himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and
he will show you things to come."
John 17:15, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out
of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the
evil."
John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is
truth."
I John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children, and have
overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he
that is in the world."
d. Christians must be more “Kingdom centered” than “Demon
centered”
Luke 10:19-20, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on
serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding
in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but
rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."
e. Satan is a defeated foe.
Luke 11:20-22, "But if I with the finger of God cast out
devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in
peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and
overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he
trusted, and divideth his spoils." Return to Question Page
C.
1. Sins of the fathers.
Deu 5:9, "Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor
serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting
the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and
fourth generation of them that hate me,"
As children tend to look like their parents physically, parents
also pass down to their children a “sin nature” and demonic
activity or influence.
2. Sin in a believer’s life opens the door for Satan to capture
“ground” in the believer’s soul and set up a “stronghold.”
II Pet 2:8, "(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in
seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day
with their unlawful deeds;)" Return to Question Page
3. The sin of anger & wrath gives Satan “ground.”
a. Wrath can be the result of having a blocked goal or desire to
“BE IN CONTROL”.
b. Anger over not being able to be “in control” can be
manifested in many ways:
down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil."
James 1:20, "For the wrath of man worketh not the
righteousness of God."
James 3:14-15, "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in
your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This
wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual,
devilish."
James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the
devil, and he will flee from you."
James 5:8-9, "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the
coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against
another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge
standeth before the door."
4. Wrong thinking or believing a lie allows Satan to set up a
stronghold.
a. Wrong thinking is deception:
(1) Self Deception
deceiving your own selves."
James 4:17, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and
doeth it not, to him it is sin."
nothing, he decieveth himself."
man soweth, that shall he also reap.
I Cor 15:33, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good
manners."
(2) Self-Defense
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."
3. Lack of forgiveness will bring tormentors.
a. Mat 18:34-35, "And his lord was wroth, and delivered him
to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto
him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you,
if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their
trespasses."
b. II Cor 2:10-11, "To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive
also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your
sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should
get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
Return to Question Page
D.
“STRONGHOLDS.”
1. RECOGNIZE the root sin of “iniquity.” Iniquity is the sin of
wanting my own way - stubborness... having the last word.
Iniquity is PRIDE. Confess pride as sin.
a. I Sam 15:23, "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and
stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast
rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee
from being king."
b. Prov 10:29, "The way of the LORD is strength to the
upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity."
c. Prov 22:8, "He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the
rod of his anger shall fail."
Mat 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the
will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in
that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?
and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done
many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I
never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
2. REPENT of the desire to be the “Boss of your own life.”
a. Mat 6:24, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will
hate the one, and love the other; or else will hold to the one,
and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
b. Luke 11:17, "But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them,
Every kingdom divided against itself is ought to desolation;
and a house divided against a house falleth."
c. Amos 3:3, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
3. REPLACE “strongholds” with truth.
a. II Cor 10:4-5, "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;" Return to
Question Page
Demon Possession
and a Christian
Satan is the natural enemy of God and therefore the natural enemy of
every Christian. Satan has a specific strategy in the spiritual warfare
that he wages against us. 2 Cor 10:4, "For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong
holds;"
The Greek word for warfare is “Strageia” from which we get our
English word strategy. Satan’s strategy against us is twofold:
1. Keep us from accepting Christ as our Saviour and becoming
Christians
Luke 8:12, "Those by the way side are they that hear; then
cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts,
lest they should believe and be saved."
2. Keep Christians from being effective once they are saved.
Luke 22:31, " And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan
hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat".
I Th 2:18, "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I
Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."
Satan hates our bodies especially Christians for 2 reasons:
1. It is a constant reminder of his enemy God, because man was
made in the likeness and image of God.
Gen 1:26-27, "And God said, Let us make man in our image,
after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of
the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and
over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth
upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the
image of God created he him; male and female created he
them."
2. A Christian’s body becomes a weapon against Satan.
Rom 6:16-19, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield
yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye
obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto
righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants
of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine
which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye
became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner
of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have
yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity
unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to
righteousness unto holiness."
I. Can a Christian be Demon Possessed? NO
A Christian cannot be demon possessed (owned) but he can be
demonized (oppressed - influenced) by a demon.
A. We are made up of 3 parts: body, soul (mind, will, emotions),
spirit.
I Th 5:23, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and
I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Heb 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and
sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing
asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
B. A lost man is dead in his spirit.
Adam became dead in his spirit the day he disobeyed God.
Following Adam’s sin, all people were born dead in their spirit.
Gen 2:17, "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,
thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof
thou shalt surely die."
Rom 5:12, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the
world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for
that all have sinned."
Rom 5:15, "But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For
if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the
grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus
Christ, hath abounded unto many."
John 8:42-44, "Jesus said unto them, If God were your
Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from
God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not
understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye
will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not
in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh
a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."
A lost man is alive in his soul and body.
C. A saved man is alive in his spirit.
1. When a person receives Christ as his Savior, the Holy Spirit
quickens his spirit.
Eph 2:1, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in
trespasses and sins"
Col 2:13, "And you, being dead in your sins and the
uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with
him, having forgiven you all trespasses."
Rom 8:9-10, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so
be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not
the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you,
the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of
righteousness."
Rom 8:16, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of
God."
2. A saved man is alive in his soul & body. Return to Question Page
D.
1. Through sin and unbiblical choices, a Christian or non-
Christian can open the door of their soul to demonic influence
and control. Satan can tempt them through their 5 senses. If
they yield he will attempt to control them.
Rom 6:16, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves
servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether
of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
I Tim 4:1, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of devils."
I Pet 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may
devour."
2. Examples of “Physical” influence
a. Non-Christian
b. Christians
through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a
thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I
should be exalted above measure."
Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."
3. Examples of “Soul” control (mind, will, emotions)
a. Non-Christian
Mark 5:15, "And they come to Jesus, and see him that
was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting,
and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid"
Acts 16:16-18, "And it came to pass, as we went to
prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of
divination met us, which brought her masters much gain
by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and
cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high
God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this
did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and
said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus
Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same
hour."
b. Christians
with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to
fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan
tempt you not for your incontinency."
also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your
sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should
get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be
corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and
suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes,
and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter
took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from
thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and
said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an
offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of
God, but those that be of men."
Luke 9:54-55, "And when his disciples James and John
saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire
to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as
Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said,
Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of."
thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part
of the price of the land?" Return to Question Page
E.
Eph 6:11, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil."
1. Wiles in the Greek is methodeia from which we get our
English word “methods”. Satan’s primary method of
defeating humans is through deception.
Gen 3:1-5, " Now the serpent was more subtle than any
beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he
said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of
every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the
serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden,
God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it,
lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall
not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat
thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as
gods, knowing good and evil."
II Cor 11:13-15, "For such are false apostles, deceitful
workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel
of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be
transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall
be according to their works."
Rev 12:9, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old
serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him."
F. We are cautioned not to be ignorant of his devices.
II Cor 2:11, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we
are not ignorant of his devices."
1. “Devices” in the Greek is "Noema". Noema means
“thought”, “mind”, in our English language.
2. Satan knows that by using deceiving thoughts in our minds he
can gain influence and control over us.
II Cor 3:14, "But their minds were blinded: for until this day
remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the
old testament; which veil is done away in Christ."
II Cor 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the
minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto
them."
II Cor 10:5, "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."
Mat 13:19, "When any one heareth the word of the
kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked
one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.
This is he which received seed by the way side."
John 13:2, "And supper being ended, the devil having now
put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray
him;"
II Cor 11:3, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent
beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be
corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
G. Satan cannot possess or own the spirit of a saved man
Eph 1:13-14, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the
word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after
that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of
the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."
Return to Question Page
II.
A. Bring every thought into captivity
II Cor 10:4-5, "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."
B. Submit to God
James 4:6, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith,
God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
C. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you
James 4:7-8, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the
devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will
draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify
your hearts, ye double minded." Return to Question Page
both non-Christian and Christian. The scripture reminds us that in the
last days that things will wax worse and worse. Do we think that
demonic activity will be less of a problem in the last days? Actually the
problem will get worse. The following is a partial list of demonic
activity in the lives of both Christian and non-Christian in Jesus’ day.
Non Christian
Maniac of Gadara Mark 5:1-20
Son with a “dumb” spirit Mark 9:17-29
People with Palsy Matt. 4:24
Blind and dumb Matt. 12:22
People beat up Acts 19:12-16
Stooped over Luke 13:11
Spirit of Divination Acts 16:16-18
Christian
Paul’s thorn in the flesh II Cor. 12:7
Immorality I Cor. 5:1-5
Hinder people I Thes. 2:18
Intemperate spirit I Cor. 7:5
Unforgiving spirit II Cor. 2:10-11
Shipwreck faith II Cor. 11:3
Lack of discernment Matt. 16:21-23;
Luke 9:54-55.
Lying Acts. 5:3
7 Myths about demonic activity in people.
There are many misunderstanding or “myths” about demon possession
and oppression in people today. Below are listed seven myths about
demonic activity in people.
Myth #1. Christians cannot be Demonized
Christians cannot be demon possessed but they can believe Satanic lies
and thereby be influenced and then, to some degree, controlled by
them. A demon cannot live in a Christian’s spirit but he can live in his
soul, (mind, emotions, and will) and his flesh just like sin and the world
can.
Myth #2. People can be “Possessed” or owned by demons.
Since God created Adam and Eve and empowered them with the ability
to procreate, all of humanity, is His possession. God owns them.
Therefore Jesus is lord of both the living and the dead. Jesus could not
judge or punish those He does not own. Just because some people will
end up in hell with Satan does not mean Satan possesses or owns
them. God’s judgeship sends them both there.
Myth #3. All emotional, mental or psychological problems are
caused by demons. Although demonic activity is very common, not
all of man’s problems are caused by demons. For instance when a child
is sexually abused or traumatized by someone, even though a demon
may be behind it, the abuse or trauma is the thing that caused the
emotional problem in the child. Demons will, however, take advantage
of the abused child. Demons will take existing problems to extremes.
They get as much mileage as they can from man’s misery.
Myth #4. Demonic activity is uncommon in the United States.
Most people believe that Satan and his demons work mostly in the
jungles with people involved in oriental religions or voodoo. Nothing
could be further from the truth.
The U.S.A. is full of psychics, tarot card readers, astrological observers,
fortunetellers, etc. The American Religious Identification study looked
at religion in America today compared to what it was 10 years ago.
Protestants are down from 60% to 52%. Muslims are up 110%,
Hindus are up 237%, and Wicca’s are up more that 1500%. Wicca is
witchcraft.
Myth #5. Those with demons are guilty of spiritual rebellion.
Often demonization occurs through curiosity of the occult, parents
passing generational spirits to their children or demonization through
sexual abuses, or drugs (legal and illegal). Rebellion is not always the
reason.
Myth #6. The demonized speak in a different voice. Hollywood
has enhanced this myth. Although I have worked with several over the
years that speak in another voice or are bilingual when the demon is
speaking through a person, this is not normal.
Most frequently the voice will be that of the demonized person but the
demon will use the third person pronoun, they, he, etc. when referring
to the human host.
Myth #7. Deliverance from demons is a one-time thing. Most of
the time freedom from demonic activity of a moderate nature can be a
one-time event. However most people fail to protect their deliverance.
They will go back to the same ways and or thoughts. On at least 3
occasions, Jesus’ healings and deliverances appear not to have been
immediate. (Mark 5:1-15,8:22-26, 9:18, 29). Sometimes darkness and
lies must be removed in layers. Return to Question Page
Angels
Throughout his history, man has often wondered if he is the only
intelligent life in his universe. Billions of dollars have been spent in
search of this answer. Recently coded messages were transmitted by
radio telescopes into the distant recesses of outer space in hopes of
making contact with extraterrestrial life.
Man in his search for these answers and many others, always has
available to him two main libraries of research; his environment and the
Bible. Choosing to look to man’s environment instead of the Bible is
like looking at photograph negatives instead of the photographs
themselves.
This study will deal with the real photograph of intelligent life, other
than man, that now exists in our universe. The real photograph - the
Bible, refers to these beings as “Angels”. Let’s look through the
photograph album and answer some questions. Return to Question Page
I.
Note: Angels are mentioned in 34 books of the Bible - some 273 times
(108 times in the Old Testament and 165 times in the New Testament).
A. Angels, like everything else in the universe, were created by God
the Father through Jesus Christ in the energy of the Holy Spirit
in the 6 days of creation.
1. Gen. 2:1, "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all
the host of them."
2. Psa. 148:2,5, "Praise ye him, all his angels; praise ye him,
all his hosts. Let them praise the name of the Lord; for he
commanded, and they were created."
3. Col 1:15-17, "Who is the image of the invisible God, the
firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created,
that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible,
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is
before all things, and by him all things consist."
B. The number of angels that God brought into existence is fixed, but
innumerable to man.
1. Heb 12:22, "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the
city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an
innumerable company of angels."
2. Jesus said that angels do not reproduce themselves.
Matt. 22:30, "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor
are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."
3. Angels cannot die.
Luke 20:36, "Neither can they die any more: for they are equal
unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children
of the resurrection."
4. They must be considered a company or host of beings, not a
race. Return to Question Page
II.
A. They are spirit beings.
1. Psa. 104:4, "Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a
flaming fire."
2. They do not possess flesh and bone as we do Luke 24:39,
"Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me,
and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me
have."
3. They can be invisible or manifest themselves in visible form.
a. II Ki 6:16,17, "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be
with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha
prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he
may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man;
and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses
and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
b. Luke 2:13, "And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying."
4. They have personalities
a. Mind - Dan 9:21-22, "Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer,
even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the
beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the
time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and
talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to
give thee skill and understanding."
b. Will - Isa 14:12-15, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O
Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the
ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said
in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne
above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the
congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above
the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet
thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
Jude 1:6, "And the angels which kept not their first estate,
but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting
chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day."
c. Emotions - Luke 2:13, "And suddenly there was with the
angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God."
I Pet 1:12, "Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto
themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which
are now reported unto you by them that have preached the
gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from
heaven; which things the angels desire to look into."
5. All angels in Scripture are spoken of as men. This does not
mean they are “sexless”. They live forever and have no need
for procreation although they do have that power.
a. Gen. 6:1-4, "And it came to pass, when men began to
multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born
unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men
that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which
they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always
strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be
an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth
in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came
in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to
them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men
of renown."
Wrong View: Some say the sons of God were the descendants of
Cain and when “saved” Seth’s see intermarried with “lost” Cain’s
seed, giants were the result. If this is true, then why don’t
marriages between “lost” and “saved” produce giants today?
Right View: The sons of God are angels who violated their
“guardianship” boundaries and became incestuous with
humans. The result was similar to human incest and the
deformities it causes.
b. Job 1:6, "Now there was a day when the sons of God came
to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also
among them."
c. Job 2:1, "Again there was a day when the sons of God came
to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came
also among them to present himself before the LORD."
d. Job 38:7, "When the morning stars sang together, and all the
sons of God shouted for joy."
e. II Pet 2:4-5, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but
cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of
darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the
old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of
righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the
ungodly."
f. Jude 1:6-7, "And the angels which kept not their first estate,
but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting
chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in
like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going
after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the
vengeance of eternal fire."
B. They are superior to man.
1. In strength - II Peter 2:11, "Whereas angels, which are
greater in power and might bring, not railing accusation against
them before the Lord."
2. In intelligence - Dan 9:21-22, "Yea, whiles I was speaking in
prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at
the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the
time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked
with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee
skill and understanding."
3. In speed - Rev 14:6 "And I saw another angel fly in the midst
of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them
that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people."
Dan 9:21, "Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man
Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being
caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening
oblation."
C. They are inferior to God-
1. They are not all-knowing - I Pet 1:12, "Unto whom it was
revealed, that not unto the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost
sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look
into."
Mat 24:36, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not
the angels of heaven, but my Father only. They can read our
actions and nature but not our mind."
Acts 19:15, "And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I
know, and Paul I know; but who are ye."
2. They are not omnipresent as seen above, they must fly, travel
and allow time to get from place to place.
3. They are not “all powerful”- Jude 1:9, "Yet Michael the
archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the
body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation,
but said, The Lord rebuke thee." Return to Question Page
III.
A. Some are good - some are evil
1. Civil war in heaven expelled 1/3 of all the angels to planet earth
with their rebel commander, Lucifer. They are referred to as
fallen angels.
a. Isa 14:12-15, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer,
son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground,
which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine
heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above
the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the
congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above
the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet
thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit."
b. Ezek 28:11-19, "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto
me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king
of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou
sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious
stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz,and the diamond,
the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald,
and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets
and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou
wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and
I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God;
thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of
fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou
wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude
of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with
violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as
profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O
covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine
heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted
thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the
ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold
thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of
thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I
bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee,
and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all
them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the
people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and
never shalt thou be any more."
c. Rev 12:3-4, "And there appeared another wonder in heaven;
and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten
horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew
the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the
earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was
ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it
was born."
d. Rev 12:9, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old
serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him."
2. Angels that remained loyal to God are referred to as holy or
elect angels.
a. Mark 8:38, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me
and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of
him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh
in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
b. I Tim 5:21, "I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things
without preferring one before another, doing nothing by
partiality."
B. They are arranged into orderly, ruling, ranks.
Eph 1:20,21, "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him
from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly
places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and
dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world,
but also in that which is to come:"
Eph 3:10, "To the intent that now unto the principalities and
powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the
manifold wisdom of God."
Col 1:16, "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven,
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones,
or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created
by him, and for him."
Col 2:10, "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all
principality and power."
I Pet 3:22, "Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of
God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto
him."
1. Principalities. “Arche” - original...municipalities - Job 38:17,
"Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou
seen the doors of the shadow of death."
2. Powers. “Exousia” - delegated: right to act - Ezek 8:7-12, "And
he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked,
behold hole in the wall. Then said he unto me, Son of man,
dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a
door. And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked
abominations that they do here. So I went in and saw; and
behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts,
and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall
round about. And there stood before them seventy men of the
ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood
Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan, with every man his censer in his
hand; and a thick cloud of incense went up. Then said he unto
me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house
of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his
imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD
hath forsaken the earth."
3. Thrones. “Thronos” - place of rule: capital city - John 10:9, "I
am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and
shall go in and out, and find pasture."
4. Dominions. “Kuriotes” - a lordship over boundaries
5. Might. “Dunamis” - inherited power or capability
C. They are referred to by various names
1. Ministers. Refers to their spiritual service-
a. Psa 103:20-21, "Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel
in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the
voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye
ministers of his, that do his pleasure."
b. Heb 1:14, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to
minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."
2. Host. Refers to their military service -
a. Gen 32:1-2, "And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of
God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is
God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim."
b. Josh 5:14, "And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of
the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the
earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord
unto his servant?"
c. I Sam 17:45, "Then said David to the Philistine, Thou
comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a
shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts,
the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied."
d. Psa 89:8, "O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD
like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee."
3. Chariots. Refers to their swiftness
a. II Ki 6:16-17, "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be
with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha
prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he
may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man;
and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and
chariots of fire round about Elisha."
b. Psa 68:17, "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even
thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in
the holy place."
c. Zec 6:5, "And the angel answered and said unto me, These are
the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing
before the Lord of all the earth."
4. Stars. Refers to numbers -
a. Job 38:7, "When the morning stars sang together, and all the
sons of God shouted for joy."
b. Psa 148:2-3, "Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all
his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye
stars of light."
c. Rev 12:3-4, "And there appeared another wonder in heaven;
and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten
horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew
the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the
earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was
ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was
born."
5. Watchers. This refers to their duties as supervising agents -
a. Dan 4:13, "I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed,
and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from
heaven;"
b. Dan 4:17, "This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and
the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that
the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom
of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up
over it the basest of men." Return to Question Page
IV.
A. What do good angels do? They desire to carry out the will of
God.
1. Michael the military Archangel. He is the commander of God’s
military forces - Jude 1:9, "Yet Michael the archangel, when
contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses,
durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The
Lord rebuke thee."
a. He fights against Satan in the heavenlies - Rev 12:7, "And
there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought
against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels."
b. He will stand up for Israel during the Tribulation - Dan 12:1,
"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince
which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall
be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a
nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people
shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the
book."
c. He gives the voice command for the Rapture - I Th 4:16,
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:
and the dead in Christ shall rise first."
d. Num 10:1-2, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou
make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the
assembly, and for the journeying of the camps."
2. Gabriel the Messenger Angel -
He is mentioned 4 times by name and each time he is carrying a
message from God.
a. He explains Daniel’s vision - Dan 8:16, "And I heard a man's
voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said,
Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision."
Dan 9:21, "Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the
man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning,
being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the
evening oblation."
b. He announces the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus - Luke
1:19, "And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel,
that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto
thee, and to show thee these glad tidings."
Luke 1:26, "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was
sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth."
Mat 1:20, "But while he thought on these things, behold, the
angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying,
Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary
thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the
Holy Ghost."
c. He warns Joseph about the plot of Herod - Mat 2:13, "And
when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the
young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou
there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young
child to destroy him."
3. Cherubim Angels
Cherubim & Seraphim angels appear to be responsible to guard
the types and symbols of deity. Seraphim angels proclaim
God’s holiness.
a. Cherubim:
(1) Described in Ezekial as having four faces (Ezek. 1).
Face of a man - Gospel of Luke presents Christ as a Man
(Humanity)
Face of a lion - Gospel of Matthew presents Christ as a
Lion (King)
Face of an ox - Gospel of Mark presents Christ as an Ox
(Servant)
Face of an eagle - Gospel of John presents Christ as an
Eagle (God)
(2) Kept Adam from Tree of Life. A type of Christ.
Gen 3:24, "So he drove out the man; and he placed at the
east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming
sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the
tree of life."
(3) A golden Cherubim were placed at both ends of the Ark of
the Covenant...a type of God’s relationship to man.
Exo 25:18-20, "And thou shalt make two cherubims of
gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two
ends of the mercy seat. And make one cherub on the one
end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the
mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on two ends
thereof. And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings
on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their
faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall
the faces of the cherubims be."
Heb 9:5, "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing
the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak
particularly."
(4) Prior to his fall, Satan (Lucifer) was the chief Cherub
Angel.
Isa 14:12, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer,
son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground,
which didst weaken the nations."
Ezek 28:14, "Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth;
and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain
of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the
stones of fire."
b. Seraphim:
Isa 6:1-3, "In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the
Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train
filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one
had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with
twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And
one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is
the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
4. Guardian Angels.
Mat 18:10, "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little
ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always
behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."
Heb 1:14, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to
minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
a. Some theologians say that guardian angels are also
“recording” angels for the day of judgment. Our computer
minds will be deprogrammed and will bear witness with the
guardian angel’s records. “In the mouth of two or more
witnesses every word will be established”
b. Guardian angels are given to protect Christians and to help
conform them to the image of Christ.
(1) Psa 91:1, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most
High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
(2) Psa 91:11, "For he shall give his angels charge over thee,
to keep thee in all thy ways."
(3) Luke 16:22, "And it came to pass, that the beggar died,
and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the
rich man also died, and was buried."
(4) Acts 27:23, "For there stood by me this night the angel of
God, whose I am, and whom I serve."
Note: God’s angels will not accept worship.
Rev 19:10, "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said
unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of
thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God:
for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Satan
and his angels will accept worship. "
Mat 4:9, "And saith unto him, All these things will I give
thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me."
B. What do bad angels do? They desire to carry out the will of
Satan.
1. Names of these evil spirit angels
a. Devil’s angels - Devil - “Diabolos” - to accuse or slander -
Mat 25:41, "Then shall he say also unto them on the left
hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,
prepared for the devil and his angels."
Rev 12:9, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old
serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him."
b. Angels which kept not their first estate -
II Pet 2:4, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but
cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of
darkness, to be reserved unto judgment."
Jude 1:6, "And the angels which kept not their first estate,
but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting
chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day."
c. Familiar spirits - Deu 18:11, "Or a charmer, or a consulter
with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer."
Isa 19:3, "And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst
thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall
seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have
familiar spirits, and to the wizards."
d. Unclean spirits - unclean - “Akathartos” - impure, defiled,
immoral - Mat 10:1, "And when he had called unto him his
twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits,
to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all
manner of disease."
Mark 1:27, "And they were all amazed, insomuch that they
questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this?
what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he
even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him."
Mark 3:11, "And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell
down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of
God."
Mark 5:13, "And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the
unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the
herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were
about two thousand) and were choked in the sea."
Acts 5:16, "There came also a multitude out of the cities
round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them
which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed
every one."
Acts 8:7, "For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came
out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken
with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
Rev 16:13, "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come
out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the
beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
e. Evil spirits - evil - “poneros” - that which causes labor,
sorrow, pain, injury - Luke 7:21, "And in that same hour he
cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits;
and unto many that were blind he gave sight."
Acts 19:12-13, "So that from his body were brought unto
the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed
from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Then
certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to
call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord
Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth."
f. Seducing spirits - seducing - “pianos” to cause to wander or
lead astray - I Tim 4:1, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,
that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving
heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devil"
g. Wicked spirits - Luke 11:26, "Then goeth he, and taketh to
him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they
enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is
worse than the first."
h. Demons - Demon - “Daimon” - defiled spirit (used more than
75 times in the New Testament. Demons disseminate errors
among men and seek to seduce and deceive believers into the
supposition that through mediums they can converse with
deceased humans. They tempt people with unclean thoughts
and thoughts of personal injury, death or suicide.
2. Activities of Satan’s angels.
a. Evil angels rule over the nations of the world -Dan 10:13,
"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one
and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes,
came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of
Persia."
b. The bottomless pit is under the control of an angel called
Abaddon (Hebrew) - Apollyon (Greek) -
Rev 9:11, "And they had a king over them, which is the
angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew
tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name
Apollyon."
c. Four military angels will lead a hellish 200 million strong army
during the latter part of the tribulation -Rev 9:15, "And the
four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour,
and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part
of men."
d. Three demons organize those events which lead to the battle
of Armageddon - Rev 16:13-14, "And I saw three unclean
spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out
of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false
prophet." For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles,
which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole
world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God
Almighty."
e. They are responsible for many human afflictions.
(1) They disseminate false doctrine and write books - II Th 2:
2, "That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled,
neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us,
as that the day of Christ is at hand."
I Tim 4:1, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
(2) They can contribute to and cause insanity -Mat 17:15,
"Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore
vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the
water."
Mark 5:15, "And they come to Jesus, and see him that
was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting,
and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."
(3) Some cause muteness of speech - Mat 9:33, "And when
the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes
marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel."
(4) Some cause immorality - Mat 10:1, "And when he had
called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power
against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all
manner of sickness and all manner of disease."
Mark 1:23-26, "And there was in their synagogue a man
with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us
alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of
Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who
thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him,
saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when
the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud
voice, he came out of him."
Mark 3:11, "And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell
down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of
God."
Luke 4:36, "And they were all amazed, and spake among
themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority
and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they
come out."
Acts 5:15, "Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into
the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the
least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow
some of them."
Acts 8:7, "For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice,
came out of many that were possessed with them: and
many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were
healed."
(5) Some cause deafness - Mark 7:35, "And straightway his
ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed,
he spake plain."
(6) Some cause epilepsy - Matt. 17:15-18, "Lord, have mercy
on my son: for he is a lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes
he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I
brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure
him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and
perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how
long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus
rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the
child was cured from that very hour."
(7) Some cause blindness - Mat 12:22, "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."
Mark 8:25, "After that he put his hands again upon his
eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw
every man clearly."
(8) Some cause suicidal desires - Mark 5:3, "Who had his
dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him,
no, not with chains:"
Mark 5:5, "And always, night and day, he was in the
mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself
with stones."
(9) Some cause physical defects - Luke 13:11, "And, behold,
there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen
years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift
up herself."
(10) They can possess human beings
- Capernaum demoniac:
come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the
midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not."
- Gaderene demoniac:
come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the
whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea,
and perished in the waters.
- Mary Magadalene
spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went
seven devils.
- Simon:
apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them
money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I
lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto
him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that
the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither
part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of
God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if
perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I
perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of
iniquity. Then answered Simon, and
said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which
ye have spoken come upon me."
- Elymas:
interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy
from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the
Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtlety
and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all
righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the
Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and
thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And
immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went
about seeking some to lead him by the hand."
- Slave girl:
certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which
brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same
followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the
servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of
salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved,
turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus
Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour."
f. God uses evil angels:
(1) To punish the wicked.
(a) King Abimelech.
Judg 9:23, "Then God sent an evil spirit between
Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of
Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech."
(b) To prepare for the execution of King Ahab in battle
I Ki 22:19-23, "And he said, Hear thou therefore
the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on
his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him
on his right hand and on his left. And the LORD
said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up
and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this
manner, and another said on that manner. And there
came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and
said, I will persuade him. And the LORD said unto
him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I
will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.
And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail
also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold,
the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all
these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil
concerning thee."
(c) To punish rebellious Israel.
Psa 78:49, "He cast upon them the fierceness of his
anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending
evil angels among them."
(2) To correct or “prove” believers.
(a) Paul’s thorn (see II Corin. 12:7)
(b) Believers sin (see 1 Corin. 5:1-5)
(c) False Prophet (see Deut. 13:1-3)
3. The destiny of Satan’s angels.
a. They will be judged by Christ and His church - I Cor 6:3,
"Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more
things that pertain to this life?"
Mat 8:29, "And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have
we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come
hither to torment us before the time?"
James 2:19, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou
doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."
b. They will be cast into the Lake of Fire forever - Mat 25:41,
"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart
from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the
devil and his angels:"
II Pet 2:4, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but
cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of
darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;"
Jude 1:6, "And the angels which kept not their first estate,
but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting
chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day."
V. Can Christians Be Demon Possessed?
A. True born again Christians cannot be demon possessed.
1. Possession means ownership. Therefore, if Christ really owns
someone and possesses them with His Holy Spirit, they cannot
be owned by Satan or his demons.
a. John 10:27-29, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know
them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life;
and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them
out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater
than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's
hand."
b. John 17:12, "While I was with them in the world, I kept
them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and
none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the
scripture might be fulfilled."
c. Rom 8:9, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so
be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have
not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
B. Born again Christians can be influenced and oppressed by
demons. Christians have several misconceptions about demons.
1. Demons were more active in Christ’s day than they are today.
False
a. I Tim 4:1, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the
latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"
b. II Tim 3:13, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse
and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."
c. Rev 12:12, "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell
in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for
the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because
he knoweth that he hath but a short time."
2. Psychological and mental illness is not related to demonic
activity. False
a. Mat 17:15, "Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is a
lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire,
and oft into the water."
b. Mat 17:18, And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed
out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour."
c. Mark 5:15, "And they come to Jesus, and see him that was
possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and
clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."
d. Luke 6:18, "And they that were vexed with unclean spirits:
and they were healed."
e. Rom 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove
what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
f. II Cor 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the
minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto
them."
g. II Tim 3:8, "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses,
so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds,
reprobate concerning the faith."
3. Christians are not subject to demon activity. False
a. II Cor 12:7, "And lest I should be exalted above measure
through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to
me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me,
lest I should be exalted above measure."
b. Acts 16:18, "And this did she many days. But Paul, being
grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the
name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the
same hour."
c. Mat 16:23, "But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee
behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou
savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of
men."
4. Freedom from demonic influence requires a “power
encounter.”
False
a. Freedom from spiritual bondage and demonic influence is not
a “power encounter”; it is a “truth encounter.”
b. Demons are like cockroaches. They scurry for the shadows
when the light comes on. Satan’s power is in the lie or
deception that he gives. He is the Father of lies who deceives
the whole world.
John 8:44, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of
your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the
beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no
truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:
for he is a liar, and the father of it."
c. We do not have to “out muscle” them to be free of his
influence, we have to “out truth” them.
Rev 12:9, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old
serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him."
John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall
make you free."
John 16:13, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,
he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of
himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and
he will show you things to come."
John 17:15, "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out
of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the
evil."
John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is
truth."
I John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children, and have
overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he
that is in the world."
d. Christians must be more “Kingdom centered” than “Demon
centered”
Luke 10:19-20, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on
serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy:
and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding
in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but
rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."
e. Satan is a defeated foe.
Luke 11:20-22, "But if I with the finger of God cast out
devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in
peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and
overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he
trusted, and divideth his spoils." Return to Question Page
C.
1. Sins of the fathers.
Deu 5:9, "Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor
serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting
the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and
fourth generation of them that hate me,"
As children tend to look like their parents physically, parents
also pass down to their children a “sin nature” and demonic
activity or influence.
2. Sin in a believer’s life opens the door for Satan to capture
“ground” in the believer’s soul and set up a “stronghold.”
II Pet 2:8, "(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in
seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day
with their unlawful deeds;)" Return to Question Page
3. The sin of anger & wrath gives Satan “ground.”
a. Wrath can be the result of having a blocked goal or desire to
“BE IN CONTROL”.
b. Anger over not being able to be “in control” can be
manifested in many ways:
- eating disorders
- obsessive compulsive actions
- addictions
- sleep disorders
- depression/anxiety
down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil."
James 1:20, "For the wrath of man worketh not the
righteousness of God."
James 3:14-15, "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in
your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This
wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual,
devilish."
James 4:7, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the
devil, and he will flee from you."
James 5:8-9, "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the
coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against
another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge
standeth before the door."
4. Wrong thinking or believing a lie allows Satan to set up a
stronghold.
a. Wrong thinking is deception:
(1) Self Deception
- Being hearers of the Word and not doers
deceiving your own selves."
James 4:17, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and
doeth it not, to him it is sin."
- Saying we have no sin - I John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin,
we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. - Thinking we are something when we are not
nothing, he decieveth himself."
- Thinking we will not reap what we sow
man soweth, that shall he also reap.
- Thinking we can associate with bad company and not
I Cor 15:33, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good
manners."
(2) Self-Defense
- Denial
- Blaming others
- Withdrawal to avoid rejection
- Defending yourself
- Justifying yourself
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."
3. Lack of forgiveness will bring tormentors.
a. Mat 18:34-35, "And his lord was wroth, and delivered him
to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto
him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you,
if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their
trespasses."
b. II Cor 2:10-11, "To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive
also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your
sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should
get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
Return to Question Page
D.
“STRONGHOLDS.”
1. RECOGNIZE the root sin of “iniquity.” Iniquity is the sin of
wanting my own way - stubborness... having the last word.
Iniquity is PRIDE. Confess pride as sin.
a. I Sam 15:23, "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and
stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast
rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee
from being king."
b. Prov 10:29, "The way of the LORD is strength to the
upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity."
c. Prov 22:8, "He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the
rod of his anger shall fail."
Mat 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the
will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in
that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?
and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done
many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I
never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
2. REPENT of the desire to be the “Boss of your own life.”
a. Mat 6:24, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will
hate the one, and love the other; or else will hold to the one,
and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
b. Luke 11:17, "But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them,
Every kingdom divided against itself is ought to desolation;
and a house divided against a house falleth."
c. Amos 3:3, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
3. REPLACE “strongholds” with truth.
a. II Cor 10:4-5, "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;" Return to
Question Page
Demon Possession
and a Christian
Satan is the natural enemy of God and therefore the natural enemy of
every Christian. Satan has a specific strategy in the spiritual warfare
that he wages against us. 2 Cor 10:4, "For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong
holds;"
The Greek word for warfare is “Strageia” from which we get our
English word strategy. Satan’s strategy against us is twofold:
1. Keep us from accepting Christ as our Saviour and becoming
Christians
Luke 8:12, "Those by the way side are they that hear; then
cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts,
lest they should believe and be saved."
2. Keep Christians from being effective once they are saved.
Luke 22:31, " And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan
hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat".
I Th 2:18, "Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I
Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."
Satan hates our bodies especially Christians for 2 reasons:
1. It is a constant reminder of his enemy God, because man was
made in the likeness and image of God.
Gen 1:26-27, "And God said, Let us make man in our image,
after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of
the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and
over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth
upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the
image of God created he him; male and female created he
them."
2. A Christian’s body becomes a weapon against Satan.
Rom 6:16-19, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield
yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye
obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto
righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants
of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine
which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye
became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner
of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have
yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity
unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to
righteousness unto holiness."
I. Can a Christian be Demon Possessed? NO
A Christian cannot be demon possessed (owned) but he can be
demonized (oppressed - influenced) by a demon.
A. We are made up of 3 parts: body, soul (mind, will, emotions),
spirit.
I Th 5:23, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and
I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved
blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Heb 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and
sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing
asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
B. A lost man is dead in his spirit.
Adam became dead in his spirit the day he disobeyed God.
Following Adam’s sin, all people were born dead in their spirit.
Gen 2:17, "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,
thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof
thou shalt surely die."
Rom 5:12, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the
world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for
that all have sinned."
Rom 5:15, "But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For
if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the
grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus
Christ, hath abounded unto many."
John 8:42-44, "Jesus said unto them, If God were your
Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from
God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not
understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye
will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not
in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh
a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."
A lost man is alive in his soul and body.
C. A saved man is alive in his spirit.
1. When a person receives Christ as his Savior, the Holy Spirit
quickens his spirit.
Eph 2:1, "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in
trespasses and sins"
Col 2:13, "And you, being dead in your sins and the
uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with
him, having forgiven you all trespasses."
Rom 8:9-10, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so
be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not
the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you,
the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of
righteousness."
Rom 8:16, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of
God."
2. A saved man is alive in his soul & body. Return to Question Page
D.
1. Through sin and unbiblical choices, a Christian or non-
Christian can open the door of their soul to demonic influence
and control. Satan can tempt them through their 5 senses. If
they yield he will attempt to control them.
Rom 6:16, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves
servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether
of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
I Tim 4:1, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter
times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing
spirits, and doctrines of devils."
I Pet 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may
devour."
2. Examples of “Physical” influence
a. Non-Christian
- Maniac of Gadara
- Son with a “dumb” spirit that knocked him down and made him
foam at the mouth
- People with palsy
- Blind & dumb
- Beat up people
- Stooped over
b. Christians
- Paul’s thorn in the flesh
through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a
thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I
should be exalted above measure."
- Immorality
- Hinder
Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us."
3. Examples of “Soul” control (mind, will, emotions)
a. Non-Christian
Mark 5:15, "And they come to Jesus, and see him that
was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting,
and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid"
Acts 16:16-18, "And it came to pass, as we went to
prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of
divination met us, which brought her masters much gain
by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and
cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high
God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this
did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and
said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus
Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same
hour."
b. Christians
- Intemperate spirit
with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to
fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan
tempt you not for your incontinency."
- Unforgiving spirit
also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your
sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should
get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
- Shipwreck faith
beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be
corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
- Lack of spiritual discernment
unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and
suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes,
and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter
took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from
thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and
said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an
offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of
God, but those that be of men."
Luke 9:54-55, "And when his disciples James and John
saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire
to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as
Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said,
Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of."
- Lying
thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part
of the price of the land?" Return to Question Page
E.
Eph 6:11, "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
stand against the wiles of the devil."
1. Wiles in the Greek is methodeia from which we get our
English word “methods”. Satan’s primary method of
defeating humans is through deception.
Gen 3:1-5, " Now the serpent was more subtle than any
beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he
said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of
every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the
serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden,
God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it,
lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall
not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat
thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as
gods, knowing good and evil."
II Cor 11:13-15, "For such are false apostles, deceitful
workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel
of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be
transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall
be according to their works."
Rev 12:9, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old
serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels
were cast out with him."
F. We are cautioned not to be ignorant of his devices.
II Cor 2:11, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we
are not ignorant of his devices."
1. “Devices” in the Greek is "Noema". Noema means
“thought”, “mind”, in our English language.
2. Satan knows that by using deceiving thoughts in our minds he
can gain influence and control over us.
II Cor 3:14, "But their minds were blinded: for until this day
remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the
old testament; which veil is done away in Christ."
II Cor 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the
minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious
gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto
them."
II Cor 10:5, "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."
Mat 13:19, "When any one heareth the word of the
kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked
one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart.
This is he which received seed by the way side."
John 13:2, "And supper being ended, the devil having now
put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray
him;"
II Cor 11:3, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent
beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be
corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
G. Satan cannot possess or own the spirit of a saved man
Eph 1:13-14, "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the
word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after
that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of
the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."
Return to Question Page
II.
A. Bring every thought into captivity
II Cor 10:4-5, "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."
B. Submit to God
James 4:6, "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith,
God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
C. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you
James 4:7-8, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the
devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will
draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify
your hearts, ye double minded." Return to Question Page
The below information are answers to the "Questions" page. Click here to go to the "Questions" page for questions that will link up to the below answers. |
Tom Sooter 5145 Lakeside Lane Manson, IA 50563 712-297-5433
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