Demons and evil spirits
Demons and Evil Spirits
Demons and evil spirits are eternal
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Away from me, you that are under God’s curse! Away to the eternal fire which has been prepared for the Devil and his angels! (Mat 25:41 GNB)
The terms demons and evil spirits are often used interchangeably, but in practice, demons have more authority.
When evening came, people brought to Jesus many who had demons in them. Jesus drove out the evil spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. (Mat 8:16 GNB)
Modern media is increasingly popularizing demons. Previously, the media created good witches; now they are also creating good demons and evil spirits. In fact, how many movies have you seen where so-called ‘demons’ or ‘half-demons’ were the main characters?
God’s commands are there for your protection. If you play with fire, you are likely to get burned.
The attributes of demons and evil spirits.
They can speak
So the spirits begged Jesus, “Send us to the pigs, and let us go into them.” (Mar 5:12 GNB)
They can believe
Do you believe that there is only one God? Good! The demons also believe—and tremble with fear. (Jas 2:19 GNB)
They can recognize people
But the evil spirit said to them, “I know Jesus, and I know about Paul; but you—who are you?” (Act 19:15 GNB)
They display supernatural strength
The man who had the evil spirit in him attacked them with such violence that he overpowered them all. They ran away from his house, wounded and with their clothes torn off. (Act 19:16 GNB)
As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, he was met by a man who came out of the burial caves there. This man had an evil spirit in him and lived among the tombs. Nobody could keep him tied with chains any more; many times his feet and his hands had been tied, but every time he broke the chains and smashed the irons on his feet. He was too strong for anyone to control him. (Mar 5:2-4 GNB)
Just like us, demons and evil spirits have complex personalities.
Demons and evil spirits have their own doctrines
The Spirit says clearly that some people will abandon the faith in later times; they will obey lying spirits and follow the teachings of demons. (1Ti 4:1 GNB)
They can exercise their wills
“When an evil spirit goes out of a person, it travels over dry country looking for a place to rest. If it can’t find one, it says to itself, ‘I will go back to my house.’ (Luk 11:24 GNB)
They demonstrate intelligence
“What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us? I know who you are—you are God’s holy messenger!” (Mar 1:24 GNB)
They display emotions
When he saw Jesus, he gave a loud cry, threw himself down at his feet, and shouted, “Jesus, Son of the Most High God! What do you want with me? I beg you, don’t punish me!” (Luk 8:28 GNB)
Demons and evil spirits have various powers
They have powers to inflict and torment.
“Some people brought to Jesus a man who could not talk because he had a demon.” (Mat 9:32)
“Then some people brought to Jesus a man who was blind and could not talk because he had a demon.” (Mat 12:22)
“My daughter has a demon and is in a terrible condition.” (Mat 15:22)
“A spirit attacks him with a sudden shout and throws him into a fit, so that he foams at the mouth; it keeps on hurting him and will hardly let him go! …. As the boy was coming, the demon knocked him to the ground and threw him into a fit.” (Luk 9:39,42)
Their main weapons are weapons of deception
“From the very beginning he was a murderer and has never been on the side of truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he is only doing what is natural to him, because he is a liar and the father of all lies.” (Joh 8:44)
There is no such thing as a good demon.
Satan’s demons and evil spirits have only one objective: to destroy you!
“Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1Pe 5:8)
“The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy.” (Joh 10:10)
Demons and evil spirits are destroyers by nature.
Demons are intelligent spiritual beings in search of physical bodies to occupy. Often, this has to do with sexuality. Demoniacs are infamous for their sexual perversions.
“For when the dead rise to life, they will be like the angels in heaven and will not marry.” (Mar 12:25)
Although some people equate demons with evil spirits, demons are considered to possess more complex personalities and can indulge in a conversation. Most evil spirits manifest singular personalities by which they are also known, such as fear, lust, hatred, anger, or insanity.
Always remember: Demons and evil spirits may be powerful, but Christ is all-powerful!