Demons are the fallen evil spirits and they are called as ‘unclean spirits’ in Mark 1:23. Only a few references are found about demons in the Old Testament and in the epistles. But in the gospels, there are many references to demonic activity. There are references in the gospels where the demons oppress or possess human beings (Matt. 8:16, 28, 33; 9:32; 12:22-28; Mark 1:32: 5:16-18; Luke 4:33-35; 8:27-29, 36, 9:42). These demonic possessions produce many diseases andmadness. The gospels describe Jesus driving out demons whenever He met them (Matt. 9:33, 17:18, Mark 7:26, 29-30, Luke 11:14). These references of demons in the Bible teach us the following truths.
Demons do exist and they are evil spirits who can possess people and bring diseases.
Jesus has total power over demons. He exercised His power over them again and again (Eph. 1:21).
Jesus has given us authority to drive out demons. So we can follow His example and drive out demons from the demon possessed people. Jesus simply commanded and they left. So we have to command in His name and
they will leave. 1. Origin of Demons
The following three theories are suggested for the origin of demons. But none could be confirmed.
Demons are the angels who followed Satan when he sinned against God (Is. 14:12-20; Ezek. 28:11-19). The angels who were cast out along with Satan became demons (Ps. 78:49). Satan is their leader (Matt. 12:26).
They are the offspring who were born when angels co-habited with the women of the earth (Gen. 6:1-6). These are called mighty men and apparently were destroyed in the Flood.
They are the spirits of pre-Adamite race that perished before the Lord created the earth (Gen. 1:1-2; Jer. 4:23-26).
2. Nature of Demons
The Bible gives the following facts about the nature of demons.
Demons are evil and have real personality (Luke 10:17, 18; Matt. 8:28-34; Luke 4:35, 41; James 2:19)
Demons are spirit beings and are powerful (Luke 8:29; 10:17; 9:38-42; Matt. 8:16; 17:18)
Demons are numerous and Satan’s servants (Mark 5:8, 9; Matt. 12-22-30; Luke 8:30)
Demons are unclean (Matt. 10:1)
3. Ability of Demons
The demons have more powers and capabilities than human beings. But they have limited ability over the children of God.
They can recognise Christ (Mark 1:23, 24)
They can possess human beings (Matt. 8:28, 29)
They can overcome men (Acts 19:13-16)
They know their destiny (Matt. 8:29-33)
They receive sacrifice (1 Cor. 10:20)
They instigate deceit (1 Tim. 4:1)
4. Their Activities
The demons work against the ministry and the ministers. They oppress control and give trouble and force men to worship them in fear. But they become
powerless against believers, who serve the Lord sincerely. They oppose God and accuse brethren (Matt. 13:19, 2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 2:13, 12:10)
They pervert the gospel and are against the gospel (1 Thess. 2:18)
They oppress men and make them suffer (Job 1:12; Luke 13:16: Mark 1:23-27; 5:1-20)
They blind the minds of non-Christians and posses them (Acts 8:7; 2 Cor. 4:4)
They bind people and give trouble to them (Luke 13:16; 1 Sam. 16:14)
They deceive people and hold them captives (2 Tim. 2:26; 1 Tim. 3:7; Rev. 12:9; Matt. 24:4, 5)
5. Authority over Demons
Our Lord is the Lord over all powers and principalities including demons. The Lord conquered Satan and all his hosts on the cross. Satan has lost his authority (Luke 11:20-22: Is. 53:12). Jesus triumphed over them on the cross. Satan and his forces are defeated. Now Jesus is the Lord over all forces (1 Pet. 3:22) and all things are under His feet (Eph. 1:22, 23).
Christ not only triumphed over the evil spirit but He also has delegated the authority over them to us through the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:1-8; Luke 9:1; Mark 3:15, 6:7, 13), the seventy disciples (Luke 10:18, 19) and through the Church (Mark 9:38, 39; 16:15-20; Acts 19:13-18). So we can use this delegated authority in our ministry because of His great commission (Matt. 28:18-20).
6. Dealing with Demonic Possession
God has given believers the authority to drive out demons and evil spirits. So believers can exercise this authority over them. What are the guidelines to cast out demons?
a. Pray and prepare yourself
Some demons are stubborn and hard to drive out. They can be driven out only by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29). Examine yourself and set everything right with God and others.
b. Test and identify the demons
Sometimes it becomes difficult to identify whether the person is possessed or not. Try to find out whether they deny that Jesus Christ has come in flesh (1 John 4:3) or hate the name of Jesus Christ or tremble at His word. Evil spirits also deny
the personality of Satan as an evil being and like to work always in darkness.
c. Pray with others in faith
It is not advisable to pray alone except in emergency to drive out demons. So pray with faith. Speak and sing much about the blood of Jesus Christ since you can overcome them by the blood of the Lamb. You can read the Word of God and pray. In prayer, claim the authority that the Lord has given you over the devil
and evil spirits (Luke 9:1, 10:18, 19, Mark 3:15, 6:7, 13). You can use the following spiritual weapons against demons in your prayer.
The name of Jesus You have legal right to use His name as His child. His name carries His power and authority. So command the devil to leave in His name (Mark 3:15; Matt. 28:18-21). ii. The blood of Jesus: The devil and his forces were defeated by the blood of
Jesus on the cross (Col. 2:14, 15). Overcome the devil by the blood of Jesus Christ. iii. The Word of God: Jesus used the Word of God to overcome the devil by saying it is written (Matt. 4:1-10). The Word is powerful (Heb. 4:12; 16. 55:11)
So command the devil to leave by quoting the Scriptures (Eph. 6:17). Never rejoice over the fact that demons are driven away by you but rejoice over the fact that your names are written in heaven.
