"...they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils." (Matt. 8:16)

"...we wrestle...against spiritual wickedness..." (Eph. 6:12)

I. UNSCRIPTURAL THEORIES:

The popular error is that in this age of science and knowledge intelligent men no longer believe in demons and demon possession.

A. Mythical Theory - Demons aren't real. The accounts of the power of Jesus over demons are merely symbolic of His triumph over evil.

[1]. Over what evil'? (if not demons)
[2]. Jesus had this power, but, He also gave it to his disciples (Luke 10:1)

B. Accommodation Theory - Jesus and His apostles only referred to demons in accommodation to the prevailing ignorance and supersaturating of that day.

[1]. Jesus taught his disciples in private about demons. (Matt. 17:19-21)

C. Hallucination Theory - Demons not real, but merely the psychological and emotional frenzy of the imagination of sick persons.

[1]. What entered the swine? (Mark 5:13) ...frenzied imagination?

There is a common and widespread belief and acceptance of good angels (by the saved and the unsaved) who aid and protect children, who are ministering spirits to men. And there is a rational support that the Holy Spirit can indwell a believers body and act directly on the mind of those submissive to God's will. Therefore, if good angels can influence and the Holy Spirit can indwell, then what valid objection can be made as to Satan and his demons (as taught by the Scriptures) possessing and influencing for evil?

II. MANY SCRIPTURAL PROOFS:

A. In Old Testament -

The priests of Baal (I Kings 18:28); Nebuchadnezzar's mania (Dan. 4:33,34) Believed in David's day (I Sam. 21:13,14); Saul's mania (I Sam. 16:18-21); devil worship (Deut. 32:17); witch of Endor (I Sam. 28:7)

B. In Ministry of Jesus -

(Mark 1:23-27; 32-34,39; 3:11,12,15; 5:1-20; 7:25-30; 9:17-29,38; 16:9,17; Luke 10:17; Matt. 12:43 45; 8:16; 9:32,33; 10:1,8)

[1]. In (Matt. 10:8) a clear distinction is made:

(a). Heal the sick - not hopeless
(b). Cleanse lepers - incurables
(c). Raise the dead - beyond human skill
(d). Cast out devils - most difficult of all

[2]. (Luke 9:1,42) - Luke the physician would know the difference in demon possession and its effects and in physical disease.
[3]. (Mark 1:24) - the demons knew Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 19:13-17).

C. In New Testament -

Many unclean spirits (Acts 5:15); Philip's ministry (Acts 8:6,7); maid at Philippi (Acts 16:16-18); Paul at Ephesus - seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13-16); I Cor. 10:20; 12:10; II Thess. 2:7; I Tim. 4:1-2; II Tim. 3:1; 4:3; II Peter 2:1; Rev. 9:1-11; 20,21; 16:13-16.

 

III. THE WORK OF DEMONS:

The Scriptures teach that demons are wicked, unclean, and vicious - spiritual personalities (bodiless, willing subjects of Satan, (under permission of God),to: exercise direct possession and influence over men, deranging troth mind and body.

A. Demons can cause -

Dumbness (Matt. 9:32,33); blindness (Matt. 12:22); insanity (Luke 8:26-35); suicide (Mk. 9:22); personal injury (Mk. 9:18); supernatural strength (Lk. 8:28); physical deformities (Jn. 7: 13:1-17); immortality (1 Kings 4:1-3); instruments of unrighteousness (Rom. 6:13); heresies (II Pet. 2:1); etc.

B. The witch of Endor (I Sam. 28:1-25) -

[1]. "familiar spirit" of Old Testament is same as demon and seducing spirits of the New Testament and same of mediums of today.
[2]. The witch did not produce Samuel; God did (she was surprised) as a rebuke to Saul (God bids such traffic with demons).

C. The maid of Philippi (Acts 16:16-18) -

[1]. The information was furnished this maid by evil spirits.
[2]. Paul commanded the spirit to come out of the maid.

 

IV. ARE DEMONS AT WORK TODAY?

Some of what science and society call "emotional disturbances" may well be, even today, "invaded personalities."

[1]. There is nothing in Scripture to infer that Satan is less inclined to possess and dominate today than any other time.
[2]. Satan is not expected to work the same in every case and locality.
[3]. Angel of light (II Cor. 11:11-15); and roaring lion (I Peter 5:8)
[4]. Gospel influences hinder Satan (Thess 2:7) at times.
[5]. The camouflage of modern "labels" cause some to be unsuspecting.

A. Missionaries in heathen lands witness much demon activity, even possession and overwhelming power.

B. Modern "mediums" are under demon control (Bridey Murphy, Jean Dixon, J.Z. Knight).

C. Supposed reincarnation is merely another demon allusion (II Cor.5:8).

D. The "last days" (near the return of Jesus) will see increased demon activity (I Tim. 4:1-3; II Tim. 3:1; 4:3; II Pet. 2:1).

 

V. HOW FAR CAN SATAN GO?

It has been a long running controversy over the Devil's ability to possess the Christian. Some would say he can't, based upon such Scriptures as I Cor. 6:19 and Rom. 8:9. Others contend that the backslidden Christian can be possessed because all flesh is corruptible and it still waits its redemption. In any case, if the soul and body are surrendered fully to God, they are filled by the Spirit of God (John 14:17) and Satan can have - no part of them. "Be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18) is the admonition for the Christian. However, if the Christian is not fully surrendered to God, Satan can, at the very least, influence:

[1]. With doubts concerning God and salvation (II Cor. 10:4,5)
[2]. Harass with worry, fretting, complaining, anger, suspicion, fanaticism, critical spirit, revenge, fear, grief, contention, impatience, pride, jealousy, etc. (Phil. 4:11).
[3]. With temptation (Luke 9:31; I Cor. 10:13).
[4]. With evil suggestions and thoughts (Acts 5:3)
[5]. With immorality (I con 5; II con 2:5-11)
[6]. With heresy (II Pet. 2:1,2; 3:3,4; I Tim. 5:11,15)