TCR Number: 3156-3157 and 3947

Their Former State – 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6, 2 Peter 2:4 says, “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment.” The Bible tells us that demons are fallen angels. They were created for the glory of God but sinned and were cast into judgment by the Lord. Jude 6 also makes the point clear, “And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.”

Prince of Demons –In Mark 3:22 the Bible says, “The scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.” Here Jesus enters a synagogue and comes across a man with a withered hand. This was the Sabbath day and the enemies of Christ watched him to see if he would heal the man on the Sabbath that they might accuse him. Later in the chapter, the scribes said of Christ that he was able to cast out demons by Beelzebul. Jesus explains to them that if this was so then the demons would be acting against their own interests. Satan cannot cast out Satan. A miracle of healing would result in the glory of God.

Conflict with Spiritual Forces – Ephesians 2:1-2 & 6:12 Ephesians 2:1-2 says, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” Here the Bible talks about our natural state without Christ. Scripture is clear, we are dead in trespasses and sins against God and in need of a Saviour. The sons of disobedience are those who walk according to the course of the world’s system. Further in the letter Paul writes, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” The battle of the Christian is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces, spiritual wickedness in high places.

Christ’s power over demons –In Mark 5:8 our Lord and Saviour said, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Jesus Christ has power over demons; He can cast them out. Demons chiefly work by possessing a person and manifesting themselves through wickedness in the one they have possessed. Scripture teaches that a true child of God cannot be possessed by a demon. There is a difference between being possessed by a demon and being oppressed or influenced by a demon. A Christian can be oppressed and influenced by evil forces, but never possessed by them. Luke 4:33-35 makes it clear that people can be possessed by unclean spirits and even know spiritual truths. Christians are indwelt with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11). It is by the Holy Spirit that we fight spiritual battles. Spiritual warfare is a real battle for Christians, this is why we must arm ourselves with the armour of God (Eph. 6:10-18). We are told in James 4:7 to submit to God and the devil will flee. When under spiritual attacks the people of God must resist the devil through the Holy Spirit that dwells richly in them. Christ has overcome the world and has defeated the devil. We are told that he that is in you (the Holy Spirit) is greater than he who is in the world (the devil and his demons).

Acknowledgement of God – Mark 8:29, Acts 19:15 & James 2:19. “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder” (James 2:19 ). The Bible tells us that even the demons believe in God. This shows the folly of the ungodly who don’t even recognise the fact of God’s existence. Even the devil himself believes in God and knows that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. In Acts 19:15 the Bible says, “And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” To fight against evil spirits a mere recognition of Christ is not enough. We must confess Christ in his fullness. In Mark 8:29 the Word of God says, “And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” Peter did not only acknowledge Christ but trusted in him as his personal Lord and Saviour.