VCL_24-Demons_are_powerless-Part_1
Demons Are Powerless. Part 1 of 3
Introduction
In this chapter I want to show how Christ’s conquest of Satan (which rendered him powerless) also gives us power over demons and freedom from fear of demons.
Most of the problems we have as Christians are not from demons or the devil. They are problems we are dealing with inside ourselves. Our “inside” enemy is our own flesh or selfish desires. We will deal with this subject in another chapter.
Review
In the previous chapter, we saw how the victory of the cross brought defeat to the devil. His dominion (or right to rule) over “born-again” men was taken away. No longer does he have power or authority to rule our lives.
We are sons and daughters in the mighty family of God. Christ and His family are chosen to rule and reign over ALL the earth. This is our destiny and divine calling. We are being trained and prepared to rule and reign with Christ.
The only power Satan has now is the power of INFLUENCE. He still tries to deceive through lying words, works and wonders. He seeks to persuade Christians into thinking he is still in command.
This is a great danger to us. We must beware! Satan will try to encroach and rob us of as much of our blessings as we allow him to.
The truth which is in this chapter will set us free and keep us free from the devil’s influence, which produces fear.
A. FREEDOM FROM FEAR OF DEMONS
Demons are spiritual beings who are agents of the devil. They cooperate with him and do his work. Their evil actions are against God and man. Some students of Scripture believe demons are wicked angels who fell from Heaven with Satan after he rebelled against God (see Isaiah 14:12-14).
At any rate, their presence and activity are plainly seen in the Bible.
For many people, the very thought of demons filled their hearts with fear. Many Christians are afraid of demon power and activity.
Now it is most important that we be set free from such fear. And the reason is this: Fear is to the devil what faith is to God.
1. Fear Attracts Evil Powers
Let me explain. Faith brings God into our daily lives. It acts as a magnet and draws or attracts the power of God into our lives. Faith brings His life into ours!
Now, fear acts in the same way. It too is a very “attracting” force. It attracts evil powers of darkness. These are “deadly” forces because that is what they produce – death! They can kill our joy and peace in the Holy Spirit.
If life in God speaks of love, joy, peace … then death speaks of hatred, sadness, distress..! Fear opens the door of our heart. This allows all kinds of dark, evil thoughts and feelings to come in. When our emotions are filled with fear, this can lead to slavery and bondage to fear.
2. Faith And Fear Do Not Mix
God spoke repeatedly to the leaders of Israel about faith and fear. They were firmly told to trust God, and show no fear to other gods or their enemies: “Be strong and of good courage… Fear not the gods of the Amorites” (Jos 1:9; Judg 6:10).
Like oil and water, faith and fear do not mix. If we start with faith and express it by resisting the devil, our enemy will flee from us (Jas 4:7). If we cower in fear, the powers of darkness (the devil and demons) will enslave us and faith will flee from us. It is just that simple.
3. Balanced Truth Sets Us Free
The devil seeks to deceive us by either hiding the truth or by taking a part of the truth and carrying it too far. In regard to demons, he would like for us:
- to think they are inactive or don’t even exist, or
- to see a demon behind every problem in our life.
In present years, some have talked so much about demons, that many people have been brought into a place of great fear. Instead of being set free from their problems, they have the added weight of worry. Any doctrine or teaching can be harmful and dangerous if emphasized too much or taught in a manner that is not true to the Bible.
I knew a lady a few years ago who almost lost her mind for fear of demons. She became very fearful from sitting for a whole week under a certain evangelist’s teaching.
The teaching she heard led her to believe her home was filled with devils. She was afraid every room, closet and hallway had hidden demons who were waiting to bring her harm.
It took a couple of weeks of teaching from Scripture to bring her out of fear and back into a place of faith. We all need to know the truth and live in the freedom which it brings.
B. DEMONS ARE NOT LIKE GOD
Like the little lady above, some people are afraid of demons because they believe the demons possess abilities or traits which they do not have.
1. Demons Are Not All-Knowing
The devil and his demons do not know everything, nor can they read our minds. They don’t know how we will react to thoughts or feelings they may put in our minds and hearts. They must wait and see what we do. In time they may become familiar with our patterns of behavior, but they cannot foresee or determine our actions.
Satan certainly did not foresee the outcome of his attack on Job. Nor did he expect the victory which would come to Jesus through the cross.
2. Demons Are Not Present Every where At Once
Certainly they were most disturbed to be around Jesus. They also quickly left the scene when they faced the apostles in the Book of Acts.
3. Demons Are Not All-Powerful
When David sang songs to King Saul, the evil spirit which troubled him would depart. Powerful praise and worship of the Lord will drive demonic forces away!
4. Traits That Belong Only To God
As we shall see, even new believers – when submitted to God – can cause the enemy to flee. Actually, the above traits belong only to God.
He alone is:
- Omniscient: all knowing;
- Omnipresent: present everywhere;
- Omnipotent: all powerful.
5. An Open Door to Demons
The devil and his demons may attack us. they cannot, however, enter our lives unless we open the door by way of
- doubt
- disobedience or
- deception.
They do not possess the attributes of almighty God. In fact, the enemy is no match for an informed Christian who is walking in faith and obedience.
The sooner we accept this truth, the sooner we will move from fear to faith, and from defeat to victory. These are, indeed, basic principles for the victorious Christian life.