Demons are vicious creatures. They aren’t those cute little minions that you see on TV. They are vile, nasty, and disgusting. So we would be wise to know our enemy because he is poised and ready to strike.
So here are things that you need to know about demons.
#1 They have a purpose.
John 10:10 reminds us that Satan has a three-point purpose, kill, steal and destroy, and demons extend the power of Satan. They’re like employees nasty, vile, disgusting, aggressive employees that do Satan’s dirty work.
#2 Though powerful, they have limitations.
Satan’s power is limited. If you read the book of Job, you can see that Satan can only go so far as God allows. Even in Luke 22, Satan asked to sift Peter as wheat. And in spite of his power and evil agenda, Satan has to seek God’s permission before he does anything to God’s children.
#3 They need people, objects, animals, something to inhabit.
Mark 5 is the perfect illustration of when Jesus permits the demons to come out of a man and enter into the pigs. And while it is not possible for a true Christian to be demon-possessed, remember you are possessed by the Holy Spirit. Demons can still gain access into a Christian’s life. And this will often be referred to as demonic influence. Now don’t downplay this, whether your home is completely infested with termites or only a small part of your house that you don’t realize doesn’t make them any less destructive.
#4 They gain access to our lives they can gain access to our lives.
So your sin, unforgiveness toxic thinking, doubt, unbelief, gossip, the occult, the list goes on and on, and on, my friend gives permission for demons to operate in your life. Did you know that sin opens the door to demonic influence, but repentance closes that door? So keep justifying and blaming your behaviors and attitudes and the demons will stay and make camp repent, and they close the door.
#5 Demons are disembodied spirits.
While demons have personalities, they don’t have bodies. Again, Mark 5 is a perfect example of demons needing a body to inhabit. They have an intense craving to occupy physical bodies, their first choice is humans, and that’s where they can wreak the most havoc. This is also where they gain the most power, but they will choose animals if they have to.
#6 Demons have degrees of wickedness.
Matthew 12:43-45 says this, “when the unclean spirit has gone out of a person it passes through the waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says I will return to my house from which I came. And when it comes back, it finds the house empty, swept and put in order, then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself and they enter and dwell there and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation. Demons are all wicked, but there are some that are even more vile and wicked than others.”
#7 Though limited they are many.
Mark 5:9 shares with us when Jesus was casting out the demon the Then Jesus asked him and said ““What is your name?” My name is Little Legion, he replied, for we are many. Legion is believed to be between four and 6000. My friend, four to 6000. That’s one man. They are many.”
#8 Jesus has authority over demons and so do you.
Jesus shared with his disciples in Luke, Luke 1019. A powerful reminder when he said this, “I saw Satan, Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits admit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven, my friend, demons must flee at the name of Jesus.”
Remember, they can only stay where they’re given permission. If you want them out. They can be cast out in the mighty name of Jesus. Just be careful not to open the door again, because Matthew 12:43 reminds us that they can come back with a vengeance. “But submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee my friend, you will be free and you will stay free.”
My friend, I wanted to share this with you today to warn you not to frighten you because the truth is my friend, you need not be afraid. As believers. Our job is to not walk around in ignorance, but rather put on the whole armor of God, then we will be able to resist all of the schemes of the enemy. Well, my friend if you are struggling in your faith or you want to grow in your faith, I want to invite you to grab a copy of our free Five-day Mountain Moving Faith Devotional.
