Dealing With Demons (Part 2)

Throughout the Bible, demons are shown as active on earth. Since Satan is not omnipresent (present everywhere), he uses demons to do his will and accomplish his purposes throughout the world. They constitute the "powers of the air" in Ephesians 2:2 and the "powers of darkness" in Colossians 1:13 and are all under the control of Satan.

In their original sinless condition, demons, demons had the same attributes as the good angels previously studied. In their present evil state these demons:

1. Are spirits-Matthew 8:16; Luke 10:17, 20

2. Can appear visibly-Genesis 3:1; Zechariah 3:1; Matthew 4:9, 10

3. Can speak-Mark 5:9, 12; Luke 8:28; Matthew 8:31

4. Believe-James 2:19

5. Exercise their wills-Luke 11:24; 8:32

6. Demonstrate intelligence-Mark 1:24

7. Have emotions-Luke 8:28; James 2:19

8. Have recognition-Acts 19:15

9. Have supernatural strength-Acts 19:16; Mark 5:3

10. Have supernatural presence-Daniel 9:21-23

11. Are eternal-Matthew 25:41

12. Have their own doctrine-1 Timothy 4:1-3

13. Are evil-Matthew 10:1; Mark 1:27; 3:11

Demons are called evil spirits six times and unclean spirits 23 times in the New Testament. They are also called devils in Mark 1:32 and the devil's angels in Matthew 25:41.


How did God organize His angelic host?

Colossians 1:16 "For by Him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities,
or powers: All things were created by Him, and for Him."

Satan is an imitator, not an originator, and he has organized his demons in a structure similar to that of God's forces:

Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places."

Paul was clear on how Satan has organized his forces into 4 different categories:

1. Principalities: Satan has apparently divided the world into principalities. A principality is the territory or jurisdiction of a prince. Satan has placed a prince over each principality. The prince of the power of Persia is mentioned in Daniel 10. This is how Satan works on a national level influencing governments and nations.

2. Powers and rulers of darkness of this world: These two categories of demons are at work in the social, political, and cultural systems of the world. You have to learn how to deal with these and the spirits over principalities as you study spiritual strategies for overcoming the world in  the Word of God.

3.Spiritual wickedness in high places: High places in the Old Testament were where worship was carried on. This is how Satan works in the religious structures of the world.