Angels & Demons

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Angels & Demons - Part 2

II. Demons - Introduction

1. Most of the characteristics of angels apply to demons because they were once angels.
2. There have been attempts to restructure our understanding of demons by some theologians but many of these ideas are erroneous. These include the views that demons are: -
The figurative personification of evil. (Rudolf Bultmann)
The spirits of wicked people. (Josephus A.D. 70)
The spirits of the offspring of fallen angels. (Chris Ward)
The disembodied spirits of the inhabitants of a pre-Adamic earth. (Scofield)
Powerful social forces rather than personal beings. (Paul Tillich)
The antithesis of angels. (Karl Barth).

A. What are demons?

1. Terminology:
The word "demon" originates from the Greek word δαίμων (daimon) which means "a demon, spirit or deity (demigod) that is superhuman but not supernatural." It is incorrectly translated in the King James Version as "devils."
The Greek word for "devil" is διάβολος, (diábolos) and it means "false accuser" or "slanderer." It is usually used to refer to Σατανᾶς, Satan. (Matthew 4:1,5; Mark 1:13). Note also that the Hebrew word for Satan is שׂטן and means "to be or act as an adversary."
2. Definitions:
"Demons are evil angels who sinned against God and who now continually work evil in the world." - Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem.
"Demons are spoken of as spiritual beings at enmity with God and as having a certain power over man." - Easton's Bible Dictionary.
3. Demons are angels who sinned and became evil. (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6)
4. They have all the characteristics of personality:
They have a Mind i.e. knowledge. (Mark 1:23-24)
They have a Will. (Luke 11:24)
They can feel Emotions. (James 2:19)
They have identities or self awareness. (Mark 5:9)
They have the ability to communicate. (2 Chronicles 18:21)

B. The Devil

1. Apart from the Godhead, no personality is given as much coverage in the Bible as the devil.
2. The Scriptures says we ought not to be "ignorant of his devices." (2 Cor 2:11).
3. His Origin: (Ezekiel 28:12-19; Isaiah 14:12-17)

- - He was a cherub whose name was Lucifer. (Ezekiel 28:14)
  - He lifted himself with pride against God. (1 Timothy 3:6)
  - He was removed from his position. (Isaiah 14:12-17)

4. He was the originator of sin. From the beginning he was a murderer. (John 8:44)

5. He is not merely an evil influence but has all the characteristics of personality:

- - Having a will (Is 14:13-14)
  - Having knowledge (Job 1:9-10)
  - Performing acts (Job 2:7)
  - Having reason (Job 1:9-11)
  - Desiring worship (Matt 4:2).

6. He is called by many names that show his nature including:

- - Lucifer (Is 14:12) - Morning star
  - Satan (Job 1:6) - Opponent, arch enemy, adversary
  - Devil (Matt 4:5) - Accuser, slanderer
  - Serpent (Rev 12:9)
  - Dragon (Rev 12:9)
  - Beelzebub (Matt 12:24) - Dung god, lord of the flies
  - Belial (2 Cor 6:15) - Worthless, destruction, wickedness
  - Tempter (Matt 4:3)
  - Wicked one (Matt 13:19)
  - Evil one (James 4:11)
  - Prince of this world (John 12:31)
  - Prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2)
  - God of this world (2 Cor 4:4)
  - The accuser (Rev 12:10)
  - Angel of light (2 Cor 11:14)
  - Murderer (John 8:44)
  - Father of lies (John 8:44)
  - As a Roaring lion (1 Pet 5:8)
  - Abaddon/Apollyon (Rev 9:11) - Destroyer

7. He stands against God's people (Revelation 12:10). For example:
His persecution of Job. (Job 1:7 - 2:7)
His standing against Israel. (1 Chronicles 21:1)

8. He is a defeated foe:

- - He was cursed in the Garden of Eden, (Gen 3:14-15).
  - He was thwarted by Christ in the wilderness, (Matt 4:3-10).
  - He was defeated on the cross by Jesus, (Rom 16:20).

9. He is awaiting his final judgment:

- - He will be confined to the Bottomless Pit for 1000 years. (Revelation 20:1-3).
  - He will be cast into the Lake of Fire for eternity. (Rev 20:10).

C. What does the Devil and his demons do?

1. They try to destroy the work of God. Examples:
The temptation that led to the subsequent fall of man. (Genesis 3:1-6)
The temptation of Christ to hinder the plan of God. (Matthew 4:1-11)
They blind the minds of ungodly men. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
2. They tempt people to sin, by putting various kinds of imaginations in the minds of men and women and by speaking words of deceit (Genesis 3:1-6; 2 Corinthians 10:5).
3. They deceive by appearing innocent. (2 Corinthians 11:14).
4. They cause confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
5. They oppress people with sickness, death, breakdown of relationships, violence, repeated attacks on mind, emotions, body, finances or through inspiring persecutors to make life hard for Christians. (Acts 10:38)
6. They threaten (producing fear) (2 Timothy 1.7).
7. They dominate, or enslave (2 Timothy 2:26).
8. They accuse God's people so that they have reduced effectiveness in their prayers and their relationship with God. (Zechariah 3:1)
9. They are the source of various ungodly influences in our society. These include:

- Pluralism	- Lawlessness	- Witchcraft
- Naturalism	- Sexual lusts	- Satanism
- Humanism	- Racism	- Obeah
- Relativism	- Addictions	- Astrology
- Materialism	- Pride/Arrogance	- Psychics

Note:
1. Although the Devil and his demons have far reaching influences on society, an individual always fall into sin by choice. Saying that "the devil made me do it" is not an excuse for sin. (James 1:13-15)
2. Not every adverse situation is as a result of demonic influences. Some are as a result of our fallen state e.g. catching a cold after playing in the rain. Unfortunately, there are too many believers who give credit to the devil for their own ignorance or stupidity!

D. How are we to relate to Satan and his demons?

1. We must recognize that the devil is not the antithesis of God:
He has great power but he is not omnipotent.
He has a lot of knowledge but he is not omniscient.
He has a huge network of demons but he is not omnipresent.
2. We must understand that the devil is still subject to the Will of God. (Job 2:4-6)
3. We are to resist them and they will retreat. (James 4:7)
4. We are to be aware of the devil's devises. (1 Peter 5:8)
5. We should not give them an opportunity to work. (Ephesians 4:27)
6. We ought to remember that Jesus intercedes on our behalf. (Hebrews 7:25)
7. We need to use the mighty weapons that God has given us to effectively wage warfare against them. (2 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 6:10-18)
The Truth the cuts through bondage bringing freedom! (John 8:32)
The Righteousness of Christ to judge and make war. (Revelation 19:11)
The Gospel of Peace that proclaims glad tiding. (Romans 10:15)
Faith that protects against the attack of the enemy. (Ephesians 6:16)
The hope of Salvation with the knowledge of our victory in Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:8,9)
The Word of God that discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Prayer of the righteous that is powerful and effective in its working. (James 5:16)
8. When the devil inflicts us with former failures we should inform him of his future fate!
9. We ought never to fear the arsenal of the enemy! (Isaiah 54:17)

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
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Note: A Handout on "Angels & Demons - Theories" is available in the Downloads section of this website.