How to Deal With Your Demons
When it comes to demons, there is too much crazy, and we give them too much credit.
The Bible speaks of demons as being actual, spiritual, evil creatures. Jesus confronted and conquered demons.
And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
Mark 1:34
The Bible On Demons
What does the Bible teach us about demons?
- Demons are fallen angels that chose to side with Satan and rebel against God. Rev. 12:7-9
- There are twice as many angels as there are demons. Rev. 12:4
- The Bible attributes the power of mediums, psychics, and the paranormal to demons.1 John 5:19, 1 Timothy 4:1
- Demons are highly organized strategic schemers under the direction of Satan. Ephesians 6:10-12
- Demons cannot possess a Christian or make you do anything. 1 John 4:4
- Demons believe Jesus is the Son of God, and they fear Him. James 2:19, Luke 4:41
How do we recognize demonic activity?
- Infatuation with death, self-harm, and unusual strength. Mark 5:1-5
- Marked opposition to the gospel. 2 Cor. 4:4
- Twisting of Scripture into deceptive, false doctrines. 1 Tim. 4:1
- A consistent pattern of destructive behavior to self, property, and others. John 10:10
Too Much Crazy, Too Much Credit
While demons are real, and we need to take them seriously, many in the church make two critical mistakes when it comes to demons. There is too much crazy, and we give them too much credit.
The crazy is our unhealthy infatuation. People spend countless hours studying Satan and demons, consuming books and videos on the subject. This is pointless and fruitless.
While we need to be aware of demons, we must not be obsessed with them. You don't spot counterfeits by studying counterfeits. You spot counterfeits by comparing them to the real thing. Study who the Lord is. Be consumed with His promises and commands. Know the truth, and you will expose the lies.
The other error is giving them too much credit. I hear Christians often say, "I'm dealing with my demons." No, you're not. If you are indeed a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit of God inside of you, not a demon. What you are calling demons are your dumb decisions. Repent of your insistence on doing dumb things. Submit to God. Resist the devil and watch how quickly your mysterious "demons" flee from you (James 4:7).
Don't Blame a Demon
When Paul confronted the Corinthian church, he did not call on them to identify their demons. He made no mention of the "spirit of sexual immorality" or the "spirit of division" or a "spirit of selfishness." Paul told them to take responsibility for their sin and repent of it. They had no demons to blame, only themselves.
Jesus has not left us defenseless. We have:
- The PROTECTION of God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and the authority of Jesus' name.
- The PROCLAMATION of gospel truth.
- The POWER of prayer.
- The PERSEVERANCE of the saints.
Make more of doing what God says. Let the power of His Word deal with the demons.
Bible Study
Read Mark 1:32-39.
- What does this passage teach about Jesus?
- How does this passage inspire you to praise Jesus?
- How does this passage shape your prayers today?
Challenge
Watch the news tonight through the lens that demonic activity is real. Notice the common themes outlined in today's devotional that help you recognize dark spiritual forces. Learn to walk in the Spirit and rebuke false ideas and temptations that would lead you into darkness.
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