Demons

What about Demons?

The Bible is our only reliable source of information about demons or evil spirits, and the information it contains about them is sparse. The Bible says nothing directly about classifications or kinds of demons. Jesus mentions a unique “kind” of evil spirit in Mark 9:29, but He does not name it. Much of the information we have about demons is simply inferred from biblical passages in which they play a role. Christian ministries that focus on deliverance from demons place more emphasis on them than the Bible does.

A detailed but highly speculative demonology has sprung up in some religious and Charismatic circles. Various evil spirits are dubbed as “Jezebels,” “pythons,” “Delilahs,” “mermaids,” “Absaloms,” etc. None of this is biblical. Scripture gives no reason to believe there are specific classes of demons or that Christians today have the gift of rebuking or exorcising them. Inventing such modern-day mythology is counterproductive to the cause of Christ.

Perhaps the most extensive passage on spiritual warfare in the New Testament, Ephesians 6:10–18 (concerning the full armor of God), mentions that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” However, the emphasis here is on the weapons God provides for victory; there is no mention of techniques to bind or cast out the evil forces. While some see the beings mentioned (rulers, authorities, powers, and spiritual forces) as different classifications of demons, this is simply reading into the text more than it is telling us.

From the biblical evidence, we infer that demons are fallen angels that followed Satan when he rebelled. Revelation 12 says that dragon (Satan) swept one third of the stars from heaven. However, the origin of demons is far from clear, and the conclusion that they are fallen angels is disputed by some. In Revelation 12:9, we read, “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” Likewise, in Matthew 25:41, Jesus says that on Judgment Day He will say to some people, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” This may mean that the demons are fallen angels who fell when Satan did, or it might mean that demons are called “angels” in the basic sense that they are Satan’s “messengers” (the literal meaning of the word angels).

With certainty we can say that demons are the messengers or minions of Satan. The word demon is not used in the Old Testament (although evil spirits are mentioned), but by the time of the New Testament, Jewish theologians had done a lot of speculating about them. The concept of demons or evil spirits was also common in other religious thought at the time. The gospels seem to assume that much of what was thought about demons at the time is true. We see Jesus casting out demons (e.g., Matthew 8:28–33), and we see that they are often responsible for causing physical illness, which Jesus healed by casting out the demon (e.g., Matthew 9:33). Paul tells us that demons are behind the worship of pagan gods and that a sacrifice to an idol is really a sacrifice to a demon (1 Corinthians 10:19–20).

Whenever there are gaps in our knowledge, it is natural to want to fill them in. However, in the case of knowledge of demons, most of the “filler” information is unfounded and sometimes lurid speculation. We know that demons are evil spirits who, in concert with and following the directives of Satan, war against God and mankind. It is probably accurate to think of them as counterparts to the holy angels that minister to people on God’s behalf. We know that they have been defeated in principle by Christ on the cross and that their final destination will be eternal torment in a place prepared for them (Matthew 25:41).

Demons/evil spirits promote sin, induce temptations, torment, or frighten us or to basically do anything that will keep us away from God (Revelation 12:7-9). Like their counterparts, the characteristic of a Demon is spiritual, immutable and immortal. Demons are not omniscient, and their power is limited to that of which God allows. Demons also do not pertain to just one person or one kind but have various purposes and knowledge in their area of “expertise”. 

While these demons have different characteristics, one thing remains consistent and that is, their great ability to confuse people. Again, demons are nowhere as powerful as our God. So, they resort to searching and aiming for our weaknesses and when they find our weaknesses, these demons take advantage of us. 1 John 4:4 reminds us of how we should always remember that the One within us is stronger than the one of the world. Whatever the demons offer, we should not be swayed as the enemy sees this as a loophole to take us away from the Light.

Matthew 12:29, “How can one enter into a strongman’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strongman? And then he will spoil his house.”  Drs. Jerry and Carol Robeson were missionaries to Latin America for twenty years. They saw first hand evil at it's worst. "Being in a deliverance ministry you better know what spirit you are fighting". Their book, "Strongman's his name…What's his game?" identifies 16 demonic spirits. 

Spirit of Divination - Acts 16:16-18

-Manifestations - Fortuneteller-Soothsayer, Warlock-Satanist-Witch Wiccan-Druid-Pagan, Stargazer-Zodiac, Horoscopes, Rebellion, Hypnotist-Enchanter, Waterwitching/Divination, Magic

-Scriptures: (Acts 16:16-18; Micah 5:12; Isaiah 2:6; Exodus 22:18; Isaiah 47:13; Leviticus 19:26; Jeremiah 10:2; 1 Samuel 15:23; Deuteronomy 18:11; Isaiah 19:3; Galatians 5:20; Revelation 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15; Hosea 4:12; Exodus 7:11; 8:7; 9:11)

Familiar Spirit - Galatians 5:20

-Manifestations - Necromancer, Medium, Peeping and Muttering, Clairvoyant, Spiritist, Drugs, Passive Mind Dreamers, False Prophecy

-Scriptures: (Deuteronomy 18:11; 1 Chronicles 10:13; 1 Samuel 28; Isaiah 8:19; 29:4; 59:3; Jeremiah 29:8; 1 Samuel 28:7,8; Galatians 5:20; Revelations 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15)

Spirit of Jealousy

-Manifestations - Murder, Revenge-Spite, Anger-Rage, Jealousy, Hatred, Cruelty, Strife, Contention, Competition, Envy, Cause Divisions

-Scriptures: (Genesis 4:4-6; 37:3,4,8; Proverbs 6:34; 10:12; 13:10; 14:16-17,29-30; 22:24-25; 27:4; 29:22-23; Numbers 5:14,30; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Song of Solomon 8:6; Galatians 5:19)

Lying Spirit

-Manifestations - Strong Deceptions, Flattery, Superstitions, Religious Bondage, False Prophecy, Accusations, Slander, Gossip, Lies, False Teachers

-Scriptures: (2 Chronicles 18:22; Psalms 31:18; 78:36; Proverbs 6:16- 19; 10:18; 20:19; 26:28; 29:5; Jeremiah 23:16-17; 27:9,10; Matthew 7:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-13; 1 Timothy 4:7; 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16; 2 Peter; 1 John 3-5; Revelation 12:10)

Perverse Spirit

-Manifestations - Broken Spirit, Evil Actions, Atheist, Abortion, Child Abuse, Filthy Mind, Doctrinal Error, Sex Perversions, Twisting The Word, Foolish, Chronic Worrier, Contentions, Incest, Pornography

-Scriptures: (Exodus 20:13; 21:22-25; Proverbs 1:22; 2:12; 14:2; 15:4; 17:20,23; 19:1,3; 23:33; Isaiah 19:14; Acts 13:10; Romans 1:17-32; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Timothy 6:4,5; 2 Timothy 3:2,7-8; Titus 3:11,11; 2 Peter 2:14)

Spirit of Haughtiness

-Manifestations - Arrogant-Smug, Pride, Idleness, Scornful, Strife, Obstinate, Self-Deception, Contentious, Self-Righteous, Rebellion, Rejection of God

-Scriptures: (1 Samuel 15:23; 2 Samuel 22:8; Proverbs 1:22; 3:34; 6:16,17; 10:4; 13:10; 16:18,19; 21:24; 24:9; 28:25; 29:1,8; Jeremiah 43:2; 48:29; 49:16; Isaiah 2:11,17; 5:15; 16:6; Ezekiel 16:49-50; Daniel 5:20; Obadiah 1:3; Luke 18:11,12)

Spirit of Heaviness

-Manifestations - Excessive Mourning, Sorrow-Grief, Insomnia, Self Pity, Rejection, Broken-Heart, Despair-Dejection-Hopelessness, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Inner Hurts-Torn Spirit, Heaviness

-Scriptures: (Isaiah 61:3; Luke 4:18; Nehemiah 2:2; Proverbs 15:13; Psalms 69:20; Proverbs 12:18; 15:3,13; 18:14; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Isaiah 61:3; Mark 9; Luke 4:18; Proverbs 18:14; 26:22)

Spirit of Whoredoms

-Manifestations - Unfaithfulness/Adultery, Spirit-Soul-or-Body Prostitution, Chronic Dissatisfaction, Love of Money, Fornication, Idolatry, Excessive Appetite, Worldliness

-Scriptures: (Ezekiel 16:15,28; Proverbs 5:1-14; Galatians 5:19; Deuteronomy 23:17-18; Ezekiel 16:28; Proverbs 15:27; 1 Timothy 6:7- 14; Hosea 4:13-19; Judges 2:17; Ezekiel 16; Leviticus 17:7; 1 Corinthians 6:13-16; Philipians 3:19; James 4:4)

Spirit of Infirmity

-Manifestations - Bent Body-Spine, Impotent-Frail-Lame, Asthma-Hay Fever-Allergies, Arthritis, Weakness, Lingering Disorders, Oppression, Cancer

-Scriptures: (Luke 13:11; John 5:5; Acts 3:2; 4:9; Acts 10:38)

Deaf and Dumb Spirit

-Manifestations - Dumb-Mute, Crying, Tearing, Blindness, Mental Illness, Suicidal, Foaming At The Mouth, Seizures/Epilepsy, Burn, Gnashing Of Teeth, Pining Away Prostration

-Scriptures: (Matthew 9:32,33; 12:22; 15:30-31; 17:15; Mark 5:5; 9:18,22,25-26,39; Luke 9:39)

Spirit of Bondage

-Manifestations - Fears, Addictions (Drugs, Alcohol, Cigarettes, Food, etc.), Fear of Death, Captivity to Satan, Servant of Corruption, Compulsive Sin, Bondage to Sin

-Scriptures: (Romans 6:16; 7:23; 8:15; 2 Peter 2:19; Hebrews 2:14-15; Luke 8:23; John 8:34; Acts 8:23; Proverbs 5:2; 2 Timothy 2:26)

Spirit of Fear

-Manifestations - Fears-Phobias, Torment-Horror, Fear of Man, Nightmares-Terrors, Anxiety-Stress, Fear of Death, Untrusting Doubt

-Scriptures: (Isaiah 13:7-8; 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalms 55:4-5; 1 John 4:18; Luke 21:26; John 14:1,27; Proverbs 29:25; Jeremiah 1:8; 17-19; Ezekiel 2:6-7; 3:9; Psalms 91:5-6; Isaiah 54:14; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 8:26; Revelation 21:8)

Seducing Spirits

-Manifestations - Hypocritical Lies, Seared Conscience, Attractions Fascinations by false prophets, signs and wonders, Deception, Wandering from the Truth, Fascination with evil ways objects or persons, Seducers-Enticers

-Scriptures: (1 Timothy 4:1; Proverbs 12:22; James 1:14; Mark 13:22; Romans 7:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 2:18-26; Deuteronomy 13:6-8; 2 Timothy 3:13; Proverbs 1:10; 12:26; 2 Timothy 3:13)

Spirit of Anti-Christ

-Manifestations - Denies Deity of Christ, Denies Atonement, Against Christ and His Teaching, Humanism, Worldly Speech and Actions, Teachers of Heresies, Anti-Christian, Deceiver, Lawlessness

-Scriptures: (1 John 2:18,19; 4:3,5; 2 John 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:4,3- 12; Revelation 13:7)

Spirit of Error

-Manifestations - Error, Unsubmissive, False Doctrines, Unteachable, Servant of Corruption, Contentions, Defensive/Argumentative

-Scriptures: (Proverbs 14:22; 1 John 4:6; 2 Peter 3:16-17; Proverbs 29:1; 1 Timothy 6:20-21; 2 Timothy 4:3,1-4; Titus 3:10; 1 John 4:1-6; Proverbs 10:17; 12:1; 13:18; 15:10,12,32; 2 Peter 2:19; James 3:16; 2 Thessalonians; 2 Peter 2:10)

Spirit of Poverty

-Manifestations: LAZINESS -- Proverbs 6:11; 10:4; 13:18; 14:23; 19:15; 24:30- 34. GREED -- Ecclesiastes 5:10, 13; Matthew 6:24; 13:22; Mark 10:22; Luke 15:13; 16:13; Colossians 3:5; 1 Timothy 3:3; 6:10, 17; James 5:2-3; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 5:2 LOOTING, STEALING -- Exodus 20:15; Leviticus 19:11; Deuteronomy 5:19; Proverbs 13:11; Luke 3:14; Ephesians 4:28 CONCEALING SIN -- Proverbs 28:13 LACK OF GENEROSITY -- Proverbs 11:26; 28:22; Ecclesiastes 5:13

-What defeats/destroys a spirit of poverty?

LOOK TO TRUE SOURCE -- Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Proverbs 22:4; Psalm 23:1; 34:9

GIVING TO THE LORD -- Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 6:31-33; 1 Corinthians 16:2 God does not need our monies -- Romans 11:35; Giving releases resources)

GIVING TO THE POOR -- Proverbs 19:17; 28:27

HARD WORK -- Proverbs 21:5; 27:23-27; 28:19

GENEROSITY -- Psalm 112:5; Proverbs 11:24-25; 22:9; Mark 12:44; Luke 6:38; 21:4; 2 Corinthians 8:2, 9; 1 Timothy 6:18

OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD -- Deuteronomy 5:33; 28:1-6; 29:9; 30:9- 10; Joshua 1:8; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalm 1:3; 128:2; Proverbs 3:2; 13:21; 16:20; 17:20; 19:8; 21:21; 28:13, 25