Where have all the demons gone?
How many demon-possessed people have you known?
Have you seen?
How many demons have you cast out of people?
Can’t relate to the topic?
Perhaps we need to ask, “Where have all the demons gone?”
In our Western culture, as we read the Bible, it feels as though we might as well be reading a Harry Potter novel when we get to those portions of scripture where Jesus casts out demons. It seems He did quite a lot of that in His days on earth, but the average Westerner has never seen such a thing. Or even heard of it.
But travel into parts of Third World countries and you will find it to be much more common.
Demons have not migrated to lesser developed nations only, they are still real and still busy at their work of destroying lives right in your own back yard.
Even if your preacher never preaches on the subject.
Here’s the reality for us, as described in scripture:
“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places,” Ephesians 6:12.
Have you ever seen someone so addicted they seem to have lost control of themselves? Have you ever met someone so depressed and oppressed the voice in their head tells them to end it all? Have you ever …
There are multiple questions that can be asked that will highlight scores of lives you have known and seen who may well have been ravaged by a demon.
The spiritual battle continues, and it will not end until Christ returns.
What to do?
“Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere,” Ephesians 6:14-18.
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” James 4:7.
Scotty
May 28, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Once again, Scotty, you have hit a home run with this one! Too many people want to just sweep this issue under the rug because they are 'scared' to deal with these issues. They need to remember WHOM they serve. Our God is bigger than any demon!
May 28, 2012 at 9:36 pm
I think it highlights the shallowness of our faith to have no concept of the spiritual reality we live in. Yet little to nothing is said about the fact we have an enemy as dedicated to our destruction as God is to our salvation. Fortunately, we are more than victors through Jesus Christ! We simply need the spiritual sight to see the spiritual realities.
May 29, 2012 at 7:57 am
Wonderful post Scotty. So accurate. I have travelled all over Europe and so few have ever considered that a Christian can even have a demon.
May 29, 2012 at 9:09 am
Thanks Chris! There's much to this subject, my singular point was to raise the issue that demons have neither disappeared nor retired. It is a tragedy how little we equip believers with biblical knowledge to live as disciples of Christ in a world spiritually unfriendly to them.
June 5, 2012 at 12:09 am
Sometimes I think that "the world" has a better handle on this subject. I've often heard unbelievers talk about people wrestling their "inner demons" or dealing with their "demons."
There are Christians, who I know, that do not believe spiritual warfare exists. I'm not sure what Bible they are reading or what kind of life they are leading. What I am certain of is that I'm in a battle. God has promised victory but only when I'm adequately equipped.
Thanks for tackling this subject, Scotty.
June 5, 2012 at 12:54 am
Thanks, Melinda. There's a lot to this subject, this little post doesn't scratch the surface. But it is important to bring the issue out and invite people to ponder something so important, yet consistently overlooked