Demons - 2

When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men (Matthew 8:28).

Demons are fallen angels. They are extremely powerful (2 Kings 19:35; Psalm 103:20; 2 Peter 2:11). Some are as powerful as holy angels (Daniel 10:4-13). They are far more powerful than humans (Ephesians 6:10-18). They have superior intelligence (Ezekiel 28:3-4), strength (Mark 5:4; Acts 19:16), power to perform signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9), and know humans better than we know ourselves since they have been around since the beginning of the human race. They are not limited by time or space, and can take on any form they choose (ghosts, strange and unnatural phenomena, etc.).

The purpose in noting these characteristics of demons is to warn us of the danger in getting involved with them, or letting them get involved with us. Like the principle used in Dracula movies, demons can enter your sphere of life, and even into your life, when you invite them, or when you willingly engage them. And the result is always disastrous for the person. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Enough of that. Only God has the power to defeat Satan, and He proved it when Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected from the dead. Daily the Holy Spirit works to provide for and protect the people of God. Daily He seeks to deliver people from the powers of the evil one. The story of the demoniacs of Gerasa is given in Scripture to emphasize the authority of God to deliver His people from demonic influence and power. The Apostle James gives us a wonderful word of encouragement concerning our fight against evil forces (James 4:7), Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

“Lord Jesus, I praise You for the truth of Your Word and take courage in what it teaches me about Satan and his minions. Thank You for the promise given in the letter of James, that I can find victory in Jesus over the forces of darkness when I submit my mind, affections, will, spirit, and body to You. I recommit myself to You wholly so that Satan will not have any power whatsoever over me. To Your praise and glory, and to the ongoing work of Your Kingdom I ask, Amen.”

Pastor