You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble! – James 2:19
Did you know that demons exist? In our modern society with contemporary science, many believe they are too intellectually sophisticated to accept beliefs such as the spiritual realm. Demon-possession is now commonly believed to be an archaic way of explaining psychological conditions that were not yet understood by medical research 2,000 years ago. The fact is, when many think about demons, they picture red creatures with horns and pitchforks based off of fictional characteristics from medieval literature. However, this is not an accurate description of demons from the Bible. Scripture reveals that not only is the devil and his demons real, but they are actively working to deceive the world. 1 Peter 5:8 states, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Demons are fallen angels that oppose the kingdom of God and wish to distort and destroy His image-bearers (Mankind). Though the Bible clearly teaches that demons and the forces of darkness are real and a threat, even many Christians have become skeptical of the supernatural. The Christian faith is more than living a moral life – it is a spiritual war. The enemy would like nothing more than for us to doubt his existence. Thus, Christians must be sober-minded and vigilant of the truth regarding the spiritual realm.
Possession was a common form of demonic activity in the time of Christ’s earthly ministry. This is a powerful feat for demons. The fact that they can force themselves on humans and bend their will to their own demonstrates their power. And demons are not a respecter of persons. On the contrary, they will attack men, women, and children. In Mark 5:1-20, it is noted that the men of a Gentile region attempted to bind and shackle two demon-possessed men with chains, but they were unsuccessful. The demons were too powerful to be bound. The legion of demons forced the possessed men to scare their fellow countrymen, to abandon their friends and families, to sleep in graveyards, to run around naked, and to cut themselves with sharp stones. This demonstrates that not only are demons powerful, but they are also sadistic and evil. However, demons are not limited solely to possession. They are also known for oppression in the forms of persecution, harassment, false teaching, and temptation to sin. Thus, we can observe demonic influence in our world, country, and even in our personal life.
That being said, Christians should not think that a demon is around every corner. But if we find ourselves encountering a demonic presence, Christians have nothing to fear. I want my brothers and sisters in Christ to be aware and alert of the enemy, but not afraid. Why? Because Christ is King. When thousands of demons encountered Christ in the country of the Gadarenes, they fell at His feet and worshiped Him. They immediately recognized His power and authority and begged for mercy. When Jesus commanded the legion of demons to come out of the two demoniacs, they obeyed. Jesus was a true exorcist engaging in spiritual warfare. In fact, every time Jesus met a demonic force – He won (Mark 1:39). This is why James 2:19 notes, “The demons believe–and tremble.” Demons fear Christ. They shudder when they hear His name. They know He is the King. Therefore, Christians can be confident amid dark forces because of our Lord. If you are in Christ, then you cannot be possessed by a demon. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Christians are the temple of God and the Holy Spirit resides in us. When Jesus died on the cross, He purchased us with His blood. Though demons may try to oppress us, they cannot possess us. If we submit to God and resist the devil, he and the demons will flee from us (James 4:7). When Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead, He declared victory over all enemies. Therefore, Christians can be confident in the victory of Jesus, who has overcame the forces of darkness. Because of Jesus, the gates of hell will not prevail against us (Matthew 16:18).
Let us rejoice in the victory of our King who makes all the forces of darkness tremble!
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