The Spiritual Forces of Evil

Ephesians 6:11-13

1. Introduction
   1. As with angels, there are widely differing views of the nature and activities of demons, Satan.
      1. Demons are popular subjects in horror movies
      2. Satan certainly has a part in the public mind, but often inaccurately pictured.
      3. Both make up the “spiritual forces of evil” who oppose children of God.
   2. We need a proper grounding of our understanding of their nature. (Eph. 6:11-13)
      1. Satan achieves his purposes more freely when misconceptions prevail.
      2. God’s word provides the understanding, and the armor, we need to combat these forces.
2. The Nature of Demons
   1. There are five major views concerning the nature of demons
      1. A pre-Adamic race (but… Gen. 1:1-2)
      2. Offspring of angels and women (Gen. 6:1-4; but … Mark 12:25).
      3. Mental illness (but… Matt. 4:24; Luke 4:40-41; Mark 5:1-19)
      4. Departed spirits of wicked men (but … Luke 16:24-31)
      5. Fallen angels (Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4)
   2. God does not specifically tell us what demons were, other than the fact they were “unclean spirits” (Matthew 10:1 et al.)
3. The Truth that Demons Demonstrate
   1. They demonstrate that there is a spirit world. (Eph. 6:11-13)
      1. There is evil that transcends the actions of men on earth.
      2. In spiritual matters, what is not of God is of these forces of evil.
         (1 Cor. 10:20,21; 1 Tim 4:1)
   2. Demons demonstrated the superiority of Jesus over the Devil and his works.
      1. God allowed them to be present in order to show the spiritual authority of Jesus.
         (Mark 1:23-27; James 2:19)
      2. They serve to give credence to Jesus’ claims of authority to judge. (Luke 11:20-22)
   3. The power to cast out demons was given to the apostles of Jesus (Mark 16:17; Acts 5:16)
      1. Demonstrated that His apostles did have His authority, as He claimed they would.
      2. Showed that those who follow Jesus continue to be safe and secure in Christ.
      3. That is not necessarily an assurance to those outside Christ (Acts 19:13-16)
   4. Jesus came to conquer Satan, and He did so (1 John 3:8 Hebrews 2:14)
4. Our Adversary, Satan
   1. Satan is not eternal, else he would be “God” too
   2. It is most likely, per Bible references, that Satan was a fallen angel (Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4)
   3. The reason for his fall was pride (1 Tim. 3:6)
   4. Regardless of the questions concerning his origin, we certainly know Satan’s destiny

(Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10)

1. 1. Nevertheless, Satan seeks to continue to bring spiritual destruction upon men.
      (Rev. 12; 1 Peter 5:8)
2. Conclusion
   1. We must choose a side in the spiritual conflict.
      1. Like the angels and the demons we have studied, we have a choice to make
      2. As we choose to obey or disobey God, our destiny will follow theirs
   2. We must continue to “fight the good fight,” to struggle against the spiritual forces of evil.
      1. Because of the crushing victory of Christ over Satan, we have no reason to fear.
      2. Which side are you choosing through your choices and actions?

September 20, 2009 From PreachingHelp.org