IGNORANCE OF DEMONIC ACTIVITY
By W. G. Guy
Jesus dealt with demons throughout His earthly ministry which indicates that demonic influence was very prevalent among that society. Consider how many times Jesus confronted demons in people’s lives of those whom He then set free. The Gospels of Mark and Luke recorded that Jesus, on multiple occasions, cast out demons from those who were so afflicted. Note also that Jesus’ disciples were used to cast out devils as Jesus directed them.
Since demonic influence was such an issue in Jesus’ day, why is it not such an issue today? Are demons (devils) simply being ignored and dismissed as being mythical substance today? Our failure to recognize and deal with such demonic oppression appears to be because we consider ourselves to be so sophisticated and educated that we do not, or cannot, accept the demonic activity and oppression as a reality. Just because we are ignorant, and do not understand, or don’t recognize it does not eliminate it. Thus demonic forces are unopposed and are able to create havoc freely in people’s lives. Man’s carnal attempts to address demonic works and influence cannot correct this spiritual problem. Demons, or devils, can only be dealt with by the power and authority of the name of Jesus Christ which He gave to His true followers as authority to use.
Luke 9:1 – Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.
Mark 6:12-13 – And they twelve) went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
This was not only for His twelve apostles, but for others also who followed Him.
Luke 10:1 &17 – After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Demonic influence, or control over a person’s mind affecting his life’s behaviors, is the source of many personal problems.
Acts 10:38 – how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Demonic oppression includes criminal activity, moral depravity; many forms of sexual deviance, certain sickness and diseases, addictions, along with emotional and mental problems that are not being properly dealt with. Psychology, or mental counseling, does not address or correct many of these problems, because it is a spiritual condition, and must be addressed on a spiritual level. Overcoming such oppression is simple and easy; if you know Jesus Christ and His Word. Note that many physical infirmities are caused by demonic forces of Satan that seek to steal, kill and destroy lives.
Luke 13:11-13 – And, behold, there was a woman which had a (demonic) spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
Jesus gave His followers the power and authority in His name to deal with demons, to cast them out, or remove their influence. This was not only for His apostles, but all of His followers. Then He gave that same ability to us today who believe in the power and authority of His name.
Mark 16: 17 – And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Note: these signs do not follow those who do not believe in them. In fact many churches teach against such signs saying they are not for today. Thus the demons are free to do as they please wherever they are not forbidden or cast out. Few churches operate in the power and authority that Jesus gave to us. This includes the power to bind, to prevent, or stop the works of darkness, and put the enemy to flight.
Matthew 18:18 – Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Believing Jesus Christ, and His instructions, would allow us to deal with such demonic caused problems in this day and age; if only more who claim to be Christian would do so! This is spiritual warfare and too few believers are taught how to engage and defeat the enemy with the power that God gave us through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:10-12 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
God not only gave us the ability to withstand the enemy and put him to flight, but He also gave us our defensive armor; in which each piece is the application of the Word of God.
Ephesians 6:13-17 – Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Every true believer is subject to this spiritual warfare with demonic forces of darkness, weather they believe it or not. The problem is too many have not been taught about this warfare, and even less have been shown how to defend against it, and defeat these demonic forces of the enemy. Why? ....because of being ignorant of demonic activity.
SCRIAPTURES – THAT PROVE CASTING OUT OF DEMONS IS A VALID MINISTRY THAT WE MUST CONTINUE IN TO SET THE CAPTIVE FREE:
Casting out demons (devils) from the Gospel of Mark –
1:34 – And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
1:39 – And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
3:14-15 – And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out
devils:
6:12-13 – And they (twelve) went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
7:26-30 – And he (Jesus) said unto her, For this saying (of believing) go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out,
9:25 – When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
16:9 – Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
16:17-18 – And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Note: These signs that are to follow true believers are the same signs that the twelve apostles did; also the seventy other disciples did; and are to be in Christ’s true followers even today. Those that say these wonderful gifts are not for today have not read or understood what is written in their Bibles:
1 Corinthians 1:4-7 – I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
This power is now available by the Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
1 Corinthians 12:4-10 – Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
This supernatural power is given to believers to equip us to be His witnesses to the lost world, and to assist us in walking in victory over the works of darkness of the enemy.
Acts 1:8 – But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
This Word, and this Power, and all of these Gifts, remain in effect until the return of Jesus Christ! Therefore, with all that God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit has provided, we are to live and walk in victory over the world, the flesh and the devil; to the Glory of God, in Jesus Christ! So let’s get with it!
Romans 8:31-32 – What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Romans 8:38-39 – For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
