I. Introduction
A. Terminology
1. “Devil” (Greek diablos) = Slanderer, a title of Satan himself. Used only in the
singular.
2. “Demon” (Greek diamon or diamonion): a spirit regarded by heathen as divine or
semi-divine. Heathen religion normally cultivates or seeks to appropriate these
“demons.”
3. Wrongly translated in KJV as “devil” or “devils.” Used interchangeably with “evil
spirit” or “unclean spirit.”(Compare Matt. 15:22 with Mark 7:25; Mark 5:2 with Luke
8:27. See also Rev. 16;13–14.)
B. Three different Greek expressions normally used to describe the influence of demons:
1. To have an unclean/evil spirit. See Matt. 11:18; Mark 7:25; 9:17; Luke 4:33; 8:27;
13:11; John 7:20; 8:48–49, 52; 10:20–21.
2. To be in an unclean/evil spirit (Modern English—to be under the influence of) See
Mark 1:23; 5:2.
3. To be demonized. KJV incorrectly translates to be “possessed with devils.” There is
nothing in the Greek to support the word “possessed,” which is completely
misleading. See Matt. 4:24; 8:16, 28, 33; 9:32; 12:22; 15:22; Mark 1:32; 5:15, 16, 18;
Luke 8:36.
II. Nature Of demons
A. Demons are spirits without bodies. Distinguish between angels and demons:
1. Angels have wings (see Daniel 9:21). Demons do not have wings (see Matt. 12:43).
2. Angels normally inhabit the “heavenlies” (see Eph. 6:12; Jude 6; Rev. 12:7–8).
Demons are earthbound.
3. Angels have bodies of their own, and do not normally desire to occupy another body.
Demons have an intense craving to inhabit a body (see Matt. 12:43–45; Mark 5:11–
13). Only in this way can they gratify their evil desires and propensities.
B. Demons have all the hallmarks of normal personality:
1. Will (see Matt. 12:44; Mark 5:11–13)
2. Emotion (see James 2:19)
3. Knowledge (see Mark 1:23–24; Acts 19:15)
4. Self-awareness (see Mark 5:9)
5. A conscience too seared to respond (see 1 Tim 4:2)
6. Ability to speak (see Mark 1:24; 5:7–12; Acts 19:15)
C. Matt 12:24–28—As Beelzebub (Lord of Flies) Satan rules over demons on the earth, as
he rules over fallen angels in the heavenlies.
III. Activity Of demons
A. Their activities may be summed up by various verbs:
1. Entice (see James 1:14)
2. Deceive (see 1 Tim. 4:1–2)
3. Enslave (see Romans 8:15)
4. Torment (see 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 John 4:18)
5. Drive/compel (see Luke 8:29)
6. Defile (see Titus 1:15)
B. Demons fight against peace in every aspect:
1. Inner personal harmony
2. Peace of mind
3. Physical well-being
4. Harmonious relationships with other people, especially those closest to us
5. Harmonious adjustment to external circumstances
C. The great distinctive mark of demon activity: restlessness
D. Demons operate from two alternative positions:
1. From outside the body
2. From within the body
a. If they operate from outside, we must resist them (see James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9)
b. If they operate from within, we must expel them (see Matt. 8:16; Mark 1:39)
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