Unseen-1-The Truth About Demons

Today we start a new series that Pastor Brad has called Unseen.

Pastor's Notes:

Luke 10:17-20 NKJV

17 Then the [a]seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but [b]rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

INTRODUCTION

Good morning, everyone!

I hope everyone is having a super great day today! I don't know about you, but I truly enjoyed our time with Neil Kennedy. For those of you who were at the men’s meetings, it was great and we were truly challenged.

Today, we are going to start a brand new series entitled “Unseen”, where we will be spending time looking at the spiritual realm.

ILLUSTRATION

You see, you and I live in this physical world. We are very much touched by our sight and our feelings. When God created man and gave him a body, the five senses came with the package.

The trouble is, most of us get caught up in this realm and can come to believe that all there is to life is what we can see. The truth is, the unseen world is just as realm as what we can see, and in fact, is more real.

1

TRANSITION

We must come to grips with the fact that if indeed we believe in a God, there must be a devil. Hollywood even speaks of a place called Heaven, but reality says there is also a place called Hell. Many TV shows and movies have been made about angels, and unfortunately, many TV shows and movies have been made about demonic things.

In fact, the month of October is the host of Halloween, and is the day rooted in the celebration of the dead. You can always tell when the month is coming because Netflix, commercials, and movie ads begin to promote the latest horror movie.

What is the truth?

The truth is that the demonic realm is not a Hollywood fable. It is truth. Today, we are going to look in the realm of the spirit with a message I've entitled “ The Truth About Demons”.

BACKGROUND

In our text, we see a very interesting story. The seventy of which Jesus sent out with authority and power came back rejoicing the demons were subject to them. Jesus them immediately seems to switch gears and says “Behold I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning.”, and then tells them to rejoice in their salvation instead. I believe He saw them puffed up, and referenced the pride of Satan that ultimately caused him to lose his position.

But interesting enough, all though the gospels and in Jesus ministry, we see an emphasize on demons, deliverance, and the believer’s authority over such things. Demons are evil, disembodied spirits that were a part of the fall that work with Satan to accomplish his plan. So drawing from the scriptures, what can we learn from such things?

APPLICATION

5 Truths About Demon Spirits

1. Demons are still active.

- Many people people in western thought that demons were either only active in the time of Christ or in pagan cultures.

- Nothing in the Bible restricts demonic operation to a certain time or culture. In contrast, the Bible speaks of a continual warfare until the time that Satan is banished eternally to the Lake of Fire and the eternal perfect state is implemented.

- One of Satan’s strongholds he uses in this area is ignorance. 2 Corinthians 2:11
- There are unclean spirits, seducing spirits, lying spirits, familiar spirits

(give examples) territorial spirits over regions (give examples of Chicago, San Fransisco, etc), and many others that are responsible for carrying out Satan’s work in the Earth.

- They are responsible for much perversion, false teaching, and destruction.

- Note: That’s not to say that we can blame the devil for anything. Your flesh can destroy you with no help from the the devil.

2. Demons cause destruction.

• -  They can cause self harm (The man at Gadara in Mark 5. He was cutting himself and living in a graveyard.)

• -  They can cause suicidal attempts (In Mark 9:20-22, the boy was cast in to the fire and the water.”

• -  They can can sickness (In Luke 13:10-17 NKJV, a woman in the synagogue was bound by a spirit. Jesus often cast out a deaf and dumb spirit in healing.)

• -  They can promote false teaching (Paul called them deceiving spirits and doctrines of devils.)

 

3.Demons can’t possess believers.

- In the New Testament demonetization is never used for a believer. Christians can’t be totally possessed by demons, but Christians can be oppressed, harassed, and dominated by the enemy’s activity.

- Peter was told by Christ “Get behind me, Satan”. - Matthew 16:23 – Ananias’ heart was filled with Satan. Acts 5:3

– Unrepentant believers can be turned over to Satan for the destruction of their flesh. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5

4. Demons walk through open doors.

- Drugs and alcohol
(Spirit of divination in Acts 16. Divination = Pharmakei)

- Horror movies
(Inciting a spirit of fear opens you up to harassment)

- The occult
(Psychics, tarot cards, etc)

- Perversion
(Porn, romance novels, etc)

- Music
(Music is very spiritual)

CONCLUSION

The greatest truth of all?
We have authority over demons!