Demons: Agents Of Deception And Destruction Series

Demons: Agents of Deception and Destruction

March 9, 2025

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

Mark 5:1-20; Revelation 16:13-14

Introduction: The Reality of Demonic Forces

One of the most dangerous mistakes Christians can make is to either underestimate or overestimate the influence of demonic forces. While some ignore their presence altogether, others attribute every inconvenience to demonic activity.

A. Ignoring Demonic Activity: The Secular Skeptic

Many people today dismiss the existence of demons altogether, attributing everything to psychological, social, or physical causes. A classic example is how mental health professionals or secular academics often reject the idea of demonic influence outright—even when encountering cases that align perfectly with biblical descriptions of possession or oppression.

A powerful real-world example is from Malachi Martin’s book Hostage to the Devil, which recounts cases of exorcisms performed on people who had exhausted all medical and psychological options. One such case involved a man who displayed unnatural strength, spoke in ancient languages he had never studied, and reacted violently to Scripture. Despite all evidence pointing to something beyond natural causes, many professionals still insisted it was just a mental health disorder—until they witnessed his dramatic transformation after an exorcism.

In a more everyday context, this extreme is seen in modern Western culture’s skepticism toward the supernatural. Many churches today rarely, if ever, discuss Satan, demons, or spiritual warfare, preferring to explain away biblical concepts in purely metaphorical or psychological terms. This is exactly what Satan wants—because if people don’t believe he’s real, they won’t resist him.

B. Over-Emphasizing Demonic Activity: The “Everything is a Demon” Mentality

On the other hand, some people see demons in everything, from a bad day at work to their car breaking down. While spiritual warfare is real, not every flat tire or headache is a demonic attack.

For example, you may have heard someone say, “The devil made me late for church today!” when in reality, they just hit the snooze button too many times. Or someone who claims they’re under demonic attack because they’re struggling financially—when, in reality, they have poor budgeting habits.

A particularly extreme case of this was seen in certain charismatic circles where people have attempted to cast demons out of inanimate objects—such as a coffee maker that stopped working or even a car that wouldn’t start. These instances, while well-intentioned, can distort the biblical understanding of spiritual warfare and make Christianity seem superstitious rather than discerning.

C. Balancing the Two Extremes

The key takeaway is spiritual discernment—not every hardship is a demon, but neither should we ignore their work when it is clearly present. Jesus and the apostles demonstrate a balanced approach: they acknowledged the reality of demons but did not attribute every problem to them. In spiritual warfare, truth and wisdom are our greatest weapons.

So, on one side, we have those who completely ignore demonic activity, thinking everything has a rational explanation—like the people who could witness a full-blown exorcism and still say, “Oh, that’s just a severe case of indigestion.”

And then, on the other extreme, you have folks who blame Satan for absolutely everything. You’ll hear, “The devil made me eat that extra donut today!” No, brother… that was Krispy Kreme, and you know it.

Or how about, “Satan is attacking my finances!” …when really, it was those five Amazon packages that mysteriously showed up at your door last week. Pretty sure the only spirit influencing that purchase was the spirit of retail therapy.

I. The Reality of Demons in Scripture

Demons are not myths or ancient superstitions—they are fallen angels who rebelled with Satan and now serve his agenda (Revelation 12:7-9). Throughout Scripture, we see their presence influencing individuals, governments, and even nations. Their work is particularly evident in the gospels, where Jesus consistently confronts and casts them out.

Mark 5:1-20 provides one of the most vivid accounts of demonic possession. Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons. This passage reveals several key truths about demonic forces:

1. They seek to control and torment their hosts (v. 5 - The man lived among the tombs, crying out and cutting himself).

2. They recognize Jesus' authority and fear Him (v. 7 - "What have You to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?")

3. They desire embodiment and influence over the physical world (v. 12 - The demons begged to enter the pigs).

4. Jesus has absolute authority over them (v. 13 - With a word, He cast them out).

This account should be a wake-up call for believers today. Demons are not relics of the past; they are active, deceiving, and looking for ways to influence lives.

II. The Nature and Tactics of Demons

Demons function under Satan’s cosmic system of deception and destruction. Their goal is to:

1. Deceive humanity – They distort truth, propagate false religions, and twist Scripture (1 Timothy 4:1).