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).
2. Cause affliction – They bring mental, emotional, and physical torment (Luke 13:11).
3. Influence leadership – Demonic spirits work through political and religious figures (Daniel 10:13, Revelation 16:13-14).
4. Fuel sinful desires – They tempt believers and non-believers alike toward immorality, addiction, and rebellion against God (Ephesians 2:2-3).
5. Create counterfeit spirituality – They operate through false signs and wonders to mislead even the elect if possible (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Matthew 24:24).
Satan operates within a structured, organized kingdom (Matthew 12:25-26), and his demonic forces function as agents of deception and destruction. This is not chaotic or haphazard, but methodical—designed to systematically corrupt, control, and condemn. This cosmic system can be seen in four key areas where demons are actively at work today, mirroring the Babylonian/Beast/Antichrist system prophesied in Scripture.
1. Globalism – The Antichrist’s Push for World Domination
One of Satan’s greatest deceptions is the push toward a one-world government, economy, and religion, preparing the way for the Beast system (Revelation 13:7-8).
• Global leaders promise unity and peace, but it comes at the cost of national sovereignty, personal freedoms, and religious liberties.
• The World Economic Forum, United Nations, and other globalist organizations push for centralized power, mirroring the Tower of Babel, where mankind first sought to unite in rebellion against God (Genesis 11:1-9).
• Demonic deception fuels this movement, as leaders push digital IDs, cashless societies, and AI-driven surveillance, creating a system where no one can buy or sell without compliance (Revelation 13:16-17).
2. Transhumanism – The Corruption of God’s Design
• The transhumanist movement, which seeks to merge man with machine, is another direct assault on God’s created order (Genesis 1:27).
• Scientists and elites are obsessed with human augmentation, AI integration, and digital immortality.
• This is eerily similar to the days of Noah, where fallen angels corrupted human DNA (Genesis 6:1-4).
• Elon Musk’s Neuralink and Yuval Noah Harari’s statements about humans becoming “hackable animals” align with this demonic agenda—to redefine what it means to be human outside of God’s design.
• Demonic Goal: To replace the image of God in man with something artificial, corrupted, and controllable—laying the groundwork for the mark of the beast.
Revelation 16:13-14 speaks of three unclean spirits—demonic entities—coming from the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet to deceive the nations. These passages confirm that demonic activity will intensify as the end times approach.
4. Sex Trafficking & the Normalization of Perversion
The explosion of human trafficking, child exploitation, and the normalization of sexual perversion is more than just a social crisis—it’s demonic in nature (Romans 1:24-28).
• Babylon is described as a city that traded in “the bodies and souls of men” (Revelation 18:13), eerily mirroring today’s global sex trade.
• Hollywood, music, and entertainment pre-program society to embrace perversion and desensitize people to wickedness.
• The LGBTQ+ movement, drag shows for children, and normalization of pedophilia are all demonic distortions of God’s order.
5. Entertainment & Media – Pre-Programming for the Beast System
Satan, as the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), has weaponized entertainment, media, and technology to condition the masses.
• Hollywood glorifies evil, desensitizes people to witchcraft, and mocks God.
• Social media fuels narcissism, addiction, and division.
• AI-generated deepfakes and propaganda deceive millions, making them unable to discern truth from lies.
• Even the news media operates like a false prophet, pushing the narratives of globalism, division, and fear.
Demonic Goal: To condition people to accept the Antichrist’s rule through manipulation and deception (Revelation 13:12-14).
Everything we see unfolding today is part of a larger, coordinated strategy. Satan’s demons are actively preparing the world for his final rebellion—the rise of the Antichrist and the Beast system.
But here’s the good news: We are not left defenseless.
• God’s Word exposes the enemy’s schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11).
• The Holy Spirit gives us discernment to resist deception (John 16:13).
• Jesus Christ has already won the ultimate victory (Colossians 2:15).
This is why spiritual warfare is critical for believers today. We must stay vigilant, resist deception, and stand firm in Christ, knowing that His kingdom will triumph over Satan’s counterfeit system.
III. Demonic Oppression vs. Possession
Demons influence people in various ways:
• Oppression – Afflicting believers through discouragement, confusion, temptation, and fear.
• Possession – Total control over an unbeliever, as seen in Mark 5. While a Christian cannot be possessed (since they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit), they can be oppressed if they give the enemy a foothold.
IV. The Authority of Believers Over Demons
Jesus did not leave us powerless against these forces of darkness.
1. We have authority in Jesus’ name – "Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19).
2. The Word of God is our weapon – Jesus used Scripture to counter Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11).
3. Prayer and fasting strengthen our resistance – "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer" (Mark 9:29).
4. The Armor of God protects us – Ephesians 6:10-18 commands believers to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
V. How to Recognize and Resist Demonic Influence
1. Be spiritually discerning – "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1).
2. Reject every form of occult involvement – This includes witchcraft, astrology, divination, and spiritism (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
3. Live in holiness and obedience to Christ – A life submitted to God leaves no room for demonic influence (James 4:7).
4. Proclaim the Gospel boldly – The advance of God's kingdom pushes back darkness (Matthew 16:18).
Conclusion: The Victory is Already Won
Though demonic forces are real and active, they are already defeated. Jesus’ death and resurrection secured victory over Satan and his army (Colossians 2:15). Our call is not to fear but to walk in the authority given to us by Christ.
As we engage in spiritual warfare, let us remember: We are not fighting for victory; we are fighting from victory.
If you feel you have given the enemy a foothold in your life, whether through sin, fear, or deception, today is the day to renounce it in Jesus’ name. Walk in the freedom and authority of Christ!
