Introduction

Good morning, church family. Today we're going to delve into some of the more challenging aspects of the spiritual realm, the kind that may make us squirm a bit in our seats. We're going to speak about demons, their impact on our lives, and the hope we have in Christ.

In the words of A.W. Tozer, "The devil is a better theologian than any of us and is a devil still."

Let's read together from Matthew 12:43-45:

"When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation."

Let's bow our heads and hearts in prayer.

Lord, we know that this passage may be uncomfortable for some. We acknowledge that the spiritual realm is real and active. We ask for Your wisdom and discernment as we explore this topic. May Your Spirit guide our understanding and may we be reminded of the power and authority we have in You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let's dive in.

The Reality of Demonic Activity

The reality of demonic activity is a topic that is often overlooked or dismissed in the modern church, yet it is a recurring theme in the Bible, and particularly in the teachings of Jesus.

In the passage we just read from Matthew, Jesus speaks about an impure spirit leaving a person and then returning with seven other spirits more wicked than itself. This is not a metaphor or a parable, but a straightforward teaching about the reality of demonic activity.

The Old Testament: We see the first mention of a demonic being in the form of the serpent in the Garden of Eden. This serpent, identified in Revelation as Satan, deceived Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, bringing sin and death into the world. Throughout the Old Testament, we see further instances of demonic activity, such as the false gods that the Israelites were constantly tempted to worship.

The New Testament: The reality of demonic activity is even more pronounced. Jesus frequently encounters people who are demon-possessed and delivers them from their torment. In Mark 5, for example, Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons. The demons recognize Jesus and beg him not to torment them, showing that they are aware of His authority.

Paul’s letters: In Ephesians 6:12, he writes, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage makes it clear that demonic activity is not just a thing of the past, but a present reality that Christians must be aware of.

God’s Authority: It's important to note that while the Bible affirms the reality of demonic activity, it also consistently portrays God as having ultimate authority over these demonic forces. In the story of Job, for example, Satan must ask God's permission before he can afflict Job. And in the Gospels, Jesus frequently casts out demons with a simple command, showing His absolute authority over them.

Do not be afraid: The reality of demonic activity is not something that should cause us to live in fear, but rather it should cause us to rely more fully on God, who has demonstrated His power over these forces. It should also cause us to be vigilant, to be aware of the spiritual battle that is taking place around us, and to equip ourselves with the spiritual armor that Paul describes in Ephesians 6.

Sinful nature: We must also remember that not every problem or sin in our lives is the result of demonic activity. The Bible teaches that we have a sinful nature that is inclined towards evil, and we are often our own worst enemies. However, the reality of demonic activity is a reminder that we are involved in a spiritual battle, and we need to rely on God's power and protection.

Non-specific descriptions of their activities: It's also important to note that while the Bible affirms the reality of demonic activity, it does not give us a detailed description of what this activity looks like. There is much about the spiritual realm that remains a mystery to us. However, the Bible does give us enough information to know that demonic activity is real and that we need to be aware of it.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about the reality of demonic activity and how you've seen God's power and authority over these forces in your own life or in the life of someone you know.

The Consequences of Demonic Influence

As we see in the passage from Matthew, when an impure spirit leaves a person and then returns, it brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO