What Are Demons Like? Know Your Enemy in Spiritual Warfare!
What are demons like? Knowing your enemy in spiritual warfare is not as easy as it sounds. And no, your enemy isn't your frustrating boss or the IRS!
Who's Your Enemy?
Actually, the greatest enemy is your own heart, for it is our hearts that drag us away from God and into the realm of evil (see James 1:14; Matthew 15:19.) But since this post isn't about your heart, we'll move on to the type of enemies we meet in spiritual warfare.Your boss may get on your nerves, but your bigger problem is a group of enemies that occupy the unseen world around you.
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 (Ephesians 6:5 NIV1984).
These demonic agents work under Satan’s authority and take part in his plans to torment people and stop the kingdom of God from advancing.In fact, the Bible talks more about the devil and his demons than it does the Holy Spirit. That's why we need to take spiritual warfare seriously. The weapons we examined last week are supernatural and work against a supernatural enemy:
For thought we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV1984).
It is in spiritual warfare that we fulfill Christ's commission to drive demons out (Mark 16:17,18; Matthew 10:8). So let's find out what demons are like . . .
What are demons like?
Demons are unclean and impure and they seek to inflict this defilement on people (Matthew 10:1).Demons are evil; some are more wicked than others. They can also work alone or in packs like wolves (Matthew 12:43-45).Violent and aggressive, demons are often physically stronger than humans (Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:2-4).Demons are the powers that stand behind idols. They are consistent in their wish to deceive people and receive worship (1 Corinthians 8:4; 10:19-21).Established miracle workers, demons can also influence people in places of authority (Revelation 16:14).During the end times, demons will increase their activities of seducing people away from truth and will aggressively promote error. Doctrines that include legalism and false religious beliefs advance in both the church and in false religions such as the New Age (1 Timothy 4:1-3).Because demons seek to kill and destroy, they can use their power to inflict such illnesses as blindness (Matthew 12:22), dumbness (Matthew 9:32,33), insanity (Luke 8:26-35), and suicidal tendencies (Mark 9:22). Although these and other sickness have other causes, it is important to note that some healings are connected to casting out demons (Matthew 4:24).A final note on what are demons like, is their concentration on the people of God as one of their main targets. They harass and resist the efforts of believers to live godly lives and further the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 6:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:18).
What is Jesus like?
Now that I've totally freaked you out, please remember Jesus, your Mighty Warrior, who acts as your rear guard and goes before you into any fray with the enemy (Isaiah 52:12; 58:8).That assurance should give you the confidence to pray for your frustrating boss.(For lots more information on spiritual warfare and the demonic realm, please check out Intercessors, God's End-time Vanguard: How to Pray Effectively for the Things That Matter Most.)Have wonderful adventures with the Holy Spirit this week, SusanQuestion: How is Jesus your rear guard and Mighty Warrior? I'd love to hear from you in the comment section below.Related posts:Warning! Witchcraft and Sorcery Are Deadly!Take the Name of Jesus With YouIntercessors, God's End-time Vanguard: How to Pray Effectively For the Things That Matter MostIntercession and spiritual warfare posts"Jesus likes it when we share." -Adelaide, age 3: Pass this along to everybody and their brother. OK, maybe not everybody's brother, but you know, all of your friends would be nice.