Have you ever thought about the existence of angels and demons? Have you desired to know more but were afraid to ask? I hope this brief article will help you become knowledgeable in this subject and if you are fearful, help you get past your fear of demonic spirits and engage in battle against them.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. - Eph 6:12 NKJV
We can learn from the above verse that there are spiritual entities in this world, and they are active and have rank and rule. All of these spirits have the same things in common. They are here to serve Satan and to enforce his will of killing, stealing, and destroying as much as he can while he still has an opportunity. They deceive, seduce, and cause believers in Christ to wander away from the truth. They use people as their mouthpiece.
The term “rulers of darkness” by definition suggest an orderly arrangement of demonic spirits that are able to retain and seize individuals who live in continued darkness.
The following is a brief description of the demonic soldiers we must battle:
· Principalities - A head place, dominion, a ruler, leader, or chief. These are territorial and can have rule over regions and organizations. (Rom 8:38, Eph 1:21, Eph 3:10)
· Powers - delegated influences of control. They have authority, jurisdiction, freedom, power, right, and strength to influence people such as Presidents, Kings, and other types of rulers. (Rom 8:38, Eph 1:21, Eph 3:10)
· Rulers – This word refers to Satan as Lord of the world, prince of this age and the devil and his demons.
· Thrones – This word indicates that Satan has been granted power over certain regions and territories which include individuals lives through generational spirits. (Rev 2:13)
· Dominions – Indicates that Satan has been granted certain powers to operate within the unseen world. (Col 1:16)
· Unclean and Evil spirits – These spirits exist in a person and can leave and return. (Mat 12:44)
There is a relationship between an individual living in sin (darkness) and the demonic spirits allowed to rule those areas. For example, if a person is an addict, there is a ruling spirit of bondage and or addiction over them. It has a right to be there because the person lives in the darkness of addiction. Jesus’ blood has broken the power of that addiction for those who call on His name. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. ~ Col 2:15
All demonic spirits have the opportunity to rule over regions, nations, businesses, churches, and people because of the darkness in each organization. The word darkness is a metaphor that relates to the ignorance people have with respect to divine things and human duties and the ungodliness, sin, and immorality that exist within these constructs.
Jesus Christ warned that we should 4 Take heed that no man deceive you. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matt 24:4, 11, 24 KJV
Men will deceive people with great signs and wonders while operating as a false Christ. The words “false Christs” are translated from two Greek words that mean deceitful, wicked, and false anointed. There is a powerful anointing on these false prophets, so much so that they will prophesy powerfully and produce healings and miracles.
Because it is the Holy Spirit that distributes the spiritual gifts that bring forth signs and wonders, it stands to reason that if it isn’t Him doing the signs, then another spirit is. If there will be false prophets that means they will speak false prophecy’s and teachings. It only takes a little bit of falsehood to contaminate the entire truth.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, - 1Ti 4:1 The enemy desires to pull everyone that worships the One true God away and steal their worship. He will do whatever it takes even allow healings, after all the end result is a soul gained for his kingdom and deceived and made to wander from God.
Demonic spirits are here to enforce the will of Satan on all the world, and they do so through the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21 describes very clearly what the works of the flesh are and how they reflect the exact opposite of the work or the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Not all of these fleshly works are caused by a demon, but if a person engages in these activities long enough, they will eventually invite demons in.
Ask yourself if Christians ever do any of these things.
· Lie
· Cheat
· Steal
· Fornicate (sex outside of marriage)
· Drink alcohol excessively
· Smoke
· Commit adultery
· Use God’s name in vain
· Gossip/slander
· Dishonor parents (bring shame on the family)
Of course, they do; these behaviors are evident by the state of the nation. Sadly, few believers in Jesus Christ read their word or live the holy life they have been called to. Because of these sins, demonic spirits are given a welcome mat into a person’s life, even Christians.
So, what can we do to evict a demonic spirit if they are speaking in our atmosphere? We start with admitting we have sinned, repent of the sin, meaning we turn away from it and stop doing it. Then we begin to walk according to the Holy Spirits leading.
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. - Gal 5:16
Let’s pray,
Heavenly Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit that came to direct, teach, comfort, and lead me in all that You command. Thank You for Your word that helps to instruct me and give me insight into Your mysteries. I repent for allowing my life to be led by my own desires and ask that I might be delivered from any and all demonic influences as I choose to walk in Your Spirit and by Your direction. I ask to be free from all hindrances in my life that keep me in bondage to sinful works of the flesh and ask for a fresh infilling of Your Spirit that I might go forth in holiness. In Jesus name, Amen