Today's post is by guest writer Lucas Ward.
Last time we discussed the concerns some have about demonic possession, and concluded it is a biblically unfounded fear, but we also said we did have somethings to be concerned about, which we should address now.
Eph. 6:12 "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
1 Pet. 5:8 "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
This is scary. "The spiritual hosts of wickedness"? Satan as a hungry lion? We understand that there are spiritual forces working against us which we are rarely allowed to see. Occasionally, we get glimpses behind the scenes, like in Daniel 10 when an evil angel tries to stop one of God's angels from delivering a message to Daniel. Or Job 1-2 in which Satan demands that Job be tested. Scarier and scarier. What do we do about this?
First we should note that even in times of possession, there is no mention in the Gospels of righteous people being possessed. Some who were freed from possession became righteous, notably Mary Magdalene, but none previously righteous are ever mentioned as becoming possessed. Also, the clear implication of Luke 11:24-25 is that a prepared and defended mind can ward off approaching demons. That preparation is key to all our battles with Satan and his forces.
Eph 6:10-18 "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit"
The very reason given for donning the armor of God is to battle these demonic influences in our lives. How does this armor work? Well, the belt that holds it all together is truth. If we know the truth of God's word, if we live and breathe it, then the influences of Satan won't affect us. If our lives are focused on doing the right thing (righteousness) we will be protected better than any bulletproof vest could. If we are marching with the peace that God's good news brings us, we will never trip up. If our heads are fully certain of the hope of salvation God has promised and if our faith is bright and strong, we will be protected from all that Satan could do. Yet, the armor of God is not all defensive. We are given the Sword of the Spirit. The Word of God is our weapon to attack all these influences in the world. And attack we should, since when Jesus spoke of founding His church He said, "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matt. 16:18) We often read that as the church's gate will stand against Satan's attacks, but that is not what Jesus said. He said Hell's gates won't be able to stand against our attack. The fact of the matter is that we don't need to be afraid of demons.
THE DEMONS SHOULD BE AFRAID OF US.
"On every hand the foe we find drawn up in dread array. Let tents of ease be left behind and onward to the fray. Salvation's helmet on each head with truth all girt about, the earth shall tremble 'neath our tread and echo with our shout!" (Faith is the Victory, Yates & Stankey)
Lucas Ward
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