A Biblical expose into the secret world of demons and how they seek to influence, control, and destroy

humanity.

MARK HAMILTON STEVENS

THE DEMON QUESTION Scriptures from King James Version

Mark H. Stevens
Crowned-Warrior Publishing Co. Jan.2004 COGICTeacher@aol.com P.O. Box 1497 Browns Mills, New Jersey 08015

All right reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or copied in any form or otherwise by any means, except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews, without permission from the publisher or the author.
Editor: Stephanie R. Stevens Cover: Theocentric Graphics

INTRODUCTION

The subject of demons has mystified humanity for centuries. Every major religion has in their belief structure beings that embody evil. From the Judeo/Christian belief structure they are called demons or devils. The Muslim calls them Jinn. Humanist say they are a figment of our imagination. Whatever name you call them, they do exist! This booklet is based upon the Bible and its description of these evil spirits, or fallen angels. Demons are disembodied spirits that were once angels that fell when Lucifer decided to rebel against God. Demons are mans enemy and are constantly seeking mans downfall. The Latin definition of demon is Those that divide. I really believe they seriously try to cause division in the church. Often demons are portrayed as hideous creatures, Usually with fangs, forked tongues, bat-like wings, and serpentine features. I have never seen a creature that looked like that. I have seen on three occasions in my life shadow-like beings move swiftly before my eyes. Twice in church services, and once in my apartment. I will tell you about the encounter in my apartment first. I was in the Air Force for over 23 years, and I traveled a great deal. I was in Somalia for 3 weeks back in 1986. While in this oppressive country I brought back souvenirs. One of the items was a wall hanging of animal horns and another was a spear. When I got back home I hung them on the wall of my apartment. In addition to the African artifacts I had some Martial Art trophies and oriental wall hangings I got in Korea. Well to make a long story short, I felt strongly impressed by the Holy Spirit to take all of the material off of my walls one evening, I knew it was the Lord talking, but I decided to take a nap and do it later. I fell asleep

on the couch and within the hour something gripped me in my sleep! I was choking and paralyzed. I tried to scream and I couldnt. I knew this was a demonic attack! I eventually was able to scream JESUS! At that moment I was released, but thats not all. I woke up immediately and saw a shadow like figure walk out of my living room and down the steps. I believe God allowed this to show me the seriousness of disobeying Him. The other two times I saw similar manifestations were in church services, Once at a small Primitive Baptist church in southern New Jersey. I was in the pulpit praying before I had to preach and I had an eerie feeling come over me. The Lord let me know there was terrible sin in this church and to preach accordingly. I rose to walk to the podium and I saw this same shadow like figure flee down the stairs to the basement. Demons hate the Word of God! The other incident happened at a military chapel, in the same fashion the shadow like figure left through the rear door just as the praise service started. Demons hate the praises of God! In the chapel incident I was not the only one that saw it! Another brother saw it as well, so I didnt feel like I was losing it. Now from this point on I will share what the scriptures have to say on this subject. I share the personal experience to give you an idea of what we are dealing with. Chances are you will never see a demon. But that doesnt mean they are not there trying to cause you destruction. Demons usually function in the dark and dont want you to know they are real, but they are. Be encouraged saint of God, The Greater One lives in you!

CHAPTER ONE

DEMONS DEFINED

The Bible Vocabulary of Demon Activity (4:33-36)

The familiar Bible term "demon-possessed" has controlled our thinking about people troubled with demons. But the word "possessed" is one of those final, all-or-nothing expressions. And it prevents us from understanding the mechanisms involved in demon activity within humans. Let's study further: "Unclean spirit" (20 references in the NT, including Luke 4:33; 6:18; 8:29; 9:42; 11:24). The Greek word pneuma, the same word used to translate Holy Spirit, is modified by akatharos, "unclean." NIV uniformly translates "unclean spirit" as "evil spirit" with a footnote. "Evil spirit" uses pneuma modified by the Greek word poneros (only 4x in the NT: Luke 7:21; 8:2; Acts 19:12-13; 15-16) "Demon" (Used 50+ times in the NT, such as Luke 4:41), Greek daimonion, "demon, evil spirit." Always translated by the KJV as "devil" or "devils." "Demon-possessed" (Luke 8:36; in Matthew 4:24; 8:16, 28, 33; 9:32; 12:22; Mark 1:32; 5:15f; John 10:21; Acts 19:14). The Greek word is daimonizonai, literally "to demonize" from daimonion, "demon, evil spirit." A blood washed Child of God CANNOT be POSSESSED! BUT! They can be influenced and oppressed by demons. "Lunatick" (KJV) or "have seizures" (Greek seleniazomai, Matthew 4:24; 17:15)

 "Bind," Greek deo, used in the context of demons twice (Luke 13:16 and Matthew 12:29=Mark 3:7, cf. Luke 8:22 "assails and overcomes"). It is also used in connection with the power of prayer (Matthew 16:19; 18:18). "Healed" (Greek therapeuo or iamai or sozo), occasionally used to describe the state of a person from whom a demon has been driven out. (Luke 8:2, 36; 9:42; Matthew 12:22; Mark 16:9; Acts 10:38). "cast out" (Greek ekballo) "rebuke" (Greek epitimao, Luke 4:41; 9:42). The Greek word means " 'rebuke, reprove, censure' also 'speak seriously, warn' in order to prevent an action or bring one to an end. Let's examine the word daimonizonai, often translated "demonpossessed." The word isn't a compound word. It is the word "demon" with an ending -izonai, a class of imitative verbs, where the ending -izo indicates "acts like, imitates." While the lexicons translate it "to be demon-possessed," perhaps from the world view represented in early Judaism, all the word requires is a meaning such as "to be influenced, oppressed, or controlled by a demon, to be like a demon." Some have coined the word "demonization" to describe this demonic activity. The reason this is important is that when your categories are limited to "demon possessed" or "not demon possessed," then we all agree that it is impossible for a Christian to be demon possessed, since by definition a Christian has the Holy Spirit.

Degrees of Demonization in the New Testament However, experience and careful theological reflection on the scriptures indicate the need for a more thoughtful terminology.

Missionaries and others who work commonly with people afflicted with demonic problems affirm that indeed Christians can be affected. Even though Christians have the Holy Spirit in them, there may be various places in their life where demon oppression is strong. Consider the following passages: The Apostle Paul instructs us, "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Greek topos)" (Ephesians 4:26-27). The implication is that if you give into anger often and carry a grudge, then the devil will gain a place in your life. The word topos means "place," but can have the special meaning as in the Ephesians passage of "possibility, opportunity, chance". Though Satan has "filled" Ananias' heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, yet Ananias and his wife Sapphira are held morally responsible for their action, and thus punished for giving into Satan (Acts 5:1-11). Judas, too, had a similar experience: "Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve" (Luke 22:3). "The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted (literally "put into the heart of," Greek ballo) Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus" (John 13:2). "As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into (eiserchomai) him" (John 13:27a). Was Judas morally responsible? Of course. He was tempted by money and probably other motives (Luke 22:3-6). Just because Jesus' betrayal fulfilled prophecy doesn't absolve Judas of responsibility for his actions. "Woe to that man by whom he is betrayed..." (Luke 22:22). Even though Satan's temptations can be strong, especially when he gets a foothold of sin in our heart, we can't pass off responsibility by saying, "The devil made

me do it."

Peter is certainly influenced by Satan when he betrays Jesus -"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have

prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32). Was Judas demonized? Probably. Couldn't Jesus have just cast out the demon that had "entered" Judas? Yes and no. Jesus had the power, but Judas had set his will to sin, and Jesus could not have cast out the demon without violating Judas' will. Of course, we can get bogged down with predestination and free will, and all that. But ultimately the New Testament teaches us that we are responsible for our sins, and if we continue to sin we make a larger "place" for the devil in our lives, which will ultimately hurt or destroy us if we continue in it. Forgiveness deals with relationship to the Father, but that doesn't mean sin doesn't exact a price in our lives. Sin is not free -- or freeing. Characterizing Degrees of Demonization I see a gradation of demonic influence or demonization. Whether you agree with the exact words I use, I think you'll recognize the truth of the progression from temptation to possession: Temptation. Appeal to our sinful desires. Temptation can be rejected. Influence. Sin has a foothold in our life, and it is harder to say no. We may have developed habits of anger or unforgiveness or lust. To say "no" requires a determined act of our will. Oppression. Satan has some degree of control of us, and we don't seem to be able to break free. We find ourselves acting compulsively sometimes, and wonder why we don't have power to resist temptation more, though we resist to some degree. Obsession. The degree of control is greater. Our sinful habits are so clearly established that we find it hard to even recognize or discern them as wrong. We may be acting willingly, but because we are fully deceived.

 Possession. We are puppets under Satan's control, and have little or no will remaining, or no desire to resist. People who "channel" or give voice to other spirits claiming to be spirits of the dead, are dangerously close here, though they must willingly place themselves into this state. But this state is rare. Few people are utterly possessed. Sin is a prime cause, but not the only cause of demonization. We can be victimized, too. Sometimes children who are traumatized can become demonized. We can be duped into occult practices that we don't realize are wrong, and be victimized. Satan doesn't feel obliged to read us our rights before deceiving and taking advantage of us. There have also been some reports of spiritual bondage being passed down through family lines -- we can only speculate at the reasons.
Deliverance and Recovery

We see in Jesus' ministry some dramatic examples of exorcism, casting out of demons. But let's not be nave. People who have lived under a demonic delusion or obsession for a significant period of their lives need a period of recovery, even though the root demonic cause of the problem has been dealt with. Let me explain. In order for a person to live with the demonic delusion or obsession, he is forced to develop a whole series of coping mechanisms that aren't appropriate to the free and open life of a Christian. These coping mechanisms must be gradually unlearned. They didn't develop overnight and they seldom disappear overnight. I believe that counseling by skilled, trained, and committed Christian counselors, pastors, or laypersons can be extremely helpful to help delivered people experience full recovery. The Body of Christ is not a place where we are to judge our recovering brothers and sisters, but to love and encourage and bear with them. The church is supposed to be a supportive, loving environment where people including you and I, can find full

healing from consequences.

sin

and

deception,

and

their

entrapping

Demonization and Healing

We see in scripture that some illnesses Jesus healed had their roots in demonic influence: blindness and dumbness (Matthew 9:32-33; 12:22; Luke 11:14), scoliosis (Luke 13:10), seizures (Luke 9:37-48), etc. But it is important for us to recognize that nowhere does the New Testament teach that ALL sickness is of demonically origin. Yes, in one sense sickness is the work of the devil, but not all sickness has a direct demonic cause. When Jesus healed the sick, only sometimes did he cast out a demon to do it. Most of the time it was with a word or the laying on of hands. Not all people who are mentally ill are demonized. Some are, certainly. But many are not. There is a biochemical basis for some mental illness. Just as there is a truth basis for healing of other kinds of mental illness. Until some individuals are capable and willing to face truth, and adjust their own presuppositions to get in line with that truth, they will not be healed from the maladjustments that cripple them so severely. Jesus ministry to the oppressed is two-fold: truth and power. Power without truth does not bring lasting deliverance. And truth without power doesn't reach within the soul to bring about change.

CHAPTER TWO

Evangelism and Deliverance LUKE 4:16-21 - Isaiah prophesied that Jesus earthly ministry would consist of PREACHING, HEALING, and DELIVERANCE.

LUKE 7:20-23 - Jesus ministered to Lepers, the blind, the crippled, and the poor. Peter described Jesus ministry as one that went about DOING good and HEALING all under the Devils power. The ministry of deliverance is something Jesus expects us to carry out today. (Acts 10:38 and Mark 16:20) Jesus told Herod that nothing would keep Him from driving out demons and healing people. (Luke 13:31-32)

Jesus trained His disciples for DELIVERANCE ministry LUKE 9:1-2,10 When Jesus called the Twelve together HE GAVE THEM POWER Power to cast out devils. MATTHEW 28:18-20 Jesus gave His disciples an outline of how to get the job done after He left.

Jesus intended for His followers to carry out the ministry of SALVATION, HEALING, & DELIVERANCE. He also commissioned 72 others to do the same work. (Luke 10:1-17) Jesus did not come to just to die, but to set an EXAMPLE of what REAL MINISTRY is to be. In many of our churches we call many things ministry, but REAL ministry centers around SALVATION, HEALING, and DELIVERANCE. SALVATION - The Spirit DELIVERANCE The Soul HEALING The Body Jesus is ALWAYS interested in the TOTAL man! He cares for us in such a special way. We must render Jesus type of care to the world and the church.

The LAYING ON of Hands Laying hands on the sick is considered an ELEMENTARY TEACHING which ALL Christians should partake in. (See Hebrews 6: 1-2 and James 5: 14-15) One problem I have found in the modern church is that we have made the church a CLERGY run entity. God meant the church to be driven by ALL of the saints. We are a body of BELIEVERS and BELIEVERS are supposed to CAST OUT DEVILS, PREACH THE GOSPEL, and LAY HANDS on the sick. (James 5:16 and Mark 16:20)

Evangelism, Healing, and Deliverance were not just for the APOSTLES! This is a lie many Seminarians teach and advocate. I too am a college-educated preacher, however I know that the Word of God teaches that ordinary men and women participated in the work of the ministry. Ananias was not an APOSTLE, he was an ordinary Christian, just like you and I, yet he prayed for Pauls HEALING and that he would receive the BAPTISM in the HOLY GHOST. Healing the sick is NOT just for the Apostles! The signs are designed to follow THEM THAT BELIEVE! Believers are supposed to BELIEVE that Jesus power is yet for today. I am a firm believer that we dont see the miraculous because we dont EXPECT the miraculous. (Mark 16:20, Luke 1:37, and Phil. 4:13) Christians usually are terrified of dealing with the demonic in any way shape or form. Yes demons are powerful, but God is allpowerful! Demons are not afraid of humans, however they are afraid of the Christ in us. Believers in Jesus have been given authority through His name.

CHAPTER THREE Jesus Came to Set Us Free

Certainly Jesus came to set us free. This is explicit in Jesus' commission that he read from Isaiah 61:1-2: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:1819) Setting people free from demonic oppression and captivity is Jesus' core ministry. Jesus desires to release the oppressed. He came to "destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). It was his central purpose. His ministry was characterized this way by his chief Apostle, Peter: "...how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" (Acts 10:38). That is our role, too, as Jesus' disciples. First, we must seek to break free ourselves. We probably DON'T need exorcism to do this. We need truth and we need repentance. Deep, heart-felt repentance that brings about change. Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). There is NO freedom apart from embracing the truth in Jesus. And as we fearlessly embrace truth, the Deceiver loses his power over us.

That's how Satan began with Eve (Genesis 3:4-5), and he's been doing it ever since -- to Jesus in the wilderness and to you and me. Jesus came teaching. Teaching the truth. And we are to continue this, for teaching is not weak. The truth we share has explosive seeds in it that can break people free. Paul instructed his protg Timothy: "And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will" (2 Tim. 2:24-26).

Anger is a great doorway for demons to invade or influence a human being. The reason God instructs the believer to forgive so easily is this, unforgiveness leads to bitterness, and bitterness can lead to hatred! Murder actually starts in the hearts of people! In addition to forgiving our enemies, we must LOVE them! I believe these two things drive the devil insane.

Ask yourself, am I walking in unforgiveness? Is there someone I am continuing to hate or refuse to forgive?

A few people will require some kind of direct command of release such as Jesus gave. Occasionally the apostles would

do this -- but only occasionally. Truth was usually all that was necessary. What are the lessons we disciples are to learn from Luke 4?
1. Satan is a powerful opponent that Jesus faced again and again (4:1-13). We his disciples will never get spiritual victory until we stop trivializing Satan and denying his influence. 2. Satan is the agent of oppression that Jesus came to oppose (4:18-19). His mission is to set the oppressed free! 3. Jesus confronted Satan and his demons with spiritual authority whenever they tried to attack him or others (4:33-36, 41). 4. Jesus' focus was on wholeness and freedom, not on Satan and his work. He dealt with Satan when he had to, but he didn't fear him or obsess over the spiritual battle. Jesus' focus was positive, not negative. 5. We must not walk in fear of demons, but be wary and wise to there activities 6. Ask God to give us discernment on every situation. (Proverbs 3:5) 7. If it seems evil, it probably is! Shun the very appearance of evil. 8. Stay submitted to God! (James 4:7)

CHAPTER FOUR Demons and Our Sex Drive

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. (Gen. Chapter 3)

28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman

to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matt. Chapter 5) KJV

25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. 26 for by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. 27 Can a man takes fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
(Prov. Chapter 6) KJV Satan uses sex for one simple reasonIT WORKS! In the beginning God created man (Adam) and declared, It is not good for the man to be alone. God created a woman FOR the man. Man was built to desire a woman. Satan went after Eve because he knew this fact. Eve gave Adam the fruit, why did Adam take

it? Men throughout the ages have forsaken kingdoms, riches, position, and even God for the love of a woman. John the Baptist lost his head because of a promise Herod had to keep. Take a look! 6 But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. 7 whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. 8 and she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. 8 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them, which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. (Matt. Chapter 14) KJV Herod was so driven by lust over Herodias daughters seductive dance, he killed someone he actually admired and liked. Pornography is like gasoline on a fire, the human sex drive doesnt need a lot to motivate it, pornography sends it over the edge, and this is why Satan uses it so often. Most movies today have full nudity or partial, our music is sexually suggestive, and adultery is so commonplace even our clergymen are notorious for their fallings. Demons work overtime at tempting Christians in the area of sex. Just like our appetite for food, our lust for sex is just as powerful. Solomon was the worlds wisest man in the world. He was anointed by God to lead the mightiest kingdom on earth, yet he threw it all away because of his desire for women. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and the scripture say he LOVED THEM ALL! Satan knows that woman was created for man. God created woman not only to be a companion, but also as a helper and advisor. Satan always perverts what God creates. Remember

King Ahab? He was Israels most wicked king, guess where he got all of his advice? His wife Jezebel! Abraham in a bout with unbelief decided to sleep with his handmaid, because he didnt trust that God could allow Sarah to become pregnant. Who put the idea in his head to do such a thing? Sarah, his wife! Now before you accuse me of thinking woman are evil, there are many more examples of woman helping advance Gods program in the Bible than not. This is my point, if Satan can corrupt a woman, he in turn also corrupts a man as well (or men). Joseph was handpicked by God to save his people, Satan chose Potiphers wife to tempt him to commit adultery, and fortunately Joseph was committed to God. One evil woman can mess up a LOT of weak men!

Pr 6:32

But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. NIV

Chapter Five