5/6/18 “DON’T PLAY WITH DEMONS” – Pastor Shane Idleman

Don’t Play With Demons

THEOLOGY ON FIRE PART 10

The Doctrine of Satan and Demons: Wayne Grudem

 

NOTE: Some of these notes are my additions –

 

LAST WEEK – The Origin of Demons

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Though the NT clearly recognizes the influence of demonic activity in the world, the focus is on evangelism and Christian growth (Gal 5:16-21).

WE PLAY WITH THEM BY WALKING WITH THEM

Gal. 16-21 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. . . .

• Walk in the light – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Entry Points: 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [THEY AREN’T STRUGGLING, THEY ARE PARTICIPATING]

 

WE PLAY WITH THEM BY OPENING THE DOOR [Alcohol – play with the snake]

If you open the door, their presence will be greater [outside vs inside].

NT authors were definitely aware of the presence of demonic influence.

1 Tim. 4:1-3 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Again, most of this comes from Wayne Grudem’s book on Systematic Theology.

The emphasis of the NT is not on the influence of demons but on the sin that remains in the believer’s life. Yet, sinning (even by Christians) does give a foothold for some kind of demonic influence in our lives. (Eph 4:26, Eph 6:11-12, 1Jo 5:18)

• Not possessed, but harassed. Not controlled, but heavily influenced by.

• They can “talk you into things” – did God really say?

WE PLAY WITH THEM BY ENTERTAINING THEIR SUGGESTIONS

 

Where there is a pattern of persistent sin in the life of a Christian, the primary responsibility for that sin rests with the individual Christian. (Rom 6:12-16)

• But demons can intensify the battle.

 

3. Can a Christian be demon possessed?

• The Greek NT never uses language that suggests a demon “possesses” someone. (Mat 11:18,Luk 7:33, Joh 7:20, Joh 8:48-49)

• If a Christian does not . . . make use of the weapons of spiritual warfare, the degree of demonic attack could be quite strong. Next Week [maybe]

 

4. How can demonic Influences be recognized?

a. Severe cases in the Gospels: bizarre and often violent actions, especially to the preaching of the Gospel. (Mar 1:23-24, Mar 9:17-18, Mar 9:22, Mar 5:2-5)

b. Blatantly false doctrinal statements (1Co 12:3, 1Jo 4:2-3, 2Co 11:13-15)

c. Sense of the presence of evil spiritual influence (1Co 12:10, 2Co 2:15-16)

• WATCH for constant self-promotion and a lack of humility.

HUMILITY is kryptonite for demons; it throws the house on WW of East.

YOU CRUSH THEIR INFLUENCE BY APPLYING THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYING DOWN

 

5. Jesus gives all believers authority to rebuke demons and command them to leave. (Luk 9:1, Luk10:17, Luk 10:19, Act 16:18, 2Co 10:3-4)

• A POLICEMAN DOESN’T HAVE AUTHORITY UNTIL HE INITIATES IT.

 

WE PLAY WITH THEM BY NOT BEING FORCEFUL – Spiritual Warfare is not PASSIVE!

• They thrive on Bullying –

 

b. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, our sins are completely forgiven, and Satan has no rightful authority over us. (Heb 2:14, Col 2:15, Rev 12:11)

c. When Satan attacks us, he is attacking God’s own children. (Gal 3:26)

 

We should expect the Gospel to come in power to triumph over the works of the devil. (Luk 4:41,Act 8:7, 1Co 2:4-5, 2Co 10:3-4, 1Jo 3:8)

 

STOP PLAYING WITH THEM: Renounce: formally declare one’s abandonment; refuse to recognize or abide by any longer; declare that you will no longer engage in or support.

• Then WALK differently –

COMMUNION – Remember and Reinforce; Restablish the broken relationship.