The Realm of the Spirit Pt 7 – Demonology

The Realm of the Spirit: Pt7 – Demonology

• Deliverance from Demons and Unclean Spirits

Opening Scripture

• 1 Corinthians 15:57: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

  • Invitation to proclaim: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”

• Importance: Deliverance is a neglected topic in the contemporary church.

  • Some overemphasize demons; most ignore them.

  • Truth: Demons are real and active, affecting many, including believers.

Biblical Foundation

Mark 1:23-27

• Event: A man in the synagogue with an unclean spirit cried out, recognizing Jesus as “the Holy One of God.”

  • Jesus rebuked the spirit, commanding it to be silent and come out.

  • The spirit convulsed the man, cried out, and left.

• Significance: Jesus addressed the spirit, not the man, showing discernment.

  • The synagogue accepted the man, but the spirit reacted to Jesus’ presence.

  • Reaction: People were amazed at Jesus’ authority over unclean spirits.

• Impact: Jesus’ fame spread as the one who could cast out evil spirits.

Luke 13:32

• Jesus’ Mission: “He replied, ‘Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'”

  • Deliverance and healing were central to His ministry from start to finish.

Matthew 10:1, 7-8

• Equipping Disciples: Jesus gave the twelve authority over unclean spirits to cast them out and heal.

  • Instructions: Preach the kingdom, heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons.

Mark 16:15-17

• Great Commission: Preach the gospel, with signs following believers.

  • First sign: “In My name they will cast out demons.”

  • Other signs: Speaking in tongues, healing the sick.

Matthew 12:26-28

• Two Kingdoms: Jesus’ casting out of demons by the Spirit of God demonstrates the Kingdom of God’s arrival.

  • Exposes the clash between the Kingdom of God (light) and Satan’s kingdom (darkness).

  • Satan suppresses this ministry to hide his defeat.

Nature of Demons

• Definition: Persons without bodies, not necessarily fallen angels.

• Biblical Clarity: Scripture focuses on how to expel demons, not their origin.

• Objectives:

  • Torment, Addiction, Bodnage, Slavery.

  • Prevent people from knowing Christ as Savior.

  • Hinder believers from serving Christ effectively.

Distinguishing Demons from the Flesh

• Flesh: Inherited rebellious nature from Adam; 

  • Sinful Desire

  • Selfishness 

  • Fruit of the flesh, Galatians 5

  • The remedy is crucifixion (self-denial).

• Demons: 

  • Oppression (Heavy yoke of Bondage in the mind or body, 

    • …How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. – Acts 10:38

    • …The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…Isaiah 61:3

    • For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

    • And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. Luke 13:11

    • He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Mark 9:25

    • Peter’s Mother-in-Law – So, He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them. – Luke 4:38-40

• Possession, Control, and domination of the mind, body, and Spirit. 

  •  You have an irrational, uncontrollable aversion to the things of God – Discerning of Spirits 

    • Super natural knowledge – Word of Knowledge

    • Supernatural language – Tongues

    • Intrusive thoughts that are not your own – Words of wisdom

    • Uncontrollable behavior and power – Miracles

    • Unexplained sickness – healing

    • Curses – the opposite of blessings and prophetic gifting.

    • Take the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Cor. 12 and think the reverse or another charismatic gift.

  • External spiritual entities; the remedy is casting out and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. 

• Christians cannot be possessed – Sealed and filled with the Spirit 

• Christians can be oppressed – 

  • The Soul is being saved

    • Remedy: a renewed mind, and washing of the water of the word

  • The Body-  will be saved – Glorification in the resurrection 

  • The Spirit – was saved – He that is with the Lord is joined to the Lord in one Spirit.  1 Cor. 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 

  • Light has no fellowship with Darkness. 2 Cor. 6:14 

How Demons Enter

1. Occult participation: Both unknowingly and intentionally, Ancestral involvement (Exodus 20:5).

2. Personal Occult Involvement: Fortune-telling, spiritism, tarot cards, chants, crystals (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

3. Generational Influences: Deep rejection or trauma (e.g., Great Depression).

4. Manipulation: Control by or of others 

5. Sinful Acts/Habits: Persistent sin invites demons (e.g., lust from explicit media).

6. Lack of Self-Control: Like a city without walls (Proverbs 25:28).

Understanding Open Doors

• Definition: An “open door” is an area of vulnerability or susceptibility to demonic influence or attack, not possession.

  • Distinct from possession: Refers to external attacks (temptation, torment, deception, confusion, division).

• Purpose of Teaching: Identify and close four key open doors that make believers susceptible to demonic attacks.

Matthew 12:43–45: Insights on Demonic Activity

• Context: Jesus describes an evil spirit leaving a person, seeking rest, and returning to its former host.

  • Key Points:

    • Evil spirits are bound to this realm, roaming as parasites seeking hosts.

    • They have will, reason, and persistence, returning to check for vulnerabilities.

    • The host in the passage is “empty,” not filled with the Holy Spirit, so this does not apply to born-again believers.

  • Application for Believers:

    • Demons cannot repossess Christians (filled with the Holy Spirit).

    • Demons can return to attack through temptation, torment, deception, or harassment.

    • Vigilance is needed to avoid compromise, as demons exploit vulnerabilities.

  • Clarification: Christians cannot be demon-possessed post-salvation, but they can be influenced externally if doors are open.

Avoiding Extremes

• Apathy: Ignoring spiritual warfare, living carelessly, assuming immunity due to salvation.

• Paranoia/Superstitious Legalism: Obsessing over demonic influence in everyday objects or interactions (e.g., thrift store clothes, cereal boxes, websites).

  • Example: A coat owned by a witch does not transfer demons to a Spirit-filled believer. The Holy Spirit’s presence repels evil.

  • Principle: Demons are not like a cold you catch unknowingly; they exploit willful sin or compromise.

• Balanced Discernment:

  • Avoid systematizing discernment into legalistic lists, which leads to superstition disguised as spirituality.

  • Follow the Holy Spirit’s unction, applying biblical principles over rigid rules.

  • True depth is walking in the simplicity of faith and the Spirit, not complex rituals.

Four Open Doors to Demonic Influence

These are areas of vulnerability that intensify susceptibility to demonic attacks. Believers must close these doors through vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

1. Connections (Relationships)

• Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be fooled by those who say such things, for bad company corrupts good character.”

• Explanation:

  • Relationships with unbelievers can become open doors if they influence believers negatively.

  • Key question: Who has greater influence? Are you the light, or are they shaping your thoughts/behaviors?

  • Example: Friends who stifle spiritual conversations or encourage ungodly behavior (e.g., engaging in worldly philosophies, suppressing faith).

• Biblical Balance: Mark 2:17 – Jesus spent time with sinners to save them, not to affirm their sin.

  • Be salt and light (Matt. 5:13–16), but ensure you influence others more than they influence you.

  • Practical Example: If alcohol isn’t a temptation, ministering to friends in that context is safe. If it’s a struggle, avoid those settings to prevent vulnerability.

• Application: Watch for patterns where relationships lead to compromise. The Holy Spirit will check you if influence shifts negatively.

2. Eyes and Ears (What You See and Hear)

• Scriptures:

  • Psalm 101:3 – “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.”

  • Job 31:1 – “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman.”

• Explanation:

  • Visuals and sounds shape the mind, emotions, and behavior, creating vulnerabilities.

  • Examples:

    • Violent images can strengthen the sin nature, leading to torment, fear, or confusion.

    • Lustful images provide the enemy with “tools” to tempt at weak moments.

    • Traumatic memories can be exploited by demons to resurface during vulnerability.

  • Impact: Visuals have staying power, imprinting on the mind. The enemy uses these to deceive or distract, especially during prayer or weak moments.

• Ears and Music:

  • 1 Samuel 16:23: David’s harp soothed Saul, driving away a tormenting spirit.

  • 2 Kings 3:15: Music aided Elisha’s prophetic gift, showing its spiritual dynamic.

  • Worldly conversations or philosophies program the mind against Scripture, forming ungodly thought patterns.

• Application:

  • Guard what you see (e.g., avoid violent or lustful media).

  • Guard what you hear (e.g., avoid ungodly conversations or music that conflicts with the Spirit).

  • Trauma isn’t your identity, but unaddressed memories can be exploited. Seek healing through the Holy Spirit.

3. States of Being

• Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-27– “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

• Explanation:

  • Certain emotional or physical states make believers vulnerable to demonic influence (not possession).

  • Examples of States:

    • Anger: Not sinful in itself (e.g., Jesus’ temple cleansing, John 2:13-17), but unresolved anger leads to bitterness, gossip, or destructive actions.

    • Fear, Exhaustion, Hunger, Sorrow, and Confusion: These weaken resistance to temptation or torment.

  • Mechanism:

    • These states amplify the sin nature, making believers prone to regrettable actions (e.g., hurtful words, violence).

    • The Greek for “opportunity” (topos) in Ephesians 4:27 means influence, not possession.

  • Example: Exhaustion or hunger can lead to dark thoughts or impulsive behavior, opening doors to temptation.

• Application:

  • Retreat to the “inner place” of fellowship with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:16).

  • Rely on “inner strength” from God, not external emotions, to resist attacks.

  • Avoid lifestyles of overwork or neglect that foster exhaustion/hunger.

4. Mouth (What You Consume)

• Scripture: Matthew 15:11 – “It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”

• Explanation:

  • Jesus addressed dietary laws, emphasizing heart condition over rituals, but this doesn’t negate the impact of consumption.

  • Examples:

    • Drunkenness: Proverbs 23:19-21 warns against carousing with drunkards, leading to poverty.

    • Gluttony/Drugs: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 lists drunkenness among sins, implying impaired judgment opens doors.

  • Mechanism:

    • Overeating, alcohol, or drugs affect physical/mental health, increasing vulnerability to demonic attacks (e.g., sickness, impaired judgment).

    • Poor health weakens resistance to spiritual attacks.

• Solution: Galatians 5:22-23 – The Holy Spirit produces self-control to close this door.

• Application:

  • Practice moderation and health to avoid physical vulnerabilities.

  • Rely on the Holy Spirit for discipline in consumption.

Words and Their Power

• Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

• Clarification:

  • Not about magical “speaking into existence” (superstition). Only God has creative power.

  • Believers have cultivating power: Words shape emotions, thoughts, and environments (blessing vs. curse, encouragement vs. discouragement).

• Impact:

  • Negative speech (gossip, criticism) programs the mind toward division or torment.

  • Worldly conversations reshape thought patterns, making believers vulnerable to deception.

• Application:

  • Speak life, truth, and encouragement aligned with Scripture.

  • Avoid worldly philosophies that conflict with God’s Word.

Practical Steps to Close Open Doors

• Live in Vigilance:

  • Build life on Scripture as the foundation.

  • Follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, not legalistic lists.

    • Check Relationships: Ensure you influence others more than they influence you negatively.

    • Guard Eyes and Ears: Avoid harmful visuals/sounds; seek healing for trauma.

    • Manage States of Being: Retreat to the Holy Spirit’s strength during anger, fear, or exhaustion.

    • Practice Self-Control: Moderate consumption to maintain physical/spiritual health.

    • Declare in Faith: “The door is closed!” to reject demonic footholds.

    • Prayer:

      • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal vulnerabilities.

  • Submit to God, resist the devil (James 4:7).

  • Claim freedom through Jesus’ name and the Spirit’s power

How to Be Delivered

• Conditions:

  1. Be Humble: Pride blocks deliverance.

  2. Be Honest: Name sins accurately.

  3. Confess Faith in Christ: Jesus acts as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14).

  4. Confess Sins: Personal and ancestral (Proverbs 28:13).

  5. Repent: Turn from sin with determination.

  6. Break Occult Ties: Renounce and destroy occult objects.

  7. Forgive Others: Essential for God’s forgiveness (Mark 11:25).

  8. Stand on Scripture:

     • Joel 2:32: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.”

     • Luke 10:19: Authority over Satan’s power.

     • 1 John 3:8: Jesus destroys the devil’s works.

     • Colossians 1:13: Delivered from darkness to God’s kingdom..

  9. Ask to be filled with the Spirit of God and walk in the Spirit!