Lesson 31:
Agency of Evil Spirits
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9
Introduction
God does not work alone. Other celestial beings are employed to work for His glory and for our benefit. However, there were those who chose to follow the urgings of a deceiver and allowed themselves to be used by him. Now there are two opposing forces that are employed in the great controversy. God's word tells us of these beings and describes their attributes. How are we to know who is who in this struggle?
What are the elements of this chapter?
People: ANGELS
Angels are ministering spirits. (Hebrews 1:14, Psalm 8:5, Revelation 5:11; Daniel 7:10; Hebrews 12:22, Matthew 28:2-4; 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 32:21)
Angels Minister to God's children
Abraham – gave promises of blessing
Lot – rescued from Sodom
Elijah – ministered to him when near death
Elisha – surrounded the Assyrians with an army
Daniel – brought wisdom and protection
Peter – broke him out of prison; wisdom with Cornelius
Paul – prisoners at Philippi, storms at sea
Guardians
Angels are guardians appointed to the followers of Christ as a shield against Satan’s power. (Psalm 34:7, Matthew 18:10)
Long in Existence
Angels were in God’s presence existing before the creation of man, numerous and powerful.
They are superior to man but only by a little.
Concept: DEMONS
Angels who once served God but were deceived by Satan and rebelled against Him.
Also known as unclean spirits and devils.
daimonion = devils
daimon = demon
An Agency of Evil Spirits
They constitute an agency of evil spirits or devils, malicious, numerous, determined, untiring, bent on dishonoring God and destroying men.
Their work was manifested more strikingly during Christ's earthly ministry.
Demon Possession
The Bible shows us examples of people that were possessed by evil spirits.
King Saul (1 Samuel 16:14-15, 23; 18:10; 19:9)
Demoniacs of Gadara (Mark 5:2-16)
Syrophoenician woman’s daughter (Mark 7:26-30)
Blind and dumb man (Matthew 12:22; Mark 9:17-27)
Man in the synagogue (Luke 4:33-36)
Demon Possession for Divination:
Simon Magus (Acts 8:9)
Elymas the Sorcerer (Acts 13:8)
Slave girl at Philippi (Acts 16:16-18)
Danger, Satan Exists!
Satan has the advantage over those that deny his existence. (1 Timothy 4:1)
They are ignorant of Satan's methods and unfamiliar with his devices, giving ear to the deceptive suggestions of evil angels.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Satan wants to hide himself and his methods from people so that he can continue his work unchallenged.
Satan loves that people paint a picture of him as the cloven hoofed, horned head, red bodied, governor of hell because it conceals his true appearance, motives and existence.
Concept: DELIVERANCE
Christ is able to deliver and protect from Satan’s grip.
Satan cannot break through God's protection.
Holy angels that excel in strength are posted around those who follow Christ.
What does this have to do with me today?
What are evil angels able to do to us?
What power is able to cast out demons?
What people are in the greatest danger of being influenced by evil spirits?
How can I prevent the agency of evil spirits from taking over in my life?