The Doctrine of Demonology

This Bible study was taught during the spring months of 2012 as a requested follow-up topic after our study on angelology.

The study guides are available below:

 

Lucifer – The Fallen Cherub

1. There was a time (before the world was made) when all the Angels joyfully served God (Job 38:4-7).
2. Lucifer was an Anointed Cherub who was full of wisdom and perfect in beauty (Ezekiel 28:11-15).
3. Lucifer’s heart was lifted up with pride and he aspired to be like God (Ezekiel 28:17a, Isaiah 14:12-14).
4. Because of Lucifer’s rebellion, he was expelled from heaven and cast down to the earth (Ezekiel 28:17b).
5. It appears that Lucifer continued to have at least some access to heaven after his expulsion (Job 1:6-7).

 

Satan – The Deceiver

1. From the beginning of the creation, deception has been Satan’s preferred method of operation (John 8:44).
2. Satan’s deceptions are not usually obvious, but wrapped in a subtle package (Genesis 3:1a, 2 Corinthians 11:13-14).
3. Satan deceives by questioning the authority of God’s word, slightly twisting it, or denying it outright (Genesis 3:1-4).
4. Satan will typically appeal to man’s desire to be autonomous [i.e., self-rule] or his pride (Genesis 3:5-6, 1 Timothy 3:6).
5. Satan employs our fellow man in his program of deception and destruction (e.g., Eve, Cain, False Prophets, Judas, etc.).

 

Satan – The Accuser

1. The word “Satan” literally means to “accuse” or “oppose” in the Hebrew language.
2. There was a time when Satan had access to heaven and accused men before God (Job 1:6-11; 2:1-6).
3. God’s response to Satan’s false accusations is symbolically foreshadowed in Zechariah 3:1-5.
4. Jesus’ death and resurrection resulted in Satan’s expulsion from heaven as the accuser (John 12:31, Revelation 12:10).
5. Christians now have an “Advocate” in Heaven rather than an “Accuser” (1 John 2:1-3, Romans 8:31-34, Col. 2:13-17).

Satan – The Antichrist

1. The title “Anti-Christ” literally means (1) “against” or (2) “in place of” God’s Anointed in the Greek language.
2. Satan’s opposition to Christ’s birth is symbolically described in Revelation 12:1-4 and detailed throughout OT history.
3. During Christ’s incarnation, Satan opposed him through temptation and accusation (Matthew 4:1-11, 12:22-32).
4. Having failed to destroy Christ, Satan opposes his church through heretics and heresies (2 Cor. 11:13-15, 1 John 4:1-3).
5. In the last days, the other meaning on “anti” (i.e., in place of/substitute) is made manifest (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Demons – OT Background

1. Demons are fallen Angels who sinned against God and were therefore cast out of heaven (Jude 6, 2 Peter 2:4).
2. It appears that one-third of the Angels were “recruited” by Satan in his heavenly rebellion (Revelation 12:3-4).
3. These Demons then assisted Satan on earth by opposing God, attacking God’s people, and deceiving the nations.
4. Demons are eerily described as the “satyrs” or “hairy ones” who inhabit the dark wastelands (Isaiah 13:21, 34:14).
5. Mankind served and worshiped the Demons through idolatry and immorality (Deut. 32:15-18, Leviticus 17:7).

 

Demons – NT Introduction

1. When Christ came to earth two kingdoms essentially collided; causing an intense outbreak of demonic activity.
2. Demons were entering people’s bodies and tormenting them mentally and physically (Luke 13:10-11, Matthew 17:15-16).
3. Jesus came to destroy the Devil’s works, and therefore cast out these tormenting Demons (Matthew 4:23-25, 1 John 3:8).
4. Jesus’ presence and authority frightened the Demons greatly because they knew his identity and mission (Luke 4:31-34).
5. When confronted, Jesus rebuked, silenced (lit., muzzled), and cast out Demons with all authority (Luke 4:35-37).

 

Demons – The Demoniac

1. The Demoniac was a danger to himself and others and was therefore removed from civilization (Mark 5:1-5).
2. The Demoniac was possessed by a legion of Demons who worshiped, feared, and implored Jesus (Mark 5:6-10).
3. Jesus cleansed the man and land by sending the unclean spirits into unclean swine — destroying both (Mark 5:11-14).
4. The man who had been possessed was restored to full physical, mental, and spiritual health (Mark 5:15-16).
5. Jesus sent the man back to his family and friends as a witness to Christ’s power to deliver (Mark 5:17-20).

 

Demons – Apostolic Authority

1. While issuing the Great Commission, Jesus delegated his authority over the Demons to the Eleven (Mark 16:14-20).
2. After Pentecost, the Apostles exercised this authority exactly as geographically promised (Acts 1:8; 5:14-16; 8:4-8ff).
3. The Demons acknowledged the authority of the Apostles, but of no one else (Acts 19:11-16).
4. The Apostles’ authority over Demons caused many to seek deliverance through personal repentance (Acts 19:17-20).
5. The last Apostle promised the continued exercise of this authority through the means of grace (Ephesians 6:10-20).

 
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