by Pastor Mark Cowart
This week we are diving into a subject that can often be overcomplicated or avoided altogether. The matter of angelic and demonic beings that are a very present part of our day-to-day lives. This is the case whether we choose to acknowledge or ignore it. All throughout the Bible, we see angels and demons referenced, so it would make sense for us to pay attention to what the Lord would have us know and how to be engaged without it leading to an unintended fascination or spectacle of these beings.
Here are the basics. Angels are created beings in God’s Kingdom who became demons (about 1/3 of them, as we are told in Scripture) when they rebelled against Him. Their leader, Lucifer, is now Satan, ruler of the fallen angels, and was violently cast out of heaven. It is important for you to understand what is revealed in God’s Word regarding demons, as well as the angels still serving Almighty God, as it affects your life.
Believers are protected and served by angels, according to the Word. Many of us can recall times in our lives when a supernatural force protected us from imminent danger. On the other hand, the demonic powers work to deceive, to tempt, to afflict, and to oppress. They can also possess people who are not born again.
Demons immediately recognize Jesus and fear Him. You will find examples in the Gospels of evil spirits speaking to Him through possessed people before He cast them out. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you and enables you to also cast out demons in His Name. Ultimately, their judgment and final place in God’s plan is eternal punishment.
Until then, spirits of darkness in the earth are activated by your words and deeds. There is a short list of “don’ts” in 1 Corinthians chapter 10 that we must heed. It includes evil desires, idolatry, sexual immorality, tempting God, and complaining. Just as God inhabits the praises of His people, complaining loosens demonic forces. You can open the door for the powers of darkness into your own life!
Meanwhile, how do we relate to angels? Your words can release them from the earth to do their part in God’s will. When a believer speaks and obeys the Word of God, it opens the way for angelic forces. In these perilous times, it is more important than ever that you make time to stay grounded in God’s Word every day. As you stay on the narrow path where Jesus leads, you are denying demons access. At the same time, you release angels to work God’s will by declaring aloud God’s Word, and you position yourself to be ministered to by angels!
REFLECT
1) Can you recall experiences in your own life or stories of angelic rescues?
2) Have you seen evidence of a demonic presence in your life or someone else’s?
3) How can you intentionally prepare yourself to engage effectively with the spirit world?
PRAYER PROMPTS
1) Pray for the quickening of the Holy Spirit to bring this teaching on angels and
demons alive in your life.
2) Ask the Lord for specific guidance to take authority over and bind forces of
darkness while you loose mighty warring angels in the mighty Name of Jesus.
DIVE DEEPER
• Colossians 1:16
• Matthew 25:41
• Isaiah 14:13-15
• Revelation 20:10
• Luke 10:18
• I Corinthians 10:6
• Hebrews 1:14 – 2:3
• II Timothy 3:1
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