Introduction

I am confident of one major point. If we as the body of Christ would pull together in unity their would not be such division in the body of Christ. This is where we give the devil the upper hand. If there is disunity in the body we can’t experience the freedom that God wants us to have in order to reap the harvest!

We must as the body of Christ, focus on unity. Pray for unity, and operate individually as well as corporately with unity in Christ Jesus.

This is when the name of Jesus becomes even mightier for the pulling down of strongholds. When we walk in the unity of Jesus we walk with authority. This is what Satan and his host of demons understand. Casting out devils is relatively simple. Walk with unity in the authority of Jesus’ name, and command anything that is contrary to the Spirit of God to “GO IN JESUS NAME!”

Believe me, Satan and his demons recognize disunity and will swoop in to devour what is being destroyed with more destruction. Satan desires to separate new and old converts from the body of Christ. Then when these go out bitter into the world, Satan has little to do because they go out and with their bitterness proclaim to the world that the church is nothing more than a group of powerless, selfish, backbiting hypocrites! This is true for the “so-called” church. However, Jesus is raising up a powerfully united body of faithful believers to conquer Satan and ALL of his host of demons in His mighty name.

I feel that as these lessons have progressed, we have seen from God’s word how to walk in the authority of Jesus by the written Word. Therefore I want us in this lesson to analyze the enemy, Satan and his demons. This will give us a better picture of what and who we are dealing with.

Any military analyst will study the profile of the enemy before any confrontation. This I’m afraid has been the downfall of the church. We want the power, but are not interested in the training of boot camp. Some will say that they don’t feel led to prepare by studying, praying, and fasting. They will say that they are too busy. Let me tell you the truth. Preparing for spiritual warfare is not easy. These people are lazy. They are in a drunken stooper from a worldly hang-over. They do not have even the slightest clue about the spiritual warfare going on around them. I thank God for people who will step out of the worldly rut and decide to make a difference for Christ.

The hungry will be filled, the seekers will find, and to those who are knocking, baptized in the love of Jesus will have a great new blessing of power in the Holy Ghost poured upon them like we have never seen before.

My friend get ready for The “Greater” things (John 1:50)! We are in the last days!

I. Why Has God Allowed Satan To Continue

1. To develop character and faith in the believer. James 1:12 “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” Other references are: I Peter 1:7-13; 5:8-9; II Peter 1:4-9; Jude 20:24.

2. To keep him humble. II Corinthians 12:7 “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”

3. To provide conflict that saints may be rewarded through overcoming. I John 2:13 “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.” Other references are: I John 4:1-6; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21.

4. To demonstrate the power of God over the power of Satan. Ephesians 2:7 “That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Other references are: Ephesians 3:10; I Corinthians 4:9; Mark 16:17-20.

5. To use him in afflicting people to bring them to repentance. I Corinthians 5:1-6 “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” Other references are: II Corinthians 2:5-11; Job 33:14-30.

II. The Saints Responsibility

1. To put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).

a. Gird your loins with truth .

b. Put on the breastplate of righteousness.

c. Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

d. Above all, hold onto your shield of faith, saturated with the anointing of the Holy Ghost, that you quench all of the enemies attacks.

e. Hold onto the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

f. Have your helmet of salvation securely on.

g. Pray with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.

h. Watch with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

i. Speak with boldness to proclaim the word of God.

2. Know Satan’s devices. II Corinthians 2:11 “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

3. Give no place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27 “Neither give place to the devil.”

4. Resist Satan and be drawn onto God. James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” Also see I Peter 5:8-9.

5. Be sober and vigilant in waging war against Satan. I Peter 5:8-9 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

6. Overcome Satan by the Word of God. I John 2:14 “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” Also see Matthew 4:1-11.

7. Overcome Satan by the Blood of Jesus and your testimony. Revelation 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

8. Overcome Satan by Jesus and His name. Ephesians 1:19-22 “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.” Also see Ephesians 2:6; II Corinthians 2:15.

9. Overcome Satan by the birth of the Spirit and your faith. I John 5:1-4 “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Also see I John 2:29; 3:9; 5:18.

III. Devils or Unclean Spirits Called Demons

The word “demon” is not found in scripture just as “bible” or “rapture” are not found. It is derived from the Latin form of the word daemon. It means evil spirit or devil. The word devil is used of Satan, the prince of devils ( Matthew 9:34; 2:24). Satan is the chief evil spirit and the original source of evil in the universe. The Greek word for Satan or devil is diabolos, which means adversary, false accuser, slanderer, or devil. It is translated as “false accuser” and “slanderer” and is used of men in I Timothy 3:11; II Timothy 3:3; Titus 2:3. It is translated “devil” once when applied to Judas when he became an adversary of Christ in John 6:70. In thirty-four more places it is used of Satan as the chief adversary of God and is translated “devil.”

In the other twenty-six places that the words “devil” and “devils” are found, they refer to evil spirits or demons and are derived from the Greek words “diamonion” and “diamon,” meaning evil spirits or devils. There is only one devil but many demons. The devil has an angelic body, therefore cannot possess anyone bodily. Demons are disembodied spirits who take up habitation in the bodies of men or beasts, this seems to be the only way that they can operate in the material world.

The nature of demons: they are and have:

1. They are evil (Judges 9:23; I Samuel 18:9-10).

2. Intelligent and wise (I Timothy 4:1; I Kings 22:22-24; Acts 16:16).

3. Powerful (Mark 5:1-18).

4. Disembodied spirits (Revelation 16:13-16).

5. Not angels (Acts 23:8-9).

6. Not human because they possess men and can be cast out (Matthew 10:7; Mark 16:17).

7. Individuals (Mark 16:9).

8. They have knowledge (Matthew 9:29; Luke 4:41; Acts 19:15).

9. Faith (James 2:19).

10. Feelings (Matthew 8:29; Mark 5:7).

11. Fellowship (I Corinthians 10:20-21).

12. Doctrines (I Timothy 4:1).

13. A will (Matthew 12:43-45).

14. Miraculous power (Revelation 16:13-16).

15. Intelligence (I Timothy 4:1; I John 4:1-6).

16. Emotions (Acts 8:7).

17. Desires (Matthew 8:28-31).

The work of demons; they cause

1. Dumbness and deafness (Matthew 9:32-33; Mark 9:25).

2. Blindness (Matthew 12:22).

3. Grievious vexation (Matthew 15:22).

4. Lunacy and mania (Matthew 4:23-24; 17:14-21; Mark 5:1-18).

5. Uncleanness and are called unclean spirits 21 times (Luke 4:36).

6. Supernatural strength (Mark 5:1-18).

7. Suicide (Matthew 17:15; John 10:10).

8. Fits (Mark 9:20).

9. Lust (John 8:44; Ephesians 2:1-3; I John 2:15-17).

10. Counterfeit worship (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; II Chronicles 11:15; Psalms 106:37; I Corinthians 10:30; Revelation 9:20).

11. Error (I John 4:1-6; I Timothy 4:1).

12. Sickness and disease (Matthew 4:23-24; Acts 10:38).

13. Torments (Matthew 4:23-24; Matthew 15:22).

14. Deceptions (I Timothy 4:1-2; I John 4:1-6).

15. Lying (I Kings 22:21-24).

16. Enchantments and witchcraft (II Chronicles 33:6).

17. Heresies (I Timothy 4:1).

18. False doctrines (I Timothy 4:1).

19. Wickedness (Luke 11:26).

20. Fear (II Timothy 1:7).

21. Worldliness (I John 2:15-17; I Corinthians 2:12)

22. Bondage (Romans 8:15).

23. Discord (Matthew 13:39; I Kings 22:21-24).

24. Violence (Matthew 17:15).

25. Betrayals (John 13:2; I Kings 22:22-23).

26. Oppression (Acts 10:38).

27. Sin (John 8:44; I John 3:8).

28. Persecution (Revelation 2:10; 1 Peter 5:8).

29. Jealousy (I Samuel 16:14; 18:8-10).

30. False prophesy (I Samuel 18:8-10; I Kings 22:21-24).

Demons can:

1. Teach (I Timothy 4:1).

2. Steal (Matthew 13:19; Luke 8:12).

3. Fight (Ephesians 4:27; 6:10-18; I Peter 5:8).

4. Get mad (Matthew 8:28; Revelation 12:12).

5. Tell fortunes (Leviticus 20:27; Acts 16:16).

6. Be friendly; called familiar spirits 16 times (Leviticus 20:6, 27).

7. Come and go out of men as they will, unless cast out and rejected (Matthew 12:43-45).

8. Travel (I Kings 22:21-24; Mark 5:7, 12).

9. Speak (Mark 1:34; 5:12; Acts 8:7).

10. Imitate departed dead (I Samuel 28:3-9; I Chronicles 10:13; Isaiah 8:19; Deuteronomy 18:11).

Demons are called:

1. Devils (Mark 16:17).

2. Familiar spirits (Leviticus 20:6).

3. Unclean spirits (Mark 1:27).

4. Evil spirits (Luke 7:21).

5. Seducing spirits (I Timothy 4:1).

IV. Facts About Demons

1. Demons are made subject unto Jesus and believers by the atonement, the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 8:16-17; 12:28; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 19:15).

2. Thousands of demons can take residence in one person at a time (Mark 5:9).

3. They must be discerned, tested, resisted, and rejected by believers (I John 4:1-6; I Corinthians 12:10; Ephesians 5:27; 6:10-18; I Peter 5:8, 9).

4. They have more than ordinary intelligence (Matthew 8:29).

5. Their rightful place is in the abyss (Luke 8:31; Revelation 9:1-21).

6. They have personality (Luke 8:26-33).

7. They are disembodied (Matthew 12:43-45).

8. They are Satan’s emissaries (Matthew 12:26-29).

9. They are numerous (Mark 5:9).

10. They enter into and control both men and beasts (Mark 5:1-18).

11. They seek embodiment (Matthew 12:43-45; Luke 8:32).

12. Demon possession and influence are different (Matthew 4:23-24 with 16:21-23).

13. They know their fate (Matthew 8:31-32).

14. They know who has power over them (Acts 19:13-17).

15. They fear God (James 2:19).

16. They inflict physical maladies (Matthew 12:22; 17:15-18).

17. They war on saints (Ephesians 6:10-18).

18. They influence men (I Timothy 4:1-5; II Peter 2:10-12).

19. All unbelievers are possessed or controlled by demons (Ephesians 2:1-3).

20. The only resources against them are prayer, bodily control, and the whole armor of God (Matthew 17:21; Ephesians 6:10-18).

V. Mark 16; Casting out Devils

Mark 16 “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulcher; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.”

The Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20; Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23; Acts 1:6-8)

“Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe (emphasis mine); In my name (the name of Jesus) shall they cast out devils (emphasis mine); they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

The following will be evident in a true believer:

1. A Christ-like spirit of love, patience and faith in God.

2. Soberness and keenness in their spirit.

3. Deep humility of heart and meekness of spirit, with a bold and courageous spirit against sin, sickness, poverty, disease, discouragement, failure, and anything else that would cause defeat in a Christians life.

5. Absolute clearness of mental faculties in intelligent action to carry out Bible instructions concerning known duties and personal life as a Christian.

6. Freedom from all fault finding, surmising, whispering or slander to anyone, and freedom from all the works of the flesh that are listed in Romans 1:29-32; I Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Mark 7:19-21.

7. The lack of any condemning and judging spirit, or seeking to hurt anyone by thought, word, or deed. All divine leading will be for the edification and betterment of all concerned and will be in accord with the golden rule (Matthew 7:12).

8. Freedom from any ignorance concerning the divine will at the moment. (When one is moved upon to act quickly and urgently without knowing whether the act will glorify God or not , it will be best to wait and pray until it is clear beyond all doubt that God desires such action to be taken).

TAKING AUTHORITY IN THE NAME OF JESUS!

One of the most common questions when you are talking about devils and casting them out is, HOW? The Word of God is rather plain and simple in on this subject; CAST’EM OUT!!!

A person is qualified to cast out devils when they are saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost. This is one of the reasons that Jesus sent the comforter (Holy Ghost) so that you would be full of the power of God to confront devils and set the captives FREE. If you are walking in the authority of Jesus’ name there is no devil in hell or roaming this earth that you should fear.

If you notice I stated that “IF” you are walking in the authority of Jesus. Before you confront any devil you had better be prayed up and ready to do battle. You don’t want to end up like the seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19:14-16). If there is sin in your life you had better get it under the Blood. If fear does try to overcome you tell it to “GO IN JESUS’ NAME!”

You must realize the authority that the name of Jesus has. If you can get this stirred up in your spirit you can cast out any devil that you come across. Remember also that there will be times that the Spirit of God will call you into a fast because He knows what you are going to be coming against. Also, pray and ask God to give you the gift of discerning of spirits. As we have stated in previous lessons suit yourself up daily with the Full Armor of God.

God doesn’t send you through the boot camp of the wilderness to just set back and watch. He doesn’t want spectators, God wants full blown participants. We should be ready at all times to go into full contact battle with the enemy in Jesus’ name.

As I stated earlier, understanding the word of God is not hard. Following the call of God however is not easy. The enemy will try his best to distract you any way possible. Remember this, ANY WAY POSSIBLE! Do not leave yourself vulnerable to the devils schemes. Jesus came to set the captives free! And He has sent the Spirit of God to endue us with power from on high to get the job done. Jesus has finished the work on the cross, we just have to walk in that authority and be obedient till He returns.

God is pleased when you set someone free from the bondage of sin that keeps them from enjoying the benefits of God. In Isaiah 53:10-12 it is stated that “…it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” Also in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Now we can see that God the Father was pleased to send His Son Jesus to die for the sins of the world. Then when a person is converted, God the Father also desires that they be healed by the stripes that Jesus received. Salvation and healing are so easy to have. Accept that God is pleased and happy when you receive deliverance in His Son Jesus’ name, then go on ahead and accept you healing, or deliverance by faith also in the mighty name of Jesus.

Realize that God is not happy until you are delivered! Jesus came that you have life and have it more abundantly! So receive it in Jesus name and go out and win the world for Christ. You are now ready to “GO YE.”

Mark 16:14-20 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”