Powers of Darkness!

  

 

Quotation

 

Some in today's world, promote the idea human nature is hard-wired by evolution into the human brain and like Baron-Cohen, in the "empathy circuit." Those who promote this idea, use this for both acts of kindness and cruelty, depending on who's doing the writing. I do not believe human nature is impervious to change or that human nature is genetically set to make us behave in certain ways. I believe demons are at work in acts of cruelty

 

Barry Denzil Haney

 

Verse

 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

 

1 Peter 5:8-9

 

Reflection

 

There are two hundred references to darkness in Scripture. According to Michael Heiser there were three divine rebellions. The first two framed ancient beliefs about Satan and the origin of demons, the third is the point of reference for Paul’s teaching on the principalities and powers. (Heiser)

 

         After study of God’s Word, the Holy Spirit has taught me to be constantly vigilant from attacks by Satan and his demons. Spiritual warfare is continuous and ongoing. We can never relax. As believers, we can be captured by Satan and made servants of his will.

 

In 1 Timothy 4:1, Paul warned Timothy about teachings in this regard:

 

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

 

In 2 Timothy 2:26, Paul instructs Timothy to correct opponents to escape Satan’s temptations:

 

And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

 

What is spiritual warfare!

 

In his book, Demons – What the Bible Really Says About the Powers of Darkness, Michael Heiser offers this simple answer:

 

 “spiritual warfare is not about confronting supernatural entities but about the furtherance of the gospel by committed believers.”

 

In Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul offers this passage to support this assertion:

 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

 

Illustration

 

Satan is a schemer who uses all sorts of tricks to lure people into sin. One of his tricks is illustrated by a Chicago-area drug user who became a police informant. As an informant this man’s job was to induce other drug dealers to sell drugs to him or an undercover policeman, and this informant was unusually successful.

 

One of his most successful strategies for duping drug dealers, according to Ted Gregory in the Chicago Tribune, was to give them a challenge.

 

This informant says, “I’d tell them, ‘Everybody says they can deliver, but you look a little young; or you look a little old; or you look like a nerd.’ Let the people think that they’re in control …”

 

This informant succeeded in duping dealers because he understood their psychology. Satan also understands psychology, and he uses the same scheme. He dupes people into thinking they’re in control. He challenges their egos. Only after sin takes its course do people find out that ultimately they are not in control—that they are suckers. (Larson)

 

Prayer

 

Our Heavenly Father,

 

Help us to overcome the fiery darts hurled

by Satan and his demons. With the Armor of

God, help us to identify the tricks Satan uses

to deceive us and lure us into sin!

 

Help us realize if we are in control, we are a

fertile ground for Satan to plant the seeds he

uses to deceive us. Instead, with the Armor of

God, supply us with the hope and faith we have

in Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

 

In the glorious name of Jesus Christ we pray,

 

Amen!

 

Worship

 

Inner Demons by Julie Brennan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gydcChFnzQ

 

God Bless You,

Barry

 

Heiser, Michael S. Demons: What the Bible Really Says about the Powers of Darkness. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020. Print.

 

Larson, Craig Brian. 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers & Writers. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002. Print.