A. Their Creation - God created demons as part of the angelic realm originally (Col.1:16).
B. Their Fall -
1. The evidence - It is clear that Satan has a following of like beings ("Prince of the demons" " Matt.12:24; the Devil and his angels " Matt.25:41). Demons are described throughout the Scriptures (Dan.10:10-20; Matt.10:1; Eph.6:12).
2. The time - At the fall of Satan, many angels followed him in that rebellion (demons are fallen angels). A third of the angelic host seem to have fallen with Satan (Rev.12:4 - the imagery of Satan as a "dragon" and angels/demons as "stars").
C. Their Nature -
1. Demons are by nature the same kind of spirit beings as angels. They are personal, intelligent beings.
2. Demons are morally wicked ("unclean spirits" " Matt.10:1; "evil" " Luke 7:21; "wickedness/darkness" " Eph.6:12).
a. They are deceitful (1 Tim.4:1-3; 2 Cor.11:13-15).
b. They are immoral (Gen.6:4; Jude 6,7).
3. Demons are invisible but also able to appear (Satan " Zech.3:1; Matt.4:9.10; Demons " Rev.9:7-10; 16:13-16).
4. Demons have great intelligence. They knew Christ?s identity and power (Mark 1:14,34; 5:6,7). They know their own future judgment (Matt.8:28,29). They can attempt to predict the future (Acts 16:16). They?re knowledge is not infinite. They learned it through thousands of years of experience and observation.
5. Demons have great strength (Mark 5:3; Acts 19:16; Rev.9:1-11).
II. The Activity of Demons
Demons are involved in carrying out Satan?s evil plans (2 Cor.11:15). What Satan is said to be doing (see above) is their work directly.
A. Demons promote idolatry (Lev.17:7; Deut.32:17; Ps.106:36-38). This activity is blatant in primitive cultures.
B. Demons are active in hindering the spiritual progress of believers every way they can (see Satan?s activities). They are deliberate and organized in these attempts (Eph.6:10-12).
C. Demons promote false teaching (1 Tim.4:1).
D. Demons can possess and afflict people (see supplement).
1. They cause physical ailments (dumbness - Matt.9:32,33; blindness - Matt.12:22; convulsions - Matt.17:15-18; Mark 9:20; self-injury ? Mark 5:5; 9:22).
2. They cause mental disorders (withdrawal, nudity, filth, irrational behavior - Luke 8:27-29; suicidal mania - Mark 9:22).
3. They inflict problems upon believers as well, if allowed by God (Job?s troubles - Job 2:7-9; Paul's -thorn in the flesh: - 2 Cor.17:7).
E. Demons promote selfishness and division in the church (James 3:13-16).
Recommended Reading and References
Fred Dickason, Angels, Elect and Evil. Chicago: Moody Press, 1975.
