The Doctrine of Devils

“Believe” in Matthew, Mark & Luke - Part 16:

(Demon Possession/Spiritual Wickedness - Part 3):

Our last study examined the incident recorded in Matthew 17:14 - 2114 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

; Mark 9:14 - 2914 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.

16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?

17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;

18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.

27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.

28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

and Luke 9:37 - 4537 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him.

38 And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.

39 And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him.

40 And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not.

41 And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

42 And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.

45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

when Jesus cast a demonic-spirit out of a boy. We noted this activity is mentioned a number of times in the Gospels, so it appears demon possession was fairly common in Israel during the three years Jesus ministered there. It was also noted that the Old Testament only refers to something similar on two occasions, neither of which describe demon possession like in the Gospels.

Today we turn to the Pauline Epistles and examine how spiritual wickedness affects us during this age of Grace in which we live. There differences between then and now but one is evidenced by the words the Bible uses to describe the condition of demon possession. Our last study identified a number of words used in the Gospel accounts used to describe the demon-spirits that possessed people. The Apostle Paul, with a few exceptions, does not use those same words, nor does he mention demon-spirit possession. Paul does use the word devil, from the Greek daimon'ion 5 times, but never in reference to inhabiting humans. (This word is found a total of 60 times in the NT, most often in the Gospels, 52 times, where it refers to the spirit-demons that afflicted mankind.) Paul used this word 4 times in 1 Corinthians 10:20 & 2120 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

to identify what the dumb idols represented to which offerings were made by the pagan unbelievers in Corinth. He also used it once in 1 Timothy 4:11 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;

1 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;

1 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;

where we read: “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.” The word translated “devils” here is the Greek daimon'ion.

The “doctrines of devils” in this verse introduces us to our study today, which is about the spiritual wickedness that exists in heavenly places. “Doctrines” means “teachings” and the teaching referred to is that of demons or devils that serve their master, the Devil himself. The Bible teaches that Satan, i.e., the Devil, still abides in the heavens and will remain there until the rapture of believers who are the Church, the Body of Christ, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 1813 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

; 2 Thessalonians 2:3 - 103 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

. When believers are translated to heaven Satan will be cast out onto the earth into the fury of the Great Tribulation. But until then, our battle is with spiritual warfare in heavenly places, as we will see referenced in Ephesians 6:1212 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.

12 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.

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According to Biblical scholars, Paul wrote 1 Timothy in 67 AD, about a year before Emperor Nero had him put to death. It's been over 2000 years since then and it appears the days in which we live are the “latter times” to which Paul refers in 1 Timothy 4:1. The Spirit to which Paul refers as “speaking expressly” in this verse is translated from the Greek word pneuma, which occurs 385 times in the New Testament. It is capitalized here because it refers to the Holy Spirit Who inspired Paul to write this. The second time the word “pneuma,” or spirit occurs in this verse is not capitalized because it refers to devils or demons. They are described as “seducing spirits.” The Greek word for seducing means “imposter or misleader or deceiver.” Recapping; Paul is communicating that The Holy Spirit advised him specifically that in the end times some will depart from the faith to follow misleading, deceiving spirits, that is, the teaching of devils. As just mentioned, the word “devils” here is the same word used to describe the deaf and dumb devil that tormented the boy we studied last in Matthew, Mark and Luke.

We learn from Paul that our concern is not with demon possession such as described in the Gospels but as he writes: “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 the heavenlies.” Ephesians 6:10 - 1210 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 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.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 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.

. There is a great deal to learn from these 3 verses and by examining the individual words used we can better understand what is being communicated. In verse 10 we are told to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. This means it's not our strength, our power or our might, it is the Lord's upon which we rely in this battle.

Ephesians 6:1111 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

tells us to put on the whole armor of God in order to stand against the wiles of the Devil. The word “wiles” is from the Greek “methodei'a” (G3180) meaning “travesty, trickery or to lie in wait,” and it is found only 2 twice in the NT, here and in Ephesians 4:1414 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

where it is translated “lie in wait.” So, in verse 11 we are exhorted to put on the armor of God so we can stand up to the lying in wait, the trickery, or if you will the ambush of the Devil. The word “devil” in Ephesians 6:11 is not the same Greek word that was used to describe the demon-devil that possessed the boy in Matthew, Mark and Luke or the doctrines of devils in 1 Timothy 4:1. Those are references to spirit demons (Greek daimon'ion.) The word devil here in Ephesians 6:11 is from the Greek “diab'olos,” which is found 38 times in the NT, most often in Matthew, Luke and Revelation, but also in other NT books including eight in the Pauline Epistles. This Devil is Satan himself, the slanderer, the false accuser. (The word devil is not found in the Old Testament. There he is called a serpent when he led Eve astray; Satan when he caused Job so much misery by accusing and slandering him before God and Lucifer in the book of Isaiah.)

It's instructive to note the first and last occurrences of significant words in the Bible and so it is with the Devil. He is first mentioned when he tempted or tried Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days, Matthew 4:11 Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

. The last mention is in Revelation 20:1010 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

where the Apostle John writes that he will be cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone to be tormented day and night for eternity. The Devil probably knows the Bible better than any human being so he knows his eternal fate is approaching but anyone who thinks he is going to confess and repent is wrong. He is literally hell bent on perverting the truth of God's Word and opposing God's people and he will continue with this until the bitter end. Paul calls him the “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience,” Ephesians 2:22 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

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The Devil personifies spiritual wickedness: “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.” Ephesians 6:12. The word “principalities” is the Greek “arche'” found 58 times in the NT, most often translated “beginning.” The lexicon gives the meaning as “beginning, or first estate, or magistrate, power, principality.” The word “powers” is the Greek “exousi'a” found 103 times and translated “power, authority, right, etc.” meaning “master, influence, delegated influence, mastery, authority, etc.” We have here described the head honchos of the darkness of this age. The word “darkness” is the Greek “skot'os” found 32 times in the NT, always translated darkness but meaning “shadiness, that is obscurity, i.e., darkness.” Here it describes that which is hidden from man. As to how the Devil and his minions got where they are we recall that God had purposed to give mankind dominion over all the earth and initially did so to our father Adam and his wife Eve, Genesis 1:2626 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

. They quickly blew their position, which was taken over by the Devil, along with his demon-spirit followers.

Recapping: the leaders and authorities of this age are obscured or hidden from our senses; sight, hearing, touch, taste or feeling. They are spirits that still inhabit heaven, for they are described as spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies. The devil is alive and well but he is not omnipresent nor is he omnipotent so he wields his influence by working though the spirits that fell with him. They are the principalities and powers of the darkness of this age. And our battle is ongoing in the heavens with them, Ephesians 6:10 - 12. The Devil's assault has always been against the Word of God, beginning when he asked Eve, “hath God said?,” Genesis 3:11 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

; it was directed at God's Word personified in Jesus Christ when He was here; and since then it has been against the Lord Jesus Christ Who is seated on the right hand of God. The members of His Body living here on earth represent the Lord Jesus Christ, at whom the Devil's attacks are aimed. He and his lackeys, the fallen angels, are mad as hell and hell bent to harm and/or pervert anything the Word of God stands for and we are to stand for the Word of God. They question, malign and create confusion in God's Word in order to destroy the faith of some and pervert that of others.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, Romans 10:1717 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

and without faith it is impossible to please God, Hebrews 11:66 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

. Our faith is what the Devil wishes to destroy. To be continued in our next study.