Angels and Demons: Debunking the Myths

Lesson 3Satan and the Demons

Angel Demon

As we continue our study of angels, demons, and Satan, our introduction to this subject continues with a brief look at the fallen angels, i.e., the demons, and the chief of the fallen angels, Satan. Who are they? What power do they have? Is salvation available to them? These are some of the questions/subjects that we will cover in this lesson. In future lessons, we will learn much, much more about Satan and the demons; but for this lesson, our examination will be more introductory.

So let’s take a brief look at the angels who fell from grace: Satan and the demons.

  1. What does Ezekiel say about Satan’s power? (see Ezekiel 28:11-16)
  2. Compare the descriptions above of Satan—before his fall from grace—with descriptions of him after the fall. What does each of the passages below tell us about his state after the fall?
    1. Job 2:7
    2. Isaiah 14:12-17
    3. Luke 4:6
    4. Luke 22:31
    5. 1 Corinthians 5:5
    6. 1 Timothy 3:6
    7. Hebrews 2:14
  3. Now consider and identify below what scripture says regarding Satan’s power after he was judged at the cross.
    1. John 16:11
    2. Colossians 2:15
    3. 2 Corinthians 4:4
    4. John 12:31-33
  4. Also consider Satan’s authority over the unbelieving. What do the following scriptures say regarding this topic?
    1. 2 Corinthians 4:4
    2. Ephesians 2:1-2
    3. 1 John 5:19
    4. Ephesians 6:11-18
    5. John 8:44
  5. What does God’s Holy Word tell us about Satan’s destiny?
    1. Revelation 12:7-12
    2. Revelation 20:1-3,7
    3. Revelation 20:10
  6. An examination of the descriptions of demons in the Bible indicates to us that there are actually two types of demons: (a) those who must possess, or dwell within, a body; and (b) those whose purpose is to influence human or animal behavior. We will briefly examine both types.
    1. From the following verses, what can we discern about demons whose purpose is possession?
      1. Matthew 12:43-45 and Mark 5:12
      2. Matthew 8:16, Matthew 9:32-33, Mark 5:13, Acts 8:6-7, and Acts 16:16-18
      3. Matthew 8:28, Mark 5:25, and Mark 9:20
      4. Matthew 12:43-45
    2. What can we learn about demons whose purpose is to influence?
      1. Ephesians 6:12
      2. Matthew 8:29, Mark 1:23-25, Acts 19:15, and James 2:19

Satan, created as the most perfect of God’s creations, became consumed with pride and fell from his unique position at God’s throne, taking untold numbers of followers (called demons) with him. Later, we will be more-critically examining God’s creation of Satan, Satan’s original role in God’s creation, and Satan’s role in today’s world. For now, we know that Satan is real, as are the demons, and therefore it is important for us to learn all that we can regarding these entities from God’s Holy Word. We are instructed that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against "principalities and powers", i.e., against Satan and his forces. We must arm ourselves for this great battle, assured that, through Christ, we will have the final victory!

In our next lesson, we will take a look at "the Moral Problem", i.e., why did an all knowing, righteous God create a "perfect being" whom He knew would sin and bring evil into all that God would create? Following that, we will embark on a multiple-lesson in-depth look at the angels—those who serve God continually.

Thanks for studying with us!

In Christ,

Wes

[2012]

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