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Isa. 14:12-14
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. Last month we talked about angels, and learned they are extremely large, powerful and intelligent beings that minister for God, and often act in, or on our behalf as God instructs them. . As Christians we are to spend our time learning and focusing on the truths, principles, and law of God for our daily living. However, it is necessary for us to have some information about our enemy the devil, so we understand better why we need to be prepared to defend ourselves when he attacks. One theologian defines demons as “evil angels who sinned against God and who now continually work evil in the world.” Let’s start with:
- THE ORIGIN OF DEMONS. Read Gen. 1:31. Remember God cannot create anything that is in any way flawed or imperfect. Those angels that are now demons were not created evil! They were created in absolute and holy perfection like all the other angels. Read 2 Peter 2:4 where Peter tells us God did not spare the angels “when they sinned.” Scripture is telling us when the angels sinned, God immediately expelled them from His presence, because God cannot and does not tolerate sin in His presence. Next notice the angels made a choice of their own free will to rebel/sin against God. Read Jude 6.The angels were originally created to dwell in heaven with God, but “they did not keep their positions of authority, but abandoned their own home.” Again the truth that the angels made a free choice is reinforced! Notice again they are kept in darkness with everlasting chains. When an angel or a person is not in the presence of God as His adopted child through the saving grace of Christ, that person has no choice but to live in the eternal bondage of sin in darkness and gloom. The Biblical word for that place is hell! The point being made is that any created being who thinks they can oppose or usurp the authority and sovereignty of God is immediately doomed and condemned to bondage and darkness, being expelled from the light of God’s Shekinah glory! So where did Satan come from? Let’s consider:
- THE ORIGIN OF SATAN. In our focal passage today Isaiah is warning Babylon of coming judgment. However, in v. 12-15 the picture being given causes one to think more about heaven than Earth and an earthly king. In Ezek. 28, many good scholars believe v. 11b-19 are a description of what happened when Lucifer exalted himself in heaven. V. 12 verifies that Lucifer like all other angels who sinned, was created perfect in every way. V. 12 tells us he was in Eden and his appearance was beautiful beyond imagination. V. 14 seems to indicate that he was the covering cherub of the throne of God. Prov. 16:18 tells us “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a” Here is a most important truth for you to remember about Satan: It was Satan’s pride that destroyed him. And it is pride that has and will destroy every resident of hell! Let’s think about some:
- BIBLICAL TRUTHS CONCERNING DEMONS. Satan has only one purpose and that is to accuse anyone who is saved, of all the ungodliness in their life before and after their salvation to cause God to destroy them. Satan’s only goal is to oppose and destroy Christians and everything Godly, righteous and holy. Another truth concerning demons. The demons’ power is limited by God’s control. They can do no more than God allows them or gives them permission to do. Here is a truth many of you need to hear, learn, and remember! Demons can be successfully resisted by Christians through the power Christ gives them. James tells us to “submit yourselves, then, unto God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. If you look carefully at that verse in 4:7 you will see “resist the devil” is a command, not a suggestion. Demons use Scripture and Biblical principles to lead us astray by presenting ½ truths to us in such a way as to make us think going the wrong way is what we are supposed to do. In salvation all Christians are indwelled with the Holy Spirit and have the power to resist the devil, making him run from you! We have an advantage that gives us the winning edge. 1 John 4:4 tells us, “the One Who is in you is greater than the one who lives in the world.” It is the indwelling Holy Spirit that gives us the power, wisdom, influence, and courage to resist the devil, not just on occasion, but as a way of life. Ask anyone who has tapped into that power to resist the devil and they will tell you life is just better with a high resistance factor!
If we can help you with your spiritual questions, call us at 574-643-9419.
