Spiritual Warfare Outline



Website: Studying the Word of God

Authors: Brian K. McPherson and Scott McPherson

Web Address (URL):

Spiritual Warfare Outline

Introduction

The specific areas of spiritual warfare that this study will examine are:

PART 1 –

1. How does the Bible describe demonic activity? What does it entail? What are its results, etc.?

PART 2 –

2. How does the Bible portray spiritual warfare? What does it entail? How do Christians engage in it, etc.?

PART 3 –

3. What is the correct Biblical understanding of angels and demons? How do they relate? What distinguishes them from one another?

The specific modern views of spiritual warfare that we will refute are:

PART 1 –

1. Demons are responsible for ungodly human behavior, including attitudes, habits, etc.

2. Christians can be affected by demonic presence or activity.

3. Demonic presence and activity is not always readily apparent.

PART 2 -

4. Spiritual warfare is the prayer life of a believer, which involves our engaging in combat, binding and loosing, and casting out fallen angels and demons in heavenly realms.

PART 3 -

5. Demons are another name or term to describe fallen, wicked, or evil angels.

What we will demonstrate instead are that:

PART 1 -

1. Demons are Biblically portrayed as responsible for either a) chronic or prolonged physical sickness (or disability) OR b) replacing the human spirit as the operator of the body, in actions and in speech.

2. All record of demonic activity in the scripture is limited to persons who are at the time of the demonic activity NOT in a saving relationship with Christ.

3. All record of demonic activity in the scripture demonstrates that demonic presence is always externally apparent and readily understood.

PART 2 –

4. Spiritual warfare is a personal and worldwide struggle between the truth of God and the deceit of the Devil and those under him. This struggle is largely concerned with our minds and understanding, and while it involves prayer, it not exclusively the prayer life of the believer.

PART 3 -

5. Demons are NOT another term for fallen angels, but are a distinct type of spiritual being, the spirits of the Nephilim - the offspring of angels who sinned by having children with women.

Biblical Spiritual Warfare –

A. Actual warfare involving angels, which God’s people DO NOT participate in (limited in the Biblical record to specific historical events)

1. 2 Kings 19:35…the angel of the Lord went out and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand…(Isaiah 37:36)

2. Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

B. The Day of the Lord (in which God’s people will participate) is also a limited and specific historical event.

1. Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

C. The ideological struggle between truth of God and the lies of the Devil, his angels, and of the world, in which God’s people participate throughout their lives on earth.

I. Common Misconceptions

A. Demons and demonic activity

1. Terminology

a. One Greek word for demonic possession.

1. 1139 daimonizomai {dahee-mon-id'-zom-ahee}

middle voice from 1142; TDNT - 2:19,137; v

AV - possessed with devils 4, possessed with the devil 3, of the devils 2, vexed with a devil 1, possessed with a devil 1, have a devil 1; 13

1) to be under the power of a demon.

[Note from the lexicon:] In the NT, these are persons, afflicted with especially severe diseases, either bodily or mentally, (such as paralysis, blindness, deafness, loss of speech, epilepsy, melancholy, insanity, etc.) whose bodies in the opinion of the Jews demons had entered, and so held possession of them as not only to afflict them with ills, but also to dethrone the reason and take its place themselves; accordingly the possessed were wont to express the mind and consciousness of the demons dwelling in them; and their cure was thought to require the expulsion of the demon.

b. Two Greek words for demon in the New Testament

1. 1142 daimon {dah'-ee-mown}

from daio (to distribute fortunes); TDNT - 2:1,137; n m/f

AV - devils 4, devil 1; 5

1) a god, a goddess

1a) an inferior deity, whether good or bad

2) in the NT, an evil spirit

2. 1140 daimonion {dahee-mon'-ee-on}

neuter of a derivative of 1142; TDNT - 2:1,137; n n

AV - devil 59, god 1; 60

1) the divine power, deity, divinity

2) a spirit, a being inferior to God, superior to men

3) evil spirits or the messengers and ministers of the devil

c. In the King James these words are translated into the English word devil or devils. Most modern translations they are translated into the English word demon or demons. There are two reasons for this:

1. the Greek nouns daimonion and daimon are used distinctly in the NT from the Greek word for devil, which is diabolos (Strong's No. 1228).

- (We will cover this distinction more near the end of this study.)

- 1228 diabolos {dee-ab'-ol-os}

from 1225; TDNT - 2:72,150; adj

AV - devil 35, false accuser 2, slanderer 1; 38

1) prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely

1a) a calumniator, false accuser, slanderer,

2) metaph. applied to a man who, by opposing the cause of God, may be said to act the part of the devil or to side with him

[Note from the lexicon:] Satan the prince of the demons, the author of evil, persecuting good men, estranging mankind from God and enticing them to sin, afflicting them with diseases by means of demons who take possession of their bodies at his bidding.

2. The English word demon originates from these two Greek words used in the New Testament in the same way that the English word devil comes from the Greek word diabolos.

- Demon or daemon /de'mon/ n [ME demon, fr. LL & L daemon evil spirit, fr. L, divinity, spirit, fr. Gk daimon, prob. fr. daiesthai to distribute - more at TIDE] )13c) 1a: an evil spirit b: a source or agent of evil, harm, distress, or ruin 2 usu daemon: an attendant power or spirit: GENUS 3 usu daemon: a supernatural being of Greek mythology intermediate between gods and men 4: one that has exceptional enthusiasm, drive, or effectiveness )a ~ for work) - demonian /di mo'ne-en/ adj. demonization /de me'ne'za-shen/ n. - demonize /de-me-niz/ vt.

2. Devils (KJV) or Demons (1140) and Evil or Unclean (169) Spirits (4151) refer to the same thing in the NT

a. Matthew 8:16, Matthew 10:1, 8

b. Mark 5:2-13, Mark 6:7, 13, Mark 7:25-30

c. Luke 4:33-41, Luke 8:2, Luke 8:27-38, Luke 9:42

d. 1 Timothy 4:1

e. Revelation 18:2

3. Demon possession entails a demon(s) dwelling inside a human body

a. Terminology:

1) cast out (1544) – ekballo – the idea of being drawn or cast out of something else (Matthew 7:4-5, Matthew 7:22)

2) come out (1831) – exerchomai + apo – to come forth, or be separate out of a place, from the body (Matthew 8:32, Matthew 10:11, Matthew 12:43-44)

3) possessed of devils (1139) – occurs 13 times – daemonizomai – to be under the power of a demon

4) (2192) – echo – to have, to hold, to own, to possess (Matthew 4:24, Matthew 8:16, Mark 1:32, Luke 8:36, John 10:21)

5) vexed (3791) – ochleo – to trouble, molest, disturb (Luke 6:18, Acts 5:16)

6) entered (1525) into (1519) – eiserchomai eis – to come into as of men or animal, as into a house or a city (compare Matthew 24:38, Mark 1:21, Mark 7:7, Mark 5:13, Luke 8:30, 33).

7) other scriptural evidence

a) Matthew 12:43 when the unclean (169) spirit (4151) is gone out of a man…45 he taketh with himself seven other spirits (4151)…

b) Luke 11:24 when the unclean (169) spirit (4151) is gone out of a man…26 …he goeth and taketh seven other spirits (4151) and they enter in…

8) CONCLUSION:

a) all of these terms and these verses indicate that demon possession involves the unclean, demon spirit dwelling within the body of its host

b) there are two results of demonic habitation

1) physical sickness, disease, or disability

2) the demon spirit supplants the human’s spirit in governing and operating the body (these will be discussed below)

b. Instances of demon possession – 14 total

1) 10 specific acts of demon possession

a) The man* at the tombs – Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:2-16, Luke 8:27-38

b) A demon of dumbness – Matthew 9:32, Luke 11:14

c) A demon of blindness and dumbness – Matthew 12:22

d) A Canaanite woman’s daughter has a demon – Matthew 15:22, Mark 7:25-30

e) A demon possessed son (after the transfiguration) – Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-25, Luke 39-42

f) A demon possessed man in the synagogue (Capernaum) – Mark 1:23-27, Luke 4:33-36

g) Mary Magdalene – Mark 16:9, Luke 8:2

h) A woman with a spirit of infirmity – Luke 13:11

i) A slave girl with a spirit of divination – Acts 16:16-18

j) The sons of Sceva, Jewish exorcists, and a demon possessed man – Acts 19:13-16

2) 4 non-specific acts of demon possession (where the possession spoken of has to do with large groups)

a) Demons cast out of many – Mark 1:34

b) Unclean spirits fall down before Jesus – Mark 3:11

c) Demons came out of many – Luke 4:40-41

d) Many with unclean spirits – Acts 8:7

3) *3 places where demon possession is discussed by the crowds, Pharisees

a) The people discuss Jesus – John 7:20

b) The Pharisees interact with Jesus – John 8:48-52

c) The crowd’s conclusions about Jesus – John 10:20-21

c. Results of demon possession

1) 4 times – resulting in physical (chronic or prolonged) sickness, disease, or disability – (the person’s ability to govern their own will is unaffected)

a) A demon of dumbness – Matthew 9:32, Luke 11:14

b) A demon of blindness and dumbness – Matthew 12:22

c) A demon possessed son (after the transfiguration) – Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-25, Luke 39-42

d) A woman with a spirit of infirmity – Luke 13:11

2) 12 references* – the demon spirit supplants the human spirit as the operator of the body

a) The man* at the tombs – Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:2-16, Luke 8:27-38

b) A demon possessed son (after the transfiguration) – Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:17-25, Luke 39-42

c) A demon possessed man in the synagogue (Capernaum) – Mark 1:23-27, Luke 4:33-36

d) Demons cast out of many – Mark 1:34

e) Unclean spirits fall down before Jesus – Mark 3:11

f) Demons came out of many – Luke 4:40-41

g) Many with unclean spirits – Acts 8:7

h) A slave girl with a spirit of divination – Acts 16:16-18

i) The sons of Sceva, Jewish exorcists and a demon possessed man – Acts 19:13-16

j) *Discussions about Jesus –

– The people discuss Jesus – John 7:20

– The Pharisees interact with Jesus – John 8:48-52

– The crowd’s conclusions about Jesus – John 10:20-21

3) Important NOTE: In all cases of demon possession where we are shown the person in the actual state of demon possession there is always some clear physical manifestation of the demon

a) this may be in reaction to the presence of Jesus Christ or one of his disciples

b) it could be in the form of: inexplicable behavior, the demon speaking out of the person, or some physical affliction, etc.

c) there are NO cases where a person is shown in a state of demon possession when the presence of the demon is not clearly discernable from external manifestations

4) *The case of Saul – 1 Samuel 16:14, 23, 18:10, 19:9

a) a Biblically unique situation

1. Saul is tormented by an evil spirit

2. This is a unique instance especially because it is the only case in which the evil spirit is sent by God to torment someone

3. Saul is NOT physically afflicted by the demon

4. The demon is NOT in control of Saul’s will

5. This demon caused Saul to become enraged at times

6. The demon comes and goes without being cast out, indicating that Saul is not truly possessed by the demon

7. This is the sole example of demonic activity in which the person was not either under the demons control or did not have some physical infirmity

8. we have no other examples of demonic activity in which the person is neither physically afflicted or completely mentally possessed

d. Demons are NOT Biblically associated with or said to cause other bad human traits, such as attitudes, behaviors, or habits

1) In the 60+ passages where demons or demonic activity is discussed in the NT only one verse even contains the possibility that this activity extends to other matters beyond sickness or physical disability

2) Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities (769), Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils

- 769 astheneia {as-then'-i-ah}

TDNT - 1:490,83 from 772

n f

1) want of strength, weakness, infirmity

a) of the body

1) its native weakness and frailty

2) feebleness of health or sickness

b) of the soul

2) want of strength and capacity requisite

a) to understand a thing

b) to do things great and glorious

c) to restrain corrupt desires

d) to bear trials and troubles

3) This verse states that these women were healed (2323) –

a) this Greek word, “therapeuo” means “to heal, to cure, to restore to health”

b) it is used 44 in the NT

c) where “therapeuo” and “astheneia” occur it always refers to the healing of physical sickness or disability when mentioned in the same context as demonic activity – 14 instances

1. Matthew 4:24, Matthew 8:16, Matthew 9:34-35, Matthew 10:1, 8

2. Mark 1:32-4, Mark 3:15, Mark 6:13

3. Luke 4:41, Luke 6:17-18, Luke 7:21, Luke 8:2, Luke 9:1, Luke 13:32

4. Acts 5:16, Acts 19:12

d) In all cases where the word “astheneia” is mentioned in reference to person when they are unsaved in the same context as demonic activity it indicates physical ailment NOT an inability to restrain corrupt desires – Matthew 8:17, Luke 5:15, Luke 13:11, John 5:5, Acts 28:9

e) In all of these cases including Luke 8:2 no causal connection between the evil spirits and the infirmities is made

e. CONCLUSIONS

i. Demons (1140) are the same as unclean (169) (or evil) spirits (4151)

ii. Demonic possession entails:

1. a demon(s) dwelling inside a human body, resulting in:

a. physical sickness, disease, or disability

b. the replacement of the human spirit by the demonic spirit as the operator of the body

c. some clear, outward, physical manifestation demonstrating the demonic possession of the person

2. There are NO cases of demonic possession in the Bible in which:

a. the possession is undetectable (or without outward manifestation) or explicable by other means

b. OR in which the possessed person is not suffering from some (chronic or prolonged) physical affliction or in which the demon spirit operates the human body in place of the human spirit

c. in which demons are given credit for bad or ungodly attitudes, behaviors, or habits instead humans are credited as being responsible for such things (James 1:14, Romans 1-2)

3. Isn’t the gift of “discerning of spirits” for detecting demonic spirits when there presence isn’t apparent? NO.

a. 1 Cor. 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning (1253) of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

b. 1253 diakrisis {dee-ak'-ree-sis}

from 1252; TDNT - 3:949,469; n f

AV - discerning 1, discern 1, disputation 1; 3

1) a distinguishing, discerning, judging

c. Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern (1253) both good and evil.

d. 1252 diakrino {dee-ak-ree'-no}

from 1223 and 2919; TDNT - 3:946,469; v

AV - doubt 5, judge 3, discern 2, contend 2, waver 2, misc 5; 19

1) to separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to prefer

2) to learn by discrimination, to try, decide

2a) to determine, give judgment, decide a dispute

3) to withdraw from one, desert

4) to separate one's self in a hostile spirit, to oppose, strive

with dispute, contend

5) to be at variance with one's self, hesitate, doubt

e. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (1381) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

f. 1381 dokimazo {dok-im-ad'-zo}

from 1384; TDNT - 2:255,181; v

AV - prove 10, try 4, approve 3, discern 2, allow 2, like 1, examine 1; 23

1) to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals

2) to recognise as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy

g. CONCLUSION: Discerning of spirits is NOT about detecting spirits its about determining which are from God and which are not.

iii. All instances of demons affecting persons occur BEFORE their conversion experience, BEFORE their coming to Christ, the Bible DOES NOT support the idea that Christians are possessed by demons – see also John 7:39, 2 Corinthians 11:4, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:1-4)

iv. The case of Saul is a single and unique circumstance, which cannot be used to form general rules about demonic activity on a universal scale

v. Demons can be involved in the physical sickness and/or disabilities of man, though there is no Biblical reason to state that this is always the case since sickness can also be caused by: (borrowed from Charismatic Study)

1. Sickness is sometimes sent specifically by God (through his angels)

a. Exodus - Egyptians (Exodus 9:1-12)

b. Miriam (Numbers12:1-16)

c. people of Israel bit with serpents and died from it, (Numbers 21:5-9)

d. Uzziah made leprous by God (2 Chronicles 26:16-22)

e. Jeroboam's arm made paralytic (1 Kings 13:1-6)

f. Men of Sodom rendered mute (Genesis 19:4-11)

g. Zechariah (John's father) rendered mute and deaf (Luke 1:18-22, 62-64)

h. Paul made blind and healed but symptoms continued his whole life, (Acts 9:8,17-18, Galatians 4:15, 1 Corinthians 12:7-10)

i. God sends an evil spirit to torment Saul mentally (1 Samuel 16:14-17, 23)

j. Paul speaks a command from God causing a sorcerer to go blind (Acts 13:10-12)

2. Sickness in general is a result of the curse on all mankind.

a. Genesis 3:16-19 the pronouncement of the curse of death upon all men

b. blind man in John 9:1-3 not blind because of sin but for God's glorification by healing him

c. tragedy not necessarily caused by sin Luke 13:1-4

3. Sickness sometimes caused by human sin/behavior

a. 1 Corinthians 11:28-32 - verse 30 "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep."

b. Romans 1:26-27 "27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."

B. Spiritual warfare is a mental battle

1) Our enemies, the Devil and the angelic adversaries, attack the mind with false ideas to deceive and lead astray from the truth and from sound doctrine

- 2 Corinthians 2: 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant (50) of his devices (3540)

- 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded (5186) the minds (3540) of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them

- 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons (3696) of our warfare (4752) are not carnal (4559), but mighty (1415) through God to the pulling down (2506) of strong holds (3794) 5 Casting down (2507) imaginations (3053), and every high thing (5315) that exalteth itself (1869) against (2596) the knowledge (1108) of God, and bringing into captivity (163) every thought (3540) to the obedience (5218) of Christ

- 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled (1818) Eve through his subtlety (3834), so your minds (3540) should be corrupted (5351) from the simplicity (572) that is in Christ.

- Ephesians 4:14 That we may be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight (2940) of men, and cunning craftiness (3834), whereby they lie in wait (3180) to deceive (4106)

- Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (3180) of the devil 12 For we wrestle (3823) not against flesh and blood, but against principalities (746), powers (1849), against the rulers (2888) of the darkness (4655) of this world (165), against spiritual (4152) wickedness in high (2032) [places]

- Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil (2071) you through philosophy (5385) and vain (2756) deceit (539), after the tradition (3862) of men, after the rudiments (4747) of the world(2889), and not after Christ.

2) The problem is the carnal mind

- Romans 8:6 For to be carnally (4561) minded (5427) is death; but to be spiritually minded (5427) is life and peace.

- 2 Corinthians 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience (4893), that in simplicity (572) and godly sincerity, not with fleshly (4559) wisdom (4678), but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

- Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity (3153) of their mind (3563),

- Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind (3563) and conscience (4893) is defiled.

3) What is the carnal mind?

- It is ungodly thinking, a mindset that does NOT subject itself to godly wisdom and truth

a) Romans 8:7 Because the carnal (4561) mind is enmity (2189) against (1519) God: for it is not subject (5293) to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

b) 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons (3696) of our warfare (4752) are not carnal (4559), but mighty (1415) through God to the pulling down (2506) of strong holds (3794) 5 Casting down (2507) imaginations (3053), and every high thing (5315) that exalteth itself (1869) against (2596) the knowledge (1108) of God, and bringing into captivity (163) every thought (3540) to the obedience (5218) of Christ

- It is worldly perspective, which comes from the angelic rulers of this age

a) 1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom (4675) among them that are perfect (5046): yet not the wisdom (4678) of this world (165), nor of the princes (758) of this world (165), that come to nought (2673), but we speak the wisdom of God…which none of the princes (758) of this world (165) knew (1097): for had they known (1097) [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

b) Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle (3823) not against flesh and blood, but against principalities (746), powers (1849), against the rulers (2888) of the darkness (4655) of this world (165), against spiritual (4152) wickedness in high (2032) [places]

c) Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities (746) and powers (1849) in heavenly (2032) [places] might be known (1107) by the church the manifold (4182) wisdom (4678) of God

d) 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons (3696) of our warfare (4752) are not carnal (4559), but mighty (1415) through God to the pulling down (2506) of strong holds (3794) 5 Casting down (2507) imaginations (3053), and every high thing (5315) that exalteth itself (1869) against (2596) the knowledge (1108) of God, and bringing into captivity (163) every thought (3540) to the obedience (5218) of Christ; 6 and having in a readiness (2092) to revenge (1556) all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled (4137).

- It is a mind that does NOT understand God’s Word, does NOT abide by it, but opposes God’s Word from a worldly point of view

1) It is at enmity with God and reprobate

- Romans 8:7 Because the carnal (4561) mind (5427) is enmity (2189) against (1519) God: for it is not subject (5293) to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

- Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain (2192) God in their knowledge (1922), God gave them over to a reprobate (96) mind (3563), to do those things (see Romans 1:20-32)

- 2 Timothy 3:8 As Jannes and Jambres withstood (436) Moses, so do these also resist (436) the truth (225): men of corrupt (2704) minds (3563), reprobate (96) concerning the faith (4102) which are not convenient (2520)

- Titus 1:16 They profess that they know (1492) God; but in works (2041) they deny [him], being abominable (947), and disobedient (545), and unto every good work (2041) reprobate (96)

- Romans 7:14-25 – the state of the unsaved person

2) It is conformity to this world

- Romans 12:2 And be not conformed (4964) to this world: but be ye transformed (3339) by the renewing (342) of your mind (3563), that ye may prove (1381) what [is] that good (18), and acceptable (2101), and perfect (5046), will of God

- Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh (4561) do mind (5426) the things of the flesh (4561); but they that are after the Spirit (4151) the things of the Spirit (4151).

3) It is to be double minded (inconsistent in your thoughts and in your actions)

- James 1:8 A double minded (1374) man [is] unstable (182) in all his ways (3598)

4) It is to not know God’s Will/Word

– 1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal (4559), even as unto babes in Christ.

– Hebrews 5:12 For when by the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

– Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

– 2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning (3129), and never able to come to the knowledge (1922) of the truth (225)

– Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed (1820) for lack of knowledge (1847)

– Matthew 15:6 Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

– Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

– Matthew 16:6 "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

– Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

– Mark 7:13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

– Matthew 22:29 Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

– Mark 12:24 Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?

4) What is the spiritual mind?

a. Godly wisdom, the knowledge of God, understanding the Word of God and the discipline to apply it and live it

1. It is having acknowledged the truth (about God)

– 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved (4982), to come unto the knowledge (1922) of the truth (225)

– Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed (341) in the knowledge (1922) after the image of him (1504) that created him:

– 2 Peter 2:20 For if they have escaped (668) the pollutions (3393) of the world (2889) through the knowledge (1922) of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…

– Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity (1775) of the faith (4102), and of the knowledge (1922) of the Son of God, unto a perfect (5046) man, unto the measure (3358) of the stature (2244) of the fulness (4138) of Christ

2. it is having the mind of Christ, knowing God’s will

– 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known (1097) the mind 3563) of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have (2192) the mind (3562) of Christ

– Romans 12:2 And be not conformed (4964) to this world: but be ye transformed (3339) by the renewing (342) of your mind (3563), that ye may prove (1381) what [is] that good (18), and acceptable (2101), and perfect (5046), will of God

– Ephesians 5:17 …but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

3. It is godly wisdom and understanding

– Ephesians 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom (4678) and revelation (602) in the knowledge (1922) of him:

– 1 Corinthians 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom (4675) among them that are perfect (5046): yet not the wisdom (4678) of this world (165), nor of the princes (758) of this world (165), that come to nought (2673), but we speak the wisdom of God…which none of the princes (758) of this world (165) knew (1097): for had they known (1097) [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

– Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth (5242) all understanding (3563), shall keep (5463) your hearts and minds (3540) through Christ Jesus.

– Luke 21:15 For I will give you a mouth (4750) and wisdom (4678), which all your adversaries (480) shall not be able (1410) to gainsay (471) nor resist (436)

4. It is being sober minded

– 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober (3525), putting on (1746) the breastplate (2382) of faith (4102) and love (26); and for an helmet (4030), the hope (1680) of salvation (4991).

– 1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore, gird up (328) the loins (3751) of your mind (1271), be sober (3525)…

– 1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand (1148): be ye therefore sober (4993), and watch (3525) unto prayer (4335)

– 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober (3525), be vigilant (1127); because your adversary (476) the devil (1228), as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

5. It is to be mature in Christ, to be able to distinguish between good and evil, to not be blown about by new doctrines, which were not the original teachings of Jesus Christ

– Hebrews 5:12 For when by the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

– Ephesians 4:14 That we may be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight (2940) of men, and cunning craftiness (3834), whereby they lie in wait (3180) to deceive (4106)

– 2 Timothy 2:15 Study (4704) to shew (3936) thyself approved (1384) unto God, a workman (2040) that needeth not to be ashamed (422), rightly dividing (3718) the word (3056) of truth (225)

– John 14:21 He that hath (2192) my commandments (1785), and keepeth (5083) them, he it is that loveth (25) me…23…if a man love (25) me he will keep (5083) my words (3056)…24 he that loveth (25) me not keepeth (5083) not my sayings (3056)…

6. Misc.

– 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled (1818) Eve through his subtlety (3834), so your minds (3540) should be corrupted (5351) from the simplicity (572) that is in Christ.

– Philippians 4:8 Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true (227), whatsoever things are honest (4586), whatsoever things are just (1342), whatsoever things are pure (53), whatsoever things are lovely (4375), whatsoever things are of good report (2163), if [there be] any virtue (703), and if [there be] any praise (1868), think (3049) on these things.

1) How do we engage in Spiritual Warfare?

a. Make our own minds, thoughts, and beliefs subject to the knowledge of God (God’s Word)

– Romans 12:2 And be not conformed (4964) to this world: but be ye transformed (3339) by the renewing (342) of your mind (3563), that ye may prove (1381) what [is] that good (18), and acceptable (2101), and perfect (5046), will of God

– Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed (341) in the knowledge (1922) after the image of him (1504) that created him:

– 2 Corinthians 6:6 By pureness (54), by knowledge (1108), by longsuffering (3115), by kindness (5544), by the Holy Spirit, by love unfeigned (505), 7 By the word (3056) of truth (225), by the power (1411) of God, by the armor (3696) of righteousness (1343) on the right hand and on the left.

– Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor (3833) of God, that ye may be able to withstand (436) in the evil (4190) day, and having done all, to stand (2476). 14 Stand (2476) therefore, having your loins (3751) girt about (4024) with truth (225)…the sword (3162) of the Spirit, which is the word (4487) of God.

– 2 Timothy 2:15 Study (4704) to shew (3936) thyself approved (1384) unto God, a workman (2040) that needeth not to be ashamed (422), rightly dividing (3718) the word (3056) of truth (225)

– Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (3162), piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts (1761) and intents (1771) of the heart.

– 2 Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons (3696) of our warfare (4752) are not carnal (4559), but mighty (1415) through God to the pulling down (2506) of strong holds (3794) 5 Casting down (2507) imaginations (3053), and every high thing (5315) that exalteth itself (1869) against (2596) the knowledge (1108) of God, and bringing into captivity (163) every thought (3540) to the obedience (5218) of Christ;

b. Defend and contend for the faith, sound doctrine, godliness, and truth AND refute, reprove, rebuke, and correct ungodly thinking

– Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

– Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

– Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

– 1 Timothy 1:3…that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

– 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

– 1 Timothy 6:3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

– 2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ… 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

– 2 Timothy 2:25 in meekness (4236) instructing those that oppose themselves (475); if God peradventure (3379) will give them repentance to the acknowledging (1922) of the truth (225)

– Titus 1:9 Holding fast (472) the faithful word (3056) as he hath been taught (1322), that he may be able by sound doctrine (1319) both to exhort (3870) and to convince (1651) the gainsayers (483). 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:

– Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine…15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

– 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

– Jude 1:3 Earnestly contend (1864) for the faith (4102) which was once delivered unto the saints

6) Examples of Spiritual Warfare in the Bible

– Acts 9:22 But Paul increased the more in strength, and confounded (4797) the Jews, which dwelt at Damascus, proving (4822) that this is very Christ

– Acts 18:28 For he [Apollos] mightily convinced (1246) the Jews, [and that] publicly, shewing (1925) by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ

– Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist (436) the wisdom (4678) and the spirit (4151) by which he [Stephen] spake (2980)

– Acts 17:11 These were more noble (2104) than those in Thessalonica in that they received (1209) the word (3056) with all readiness of mind (4288) and searched (350) the scriptures daily whether those things were so

– Philippians 4:8 Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true (227), whatsoever things are honest (4586), whatsoever things are just (1342), whatsoever things are pure (53), whatsoever things are lovely (4375), whatsoever things are of good report (2163), if [there be] any virtue (703), and if [there be] any praise (1868), think (3049) on these things.

C. The Armor of God

1. Verses:

– Romans 12:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off (659) the works (2041) of darkness (4655), and let us put on (1746) the armor (3696) of light

– Ephesians 6:11 Put on (1746) the whole armor (3833) of God

– Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor (3833) of God, that ye may be able to withstand (436) in the evil (4190) day, and having done all, to stand (2476). 14 Stand (2476) therefore, having your loins (3751) gird about (4024) with truth (225), and having on the breastplate (2382) of righteousness (1343); 15 and your feet shod (5265) with the preparation (2091) of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield (2375) of faith (4102), wherewith ye shall be able to quench (4570) the fiery (4448) darts of the wicked (4190). And take the helmet (403) of salvation (4992), and the sword (3162) of the Spirit, which is the word (4487) of God. Praying always…

– 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word (3056) of truth, by the power of God, by the armor (3696) of righteousness (1343) on the right hand and on the left

– 1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober (3525), putting on (1746) the breastplate (2382) of faith (4102) and love (26); and for an helmet (4030), the hope (1680) of salvation (4991).

2. The Armor of God is NOT some mystical prayer clothing our spirits wear in heavenly realms to sword-fight with adversarial angels, but is meant metaphorically to remind the church to walk uprightly, in sound faith, and in love.

a. Many of these pieces of armor are meant as references to instructions for godly living for the church recorded elsewhere in the scripture as described above

1) your loins gird about with truth

a) a reference to being watchful for the Lord (Luke 12:35-40 – same language for “loins” and “gird”)

b) 1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up (328) the loins (3751) of your mind (1271), be sober (3525), and hope (1679) to the end (5049) for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation (602) of Jesus Christ;

c) also see Exodus 12:11 in, 2 structions for Passover

2) feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace

a) speaks of the twelve apostles commissioned by Jesus to go out to preach the gospel who were told how to prepare for their journey (Mark 6:7-13 – same language for “shod”)

b) preparation is Strong’s # 2091 from Strong’s #2090, which is the same word used in 2 Corinthians 10:6 (see above), which also speaks of spiritual warfare

c) also see Exodus 12:11 instructions for Passover

3) the shield of faith…

a) an admonition to remain in the faith through the trials brought on by the enemy

b) Hebrews 11:34 mentions those who “quenched (4570) the violence of fire (4442)” among those who acted in faith and yet they are said to have died having not received the promise (v.13)

c) the attacks of the enemy (the Devil, the Antichrist) are portrayed as darts/arrows (Psalms 7:13, Ezekiel 39:9, Revelation 6:2)

d) especially in the evil day (the tribulation, v.13, Revelation 6:2)

e) if we remain in the faith and do not depart from it we will be saved (Revelation 13:10, Matthew 10:22, Matthew 13:21, 1 Timothy 4:1)

4) the helmet of salvation (the hope of salvation)

a) Romans 8:24 For we are saved (4982) by hope (1680): but hope (1680) that is seen is not hope (1680): for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

b) Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope (1680); patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

c) Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (1680).

5) the sword of the Spirit – the word of God

– Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword (3162), piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts (1761) and intents (1771) of the heart.

– 2 Timothy 2:15 Study (4704) to shew (3936) thyself approved (1384) unto God, a workman (2040) that needeth not to be ashamed (422), rightly dividing (3718) the word (3056) of truth (225)

b. The overlapping and redundant references indicate metaphorical purpose and NOT the intention to speak of actual items that the believer dawns in spiritual battle with angelic beings, examples:

1) the breastplate of ???

a) Is it the breastplate of righteousness, of faith, of truth, or of all? How many breastplates are we to wear? – Ephesians 6:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:8

2) the helmet of salvation (the hope of salvation)

a) Which is it the helmet of salvation or the hope of salvation? How many helmets are we to wear?

3) the word faith is used to refer to both the shield and the breastplate

c. NOTE: Many of these items seem to be instruction for Christians which have in view the tribulation or the coming of the kingdom

D. Casting out and Binding and Loosing

1. Binding and Loosing

a. Binding and Loosing and the Keys of Kingdoms

a) In Matthew 16:19 and Matthew 18:18 Jesus tells his disciples “and whatsoever thou shalt bind (1210) on earth (1093) shall be bound (1210) in heaven (3772): and whatsoever thou shalt loose (3089) on earth (1093) shall be loosed (3089) in heaven (3772).”

b) From the context of Matthew 18:18 (verse 15-17) we can see that Jesus is NOT referring to casting out demons, to prayer, or to spiritual warfare, but to the authority he gave to the Apostles to excommunicate from the church

1) Matthew 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed (630) him, and forgave him the debt.

2) Loosed (630) is apoluo which is a compound word from apo (575) meaning “separation” and “luo” (3089), which occurs in verse 18 and is translated “loose”

3) 630 apoluo {ap-ol-oo'-o}

from 575 and 3089; v

AV - release 17, put away 14, send away 13, let go 13, set at liberty 2, let depart 2, dismiss 2, misc 6; 69

1) to set free

2) to let go, dismiss, (to detain no longer)

2a) a petitioner to whom liberty to depart is given by a decisive answer

2b) to bid depart, send away

3) to let go free, release

3a) a captive i.e. to loose his bonds and bid him depart, to

4) Luke 13:16 – a woman bound by the devil, with an infirmity, is loosed by Jesus (in this passage Satan does the binding, binding has to do with causing sickness, and Jesus does not bind either the devil or the woman.)

2. Casting Out demons

a) Jesus gives authority over demons and to cast out demons to his disciples in the NT.

b) Matthew 7:22, Matthew 10:1, Mark 3:15, Mark 6:13, Mark 16:17, Luke 9:1, Luke 10:17

c) NOTE: Nowhere in the NT is this authority over demons or to cast out demons connected to prayer or spiritual warfare

III. Identifying Spiritual Beings

A. Types of Spiritual Beings

1. God

2. Angels

3. Man

4. Demons - the unclean (evil) spirits of the Nephilim

B. Who were the Nephilim?

1. For an in depth look at this subject please see our articles on Bible Cosmology entitled “Bodies in Heaven: Angels and Spirit Bodies” and “Humans and Angels: How Similar are We?” at )

2. Genesis 6:1-4

a. 1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2 That the sons (1121) of God (430) saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 4 There were giants (5303) in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons (1121) of God (430) came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

b. Terminology

1) “sons of God”

a) in the Hebrew is “bnai (1121) Elohim (430)”

b) the Hebrew phrase “bnai Elohim” occurs five times in the OT (Genesis 6:2, 4, Job 1:6, 2:1, Job 38:7)

c) In Job 1:6, 2:1, and 38:7 the phrase “sons of God” refers to angels

d) (Job is considered by some to be the oldest book in the Bible)

2) The offspring of the angels and the daughters of men were called giants, which in the Hebrew is Nephilim (5303), which is derived from the Hebrew root word “naphal” (5307) meaning to fall, to be cast down, to throw down (which connects to Jude 1:4-8 and 2 Peter 2:4, which we will cover later)

c. CONCLUSION: Angels had offspring with the daughters of men

C. Ancient Judeo-Christian understanding of the Nephilim and demons

1. The Book of Enoch

a. details on the book of Enoch

1) the copy of the Book of Enoch that is available today was penned during the second century BC (approx. 150 BC) – predating the NT by nearly two centuries

2) We have copies from both Ethiopia and the Dead Sea Scrolls, those from Ethiopia were made from a Greek manuscript, which was a copy of an earlier Semitic or Aramaic version

3) This book has astoundingly distinct prophecies of the Messiah and is written from a non-Jewish point of view (the words Israel, Jew, and Hebrew DO NOT appear in the book of Enoch) further indicating that this book originated before Abraham

b. Importance of the Book of Enoch to the Bible (see Addendum p.1-6 for extended listing)

1) its terminology and content are found in the Bible (both OT and NT – including: Daniel, Matthew, Mark, Luke, 1 Corinthians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Hebrews, Jude, and Revelation among others)

2) were known and understood at the time of Jesus

3) and are affirmed by the New Testament writers in the New Testament (and perhaps referred to and quoted in more than 50 passages)

a) Daniel 4:13, 17, 23

a) the term “watchers” is used 3 times to refer to angels – this term is used nowhere else in the scripture to refer to angels, but the Book of Enoch uses it in this way 14 times

b) Jude 1:14 (Quote of Enoch 1:9)

b) Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

c) Enoch 1:9 And behold! He cometh with ten thousands of His holy ones To execute judgement upon all, And to destroy all the ungodly: And to convict all flesh Of all the works of their ungodliness which they have committed, And of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.

c) The angels Michael and Gabriel are mentioned by name 5 times and 4 times (respectively) in the Bible, these names are found 18 times and 8 times (respectively) in the Book of Enoch

d) similar teachings in Enoch and the NT

a) Enoch 5:7 The elect shall possess light, joy, and peace, and they shall inherit the earth.

- Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

b) Enoch 19:1-2 So that they sacrifice to devils as to Gods.

- 1 Corinthians 10:20 The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God.

c) Enoch 22:8-13 [The angel Raphael addressing Enoch in the region of the dead:] Here their souls are separated ... by a chasm.

- Luke 16:26 [Abraham addressing the rich man from the region of the blessed] Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed.

d) Enoch 9:3-6 Then they said to the Lord, the King: Thou art Lord of lords, God of gods, King of kings. The throne of thy glory is for ever and ever, and for ever and ever is thy name sanctified and glorified. Thou art blessed and glorified. Thou hast made all things; thou possessest power over all things: and all things are open and manifest before thee. Thou beholdest all things, and nothing can be concealed from thee.

- Revelations 17:14; 19:16 King of kings, and Lord of lords.

- Revelations 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are, and were created.

- Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

e) Matthew 24:22,29,30 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved. ... Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven. ... Then shall the tribes of the earth mourn; and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.

- Enoch 80:1-7 In the days of sinners the years shall be shortened... heaven shall stand still. The moon shall change its laws, and not be seen at its proper period; ... and all the classes of the stars shall be shut up against sinners.

- Enoch 62:4-6 And trouble shall seize them when they shall behold the Son of Woman sitting upon the throne of his glory.

f) Revelations 20:11-13,15 I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, ... and I saw the dead, small and great, standing before the throne; and the books were opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged out of those things that were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them. ... And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

- Enoch 47:3 He sat upon the throne of his glory, while the book of the living was opened in his presence, and while all the powers which were above the heavens stood around and before him.

g) Enoch 91:16 The former part of heaven shall depart and pass away, a new heaven shall appear.

- Revelations 21:1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.

h) Enoch 62:2, 4 The word of his mouth shall destroy all sinners, and all the ungodly shall perish at his presence. ... Trouble shall come upon them, as upon a woman in travail.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:3 Then sudden destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape.

- 2 Thessalonians 2:8 That wicked whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth.

c. Importance of the Book of Enoch to the early church (for an extended list see the Addendum p.7)

1) some early Christians accepted the Book of Enoch as authentic scripture

a) Barnabus (100 AD) (quotes it three times)

- For the Scripture says, “And it will come to pass in the last days, that the Lord will deliver up the sheep of His pasture, their sheepfold, and their tower to destruction” (quote of Enoch 89:56-89)

b) Tertullian (160-230 AD)

- Since in the same scripture, Enoch has preached similarly concerning the Lord, nothing at all must be rejected by us that pertains to us. We read that every Scripture suitable for edification is divinely inspired. So it may now seem to have been rejected by the Jews for that very reason – just like nearly all the other portions that speak of Christ…To these considerations is added the fact that Enoch possesses a corroboration in the apostle Jude.

c) Athenagorus regards Enoch as a true prophet (Legatio, 170 AD)

d) the ECF’s which approved of and supported the Book of Enoch: Barnabus (100), Tatian (110-172); Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons (120-202); Clement of Alexandria (150-220); Tertullian (160-230); Origen (186-255); Lactantius (260-330); in addition to: Methodius of Philippi, Minucius Felix, Commodianus, and Ambrose of Milanalso

d. Quotes from the Book of Enoch about angels and demons (for an extended list see the Addendum p.7-9)

1) the Nephilim are the children of angels and women

- Enoch, Chapter 15 – And go, say to the Watchers of heaven, who have sent thee to intercede for them: "You should intercede" for men, and not men 3 for you: Wherefore have ye left the high, holy, and eternal heaven, and lain with women, and defiled yourselves with the daughters of men and taken to yourselves wives, and done like the children 4 of earth, and begotten giants (as your) sons? And though ye were holy, spiritual, living the eternal life, you have defiled yourselves with the blood of women, and have begotten (children) with the blood of flesh, and, as the children of men, have lusted after flesh and blood as those also do who die 5 and perish.

- Enoch, Chapter 19 – 1 And Uriel said to me: 'Here shall stand the angels who have connected themselves with women,

2) the spirits of the Nephilim will be called demons and evil or unclean spirits

- Enoch, Chapter 10 – 8 And now, the giants, who are produced from the spirits and flesh, shall be called evil spirits upon 9 the earth, and on the earth shall be their dwelling. Evil spirits have proceeded from their bodies; because they are born from men and from the holy Watchers is their beginning and primal origin; 10 they shall be evil spirits on earth, and evil spirits shall they be called. [As for the spirits of heaven, in heaven shall be their dwelling, but as for the spirits of the earth which were born upon the earth, on the earth shall be their dwelling.] And the spirits of the giants afflict, oppress, destroy, attack, do battle, and work destruction on the earth, and cause trouble:

- Enoch, Chapter 69 – …this is he who showed the children of men all the wicked smitings of spirits and demons,

3) demons will be worshipped as gods and in the idols of pagans

a) Enoch, Chapter 19 – 1 And Uriel said to me: 'Here shall stand the angels who have connected themselves with women, and their spirits assuming many different forms are defiling mankind and shall lead them astray into sacrificing to demons as gods, (here shall they stand,) till the day of the great judgement in 2 which they shall be judged till they are made an end of.

b) Enoch, Chapter 99 – 7 And again I swear to you, ye sinners, that sin is prepared for a day of unceasing bloodshed. And they who worship stones, and grave images of gold and silver and wood (and stone) and clay, and those who worship impure spirits and demons, and all kinds of idols not according to knowledge, shall get no manner of help from them.

2. The Early Church Writers confirm the Book of Enoch (for an extended list see the Addendum p.9-13)

1) Ignatius (30-107 AD, disciple of John the Apostle) – demons worshipped as Gods

- CHAP. II.--IGNATIUS IS CONDEMNED BY TRAJAN. For Trajan…threatening them with persecution unless they should agree to(6) worship daemons, as did all other nations, thus compelled(7) all who were living godly lives either to sacrifice [to idols] or die…Thou art in error when thou callest the daemons of the nations gods.

2) Justin Martyr (c. 110-165 AD)

– angels had children with women, who are called demons

a) "The angels transgressed this appointment and were captivated by love of women. And they begat children, who are those called demons."

b) "The poets and mythologists did not know that it was the [wicked] angels, and those demons who had been begotten by them…For they called them by whatever name each of the angels had given to himself and to his children."

– demons are worshipped as gods by the heathen

a) CHAP. V.--CHRISTIANS CHARGED WITH ATHEISM. – For the truth shall be spoken; since of old these evil demons, effecting apparitions of themselves… not knowing that these were demons, they called them gods, and gave to each the name which each of the demons chose for himself…we not only deny that they who did such things as these are gods, (2) but assert that they are wicked and impious demons

b) CHAP. IX.--FOLLY OF IDOL, WORSHIP. And neither do we honour with many sacrifices and garlands of flowers such deities as men have formed and set in shrines and called gods… but have the names and forms of those wicked demons which have appeared.

– the demons that Jesus (and his disciples) cast out are the spirits of the children of angels and women

a) CHAP. LXXVI.--FROM OTHER PASSAGES THE SAME MAJESTY AND GOVERNMENT OF CHRIST ARE PROVED. And now we, who believe on our Lord Jesus, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, when we exorcise all demons and evil spirits, have them subjected to us.

3) Ireneaus (120-202 AD, disciple of Polycarp, the disciple of John the Apostle) –

– demons are the children of angels and women

a) CHAP. VI. --THE ANGELS AND THE CREATOR OF THE WORLD COULD NOT HAVE BEEN IGNORANT OF THE SUPREME GOD. By calling upon Him, even before the coming of our Lord, men were saved both from most wicked spirits, and from all kinds of demons, and from every sort of apostate power. This was the case, not as if earthly spirits or demons had seen Him, but because they knew of the existence of Him who is God over all, at whose invocation they trembled, as there does tremble every creature, and principality, and power, and every being endowed with energy under His government.

– demons are worshipped by the heathen as gods

a) CHAP. XII. --DOCTRINE OF THE REST OF THE APOSTLES For, as they did not speak to the Gentiles in compliance with their notions, but told them with boldness that their gods were no gods, but the idols of demons;

– The demons are NOT angels, but are distinguished from them

a) CHAP. VI.--EXPLANATION OF THE WORDS OF CHRIST, "NO MAN KNOWETH THE FATHER, BUT THE SON," ETC.; WHICH WORDS THE HERETICS MISINTERPRET. pROOF THAT, BY THE FATHER REVEALING THE SON, AND BY THE SON BEING REVEALED, THE FATHER WAS NEVER UNKNOWN. …while He received testimony from all that He was very man, and that He was very God, from the Father, from the Spirit, from angels, from the creation itself, from men, from apostate spirits and demons, from the enemy, and last of all, from death itself.

4) Tertullian (approx. 197 AD)

– demons are the children of angels and women

a) "Furthermore, we are instructed by our sacred books how from certain angels, who fell of their own free will, there sprang a more wicked demon brood, condemned of God along with the authors of their race…Their great business is the ruin of mankind. So, from the start, spiritual wickedness sought our destruction.

– demons are responsible for sickness, disease, and disability

a) Accordingly, they inflict upon our bodies diseases and other grievous calamities. And by violent assaults, they hurry the soul into sudden and extraordinary excesses…By an influence equally obscure, demons and angels breath into the soul, and rouse up its corruptions with furious passions and vile excesses."

5) Athenagoras (approximately 175 AD) – demons are the children of angels and women

a) "These angels, then, who have fallen from heaven, and haunt the air and the earth, and are no longer able to rise to heavenly things, and the souls of the giants, who are the demons who wander about the world, perform similar actions."

6) Commodianus (approx. 240 AD) – demons are the children of angels and women and are worshipped as gods by the heathen

a) "From the seed [of the fallen angels and women], giants are said to have been born. By them, arts were made known in the earth. They taught the dyeing of wool and everything that is done. When they died, men erected images to them. Yet, because they were of an evil seed, the Almighty did not approve of their being brought back from death when they had died. For that reason, they wander and they now subvert many bodies. And it is these whom you [pagans] presently worship and pray to as gods."

2. CONCLUSIONS:

1) The Old Testament records that:

- before the Flood some of the angels came down from heaven and had children by the daughters of men

- These children of angels and men were called Nephilim

2) The Ancient Judeo-Christian understanding – Non-canonical (orthodox) texts from before and after the New Testament explain that:

a) the Nephilim would die and that their spirits would remain on the earth and would be called evil spirits and/or demons

b) These spirits of the Nephilim would be worshipped as gods by the heathen

c) Demons ARE NOT angels, demons are the offspring of angels and women – In both the Genesis account and in non-canonical orthodox writings the (spirits of the) Nephilim are distinguished from the angels

D. The New Testament

1. words and definitions (see definitions section at the end of the study)

a. angel – aggelos (32)

b. demons (NIV, etc.) or devils (KJV) – daimonion (1140) (occurs 60 times) or daimon (1142) (occurs 3 times)

c. unclean spirit – akathartos (169) pneuma (4151)

d. devil – diabolos (1228)

e. satan – satanas (4567)

2. Synonymous Usage

a. references to demons

1) daimonion (1140), daimon (1142), and daimonizomai (1139) are related Greek terms and are used interchangeably in the NT

2) all of these words are used to refer to demons (or demonic activity)

- Matthew 8:31 (at the Gergesenes) the devils (1142) petition Jesus to let them enter the pigs

- Mark 5:12 the devils (1142) petition Jesus to enter the pigs

- Luke 8:27 at Gadarenes (near Galilee), a man which had devils (1140) a long time (naked, and dwelled in the tombs) (v. 29 the devil is referred to as an unclean 169 spirit 4151 and the man is said to be driven by the devil 1142, diamon into the wilderness, v.31 they petition Jesus not to send them to the abyss 12)

b. demons and unclean spirits are used interchangeably in the NT

- Matthew 7:26-30, Matthew 8:16 (1139), Matthew 10:8, Luke 4:33-41, Luke 8:2, Luke 8:29 (1142), Luke 9:42, 1 Timothy 4:1, Revelation 8:29, Revelation 16:13-14, Revelation 18:2 (1142)

c. satanas and diabolos are used interchangeably in the NT

1) Jesus’ is tempted – Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:13, Luke 4:2-13

2) Parable of the sower – Mark 4:15, Luke 8:12

3) Judas’ betrayal of Jesus – Luke 22:3, John 12:2, John 13:27

4) The dragon – Revelation 12:9, 12, Revelation 20:2, 7, 9

d. the Devil is an angel – (satanas and diabolos are included among the angels in the Bible)

1. 1) Job 1:6, Job 2:1, Ezekiel 28:14

2. 2) Matthew 25:41, 2 Corinthians 11:14, Revelation 12:9

e. demons are under the authority of the Devil - Matthew 12:24-27, Mark 3:22, Luke 11:15-19

3. Distinction of spirit beings in the NT

a. usage of terms for demons

1) Daimonion – occurs 60 times 52 of which are the Gospels, 52 times are references to demonic possession and casting out demons

2) Daimon – occurs 5 times, 3 of which are in the Gospels, 3 of which refer to Jesus casting out demons

3) Daimonizomai – occurs 13 times, all of which are in the gospels and deal with demonic possession and casting out demons

b. references to angels

1) the Bible distinguishes between holy and fallen angels referring to fallen angels as angels, NOT as demons

- Matthew 13:41, 16:27, 22:30, 24:36, 25:31, 25:41 (evil), Mark 8:38, 13:27, Luke 9:26, 12:8, 15:10, John 1:51, Acts 10:3, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 1 Timothy 5:21*, 2 Peter 2:4 (evil), Jude 1:6 (evil), Revelation 3:5, Revelation 9:11, 14, 12:7, 9

2) angels are NEVER referred to AS demons or unclean spirits in the Bible, but are always referred to as angels

3) demons are under the authority of the Devil, but the Devil and his angles are NEVER referred to in the NT as demons or unclean spirits – (Matthew 12:24-27, Mark 3:22, Luke 11:15-19)

4. Scripture upholds and refers to the views expressed in the non-canonical orthodox works (the Book of Enoch and the writings of the early church) confirming that these views were the historical Christian perspective on these matters

a. Records that there were angels who had children with women – 1) Genesis 6:1-4

2) Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

3) 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

b. distinction between angels and spirits among the Jewish leadership – Acts 23:8-9

E. The word “demon”

1) Webster’s Dictionary, tenth edition records that the English word “demon” originates from the Greek word daimon

- Demon or daemon /de’mon/ n [ME demon, fr. LL & L daemon evil spirit, fr. L, divinity, spirit, fr. Gk daimon, prob. fr. daiesthai to distribute – more at TIDE] )13c) 1a: an evil spirit b: a source or agent of evil, harm, distress, or ruin 2 usu daemon: an attendant power or spirit: GENUS 3 usu daemon: a supernatural being of Greek mythology intermediate between gods and men 4: one that has exceptional enthusiasm, drive, or effectiveness )a ~ for work) – demonian /di mo’ne-en/ adj. demonization /de me’ne’za-shen/ n. – demonize /de-me-niz/ vt.

2) This Greek word is the same as or is derived from the Greek words used in the NT –

- (1140) daimonion {dahee-mon'-ee-on}

neuter of a derivative of 1142

TDNT - 2:1,137 n n

AV - devil 59, god 1; 60

1) the divine power, deity, divinity

2) a spirit, a being inferior to God, superior to men

3) evil spirits or the messengers and ministers of the devil

- (1142) daimon {dah'-ee-mown}

TDNT - 2:1,137 from daio (to distribute fortunes)

n m/f

AV - devils 4, devil 1; 5

1) a god, a goddess

a) an inferior deity, whether good or bad

2) in the NT, an evil spirit

- (1139) daimonizomai {dahee-mon-id'-zom-ahee}ference

TDNT - 2:19,137 middle voice from 1142 v

1) to be under the power of a demon.

F. CONCLUSIONS:

1. before the flood some angels came down from heaven and sinned by having children with women.

2. these children were called the Nephilim

3. after the Nephilim died their spirits remained on earth and they were known as demons or evil or unclean spirits

4. these demons ARE NOT angels, but were the children of angels and women

5. The Bible as well as ancient Judeo-Christian, orthodoxy viewed angels and demons as distinctly different types of spiritual beings

6. the Bible does NOT use the term demon to refer to fallen angels, therefore it is incorrect to hold that demons ARE fallen angels.

IV. STUDY CONCLUSIONS

A. Demons and unclean spirits

1. Demons (1140) are the same as unclean (169) (or evil) spirits (4151)

2. Demonic possession entails:

1. a demon(s) dwelling inside a human body, resulting in:

a. physical sickness, disease, or disability

b. the replacement of the human spirit by the demonic spirit as the operator of the body

c. some clear, outward, physical manifestation demonstrating the demonic possession of the person

2. There are NO cases of demonic possession in the Bible in which:

a. the possession is undetectable (or without outward manifestation) or explicable by other means

b. OR in which the possessed person is not suffering from some (chronic or prolonged) physical affliction or in which the demon spirit operates the human body in place of the human spirit

c. in which demons are given credit for bad or ungodly attitudes, behaviors, or habits instead humans are credited as being responsible for such things (James 1:14, Romans 1-2) – although as the devil tempted Jesus, these adversaries may be involved in attempting to tempt humans into engaging in sinful behavior, but it is our choice whether or not to actually commit sin

3. All instances of demons affecting persons occur BEFORE their conversion experience, BEFORE their coming to Christ, the Bible DOES NOT support the idea that Christians are or can be affected by demonic activity or possessed by demons

4. The case of Saul is a single and unique circumstance, which cannot be used to form general rules about demonic activity on a universal scale

5. Demons can be involved in the physical sickness and/or disabilities of man, though there is no Biblical reason to state that this is always the case since sickness can also be caused by: (borrowed from Charismatic Study)

a. Sickness is sometimes sent specifically by God (through his angels)

b. Sickness in general is a result of the curse on all mankind.

c. Sickness sometimes caused by human sin/behavior

B. Spiritual Warfare

1. Spiritual Warfare is a mental battle, an ideological war NOT

- a sword fight with fallen angels or demons in some spiritual realm

- binding and loosing angelic powers in prayer

- casting demons out of people

2. The Devil and the angelic adversaries attack our minds and our understanding with false ideas and attempt to deceive us and lead us astray

3. The problem, what we seek to avoid and resist, is the carnal mind, carnal thinking

a. which is ideas, notions, beliefs, which are not in line with the Word of God, which do not submit to the truth of the scriptures

b. which is ignorance on the part of the individual of the Bible and what it says – a lack of Biblical knowledge understanding and godly understanding

c. which is worldly thinking and an ungodly worldview – worldly or human wisdom

d. which is being tossed about by every new wave of teaching, not being able to distinguish between true, sound doctrine and heresy (the doctrines of devils), not holding to the historic Christian faith as handed down from the earliest times

e. which is not being able to distinguish the difference between good and evil, right and wrong

4. We must resist the carnal mind by renewing our mind in the Word of God

a) by learning godly wisdom

b) by seeking knowledge of God

c) by increasing our understanding of God’s Will and God’s Word

d) by studying the Bible and learning sound doctrine

e) by making our thoughts accountable to the Word

f) by aligning ourselves and our worldview with the Bible

g) learning to distinguish between right and wrong, evil and good

h) examining doctrine and trying the spirits

5. How we engage spiritual warfare

a) by defending and contending for the faith with those who oppose it

b) by refuting and rebuking those who oppose correct doctrine and sound doctrine

c) renewing our own minds and making our thinking align with God’s Word

6. The armor of God IS NOT actual prayer clothing that we wear on our spirits in spiritual realms when we pray, but is meant metaphorically to instruct and remind the church how to avoid the being deceived by the enemy, we defeat the plans of our adversary by:

a) walk uprightly, in integrity

b) remembering the hope of our calling as we face adversity in this life

c) being well studied in the Word and able to handle it well

d) always being ready and prepared in the Word, to give an answer, and to proclaim the gospel when at every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16-17, 2 Timothy4:2, 1 Peter 3:21)

e) being strong and secure in the faith (through the Word) so we won’t be fooled or deceived

f) to be prepared for the tribulation, the coming of the Lord, and the kingdom of God

7. Casting out demons IS NOT a part of spiritual warfare

- NOTE: while there are many (over 60) mentions of humans being possessed by demons/unclean spirits, there are only two humans who will ever be possessed by an angel, Judas and the Antichrist (Luke 22:3, John 13:2, John 17:12, 2 Thessalonians 2:3) – both of whom are possessed by the same angel, Abaddon, the destroyer. We do not have any information from the Bible that any other angel can or does possess any other man. We cannot say that fallen angels possess humans outside of these two cases by this one angel. (*a third possible case would include the False Prophet by the Devil himself)

8. The authority to bind and loose is about excommunication and forgiveness and NOT spiritual warfare

9. We DO NOT bind and loose angels as a part of spiritual warfare

10. Spiritual warfare is NOT exclusively prayer, prayer may be seen as a part of spiritual warfare, but…

a) most of the Biblical portrayal of the spiritual warfare in which believers are involved deals with:

1) studying and learning the Word and doctrine

2) refuting those who oppose unsound doctrine

3) disciplining our minds and behavior to conform to the Word and Will of God

4) defending the faith (apologetics)

C. Spiritual Beings in the Bible

1. There are four types of spiritual beings:

1) God

2) angels

3) man

4) demons (the evil or unclean spirits of the Nephilim, the children of angels and women)

2. The Bible as well as the non-canonical, orthodox writings, which proceed and follow the New Testament period confirm that the Jews and early Christians understood and taught the following:

a. the Nephilim were the offspring of angels and women recorded in Genesis 6:1

b. after their physical death the spirits of the Nephilim would roam the earth not being allowed into heaven

c. the spirits of the Nephilim are referred to as unclean (evil) spirits or demons

d. it is these demons that pagan cultures worship with idols and, which pagan mythology describes (Genesis 6:4)

e. demons are a particular category of spiritual being distinct from angels and from men (and of course from God)

f. fallen angels ARE NOT demons, demons ARE NOT fallen angels – fallen, wicked angels are referred to in the Bible as angels NOT as demons

g. these demons can cause human sickness and disability

3. Jesus’ disciples were given authority over demons in Jesus’ name

4. We DO NOT see Christians given authority over angels (at least not in this age)

a. Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

b. Revelation 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

c. Jude 1:9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, darest not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

d. Hebrews 2:8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing [that is] not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

5. Taking authority over angles is NOT a part of spiritual warfare or prayer

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