TUESDAY September 28, 2021
Demonic Ranks of Wickedness
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
Our spiritual battle is against Satan and his demons––fallen angelic beings. They are our spiritual, unseen foes that we daily face. Christians do not wrestle against flesh and blood; they wrestle against wicked spiritual hosts in the heavenly places! What is the nature of demons? They are very evil and powerful. Dr. J. Vernon McGee described these demonic ranks as,
Principalities––demons that have oversight over the nations of the worlds––these are the generals over Kings, Presidents and other people who are in charge of nations. Against powers––these are the demons who want to possess human beings’ bodies. Rulers of darkness of this age are demons who have charge over Satan’s business in this world. Spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places are demons in the heavenlies who want to change the religions of the world.
Just as there are ranks in our armed forces––privates, lance corporals, sergeants, lieutenants and generals––it is the same way Satan operates. We are not to be ignorant of Satan’s schemes––he is smart. It is important to know Satan can afflict believers, but only by permission, as we read in the case of Job (Job 1-2).
During the time of Jesus, we can read the biblical accounts of people who were demon possessed. Demons tormented and tried to kill the person they possessed (Luke 8:28-29). People and even animals can be possessed by more than one demon. Mary Magdalena had seven demons (Luke 8:2). A man was possessed by multiple demons. Legion was the name given, a name that referred to many of them (Mark 5:8-9). Jesus was able to deliver them from demon possession.
No matter how many pleasures Satan offers you, his ultimate intention is to ruin you. Your destruction is his highest priority.
~Erwin W Lutzer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!