What Does the Bible Teach About Demons and Spiritual Warfare?
In this series, How to Teach Difficult Doctrines, we’ll be offering reflections about how youth workers can teach and talk about difficult doctrines and issues. Some are challenging because they’re confusing, others because they’re controversial, and some because they’re simply difficult for youth to accept.
One of my favorite movie quotes is from The Usual Suspects. It’s a classic “whodunit” story that concludes with the line, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn’t exist.” Not only is it a great movie, but that line is theologically profound.
I haven’t done this, but I suspect that polling our youth groups about whether or not the devil and demons are real would have troubling results. Perhaps a poll among youth pastors would fare similarly. It’s simply something we don’t talk about. And I get it. But it’s also a very important topic, and is far too dangerous to overlook.
What the Bible Clearly Teaches
They exist. Denying the reality of demons will require you to reject many biblical passages. They aren’t metaphors for mental health struggles or life’s hardships, and we “know better” today. The Bible talks about demons and spiritual beings from the Garden of Eden all the way to the New Heavens and New Earth. Denying the existence of demons will radically transform the way you read the gospels and Jesus’ miracles. 1 Peter 5:8 tells believers to, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
They have Supernatural Power. Spiritual warfare is not a joke to laugh about or a metaphor for hardship. The Bible makes it clear that angels and demons do wield some measure of power (Job 1; Rev 12:7). Demonic possessions in the gospels are clear evidence of the suffering and terror demons can bring upon people. Additionally, Paul warns the Ephesian church that our “battle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 6:12)
They remain under God’s ultimate authority. Job famously describes Satan requiring God’s permission to test Job with suffering (Job 1:12). The Psalmist praises God’s power and sovereignty by remembering that all things are under God’s sovereign power and that it’s impossible to escape his presence (Psalm 139:7-12).
The Holy Spirit is Greater. The Holy Spirit isn’t a high-ranking angel in God’s army – he is God, the third Person of the Godhead. When Christians are justified by faith, they receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This is why John, when writing to the church about “testing the spirits” strengthens them with the encouragement, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
They will face judgment by Jesus. Spiritual warfare is a present-day reality, but victory was secured on Holy Week, where Jesus “disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Col 2:15) Demons may have power on the Earth to bring suffering and persecution, but they will receive their just punishment by King Jesus on the day of judgment (Rev. 19:11-20:3).
What the Bible is Fuzzy About
Their Origins. There are a few passages (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-15; Jude 6; and Revelation 12:4) that address a spiritual rebellion in Heaven that are highly symbolic and therefore difficult to know how much should be interpreted symbolically or literally. According to Jewish and Christian tradition, these passages describe the origin of the warfare between angels and demons, with Lucifer as their leader. The name “Satan” means “accuser,” and sometimes refers to demons in general and sometimes is assigned to a singular demon who seems to be the leader. Although we cannot know these details or their history for certain, we know enough to be on guard against spiritual warfare by walking in step with the Holy Spirit.
The Nature of Demonic Possession. Demonic possession is a real thing. It happened in the Bible and many missionaries today testify to experiences of spiritual possession and subsequent freedom through Jesus. The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit brings freedom, therefore, Christians may be oppressed but not possessed. There still remains a lot of confusion about the nature of demonic possession, including its present-day status.
How to Identify Demonic Activity Today. I know readers come from a variety of theological viewpoints on this topic. Some are prone to fully deny demonic activity today, while others are so invested in deliverance ministry they may believe mental health struggles are the result of demonic oppression. We should be very careful and discerning about assigning spiritual blessing or possession upon certain individuals. In this regard, it may be helpful to differentiate between demonic possession and spiritual warfare. Even though we do not understand everything about spiritual warfare, we know enough to live “on guard” against it.
Talking About Spiritual Warfare With Youth
Keep it Biblical. If you are committed to expository teaching, then you must teach about spiritual warfare, angels, and demons.. Without following rabbit trails and tangents, teaching the “whole counsel of God” will involve teaching about these spiritual realities. Don’t fall into much speculation in order to capture students’ attention, as that can lead you into places beyond what the Bible teaches. Be biblical and focus on what the Bible plainly says – it will give you plenty to teach without needing to speculate!
Avoid the Shock Factor and Speculation. Teaching about spiritual warfare and the reality of angels and demons can be titillating. Chances are your students will have a lot of questions, and it will be valuable to leave room for discussion. Some of their questions will be clearly addressed in Scripture, others won’t. Be very clear when you are answering questions based upon what the Bible says and what’s merely your opinion, and think very carefully about whether or not it would be helpful and clarifying for you to express your opinion. Sometimes, “I don’t know” is the right answer. This is one topic where it’s wise to respond, “That’s a great question, and it’s one I’ve asked many times, too. The Bible tells us what we need to know for life and salvation, but this is a question God has chosen to keep hidden. We can focus on what we do know, and that’s enough to be confident that we can trust him with the questions we don’t have answers to.” Don’t shut down questions too quickly, but sometimes it’s appropriate to remind students that faith is mysterious and some questions will simply never be resolved on this side of glory.
Warn them About the Reality of Dark Paths. Ouji boards, tarot cards, and horror movies can lead students into very real spiritual darkness. We shouldn’t overreact or feed into fear, but we should practice discernment and warn students about the ways these activities can dull their affections for God and make spiritual warfare into little more than entertainment. When demons and spiritual beings become mere entertainment, it’s that much easier to be lulled into viewing spiritual warfare as a fairy tale. Consider reading C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters with students to help them put the reality and role of demons in their place. Also, see our related article: “Should Christians watch horror movies”.
Proclaim the Supremacy of Christ. The gospel proclaims Christ’s victory over sin and demons: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). Discussing demons and spiritual warfare can easily leave us feeling anxious and afraid. It is crucial to highlight the power and supremacy of Christ when talking about these weighty matters. Demons answer to Jesus today, not simply on the future judgment day. While it’s important to be aware of the reality of spiritual warfare, we should not live with fear but with freedom, because, as Jesus himself said, “all authority on heaven and earth has been given to me” and he promised his disciples he will “be with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:18-20)
