I was just talking to my husband about this subject yesterday. On my yearly read through the Bible, the prophets warn of one thing - sin. And the ultimate sin is to disobey God and put other things before him (like idols!)
I cannot recall one word about demons in the Old Testament except maybe Daniel's reference to the "Prince of the Power of the air." Correct me if I am wrong. (In ESV there are three references to idols called demons, like goats and other totemic figures who the Caananites thought were gods)
But if you read the major and minor prophets, the narratives about history and the stories about what went wrong with Israel, and why God had to punish them, and finally cast them out as a people, it was NOT about demons, but about sin.
Focusing on demons is just WRONG.
Instead, focus on the fact that God is in control, and that Christ has conquered everything.
"He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him." Col. 2:15
Rulers and authorities are the demonic powers.
Please note: They are disarmed. Demons do not control Christians.
Christ has conquered the enemy. While the gospels are true and wonderful, and give us insight into the character of God through Christ, please remember that it was the cross and the resurrection that we as Christians are to celebrate.
Christ disarmed the demons - at least for those who are called by his name!
In fact, I would go so far as to venture to say, that those who focus on demons and oppression are putting other gods before Christ.
Work on your sin and your relationship with God. Transformation is what changes us - through the power of the Holy Spirit.
"Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." 2 Cor. 3:18
In Romans 12:2, the word "conformed" is συσχηματίζεσθε - or suschematizesthe. It means to be molded or conformed. The tense is present, imperative passive. That means we are commanded by God NOT to conform to this world and we must cooperate!
In the same passage the word "transformed" in the Greek is μεταμορφοῦσθε or metamorphousthe. This means to transform or change the inward reality; "be transformed in your innermost nature" It is also a present imperative passive, meaning God has commanded us to let the Holy Spirit work in our hearts and lives and change our very spirit. Same word, and tense with 2 Cor. 3:18
This is the true meaning of following Christ. It is not about our authority over demons, but Christ's authority over our lives and letting the Holy Spirit change us to be people who proclaim the good news of Christ's resurrection and death.
There are only two verses in the Bible that address the disciples having ἐξουσία or exousia over demons or unclean spirits. That is Mark and Mark. These are also given to specific people, and BEFORE Jesus disarmed the demons on the cross. Very bad hermeneutics to make a doctrine out of two verses!
Here is a great verse that also shows what Christ has done through his death and resurrection:
"that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, [SUP]21 [/SUP]far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. [SUP]22 [/SUP]And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church," Eph. 1:18-22
PS. This is a long passage - Read from Eph. 1:15-23 for the full thought, which has no breaks or periods!
Christ is the only real authority! Trust in him! Here is the post-resurrection passage that really counts about authority! And note that the authority given is for the purpose of making disciples or followers of Christ!
"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [SUP]19 [/SUP]Go therefore andmake disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,[SUP]20 [/SUP]teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:18-21.
My thought is that you need to read the whole Old Testament and start to glean the message of the Good News from the epistles and read in CONTEXT. Oh yes, and stop listening to these internet preachers who do not preach or know the whole counsel of God!
