What Does the Bible Say About.. Demons

In a world fascinated by the supernatural, it’s easy to get caught up in Hollywood’s portrayal of demons and darkness. But the reality is both more sobering and more hopeful than any movie could capture. Demons are not just fictional villains or Halloween costumes; they are real, fallen angels who rebelled against God and now work to deceive, distract, and destroy. Yet, their power is limited, and they remain under God’s authority. The Bible doesn’t call us to fear them, but to stand firm in the strength of Jesus, who has already won the victory.

The story from Luke 10 reminds us that while spiritual warfare is real, our greatest joy is not in having power over darkness, but in knowing that our names are written in heaven. Demons know they are defeated, and their mission is simply to take as many down with them as possible. Their main weapon isn’t possession, but persuasion—subtle lies and distractions that pull us away from God’s truth and purpose. The enemy often appears not as a monster, but as an angel of light, tempting us with what seems good or harmless.

Jesus demonstrated absolute authority over the demonic realm, as seen in the story of the man possessed by a legion of demons. With a word, Jesus set him free, restoring his mind and giving him a new mission. That same power and authority now lives in every believer through the Holy Spirit. We are called to put on the full armor of God—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer—so we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.

Spiritual warfare is not about dramatic exorcisms or horror-movie scenarios. It’s the daily battle to resist lies, distractions, and temptations, and to live in the light of Christ’s victory. The enemy’s greatest tactic is to keep us busy, distracted, or fearful, but we are called to resist, draw near to God, and walk in faith. The war is already won. Our focus should not be on the darkness, but on the light—on Jesus, who delivers, restores, and reigns. Let’s be messengers of hope, reminding ourselves and others that we have nothing to fear, for Christ is victorious.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Demons are real but defeated, and their power is always subject to God’s authority. They began as angels who rebelled, but even now, they cannot act outside the boundaries God sets. Their knowledge of God’s ultimate victory only fuels their desperation, but it should remind us that we serve the One who is truly sovereign. [07:41]
• 2. The enemy’s primary strategy is deception, not overt displays of power. Satan and his demons work through lies, distractions, and subtle temptations, often appearing as something good or harmless. The best defense is to stay grounded in God’s truth and avoid situations or influences that make us vulnerable to deception. [13:48]
• 3. Jesus has absolute authority over all powers of darkness, and that authority is given to every believer. The story of the man possessed by a legion of demons shows that no darkness is too great for Christ to overcome. Our confidence is not in our own strength, but in the victory Jesus has already secured through the cross and resurrection. [25:50]
• 4. Spiritual warfare is a daily reality, fought not with fear but with the armor of God. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer are our defenses against the enemy’s schemes. Living above reproach, meditating on Scripture, and maintaining a vibrant prayer life are not just spiritual disciplines—they are essential for standing firm. [33:57]
• 5. The greatest threat to our spiritual life is not always obvious evil, but distraction and busyness that pull us away from God. Even good things can become tools of the enemy if they keep us from intimacy with Christ. Our call is to resist the enemy, draw near to God, and focus on the light, not the darkness, knowing that Christ’s victory is our security. [39:45]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:40] - Pop Culture and Demons
• [02:36] - Lessons from a Bad Movie
• [03:12] - Luke 10: Authority Over Demons
• [04:30] - Demons: Reality and Limitations
• [06:28] - Demons as Fallen Angels
• [08:22] - The Limits of Demonic Power
• [09:49] - The Devil’s Deception and Lies
• [11:45] - Distraction and the Church
• [13:04] - Don’t Be the Goat: Avoiding Temptation
• [15:06] - The Subtlety of Satan’s Temptation
• [16:34] - Satan Disguised as Light
• [19:47] - Jesus’ Response to Temptation
• [21:18] - Jesus and the Legion of Demons
• [25:50] - Christ’s Victory and Our Confidence
• [29:16] - What Spiritual Warfare Looks Like
• [33:57] - The Armor of God Explained
• [36:37] - The Power of Prayer
• [39:45] - The Danger of Distraction
• [41:45] - Resist the Enemy
• [43:45] - Light Overcomes Darkness
• [45:46] - Focus on the Light, Not the Darkness
• [47:37] - The Simplicity of Following Jesus
• [49:38] - Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Luke 10:17-20 (ESV) — > The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV) — > Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.

Observation Questions

1. In Luke 10, what did the seventy-two disciples report to Jesus after their mission, and how did Jesus respond to their excitement? ([03:12])
2. According to Ephesians 6, what are the different pieces of the “armor of God” that Paul lists, and what is their purpose? ([29:16])
3. The sermon mentions that demons are “fallen angels who are under God’s authority.” What evidence from Scripture or the sermon supports this idea? ([07:41])
4. What does Jesus say should be the real source of our joy, according to Luke 10:20? ([03:12])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus tells the disciples not to rejoice that demons are subject to them, but instead to rejoice that their names are written in heaven? What does this reveal about what matters most in the Christian life? ([03:12])
2. The sermon says that the enemy’s main weapon is not possession but persuasion—lies and distractions. How does this change the way we think about spiritual warfare in our daily lives? ([13:48])
3. Ephesians 6 describes spiritual warfare as a daily reality, not a dramatic event. What are some practical ways the “armor of God” helps believers stand firm against the enemy’s schemes? ([33:57])
4. The sermon points out that even good things can become distractions if they pull us away from God. How can someone recognize when something “good” is actually becoming a spiritual danger? ([39:45])

Application Questions

1. The sermon warns that the greatest threat to our spiritual life is often distraction and busyness, not obvious evil. What is one area of your life where you feel most distracted from God right now? What practical step could you take this week to refocus? ([39:45])
2. The “armor of God” includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer. Which piece do you feel you need to strengthen most in your life, and what is one way you could do that this week? ([33:57])
3. The enemy often works through subtle lies and temptations that seem harmless. Can you think of a recent situation where you realized later that you were being deceived or distracted from God’s purpose? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? ([13:48])
4. Jesus has absolute authority over all darkness, and that authority is given to every believer. Is there an area of your life where you feel powerless or afraid? How can you remind yourself of Christ’s victory in that area? ([25:50])
5. The sermon encourages us to focus on the light—on Jesus—instead of being obsessed with darkness or evil. What is one way you can intentionally “turn your eyes upon Jesus” this week, especially when you feel anxious or fearful? ([45:46])
6. The story of the man possessed by a legion of demons ends with him being restored and sent on a new mission. Is there a part of your story where God has brought freedom or healing? How might you share that hope with someone else this week? ([23:11])
7. The sermon says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” What does “drawing near to God” look like for you personally, and how can you make it a priority this week? ([41:45])