A Good Verse to Have Handy For Demon Discussion

I don't know if you have noticed, but Hollywood has given us a 'true story' about a demon possessed woman. I think that it is called, "The exorcism of Emily Rose". Naturally, people will watch this movie and wonder if people can get demon possessed, and if we can cast out demons and etc.

The first thing is for you not to freak out about all this. Yes, demons are very real. But, they are a side issue. Rest assured in this, simple gospel proclamation is sufficient to keep demons at bay. The gospel is able to drive out the wilest, cruelest demon. So just do what you have been doing and what the Apostles did: Preach the Gospel!

There is are a couple of verses that are good to know when such a discussion comes up, and I want to share it with you:

"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:1-2, emphasis added).

There are some important things to notice here. One is that I use this verse to disarm non-chalant talk about the demonic. Paul states clearly that they are presently at work in people in this world. So don't treat the topic too lightly. Look carefully at what Paul teaches:

1. When you, yes you, were dead in trespasses and sins you followed the path of Satan himself. He is the "prince of the power of the air." He was at work in some way in your life. You at least followed his example, and perhaps came under his direct influence.

2. Satan is now at work in the "sons (and daughters) of disobedience." Those who will not submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ are under demonic influence even now. Nothing short of God's regenerating power can change this.

So what do we do then? Do we break out the olive oil and start rebuking demons? I might if someone's head spun around, but that's not what freed me from demonic influence. What drove the demonic from my mind and heart? Gospel proclamation. How did you get free from the influence of the Prince of the Power of the air, if indeed you are free? Gospel proclamation.

So simply preach the gospel of the risen Lord. That's the short version of my advice.