Mark 1:14-28

“But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet, and come out of him!’ And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.” (Mark 1:25–26, NKJV)

Have you ever wondered why there was so much demonic activity during the life of Jesus? When you read the gospels, it seems that Jesus was constantly casting out demons. I believe there is far more demonic activity going on around us than we know. But I also believe that demons are more likely to manifest when they are in the presence of Christ. When demons spoke to Jesus, they were afraid that He would destroy them. Wherever Jesus went, the demons recognized His authority and couldn’t keep quiet. But when Jesus commanded them to be quiet and to come out, they had to obey.

We are not likely to observe the same frequency or intensity of demonic possession, but I believe we often experience demonic oppression and influence. We must remember that if we are born again believers, then the same Spirit who was in Christ is in us. When we encounter demonic oppression, influence, or deception, we should not be afraid.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, NKJV)

If we are going to be victorious in spiritual warfare, then we must recognize our enemy and know his tactics. We must use the weapons of our warfare that are mighty in God for pulling down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). These weapons are primarily prayer and the Word of God. We must also believe in the authority we have been given in the name of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of Christ is dwelling in us. Demons may not be afraid of us, but they most certainly fear Christ in us!

Paul wrote to the Corinthians saying that we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). But sadly, I think many Christians are ignorant of the enemy’s tactics. They get tossed back and forth like a pinball in a pinball machine (remember those?). Jesus wants us to know that our battle is not against people, but against principalities, powers, and rulers in the heavenlies. Therefore, we must put on the full armor of God and pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-20).

We can be just as victorious over the demonic world as Christ, because Christ is in us. And He has given us discernment and spiritual weaponry that overcomes the powers of darkness. Do you believe this? Are you standing in Christ’s authority and using your spiritual armament? We have been called to a battle that was already won at the cross. So, let’s fight to liberate souls from Satan’s tyranny!