A demon is an evil spiritual being. Demons are fallen angels. They rebelled against God with Satan. They are opposed to God and his people. They tempt. They deceive. They torment. They possess. They are enemies of the soul. They are real. They are dangerous. They are not to be trifled with.

The Bible speaks of demons often. Jesus cast them out. He gave his disciples authority over them. Paul fought them. He said we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. Demons are organized. They have ranks. They serve Satan. They seek to destroy. They are active in the world. They influence individuals. They influence nations. They influence cultures. They are behind false religions. They are behind idolatry. They are behind sin.

Demon in scripture

• Matthew 8: demons cast into pigs.
• Mark 5: the Gerasene demoniac.
• Luke 10: Jesus gives authority over demons.
• Ephesians 6: spiritual warfare against demons.
• James 2: demons believe and shudder.

Demons are not a myth. They are not a metaphor. They are real beings. They are fallen. They are evil. They are powerful. But they are not all-powerful. They are defeated. Christ triumphed over them on the cross. He disarmed them. He made a public spectacle of them. They are on a leash. They can only do what God allows. They cannot separate us from the love of God. They cannot snatch us from his hand. They are defeated foes. They are still dangerous. But they are not to be feared. Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. Resist the devil and he will flee. Submit to God. Draw near to him. He will draw near to you. The demons tremble. They know their end. Their end is the lake of fire. Their end is defeat. Their end is coming. That is the promise. That is the hope. That is the victory.