### Bible Study Outlines

Volume 1, Lesson 14
by C.I. Scofield

## Demons

The New Testament Scriptures bear abundant testimony to the existence and personality of demons.

1. The origin of demons

As to the origen of demons, nothing is clearly revealed. They are not identical with the fallen angels mentioned in 2Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6, for these are imprisoned while demons are free. They are called the "angels" (messengers) of Satan (Matthew 25:41), and it may be inferred that they fell with him.
- Demons are personal spirits

- Matthew 12:43 - "The unclean spirit... walketh... seeketh"
- Matthew 12:44 - "He sayeth, I will return... he is come... he findeth"
- Matthew 12:45 - "Then goeth he, and taketh... they enter in and dwell"

- They are Satan's agents

- Matthew 12:26,27 - "His kingdom" (demons)
- Matthew 25:41 - "His angels" (messengers)
- Mark 5:9 - "My name is Legion: for we are many"

Satan is not omnipresent (for that is only a divine attribute), but the demons are so numerous that through them, Satan is active practically everywhere.
- They seek embodiment
The demons, being spirits, are capable of entering into and controlling the actions of both humans and beasts. But there is no instance of the demon possession of a Christian.

- Matthew 12:43 - "Unclean spirit... seeking rest"
- Matthew 12:44 - "I will return unto my house"
- Mark 5:12 - "Send us into the swine... enter into them"

- Scripture discriminates demon influence from demon possession

1. Demon influence
   - 1Timothy 4:1 - "Doctrines of devils"
2. Demon possession
   - Matthew 4:24 - "Those which were possessed with devils"
   - Matthew 8:28-33 - "Possessed of the devils"

- Characteristics and work of demons

1. Their characteristics
   - Matthew 8:28 - "Exceeding fierce"
   - Matthew 8:32 - "Violent"
   - Matthew 9:33 - "When the devil was cast out, the dumb spake"
   - Matthew 10:1 - "Unclean"
   - Matthew 12:43 - "Seeking rest, and findeth none"
2. Their work
   1. They simulate physical and mental illnesses in those whom they possess. Note that real mental disease is to be distinguished from mental disorders produced by demon possession.
      - Matthew 9:33 - "When the devil was cast out, the dumb spake"
      - Matthew 17:14-18 - Epilepsy
      - Luke 13:11 - Paralysis
   2. Demon influence may manifest itself in religious asceticism, fanaticism, and false teaching
      - 1Timothy 4:1-3 - "Seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils"
   3. Demons maintain conflict with believers who seek true spirituality
      - Ephesians 6:12 - "Spiritual wickedness" (wicked spirits)
   4. Demons know their eternal fate of torment
      - Matthew 8:29 - "To torment us before the time"

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