Just as Jesus showed His power over the physical realm through His miracles of healing, He proved His power over the spiritual realm through His authority over demons.
The presence of demons is a reality. They are near us, and they are able to influence us. It is not superstitious to acknowledge their existence and activity. The Bible tells us that they are fallen angels who were driven out of heaven with Satan. Demons commonly are objects of worship in many cultures and false religions, and they heavily influence the world andIts systems. They are powerful, yet they are nothing before Christ. In all things, Christ is the solution because nothing is impossible in Him.
Believers who have put their trust in Jesus can not be possessed by demons, but they can be influenced by them. When and how do demons influence Christians?
When Christians lie. (Eph 4:25)Believers must not take lying lightly. It was by Satan’s lie in the Garden if Eden that Adam and Eve fell. Lies can damage the health of the church because fellowship is impossible without trust.
When Christians get sinfully angry. (Eph 4:26-27)It is sinful to get angry because of our temper. Sinful anger is violent and uncontrolled. We must hate sin and be angry at sin, but we must guard ourselves from being sinfully angry.
When Christians steal. (Eph 4:28)Like Judas who pilfered money from what was contributed towards Jesus’ ministry, when you take what does not belong to you, you are under the influence of demons.
When Christians do not communicate properly and biblically. (Eph 4:29)Believers must say what is good and loving in truth. Those who follow Christ must speak like Christ.
When Christians grieve the Holy Spirit. (Eph 4:30)We grieve the Holy Spirit by word when we express disappointment in God through complaining and doubt. We grieve the Holy Spirit by thought when we practice unbelief by not seeking God in His Word and questioning whether He is truly with us. In times of hardship, God delights in our striving to remain faithful.
When Christians fail to mortify the flesh. (Eph 4:31)Flesh is to declare yourself king; it is to be anti-God. Flesh no longer rules over us, but it remains in us until we die. Believers must therefore continually refuse it, starve it, and reject it in order to mortify it.
When Christians are slow to forgive. (Eph 4:32)We must always remember that we are forgiven people. Whatever happens, God has promised that His love for us endures. The gospel causes us to practice forgiveness to others. Like Jesus, we must always seek good for others.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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