Dictionary of Bible Themes: 4132 demons, malevolence of

4132 demons, malevolence of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4100 Supernatural beings » 4130 demons » 4132 demons, malevolence of

Demons are opposed to the person and work of God and seek to lead human beings, including believers, away from him. For this reason, believers are forbidden to be involved with them.

Demons harm individuals

Demons cause torment and pain

Saul's torment:

1 Samuel 16:14-16,23; Samuel 18:10-11; Samuel 19:9-10 Matthew 15:22; Matthew 17:15 pp Mark 9:18-20 pp Luke 9:39-42 the boy with an evil spirit; Mark 5:5; Luke 6:18; Luke 13:11; Acts 5:16; Acts 19:16 the seven sons of Sceva

Demons cause dissension

Judges 9:23-25

Demons cause illness and handicaps

Mark 9:17-27 pp Matthew 17:14-18 pp Luke 9:37-42 See also Matthew 9:32-33; Luke 11:14; Luke 13:11

Demons are deceitful

Demons inspire false prophets

1 Kings 22:21-23 pp 2 Chronicles 18:21-22

Demons incite war

Revelation 16:13-14

Demons lead people away from God

1 John 4:1-6 See also 1 Timothy 4:1-2; Revelation 16:13-14

The inspiration of pagan religions by demons

Pagan gods are identified as demons

1 Corinthians 10:20-21 See also Deuteronomy 32:16-17; Psalm 106:36-39; Revelation 9:20

Demons inhabit ruins of pagan cities

Revelation 18:2

All involvement with spirits and mediums is forbidden

Leviticus 19:31 See also Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:6,27; Deuteronomy 18:10-14; Jeremiah 27:9

Witchcraft is identified as a work of the sinful nature

Galatians 5:19-20

Involvement with sorcery or witchcraft is futile

Isaiah 47:9 See also 1 Samuel 28:7,14-20; Isaiah 8:19-22; Isaiah 19:3-4; Isaiah 47:12-15; Nahum 3:3-4

Examples of renunciation of the work of demons