Angels, Satan, Demons - Part 3

Angels, both good and evil, influence the world around us. God used angels to protect His prophet Elisha (2 Ki 6:8-17), and to protect the baby Jesus from Herod the Great (Matt 2:13). Evil spirits were used to discipline King Saul (1 Sam 16:14-16), to influence King Ahab through his false prophets (1 Ki 22:19-23), and will be used in the future to control human kings who defy the Lord (Rev 16:13-14). Demons have the ability to possess the bodies of men (Mark 5:1-9; Luke 11:24-26), animals (Mark 5:11-13), and sometimes cause physical and mental illness (Matt 9:32-33; Luke 8:27). Today, evil spirits influence politics, marriage, family, education, judicial systems, economics, entertainment, and society as a whole, promoting injustice, corruption, or opposition to God and His Word. Scripture reveals that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). While believers are not called to fear such forces, we are encouraged to stand firm through prayer, the armor of God, and reliance on the Holy Spirit (Eph 6:13-18).

The study of angels, Satan, and demons relates to the Christian spiritual life by equipping us to understand the unseen spiritual realm and its impact on our daily walk with God. Angels serve as God’s messengers and ministers, offering protection and assistance to believers (Psa 91:11; Heb 1:14). Understanding Satan’s role as the adversary and accuser highlights the importance of standing firm in faith and relying on God’s armor to resist his schemes (Eph 6:10-18; 1 Pet 5:8).