Do Demons Know Your Name?

“Demon” is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot in our culture. You frequently hear of people who are “fighting the demons from their past.” Or you may even hear of sports teams called “Demons.” Wake Forest University is called the “Demon Deacons”---if you don’t know what that is, then start attending a Baptist church and you’ll soon encounter some. (ha ha).

But seriously----demons are real and exist even today. In Acts 19, something very fascinating happens between a demon and 7 “wanna be” exorcists. Here’s the deal---God was doing some tremendous miracles by way of the Apostle Paul. Of course Paul used this opportunity to preach Christ (as opposed to promoting himself). So, as a result the name of Jesus was being proclaimed. Seven brothers, who were sons of a Jewish priest named Sceva, traveled around performing exorcisms (real or illusionary we don’t know). At any rate, the 7 brothers recognized something powerful about Jesus, and tried to cast a demon out of a man by doing it in the name of “Jesus, whom Paul preaches.” Notice how the demon answers: “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Acts 19:15 (NASB) How humiliating is that! The demon knew Jesus quite well---after all Jesus had made his life miserable. The demon also knew Paul, by reputation. He had heard about Paul and knew him to be a threat to the kingdom of darkness. The 7 brothers? He’d never heard of them, and didn’t really appreciate them invoking the name of Jesus on him--especially since they didn’t really know Jesus anyway. The result? The demon used the man he was inhabiting to attack the 7 brothers. They escaped “naked and wounded.” Scary stuff isn’t it?

In all of the drama of the event, we can easily miss something very important. Demons have knowledge of some people and could care less about others. Undoubtedly, demons are concerned about people who might adversely affect Satan’s kingdom. Would that include you? Are any demons “losing sleep” because of your impact upon their world? I think this idea would scare many Christians. Most people don’t want to anger a demon----my question is: Would you rather anger God? Who are you living to please anyway? Who is your Lord? By definition…our Lord is the one we aim to please…and you can only have one true Lord.

Rest assured demons have no power or authority over Christians. They can make your life miserable---but no without God’s permission. The Bible has numerous examples. Remember Job? Satan couldn’t touch him without God’s permission (see Job 1:12). Right before Jesus went to the cross He told Simon Peter: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.” Luke 22:31 (NASB) Satan wanted to destroy Peter---but he had to get God’s permission first. Why would God allow something like this? Because through Satan’s trials--our faith can be tremendously strengthened. What Satan intends for evil, God uses for good. (see Gen. 50:20) Satan and his kingdom cannot touch you as a Christian without God’s permission. The question is--are you doing anything that would get their attention anyway?

I think anyone who tries to live for Christ and share the gospel will experience demonic attack of some sort. But demons don’t deserve our fear---after all fear is a sign of respect--and no one deserves our fear (i.e., reverence) but God alone. Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matt 10:28 (NASB) Who can destroy the body? Man, demons, Satan. Who has the authority to cast you into eternal Hell? God…and God alone. Fear God! Don’t fear Satan, nor his minions. Live a life of faithful service to the Lord and look to the reward which comes from knowing and one day being with Christ. Live your life in such a way that Satan and the demons of Hell know your name….and despise it! Live in such a way that makes Satan want to pull his hair (or horns) out because of your impact upon his evil kingdom. You are one of the Good Shepherd’s sheep. Satan is a wolf who wants to destroy you….but to get to you he has to get past an ALL POWERFUL, MIGHTY, VICTORIOUS, WARRIOR SHEPHERD, who has NEVER lost a battle (unless He chose to of His own accord and even then He was victorious over sin and Satan). Don’t fear Satan! Fear the Lord!

There are two things worse than Satan hating you? One, is that he would be pleased with you (that should be obvious). Two, that he would be indifferent towards you. Remember the demons words, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about…but who are you?” Hopefully we are living in such a way that Satan and his demons would say, “Shane I know…Kevin I know…Mary Jo I know…Ronnie I know…Alex I know…Danny I know…Kodee I know…The First Christian Church of Pleasanton, I know… because they are wreaking havoc upon my evil world by shining the light of the gospel in it.” Or….maybe when demons hear your name they just laugh and scoff saying. “Ha! That person claims to follow Jesus, but he serves our world much more than he does Christ’s.” Or maybe…when demons hear your name….they just go right back to sleep. You’re not affecting them one bit. They’ve got you right where they want you….and you’re whipped. Now THAT’S pathetic!….Are you Satan’s whippin’ boy?….Are you Satan’s prized possession? Or are you Satan’s worst nightmare?…Do demons know your name?…Would they have ANY REASON to? Just something to think about…

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“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, powers, and world forces of this darkness--against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm.” Ephesians 6:12-13

Comments

[Alex Umphenour]

I know some demons....Morning time, school, and the one who uses the alias of "Kevin". You might know him......