Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.
Demons can be a frightening and controversial topic. Some believe demons are the ancient world’s way of talking about mental illness. Others believe demons are waiting behind every bush, ready to strike. 2 Timothy 2 provides Christians with helpful guidance.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
When Demonic Power Is Clear, We Must Act
Occasionally, we see manifestations of demonic power that are so clear that an extraordinary intervention and exorcism is called for. These sorts of encounters seem to be much more common on the global mission field, though it is difficult to say for certain due to lack of research data.
According to Pastor John Piper, teaching, love, patience, and God’s sovereignty are the normal ways through which Timothy is instructed to free people from the bondage of the devil. We do not have to be performing exorcisms regularly in order to be seriously engaged in spiritual warfare. Being a faithful, humble, and repentant lover of people, according to Piper, is just as valid a spiritual tactic as exorcism.
Teaching gospel truth, gospel-centered self-sacrifice, and exorcism are all valid forms of spiritual warfare. Satan cannot win in the face of these things (Revelation 12:11).
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever had an encounter you consider demonic? Share as you are comfortable.
- What course of action would you take if you met a demon-possessed person tomorrow?
- Many claim that demonic possession is much more apparent on the global mission field than it is in the modernized Western world, like the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, etc. Explain why you think this is the case.
- “Teaching gospel truth, gospel-centered self-sacrifice, and exorcism are all valid forms of spiritual warfare.” Explain what this looks like practically.
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
