Powers of darkness

[Faithful Son]

Hi there everyone, it's been a while since I had a question to ask on my favorite part of Talk Jesus, so here goes!

I have read a few Christian books these past 2 months and I have a question regarding the power or powers of darkness.

In many of these books the Christian authors talk about hell, basically that hell has powers that reside in it and that they are unleashed on a daily basis, or on occassion. Is this true?

Firstly, do not believe the above statement, it could be very wrong, that's why I'm asking.

My limited understanding of hell is that it is a place for the lost, those without Christ. Therefore, knowing that, I don't believe hell has any power.

Another question I have which comes from the above is what is Biblically considered as demons or satan influencing believers?

I am adament, extremely so, that Satan or his demons do not influence believers in Christ, because of the fact that the Holy Spirit resides and abides in them.

Am I wrong?

Please remember though, it may take some extra effort, but when answering these questions, please use the Bible and give me the Scripture to prove your point. I do not require this because I think you are lying, but reading God's words gives so much more than just your own doesn't it?


Thank you everyone.
God bless you
Much love
teraside

 

[rlowe]

Hi there everyone, it's been a while since I had a question to ask on my favorite part of Talk Jesus, so here goes!
I have read a few Christian books these past 2 months and I have a question regarding the power or powers of darkness.
In many of these books the Christian authors talk about hell, basically that hell has powers that reside in it and that they are unleashed on a daily basis, or on occassion. Is this true?
Firstly, do not believe the above statement, it could be very wrong, that's why I'm asking.
My limited understanding of hell is that it is a place for the lost, those without Christ. Therefore, knowing that, I don't believe hell has any power.
Another question I have which comes from the above is what is Biblically considered as demons or satan influencing believers?
I am adament, extremely so, that Satan or his demons do not influence believers in Christ, because of the fact that the Holy Spirit resides and abides in them.
Am I wrong?
Please remember though, it may take some extra effort, but when answering these questions, please use the Bible and give me the Scripture to prove your point. I do not require this because I think you are lying, but reading God's words gives so much more than just your own doesn't it?

Thank you everyone.
God bless you
Much love
teraside

May God bless you & your efforts.


Matthew 16:18 (New Life Version)
"And I tell you that you are Peter. On this rock I will build My church. The powers of hell will not be able to have power over My church.

2 Corinthians 12:7 (New International Version)
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
+
read book of Job

Hope this helps.

I was uncertain what you meant by "influence believers in Christ", so if this is not what you're looking for, pm me so & I'll try again.

 

[Faithful Son]

Hi rlowe, I was viewing this thread today and I asked God to help with an answer.

What I mean by demons or satan influencing a believer is: Does the demon or satan give us thoughts? Influence us to sin, become stumbling blocks in our faith?

I appreciate the help you have given me sister rlowe, I also asked this question on gotquestions.org and I will post the answer here.

Paul is quite clear that a demon was a stumbling block to him and he asked God to take the demon away, but God said "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness ".

Thank you again
God bless your heart
teraside

 

[Word of Life]

Yes teraside, if you are fully prepared to carry the cross, then I fully believe that we as Christians do get attacked by demons.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Satan is not happy at all, coz he has lost someone, so he is going to do his utmost best to get you back to this fallen world again.

Christ that is within us, is far stronger, but the battle of the mind is still there. God still gives us the choice to fall and go back to the sinful ways or to carry the cross and bare the endurance and its tough going.

Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

This scripture you mentioned, makes me happy, because I know God is using my weakness to make me stronger. I am not saying I am blaming God for my weakness. God hates evil and needs to perfect me so I can become more Christ-like

2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

If I can describe what I am going through, it’s this.

Having a relationship with God is an exciting adventure. It’s unpredictable because it will usually contradict anything we know or can reason in our mind. God wants to teach us to trust Him, and the only way we can learn to do that is to submit to Him and hang on!

But understand this, the journey will take you places you don’t want to go, force you to do things you don’t want to do, cause you to feel things you never wanted to feel and know things about yourself that you never wanted to know. If you submit yourself to God, He will begin to tear you down, so He can rebuild you in the image of His Son. The tearing down and rebuilding process will be exciting, perplexing, excruciating, joyful, fulfilling and depressing. And many times you won’t understand it!

I am still going through all the above, its hurtful and painful. I have read the book of Job, its excellent, but I certainly wasn’t prepared for what I was going to go through.

2Th 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

 

[sunshine307]

I also asked this question on gotquestions.org and I will post the answer here.

Paul is quite clear that a demon was a stumbling block to him and he asked God to take the demon away, but God said "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness ".

Thank you again
God bless your heart
teraside

Can you tell me where it says Pauls thorn in the flesh was a demon?

 

[Word of Life]

It doesn't say demon, but a messenger of Satan.

2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

[Faithful Son]

Can you tell me where it says Pauls thorn in the flesh was a demon?

Hi there sister sunshine307! God bless you!

I read the passage and compared it with the NASB, NIV, KJV and the Message.

This is taken from the Message:

2 Corinthians 2:7-10

7-10Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness


I would really like to hear your opinion regarding my questions in this thread sister sunshine307, I need your guidance.

God bless you
Much love
teraside

 

[sunshine307]

It doesn't say demon, but a messenger of Satan.

2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Thank you Word of Life, I just wanted that cleared up for anyone reading this thread who doesn't understand.

Hi brother teraside, keep seeking Father and His Word as to the answers to your questions. As long as you are abiding in Christ your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and where the Holy Spirit resides satan cannot reside as well. I believe, however we can be oppressed by satan. But "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4

 

[Faithful Son]

Thank you sister sunshine and sister Word of Life, I really do appreciate your help.

God bless you
Much love
teraside

 

[sunshine307]

I am adament, extremely so, that Satan or his demons do not influence believers in Christ, because of the fact that the Holy Spirit resides and abides in them.

Am I wrong?

Please remember though, it may take some extra effort, but when answering these questions, please use the Bible and give me the Scripture to prove your point. I do not require this because I think you are lying, but reading God's words gives so much more than just your own doesn't it?
Thank you everyone.
God bless you
Much love
teraside

Teraside,

I have just come across this in an article by Glenn H Jackson and it may help to answer your question.

"We know that our enemy is not flesh and blood for it is written in Ephesians 6:12:

"For 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"

Every believer needs to come to the full realization that as they set out to do the tasks that their Heavenly Father has prepared for them to walk in, their battle is not against flesh and blood! As the children of God have this truth revealed to their hearts by the Holy Spirit, they will no longer be hindered or defeated - for they will no longer rely on their five physical senses, but rather wholly upon the Word of God. This will cause them to fulfil the Father's will continually - and NOTHING will have the power to sway them! Satan is in serious trouble when he comes up against a child of God who has a revelation of the fact that their struggle is NOT against flesh and blood in ANY way, for THEN he has no offence or defense against them. Those who have a revelation of this spiritual fact will "continually" wield the sword of the Spirit - which is the Word of God. Knowing now that our enemy is Satan and all of his forces - which exist in the spirit realm and work through flesh and blood - we must NEVER look at "flesh and blood" as our persecutor, but rather we must deal [through the power of God's Word in every situation we come across] with the demonic influence which is standing on - and working through - the "ground of the flesh" [fear] in that person. It is the subtle strategy of Satan to get believers continually fending off his persecution which comes their way, by "carnal means" [reliance on their own understanding - discernment through their five physical senses], and if they do surely they will be lured into an area of strife in the natural realm. In other words, they will be attempting to come against Satan using ungodly wisdom and thus, will suffer defeat and oppression until they realize that Satan - and Satan alone - is their enemy."

 

[Tonyb]

Hi teraside,

I suspect the author of the book or books you were reading was speaking of the power of hell in an idiomatic sense, and not a literal sense. Our Lord used a similar term when he said the gates of hell (the devil's plans) will not prevail against his church. As for the idea that somethings is actually coming up out of hell and affecting the earth, that doesn't sound right.

Ephesians: 2:1-2 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience...

According to this verse the devil, - the prince of the power of the air – is very much on the lose and able to influence – the sons of disobedience – the none believers. See also 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Blessings,
Tonyb

 

[Faithful Son]

Thank you sunshine307 and Tonyb, this is one of those issues in my faith that I have to make my own mind up.

It's tough, but God is giving me choices and I believe in His awesome power, not the power of Satan, so I'm quite sure I haven't changed my viewpoint regarding this subject.

But I will pray that God gives me grace within myself to accept other Christians opinion regarding this subject.

God bless
Much love
teraside

 

[CrazyForChrist]

I wish to thank ye all for whom have addressed their information into this topic. I was severly struggling last night upon spirital strife inside myself. And though this exact topic did not help nor clear my problem, it was something a person mentioned in this forum. A body mentioned that The Lord will tear you down for the reason of building the image of Christ inside thee. That is what afflicted me last night. Maybe afflicted is a harsh word, id rather say blessed me. For it was a grusome and painfull process but the result was beautiful. For today he laid His foundations inside myself and His work shall not be complete till the hour of my death. For my preperation of the place he hath prepared for me will occur my whole life, for that is apart of our purpose. Much thanks again to ye all for your work and effort.


Hugs and God bless,
Nick:boy_hug:

 

[Faithful Son]

As I said in the first post, I asked this question on gotquestions.org

Here's the answer

One has to be careful in quoting scripture verses and using single verses to verify an opinion that may not be defendable in other scriptures. Be careful what you read in "Christian" books and keep a lively working knowledge of what the Bible message tries to tell us.

You asked if it is true that hell has powers that are unleashed each day. The answer is YES. Every temptation is a work of the devil and his angels on a daily basis throughout the world. Revelation 9:3 pictures it this way: "And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth; and unto them was given power as the scorpions of the earth have power." (King James Version) In my opinion this is a pictorial description of the work of Satan. Peter gives another description in 1 Peter 5:8,9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (KJV) The devil does not take a holiday! not even a long weekend! He works where you work and he plays where you play - be vigilant and resist him!

The power of hell is released into your life by the temptations you face each day. YES, hell has power and it is manifest in all works of evil and darkness around the world. Hell cannot mass as much power as God has in reserve for each of the believers. 2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished... (KJV)

Paul expressed assurance we can feel when he said, (Romans 8:38-39) (38) For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (KJV) God loves you and me and He has given us a Comforter (the Holy Spirit) to be by our side and to help us resist the powers of the Devil and hell! Along with this goes the advice of Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Quench not the Spirit. (KJV)

I would have liked a clearer answer with more Biblical support, but I have learned to accept other peoples opinions.

The strange thing about me is that I don't believe I am tempted in my life. I rarely have bad thoughts or tempations that come across my way, my mind is nothing more than silent. It's funny really, I wasn't always like this, but God changed me and I don't want to sound pridefull, but all glory is my Lord's.

That's why I believe what I believe, because I believe in the great I AM.

God bless
Much love
teraside

 

[Word of Life]

That was a great reply from Got Questions, it helped me a lot too. Thanks for posting it, teraside.

God bless you.

 

[CrazyForChrist]

The strange thing about me is that I don't believe I am tempted in my life. I rarely have bad thoughts or tempations that come across my way, my mind is nothing more than silent. It's funny really, I wasn't always like this, but God changed me and I don't want to sound pridefull, but all glory is my Lord's.

That's why I believe what I believe, because I believe in the great I AM.

God bless
Much love
teraside

your very blessed brother, for i myself constantly struggle every moment with thoughts and temptations. It has gotten to the point where they are not even temptations anymore but just thoughts that nag me and drag me down. But anyways, may you ever stay in the place you are now brother.

God Bless you all,
Nick

 

[Faithful Son]

You know CFC, some people might say I have to be weary living such a life. Some people might think if you're not tempted you're not important enough or that God has overlooked you by not allowing Satan to influence you.

But I have commited sins which are unspeakable, between me and Jesus it stays, it is my passed life. Now my new life is being lived, I want to meet my maker one of these days and the agony of waiting for Him is what gets me down, nothing else.

Thanks for the kind words brother.

God bless you too
Much love
teraside

 

[Margaux]

If God is for you who can be against you

Hi there everyone, it's been a while since I had a question to ask on my favorite part of Talk Jesus, so here goes!

I have read a few Christian books these past 2 months and I have a question regarding the power or powers of darkness.

In many of these books the Christian authors talk about hell, basically that hell has powers that reside in it and that they are unleashed on a daily basis, or on occassion. Is this true?

Firstly, do not believe the above statement, it could be very wrong, that's why I'm asking.

My limited understanding of hell is that it is a place for the lost, those without Christ. Therefore, knowing that, I don't believe hell has any power.

Another question I have which comes from the above is what is Biblically considered as demons or satan influencing believers?

I am adament, extremely so, that Satan or his demons do not influence believers in Christ, because of the fact that the Holy Spirit resides and abides in them.

Am I wrong?

Please remember though, it may take some extra effort, but when answering these questions, please use the Bible and give me the Scripture to prove your point. I do not require this because I think you are lying, but reading God's words gives so much more than just your own doesn't it?


Thank you everyone.
God bless you
Much love
teraside

Dear Faithful Son,
God created everthing for a purpose , visible and invisible: Apostle Paul clearly says in Ephesians 6;12-For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Therefore it is a warning that we as children of God will always be tempted by satan.however our faith in our Lord Jesus who walked this earth in the flesh should be of the highest standard, for Christ himself was tempted by satan , however He overcame the devil by obedience to the Father and knowing the scriptures.
1) Satan knew the scripture as well, He said to Christ, if you are the Son of God throw yourself down, For it is written "He shall give His angels charge over you", and in their hands they shall bear you up, least you dash your foot against a stone. Mathew 4;6.

2) Christ overcame the devil because He knew the Word even better:

With the authority of heaven He said, "It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God "Mathew 4:7 and said it 3 times as is written in the scripture and finally uttered,
Away with you Satan!For it ia written "You shall worship the Lord your God , and Him only you shall serve. Mathew 4:10.

In conclusion , yes we will be tempted from time to time , however we will overcome everything through Christ, and to Him we will always give ´the Glory.

For when we were born again this happened:
1Peter: 1;23-Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Hallelujah and praises to our Lord and King.

 

[Gracealone]

Please remember though, it may take some extra effort, but when answering these questions, please use the Bible and give me the Scripture to prove your point. I do not require this because I think you are lying, but reading God's words gives so much more than just your own doesn't it?

Hello FaithfulSon,
Here are all the vrs. I have on Hell;
Remember to read before and after though to get the context .

Deut.32:22

2 Sam. 22:6 Psalms 118:5

Job 11:8
Job 26:6

Ps. 9:17
Ps. 16:10
Ps. 55:15
Ps. 86:13
Ps. 116:3
Ps. 139:8

Prov. 5:5
Prov. 7:27
Prov. 9:18
Prov.15:11
Prov. 23:14
Prov. 27:20

Is. 5:14
Is. 14:9
Is. 14:15
Is. 28:15
Is. 57:9

Ezek. 31:16
Ezek. 32:21

Amos 9:2

Jonah 2:2

Matt. 5:22
Matt. 5:29
Matt. 18:9 Mark 9:43
Matt. 10:28 Luke 12:5
Matt. 11:23 Luke. 10:15
Matt. 16:18
Matt. 23:15
Matt. 23:33

Luke 16:23

Jas. 3:6

2 Peter 2:4

Rev.1:18
Rev. 6:8
Rev. 20:13
Rev. 20:14

Hope these verses help, even though it is a lot of reading, if you read before and after......Bless you in your search for truth.

 

[Gideons 300]

Hi there everyone, it's been a while since I had a question to ask on my favorite part of Talk Jesus, so here goes!

I have read a few Christian books these past 2 months and I have a question regarding the power or powers of darkness.

In many of these books the Christian authors talk about hell, basically that hell has powers that reside in it and that they are unleashed on a daily basis, or on occassion. Is this true?

Firstly, do not believe the above statement, it could be very wrong, that's why I'm asking.

My limited understanding of hell is that it is a place for the lost, those without Christ. Therefore, knowing that, I don't believe hell has any power.

Another question I have which comes from the above is what is Biblically considered as demons or satan influencing believers?

I am adament, extremely so, that Satan or his demons do not influence believers in Christ, because of the fact that the Holy Spirit resides and abides in them.

Am I wrong?

Please remember though, it may take some extra effort, but when answering these questions, please use the Bible and give me the Scripture to prove your point. I do not require this because I think you are lying, but reading God's words gives so much more than just your own doesn't it?


Thank you everyone.
God bless you
Much love
teraside

I would say you are wrong. Satan can and does torment Christians all the time, worldwide. Why? "Becasue my people perish for lack of knowledge." Why do you think we are instructed to not be ignorant of satans devices? Why do you think we are told to put on the whole armor of God that we may stand against the wiles of the devil. Becauser satan is after us, those who carry His name. So is there no safe place for a Christian to flee, safe from the attacks of the devil? Thank God there is, it is IN Jesus himself. The error I see in your post is that the Holy Spirit can be in us and yet, we not abide in Christ through him at all. God has promised us liberty, freedom from the world the flesh and the devil, but it is through faith that we find this safe place. If we are still sinning? The devil is influencing us. If we by faith have put off our old man and put on our new man created in righteousness and true holiness, then and then olny are we out of satan's reach.