DEMONS, DEVILS, EVIL SPIRITS Acts 19:15 I. Introduction. A. Evil spirits knew Jesus--but do we know about evil spirits, demons, and devils: Acts 19:15. B. Demon(daimon) is an inferior spirit(evil). 1. Evil spirit in KJ. 2. Sometimes devils: accuser, slanderer. 3. All three terms refer to a spiritual being, different from angels. C. There are also good spirits(angels?). II. Body. A. Their characteristics indicated they were a type of being, having existed under OT and NT. 1. Even worshipped by Jews: Deuteronomy 32:17. a. Could have been idols, but unlikely. b. Influenced by heathen: Psalm 106:37. 2. Under NT, following can be identified: a. Recognized Jesus: Luke 4:41. b. Power of speech(above). c. Connected with false doctrine: I Timothy 4:1. d. Possessed faith: James 2:19. e. They could possess men: Acts 19:16. (1 Jesus cast out: Mark 1:34. (2 Apostles had power: Mark 16:17. (3 Allowed by Lord on certain occasions in order to accomplish His will. B. The most notable example of evil spirit control in the OT is Saul, the King. 1. Account: I Samuel 16:14ff. 2. And...I Samuel 18:10; 19:9. 3. The Lord sent the evil spirit on Saul. 4. Another case: Judges 9:23. C. In the days of Christ, evil spirits possessed men. 1. Controlled by Satan--permitted by the Lord. 2. Certain women: Luke 8:2. 3. The man who had a legion of demons: Mark 5:1- 20. 4. During the times of apostles: Acts 19:16. D. Other factors involved in demons and evil spirits. 1. Those who did not have power or knowledge, suffered for tampering: Acts 19:13. 2. Warned Christians to be careful: I Corinthians 10:20. 3. While the "demons" are not free to control men as they were, evil still exists and exerts control over souls. III. Conclusion. A. It is not the demon lurking in darkness to fear, but the evil around the next corner. B. Possession of a good spirit comes from God, through the word of God. C. Do not need miraculous to rid people of evil spirits, only the spirit to do what is right.-jy