Pastor Ralph Posted September 15, 2006 Report Share Posted September 15, 2006 Q58. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cct1106 Posted January 27, 2007 Report Share Posted January 27, 2007 People tend to refuse to believe that there is evil forces at work in this world today. They immediately want to put the blame on God because they are under the impression that because he is God that he is the ruler of the world but that is not so, Satan is the ruler of this world, at least for now. The wars, illnesses, proverty, homelessness, diseases, jobless, violence, etc. are all part of the work of Satan. We can not blame our choices on Satan because we know right from wrong and if we make the wrong choices then we have to deal with the consequences that come along with making bad choices. Satan has an influence only if we let him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tabatha Posted January 27, 2007 Report Share Posted January 27, 2007 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic?It is difficult for people to believe in devil and demons today. I believe because there are so many television programs showing mediums and familar spirits that are friendly. Harry Potter and witchcraft for children. New age which is nothing but old religions from babylon worshiping other gods. These things have turned the minds of people to being deceived into beliving they are O.K. In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities ( the powerful forces of fallen angals headed by Satan, whoia a vicious fighter, to withstand their attacks, we must depend on God's strength and use every piece of His armor. Paul is not only giving this counsel to the church, the body of Christ, but to all individuals within the church. The whole body needs to be armed. As you do battle against " the powers of this dark world, " fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit. These who are not " flesh and blood" are demons over whom Satan has control. They are not mere fantasies-- they are very real. We face a powerful aemy whose goal is to defeat Christ's church. W hen we believe in Christ these beings become our enemies, and they try every device to turn us away from Him and back to sin. Although we are assured of victiry, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord's side. We need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided this by giving us the Holy Spirit within us and His army surrounding us. ( Matthew 16:18 ) " On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail" ) ( 2 Corinthians 10: 3-6 ) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. (4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that setsitself up against the knowledge og God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ( 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tabatha Posted January 27, 2007 Report Share Posted January 27, 2007 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic?It is difficult for people to believe in devil and demons today. I believe because there are so many television programs showing mediums and familar spirits that are friendly. Harry Potter and witchcraft for children. New age which is nothing but old religions from babylon worshiping other gods. These things have turned the minds of people to being deceived into beliving they are O.K. In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities ( the powerful forces of fallen angals headed by Satan, who is a vicious fighter, to withstand their attacks, we must depend on God's strength and use every piece of His armor. Paul is not only giving this counsel to the church, the body of Christ, but to all individuals within the church. The whole body needs to be armed. As you do battle against " the powers of this dark world, " fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit. These who are not " flesh and blood" are demons over whom Satan has control. They are not mere fantasies-- they are very real. We face a powerful aemy whose goal is to defeat Christ's church. W hen we believe in Christ these beings become our enemies, and they try every device to turn us away from Him and back to sin. Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord's side. We need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided this by giving us the Holy Spirit within us and His army surrounding us. ( Matthew 16:18 ) " On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail" ) ( 2 Corinthians 10: 3-6 ) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. (4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ( 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tabatha Posted January 27, 2007 Report Share Posted January 27, 2007 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic?It is difficult for people to believe in devil and demons today. I believe because there are so many television programs showing mediums and familar spirits that are friendly. Harry Potter and witchcraft for children. New age which is nothing but old religions from babylon worshiping other gods. These things have turned the minds of people to being deceived into beliving they are O.K. In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities ( the powerful forces of fallen angals headed by Satan, who is a vicious fighter, to withstand their attacks, we must depend on God's strength and use every piece of His armor. Paul is not only giving this counsel to the church, the body of Christ, but to all individuals within the church. The whole body needs to be armed. As you do battle against " the powers of this dark world, " fight in the strength of the church, whose power comes from the Holy Spirit. These who are not " flesh and blood" are demons over whom Satan has control. They are not mere fantasies-- they are very real. We face a powerful aemy whose goal is to defeat Christ's church. W hen we believe in Christ these beings become our enemies, and they try every device to turn us away from Him and back to sin. Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns, because Satan is constantly battling against all who are on the Lord's side. We need supernatural power to defeat Satan, and God has provided this by giving us the Holy Spirit within us and His army surrounding us. ( Matthew 16:18 ) " On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail" ) ( 2 Corinthians 10: 3-6 ) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. (4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ( 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commissioned Posted February 3, 2007 Report Share Posted February 3, 2007 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? It is differcult to believe in the devil and demons in our day because we grew up with the mindset that if you can't see it, then it can't be real. How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? However, we know that they exist. The struggles that we strive with on the face of the earth, bears witness to the existence of the devil and demons. With all their power, how do we stand a chance? There's one who is more powerful. And He is the One who fights our battles and brings us to the place of victory. Did "the devil make me do it"? No. The devil brings temptation our way, but we ourselves give in to the temptation and commit the sin. What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? Refusal to obey the Holy Spirit when He's talking to us or directing us. Nor can we blame the devil for times when we did not spend time with God in prayer or in the Word of God. There are many things the devil gets blamed for but not praying to God is not one of them. Why? Because it doesn't require anything other than talking to God. And it doesn't have to be vocal, it can be a silent prayer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
June Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 Because we can't see them. Principalities and powers are against our spiritual beings. We need to depend on Christ for our strength by putting on the full armor of God. The devil can't make you do anything!!! You have a choice to either do right or to do wrong. Your spirit man is being attacked. Put self aside and let God. Satan only has what we let him have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charisbarak Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 It's difficult to believe because so many books, movies, etc. have made the devil seem less real or lent it outrageous costuming so they'd seem unreal & stand out more. People need the Holy Spirit to believe in spiritual things. Their existence helps us to see the very temptations Adam & Eve were met with and the very ones we deal with today. Also, the Bible tells us that satan also tryed to tempt Jesus. There is even the struggle of good angels with satan & his cohorts. We have a chance because greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world!! The devil doesn't make us do a thing. We fall prey to temptation and give in to it all by ourselves. We cannot blame our wrong choices or the fruit of choices we have made on the devil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masika Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 It is difficult not to believe in the devil and demons in our day- because we assume that once we are believers we are free from attacks. When we believe in Christ these beings , the poweful evil forces of fallen angels headed by the devil become our enemies , and they try every device to turn us away from God and back to sin. Although we are assured of Victory , we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns ; because satan is constantly battling agaist all who are on the Lord's side . We need Supernatural power t defeat satan and God has provided this by giving us His Holy Spirit within us and His armor surrounding us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Rupert Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? For some it is difficult to believe in the devil, or maybe they do believe in him but don't take him seriously. They don't understand the standing that satan has on this earth. How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? From the beginning of sin satan has had his rein on this earth. Humans have to know and understand the Word in order to believe that there are two choices, only two, God or satan. Most people prefer to believe that they are the masters of their own domain. This is not true, as it is stated, you're gonna serve somebody. With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Jesus' power is greater. It is the ulitimate power. God is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Did "the devil make me do it"? No, he can only tempt. What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? We can't blame anything but temptation on the demonic. We make choices and we are responsible for those choices we make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? We have a hard time believing in things that we can not see, or touch. We are often only looking at the things that are in front of us and not recognizing that there is a spirtual force at work in our lives. It shows that the things that we struggle with most our caused by spiritual beings that constantly throws evil in our path so that we are tempted at every turn. We can only stand if we are filled with the spirit and allow God to deal with our torment and struggles. I don't think we can blame every thing on the devil, if we fail to do our part then we are easy to cause to fail. We must do our part in continueing to study and to be filled with the spirit. The things we can't blame on the devil are our on failures to do our part in standing firm in the Lord and using His armour to defend ourselves in our struggle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCHRIS Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 I beleive the world has 'glorified' the devil and demons and the like thru the media, (tv shows, movies) and people think its only 'make beleive' or dont take them serious enough to warrant any concern. Right from the days of Adam and Eve we see what Satan can do and what he inflicts on this world but with the strength of Christ in our lives we can stand up against the devils work. The devil doesn't make us do anything, all he does is tempt us and we have the choice to follow his way or follow what Christ has done for us. the end results of our sins, as they say 'do the crime do the time' it is our choice of who we follow. We can only serve one master. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eudora Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? It is not difficult to believe in the devil or his demonic friends that he threw to this earth when he was kicked out from the presence of God Almighty, who is Soverign. This is the atmosphere in which they operate. He is on the brink of burning in the pit of fire for all eternity and is hunting down others to join him. He doesn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haar Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 It is difficult to believe in the devil and his demons because people can not prove his existence through experiments. Deispite the doubt of his existence, the devil exists and is responsible for all eveil in the world causing sicknesses, lack of peace, bloodshed, etc. He is very powerful but Christ has overcome him and we can stand against him in the power of Him who is in us and is greater than he that is in the world. He can tempt us but it is our responsibilty to resist or yield to his temptation. When we succumb to him then we should blame ourselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sis. dee Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? I think that the reason why it is so difficult to be believe in the devil and demons in our day is because they don't take them serious and they do believe in him. Also there are so many television programs showing mediums and familar spirits that are friendly and the world believe that this ok, this is all that you see on TV now adays. And plus we believe that once we are born again that we do not have to worry about the devil. Their existence causes all kind of hardship, pain, war, killing, drugs and sickness. With the powers that they hand we can stand because we have God. God is more powerful,......."Greater is He then that is in me then he that is in the world..." God is greater! The devil cannot make you do anything. We cannot blame our wrong choices that we make when we are tempted. If we do not use what God have given us and when we fall we can not blame that on the devil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda bass Posted March 6, 2007 Report Share Posted March 6, 2007 Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? We live in the age of scientific advancement. You can't prove that Satan and his demons exist by scientific theory, you can't run experients to prove their existence, therefore they must not. Plus the old stereotype of the devil with horns and a pitchfork, makes it hard for most people to take his existence seriously. How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? Satan and his demons are responsible for most if not all the evil that is in the world today, war, murder, pain, bloodshed, etc. They are also behind the persecution of God's people, the Jews and the Christians. With all, their power, how do we stand a chance? There is one with far greater power than Satan and his minions, the Lord Jesus Christ. He can give us the strength and endurance to fight against the power of the devil. Also, unlike God and Jesus, the devil can only be in one place at a time. Did "the devil make me to it"? The devil can lead us to temptation or he can bring temptation our way, but he can't make us actually sin. It's like the old saying "you can lead a horse to water,but you can't make him drink." What kind of things can't we blame on the devil? Making wrong choices in our life, not spending time in Bible study and prayer, not following God's direction for our life, willfully sinning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sahala p.s. Posted March 9, 2007 Report Share Posted March 9, 2007 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? It is difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day, because since we was born until we grow to be we are now, as if we always lived together with the real things that we can see, touch, hear, taste, and smell, that the science can prove the existence and become the basis of thinking and build our mindset. We can understand the existence of the devils and demons, and what they have been doing to us by only the Scripture. Their existence helps explain the struggle humans face on earth. According to Ep. 6:12 our struggle is not against flesh and and blood, but against the rules, the authorities, the powers of this dark world, the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Their spirit are at work in those, we lived among them at one time, who are disobedient (Ep. 2:2), that is, gratifying the carvings of their sinful nature and following their desire and thought (Ep. 2:3). What we are going to deal, in essence, are two opposing kingdoms at war with one another. With all their power, we stand a chance in getting everything in the world and satisfying our worldly desire. But, although the devil made it, it was temporary and even then made me worse and worse. The kinds of things that we cannot blame on the demonic are those concerning with our temptations by God, testings of our faith by God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jewell Posted May 9, 2007 Report Share Posted May 9, 2007 It is difficult to believe in the devil and demons today because we've learned to find a reason for everything and give everything a name (we have more social fears, illnesses, and diseases than carter has pills). If we can't prove something, we'll rationalize it or see our psychiatrist who will rationalize it for us. God made us as good people with good thoughts and feelings. It is only evil that can turn us from His way. We stand a chance because we are on God's side. The devil can't make me do it, but he sure can tempt and entice me. We can't blame the devil for the choices we make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelOnLine Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? Because it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meandean Posted July 19, 2007 Report Share Posted July 19, 2007 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic?same reason its hard to believe in god. we are not sure that they are real, we act as we are all from missouri and say show me and i will believe. we must grow spiritually to understand who they are and what they are trying to do with us. the only power they have over us is what we give them.and thats a choice we make so no one can say the devil made me do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanMary Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? I think it's because we can't see them...we're taught in school that if we can't prove something exists, it isn't real....God, for instance. Also, the devil and demons, which are joked about and made into fictional cartoon characters and caricatures with red suits and long pointy tails. How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? In Genesis, God tells us that all He created was GOOD...the fact that there is evil, hatred, disease, perversion, and destruction of all sorts, explains that a powerful being He created "good", chose to exercise his free will and turn against God, taking many others with him to oppose God here on earth. The devil's opposition centers in God's children to thwart us, and in those who don't yet know the Lord, to try to destroy them before they can become children of God. With all their power, how do we stand a chance? We have been promised victory over the evil one! God has given us weapons to fight with, and as Jesus demonstrated in fighting the evil one, the Word of God is our sword. God has provided angels to assist and guard us, so that we are not snatched out of Jesus' hand...He will see us safely home! Did "the devil make me do it"? No! If I did it, I chose to do it outside of God's will. Satan can tempt and taunt, but James 1:14,15 says "Every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desires and, passions. Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death." Satan may plant the "seed" in my mind, but if I act on it, I'm the one at fault. Jesus died for MY SINS, not the devil's. What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? My thoughts and actions which are evil and result in sin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted October 25, 2009 Report Share Posted October 25, 2009 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? What we cannot see or touch, or experimentally prove, we find difficult to believe in. They are constantly trying to tempt us into evil deeds and looking for moments of weakness. Paul tells us that the battle is against demonic forces, against battalions of fallen angels, against evil spirits who wield tremendous power. Though we cannot see them, we are constantly surrounded by wicked spirit-beings. It is because of these evil forces that we humans struggle with sin. However, we as Christians are sealed and protected by the Holy Spirit. We belong to Jesus, and we have God Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sasquatch Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? Scientifically, it is difficult to "measure" the devil and demons. How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? There is great evil in this world just as in Jesus's and Paul's days. The principalities and powers of the spiritual realm described in this bible study are the motivation behind this evil. With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Paul tells us to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power"........Paul likens this to armor. We cannot rely on ourselves or our intellect as the fight is beyond "flesh and blood". The struggle is much bigger and we must don all the tools or pieces of armor God has provided to take our stand against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? I cannot blame my poor decisions on Satan. I must confess and repent. Thanks be to our God who is a God who looks down on his child and gives him one, two, ten or a hundred chances to get back on track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poetmom Posted May 17, 2010 Report Share Posted May 17, 2010 I've actually found this topic to be quite confusing. I don't quite understand the relationship between Satan's influence and our bad choices. It does seem that demonic powers have a foothold in places like Nazi Germany, crime-ridden inner city neighborhoods, war-torn regions, or desperately poor, AIDS-ridden regions in sub-Saharan Africa. It's easy for those in comfortable suburban homes (including myself) to get smug and believe that our comforts come from personal choices alone, but there must be something much larger--and much more evil--at work in some of these areas that just never seem to get a break. Human choices seem to go hand-in-hand with Satan's influence, and this is where I get confused. How much is each responsible? Is the devastating earthquake in Haiti their fault, Satan's fault, God's fault, our fault? Larger earthquakes in California have taken out a few dozen, not 200K. Is California more blessed? Is America more protected because we sprinkled God's name in our government's documents a couple centuries ago? Or has human sin caused the injustice and poverty that brought all those homes tumbling down in Haiti? Can it be blamed on voodoo, as Pat Robertson suggested? Our responsibility as believers, though, is to ask God to direct us in the prayer against whatever dark forces cause such suffering--then WE must act with our service and resources. Jesus reached out and healed, regardless of demonic influence or human sin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLL Posted August 25, 2010 Report Share Posted August 25, 2010 Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? Because people can't see them and they are made out to be fictional characters in movies and cartoons. Their existence explain the struggles we face because they know that they can't defeat Christ so they turn to us throwing all the can to try in turn us from following Him. NO the devil did'nt make me do it our weakness and lack of faith did! Any bad decisions we make can not be blamed on demonic powers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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