Demons – Luke 11:24-26

The origin of demons is likely fallen angels who rebelled against God, as Satan did, and followed Satan in his war against God.  There has been, though, it seems, a degradation of these spirits who have become dependent on attaching themselves to embodied persons.  As Jesus describes them, they are seeking “rest” in this world and only find it through connection to a human.

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of that person is worse than the first.”  (Luke 11:24-26 ESV)

Self-deception opens you to demonic influence.  Jesus’ audience has just accused him of casting out demons by the power of Satan.  So Jesus must instruct even his detractors about demons or unclean spirits.  He, like their own exorcists, casts demons out of people, though with such authority and in such sheer numbers that he outstripped them.  But freeing someone from a demon is not the end of the story.  If a person so freed does nothing more to reject the demonic presence they are susceptible to more demonic activity and oppression.  Having felt free and then finding themselves assaulted again they will likely give up hope and their last state will be worse than the first.

Jesus still has authority in that situation to expel the demons, but the responsibility of the individual is to move toward the Lord with faith and trusting His word.  This is a necessary counter to all demon activity.  Demons trade in lies (“I control you,” “I deserve to be here,” “You need me to function,” “You are worthless,” “No one loves you, you are unlovable,” etc.).  God’s truth steels us against their lies and leaves them no place to grab hold.