TOPICAL BIBLE STUDIES
ARCHIVE D

These outlines are intended as "teaching guides" to the study of any particular topic. The outlines may leave many unanswered questions as to details since those details would be answered in the process of teaching from the scripture references provided. In addition, there may be vocabulary references and subject references that are unfamiliar. Hopefully before too long, all the necessary topics will be available to provide a balanced and complete theology.

Pronunciation guide

GREEK: Verbal Orientation

Hebrew Verbal Orientation

Index

Daily Teaching

DARKNESS: The Crisis

DARKNESS: Judgment on the darkness system

DARKNESS: Transfer from darkness to light

The Davidic Covenant

DEATH: Orientation

DEATH and Sovereignty

DEATH: Physical

DEATH: 7 types

DEBT: See CREDIT BUYING

DECEPTION

Demons

DEMONS: Recognition of demon doctrine

Demon Possession

Demon possession of believers

DESTINY of the Believer

DETAILS OF LIFE

DETAILS OF LIFE: Balance, Control and True Enjoyment

DIAGRAM of the Christian Life

Discerning of Spirits: Spiritual Gift

DISCIPLINE: on the believer

DISCIPLINE: National discipline on Israel, the 5 cycles

DISPENSATIONS: Summary

DIVORCE and separation

THE DRAWING of God

DRINKING WINE

DRUGS and the Christian

DAILY TEACHING

1. Christianity is a way of life that must be lived on a daily basis.

A. The believer is to number his days for maximum success in growth. Ps. 90.7-12

B. We must redeem the time because the days are evil. Eph. 5.16

C. We must live one day at a time. James 4.14; Prov. 27.1; Mt. 6.34

D. The consistency of prayer indicates daily activity. 1 Thes. 5.17;

E. Daily mental occupation with the word produces maximum happiness and stability.

Proverbs 8.34; Ps. 1.1-3; Joshua 1.8

2. The biblical history of daily Christianity:

A. The Godhead throughout eternity: Proverbs 8.30

B. The Lord in the garden: Gen. 3.8

C. The religious code of the Mosaic law. Numbers 4.16; 29.6; Heb. 10.11

D. The standard for the king: Deut. 17.18-20

E. David fulfilled that daily standard. Ps. 5.2-3; 27.4; 59.16; 61.8; 86.3; 88.9, 13; 143.8

F. Daniel had daily worship activity: Dan. 6.10

G. Isaiah had daily doctrinal intake. Is. 50.4-5 (secondary application to Messiah's 1st advent)

H. Jeremiah taught daily: Jer. 20.7-9

I. Job's daily activity: Job 23.12; 1.5

J. Jesus taught daily: Mt. 26.55; Mk. 14.49; Lk. 19.47; 22.53

K. Daily activity traced through Acts: 2.46-47; 5.42; 16.5; 17.10-11, 17; 19.9-10; 20.31

L. Daily local church activity in the Jerusalem church. Acts 6.1-7

3. Public assembly worship: Heb. 3.7-15; 10.19-25

4. The bread of life analogy:

A. The manna illustration: Ex. 16.1-36; Deut. 8.3

B. Christ as the living word fulfills the manna illustration. John 6.30-35

C. Christ's summary for Christian way of life activity. Mt. 4.4

D. Spiritual growth results from daily feeding on the word of God. 1 Pet. 2.2; 2 Pet. 3.18

5. God as the shepherd of the believer shepherds through his written word on a daily basis.

Psalm 95.6-8 and Heb. 3.7-13

6. The word of God is our life. Deut. 32.44-47; Prov. 4.13;

index

THE CRISIS OF THE DARKNESS

1. The whole world lies under the authority of evil. 1 Jn. 5.19, Ie, the evil one.

2. This evil authority or kingdom is called "this darkness." - Eph. 6.12

3. Thus, the whole world is under the authority of darkness.

A. Luke 1.79

B. John 12.46

C. Acts 26.18

4. The believer has been positionally delivered from darkness.

A. Col. 1.13

B. Eph. 5.8

C. 1 Peter 2.9

D. 1 Thes. 5.5

E. John 12.36

F. John 17.16

5. But the believer remains in this world of darkness as an ambassador of light. 2 Cor. 5.20; Mt. 5.14-16; Phil. 2.15

6. And living physically in the world subjects the believer to the influence of evil.

A. the agents of darkness: Eph. 6.12; 1 Pet. 5.8; 1 Tim.4.1; 2 Cor. 11.13-15

B. The sin nature (OSN): 1 Peter 2.11; Gal. 5.17; Heb. 3.13

7. Therefore our need as expressed by Jesus: John 17.15

8. The consequences of darkness influence. Jn. 12.35; 1 Jn. 2.11 - blindness

9. God's provision for being kept from the evil. Ie, to live in the darkness without being influenced, bogged down and blinded by the darkness.

A. Jn. 17.17

B. Job 29.3

C. Psalm 36.1-9

D. Psalm 119.105

E. Proverbs 2.10-15

10. Miscellaneous passages:

A. Eph. 5.10 - unfruitful deeds of darkness (v. 3-4)

B. Rom. 13.12-14

C. 1 Thes. 5.4-8

D. 1 Jn. 2.9-11

E. 2 Cor. 6.14 -- what fellowship

index

DARKNESS: Judgment on the darkness system

1. Recognize the light and darkness are mutually exclusive.

A. 1 Jn. 1.5-6

B. 2 Cor. 6.14

C. Is. 5.20-21

D. Is. 55.8-9

2. Thus a conflict exists between the two.

A. 1 Peter 5.8 - the devil

B. 1 Peter 2.11 - fleshly lusts come from the sin nature.

C. Mt. 24.9-10; Jn. 15.18-21

D. Principle of Rev. 12.12-13

3. But God's plan provides an ultimate judgment on darkness and all its facets.

A. Mt. 25.41 - the devil and all fallen angels

B. Ps. 92.7 - all unbelievers

C. 2 Pet. 3.10 - the world and its works

4. The focal point for judgment on darkness is the cross of Christ.

A. Jn. 12.27-33; 16.11

B. Col. 2.13-15

5. The transitional judgment takes place at the 2nd advent.

A. Is. 2.12-17

B. Is. 24.21-22

C. Rev. 19.19-20.3

D. 2 Thes. 1.6-9

6. The ultimate judgment administrated after Christ's 1000 year kingdom.

A. The devil: Rev. 20.7-10

B. All unbelievers: Rev. 20.11-15; 2 Thes. 1.9

7. In the meantime, there is a progressive judgment taking place on earth through the advance of God's plan and the promotion of God's truth.

A. 1 Jn. 2.8, 17; 1 Cor. 7.31

B. 2 Cor. 10.3-6

8. It is this progressive neutralization of darkness which makes God's absolute truth so vital to the human race.

9. In fact it is the power of God's truth which is progressively neutralizing darkness and at the same time providing a replacement and far better reality for the universe.

10. Thus, the exhortation to pursue and promote God's truth as it centers in the doctrine of Divine love.

index

DARKNESS: Transfer from darkness to light

1. When Adam fell from his spiritual relationship with God, he lost his rulership over the earth to Satan.
John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Luke 4:6; cf. Gen. 9:1-7 ( no repeat of the "rule over" command).

2. Satan, having previously become the adversary of God, represents all that is contrary and opposite to God.

A. God is light: 1 John 1:5a
B. And in Him is no darkness at all: 1 John 1:5b
C. Therefore Satan represents darkness and evil.

3. Thus, his rulership is called "this darkness." Eph. 6:12

4. All who are born into the human race are under Satan's darkness kingdom.

A. 1 John 5:19
B. Eph. 2:1-2
C. John 8:44, child of the devil

5. Jesus came to provide transfer from this darkness into light.

A. Luke 1:78-79
B. John 8:12; 12:36, 46

6. That is the message of the gospel. Acts 26:14-18

7. This transfer is entrance into the kingdom of God's Son. Col. 1:12-13

8. The believer is now called a son of light and of day. 1 Thes. 5:5

9. And at Ephesians 5:8, he is called "light in the Lord."

10. The basis for the doctrine of separation from unbelievers is this transfer from darkness to light. 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:7-8

11. The application of this new position in our Christian way of life, requires constant vigilance and dedication through the filling of the Spirit and knowledge of Bible Truth.
1 Thes. 5:4-8; Rom. 13:12-14; 1 John 1:5-7

index

DEATH: Orientation

1. God is the controller of life and death.

Deut. 32:39; Numbers 24:23; 1 Sam. 2:6

(See category: Death and Sovereignty )

2. Because of Christ's victory on the cross and His resurrection, death has no sting for the believer. 1 Cor. 15:55-57

3. For the believer, death is simply the doorway into the presence of God. Ec. 12:6-7

A. Prior to the resurrection of Jesus, at death, the believer went into a place of comfort called "paradise." Luke 16:19-25

B. After the resurrection of Jesus, at death, the soul of the believer departs to be with Christ. 2 Cor. 5:8; Philip. 1:21, 23

4. The believer has the promise of bodily resurrection as a source of comfort and motivation during life here on earth.

A. The promise: 1 Cor. 15:49-53; Phil. 3:21;

B. The comfort and motivation: 1 Cor. 15:58

5. The believer has the promise of a special dwelling place with Christ for all eternity.

A. The dwelling place: John 14:1-3

B. The New Jerusalem: Rev. 21:1-7

6. The believer can know that God is in control of his life.

A. My times are in your hands: Psalm 31:15

B. Valuable in the sight of Yahweh is the death of his "grace ones." Psalm 116:15

C. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ. Romans 8:35-39

7. Therefore the believer can face death with peace and confidence.

A. The valley of the shadow is not to be feared. Ps. 23:4

B. We need not fear even though thousands may die around us. Psalm 91:5-14

C. If God does allow us to die, "not a hair of our head will perish." Luke 21:16-18

8. But the comfort and peace about death is not "automatic."

It requires an orientation in the soul that produces confidence. Rom. 15:4, 13.

9. Examples of believers facing death: Heb. 11:13-16; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; 2 Pet. 1:12-14, 18; Gen. 49:29-33; 50:24-25;

index

DEATH and Sovereignty

1. God is the controller over death. He is the source. He uses many different agents to bring about death, but he is the source. Deut. 32.39; Num.24.23; 1 Sam. 2.6.

2. God brings death to the human race for a variety of reasons.

A. The purpose for life is over. Example of Simeon at Luke 2.26-30

B. The law of sowing and reaping: death comes earlier than necessary to those who are in opposition to God.

1. The unbeliever: delivered over to his anti-God, darkness way of life. Rom. 1.21-32

2. The believer: delivered over to the sin unto death as ultimate Divine discipline. 1 Jn. 5.16; 1 Cor. 11.30

C. Simply to communicate the reality of Divine sovereignty and teach creature humility to those left behind. Ie, for God's glory.

3. Illustrated by a study of death at the Messiah's arrival.

A. God kept Mary alive through the integrity of Joseph. Mt. 1.18-19 - application of foreknowledge

B. God kept Simeon alive just long enough to see Jesus. Luke 2.25-32

C. God kept Jesus alive through direct guidance to Joseph. Mt. 2.13-18

D. God kept Herod alive to participate in a Satanic attack to kill Jesus.

Mt. 2.13-18. (He died just a few months later)

E. God allowed dozens of children to be killed to emphasize the power of Divine protection over His Messiah. Mt. 2.13-18

1. It was the day Joseph left.

2. There was no "need" to kill the children.

3. Divine actions are a reflection of Divine character - not man's.

4. And those actions are directed to issues of the angelic conflict as a

focal point - not to the protection of the human race.

4. Believer's recognition of Divine sovereignty: Dan. 3.15-18

A. Psalm 116.15

B. Therefore, Psalm 23.4

5. Principle of the death of Lazarus: Jn. 11.1-45

6. God allowed Stephen and others to be killed, but in his own timing removed the killer, Saul. Acts 9.1-9

7. God allowed James to be killed, but delivered Peter. Acts 12.1-11 And in his right timing, removed the killer, Herod. Acts 12.20-23

8. So Divine sovereignty allowed some believer's to die while others were delivered or even raised.

9. The principle of Divine sovereignty applies to all human disasters. We must learn to accept His wisdom and timing.

index

PHYSICAL DEATH

1. What happens at death: Ec. 12.6-7

A. The soul leaves the body: Gen. 35.18; 1 Kings 17.17-23

B. Into God's hands: Job 34.14; Mt. 27.50; Lk. 23.46; Acts 7.59

C. Body to the dust: Gen. 3.19; Job 34.15 (see insert)

D. Where does the soul go:

1. Ps. 63.9-10 - to the depths of the earth

2. Is. 38.10 - sheol -

3. Luke 16.19-31 - to Hades with its 3 compartments

(Believer is escorted by angels)

E. Jesus and the criminal: Luke 23.43

F. Normal vocabulary for death: into sheol

Gen. 37.35; 42.38; 1 Sam. 2.6; Job 21.13

G. Down to the pit:

1. A figure of speech which combines both factors in physical death.

What happens to the soul and the body.

2. shachath:

a. Job 17.11-16 - anticipates physical death

V. 13, 14, 16 - alternates between the soul and the body.

b. Job 33.13-18 - Truth as a preventative of sin and physical death as a consequence, soul to the pit/ physical life to the sword.

c. Job 33.22 - Physical death through Divine discipline.

V. 24, 28, 30 - recovery delivers from physical death.

d. Psalm 16.9-11

V. 9 - my flesh (physical body) dwell securely, based on V. 8

V. 10 - explains confidence of physical security - Divine wisdom and timing for his death.

For: reference to the Divine plan -

You will not abandon (forsake, leave-Azabh) my soul to sheol. Refers to future deliverance via Messiah's transfer. Psalm 49.15; 68.18.

neither: prophetic application which goes beyond David to the Messiah.

Allow your grace one (chAsiydh) - the Messiah

To undergo decay-see the pit. (But the LXX {Septuagint: Greek translation of the Old Testament} and Acts 13.35 has "see corruption") thus, the decay of the body.

V.11 - David's experience of the abundant life in time --

But application to Christ's resurrection life.

e. Ps. 30.9 - What profit --- if I go down to the pit - context indicates the disposition of the body -it has no more participation in normal life activities. (the soul is separate)

f. Ps. 49.9 - man's desire to live perpetually - not see the pit. Refers to the body coming under the process of decay as it returns to the dust.

g. Ps. 55.23 - refers to physical death: bring them down to the well (hole - bear) of the pit. (The place of physical death with emphasis on the disposition of the body.)

h. Ps. 103.4 - God redeems your life (chay) from the pit. Emphasis on physical life-Divine protection and timing- CF Ps. 116.15.

i. Ezek 28.8 - they will bring you down to the pit - bring about the status of physical death from both perspectives. expose you to physical corruption of the body - die the death of those slain in the heart of the seas-a drowning death-(alone and lonely)

j. Jonah 2.6 - Jonah in the belly of the fish -- facing apparent imminent death - but is delivered --- God brought up my life from the pit. (from the place where my body would decay.)

3. bor -

a. Ps. 28.1 - David needs physical deliverance - or else he may die. I became like those who go down to the pit - to the place where the body decays.

b. Ps. 30.3 - deliverance from imminent death brought up my soul (nephesh) from sheol -prevented me from going there. You have kept me alive from going down to the pit - the place where the body decays.

c. Ps. 88.3-4 -Reviews pressures which brought him close to death. From the perspective of an unbeliever.

1. enough troubles:

2. my life (chay) has drawn near to sheol

3. I am reckoned - shAchabh - evaluated as

4. among those who go down to the pit (who are dead) viewed by others to be "as good as dead."

d. Ps. 88.5-7 - physical death pressure in the unbeliever.

V. 5 - forsaken among the dead (as good as dead). (like the slain who lie in the grave-gebher)

Whom you remember no more - (after death)

God can do nothing more for you once you die.

And they are cut off from you hand - ultimate rejection.

V. 6 - you have put me in the lowest pit (the pit of the lower places - cf. point g.), in dark places, in the depths -- physically hopeless situation.

V. 10-12 - death for the unbeliever - total hopelessness.

e. Ps. 143.7 - do not hide your face from me lest I become like those who go down to the pit (lest I die physically).

f. Prov. 1.12 - The completeness of physical death:

swallow them like sheol

as those who go down to the pit.

g. Ezek. 32.18, 24 -The nether world-w/ those who go down to the pit.

( erets + tachtiy - plural = the land of the lower parts; also Ezk. 26.20)

CF. Ezk. 31.14, 16, 18 - singular = the land of the lower part.

CF. Deut. 32.22 - the lowest part of sheol (Ps. 86.13 - from the lowest sheol)

CF. Ps. 63.9 - into the lowest parts of the earth

(Frame of reference - Ps. 139.15 - skillfully worked in the lower places of the earth-relates to dust)

H. Job 30.23 - the house of meeting for all living

I. Ec. 12.5 - His eternal home: to the home of his eternity (perpetuity)

 

2. The grave:

A.The Greek word - hades - 11 times; Hebrew - sheol - 65 times. Refers to the dwelling place of the souls of those who have died.

B. Sometimes with emphasis on the place of the body - thus the grave.

C. But usually with emphasis on the place of the soul in which case, best to translate it like a name and transliterate it into the English.

3. Hades before the resurrection of Christ:

A. Divided into 3 compartments based on Luke 16.

B. Torments: for the unbelievers - Vs. 23, 28

C. Paradise: for the believers, and is called Abraham's bosom,

but CF Lk. 23.43 where Jesus calls it "paradise."

D. The great chasm between: v.26, which is probably to be Identified with -

1. The abyss of Rev. 9.1-2; 20.1-3

2. And tartarus of 1 Pet. 3.19-20; 2 Pet. 2.4; Jude 6

4. Normal life function does not take place. Is. 38.18-20

A. V. 18 describes physical death in 3 ways.

1. Sheol - the soul in sheol has no soul/body coordination and function - no testimonial thanks.

2. Death (mAweth) cannot praise - the fact of physical death.

3. Those who go down the pit (bor - speaks of decay) cannot wait (trust) - no spiritual life function.

B. Only the living participate in Angelic conflict activities and represent truth to the world-Ps. 115.16-17

C. Is. 30.9 - no bodily participation

5. The wicked are off the battlefield: Ps. 31.17

6. Job 3.17-19 - all human life factors are discontinued

7. Spiritual life factors are no issue. Ps. 88.10-12

8. The only real issue is comfort or agony: Luke 16.25

9. Human viewpoint of death: Ec. 9.3-12 with 3.18-22

10. Orientation to death and details: Ps. 49.1-20

11. Job describes the place of torment in Hades. Job 10.18-22

In his depression he has lost his focus on salvation security

12. Christ in Hades:

A. Eph. 4.8-10 - descended into the lower parts of the earth

1. Ps. 68.18;

2. Fulfills Ps. 49.15; Hos. 13.14a; Is. 61.1

B. Luke 23.39-43 - Paradise

C. 1 Pet. 3.19-20 - tartarus (2 Pet. 2.4; Jude 6)

 

13. Hades after the resurrection of Christ:

A. Christ took paradise to heaven with him at the ascension. Eph. 4.8 (Heb. 12.23)

B. Now when believers die, they go to paradise in heaven.

1. 2 Cor. 12.1-4; 5.8; Phil. 1.23

2. Souls in heaven: Rev. 6.9-11

C. Torments and the abyss remained unchanged

14. Hades will remain unchanged until the last judgment when all spiritual rebels will be thrown into the lake of fire. Rev. 20.13-14

A. One exception: the temporary release of the demons in the abyss as described at Rev. 9.1-11

B. Quality of life in the lake of fire: Rev. 14.10-11

15. Resuscitation: being brought back to physical life. Heb. 11.35

A. The soul returns to the body - 1 Kings 17.17-24

B. Luke 7.11-17

C. John 11.38-45

D. Mt. 27.50-53

E. Acts 11.36-42

F. Acts 14.19-20 with 2 Cor. 12.2-4

G. This was not resurrection. All these died again later.

"resurrection" can't take place until the return of Christ-1 Cor. 15.23

H. Today, resuscitation occurs both from a miracle perspective as well as a medical perspective. (although, from the medical perspective, it was probably "near death" situations rather than actual death.

16. Communication with the dead:

A. Viewed in scripture as occult activity:

1. Is. 8.19 - the ventriloquist demon who imitates the dead.

2. Lev. 20.27; Deut. 18.11

B. 1 Sam. 28.7-19 - Saul and the witch of Endor

1. The witch, who was lord of a "yiddoniy" demon (a demon who is able to impart knowledge), did not call up Samuel. She was really shocked and unprepared when he showed up.

2. God allowed Samuel's soul to come back for a special and unique purpose. V. 15-19

3. There is no hint in scripture that this ever would occur again and no indication that it ever has.

4. All such activity today, is occultic and no actual communication with the dead is possible.

5. The information revealed in seances are provided by the "yiddoniy" demon who can easily find out any information about a person's past life.

17. The ultimate reversal of physical death is through resurrection at Christ's second coming.

A. 1 Cor. 15.35-57
B. Phil. 3.21
C. See Topic: RESURRECTION of the human race

index

DEATH: 7 types

1. Death in our language as well as in the languages of the bible, indicate a neutralization or in-operation of the thing said to be dead.

A. We know this, not from the definition of the word, but from its use throughout the bible and in other languages as well.

B. The existence of 7 different types of death in the bible indicates the broad use of the term as well as the existence of a general idea associated with the word.

2. Death #1: The first type of death mentioned in the bible relates to man's fellowship and relationship with God. Worship death (neutralization) - or spiritual death.

A. Gen. 2.17 indicates that this death results from disobedience to God.

"if you eat --- you shall surely die." - undergo a neutralization.

B. The reality of this death is described at Gen. 3.6-10 as being a separation from God evidenced by soul nakedness and fear - V. 10

C. Is. 59.1-2 relates the principle of separation from rapport and fellowship with God because of sin.

D. Eph. 2.1 communicates the reality of "dead in trespasses and sin." v. 5-dead in transgressions.

E. Col. 2.13 says dead to transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh. This new term refers to the presence of the sin nature as the evidence and expression of this neutralization before God.

F. Ps. 51.5 indicates that the condition of sinfulness began at physical birth.

G. Ungodly is a term used to describe the sinful condition of the human race from the standpoint of capacity to worship God. asebäs = unworshipping. The word indicates no inclination or capacity to worship God. Thus, the term, worship death.

H. Spiritual death is not a biblical term although it is used for the unbeliever.

But it implies the actual death of the spirit which the bible does not teach.

 

3. Death #2: Physical death - When the soul and spirit leave the physical body, resulting in the physical neutralization of the person. The body is inoperative.

A. Gen. 3.19

B. Ec. 12.6-7

C. James 2.26a

4. Death #3: The Second death is the perpetuation of worship death into eternity in the lake of fire. Rev. 20.11-15

A. Jn. 5.28-29 - resurrection of judgment

B. Rev. 14.10-11

5. Death #4: Positional death - Identification with Christ's death through union with him from the point of salvation.

A. Rom. 6.2-11 - died to sin

B. Col. 2.20 - died to the world system. kosmos

C. Gal. 2.20 - crucified with Christ

6. Death #5: Fellowship death - the neutralization of the believer's relationship status from the standpoint of experience in time.

A. The control of the sin nature: Rom. 8.4-8, 13

B. Eph. 5.8-18 - walking in darkness

C. 1 Jn. 3.14 - he who does not love, abides in death

D. James 1.13-15 - sin produces death

E. 1 Tim. 5.6 - a widow out of fellowship is "dead" while she lives.

F. illustrated in the parable of the prodigal Son: Luke 15.24, 32

This my son was "dead" and is alive again: This is not a "salvation" parable, but a parable about someone in the family of God who gets out of fellowship with God and needs to confess that sin (or sins) to the Father in order to be restored to fellowship. There was no loss of salvation in this situation, just loss of fellowship. When the parable ends, it is the older son who "dies" getting out of fellowship through his sins of pride, jealousy and bitterness.

7. Death #6: Operational death - no production of divine good in the believer's life because of fellowship death. James 2.14-26b - faith without works ---

A. V. 17 - dead - nekros

B. V. 20 - useless - argos - ineffective

C. This is reversed by consistency in the growth process so that the believer might not be "useless" nor "unfruitful." 2 Pet. 1:5-8

 

8. Death #7: Reproductive death - the inability to produce offspring. Romans 4.17-21; Heb. 11.12

index

DECEPTION

1. Deception is a category of mental and verbal sin that basically falsifies or misrepresents facts to promote or protect self.

A. dolos: deceit-the manipulation of words and ideas in order to distract from the truth.

B. pseudos: falsehood - the actual words and ideas used to accomplish deceit. cf. Eph. 4.25.

2. Categories of deceit:

A. lying: stating false facts. Ex. 20.16; Pr. 6.24-28; 25.18; 26.18-19; Col. 3.9

B. Flattery: praise, either merited or not, which seeks to promote self in the eyes of the one praised.

1. Ps. 5.9; 28.3; 55.21

2. Pr. 23.6-8; 26.24-28; 28.23

3. Overt actions: Pr. 27.6

C. Boasting: self flattery which seeks to promote self in the eyes of others.

Ps. 12.3-4; Pr. 25.11-14; 27.2; 1 Cor. 4.6-7; Jer. 9.23-24

D. Oaths: claiming allegiance to a respected authority or thing in order to convince others you are telling the truth.

Mt. 5.33-37; Jas. 5.12; Ex. 20.7

E. Gossip: covered in point 12

F. Hypocrisy: emphasis on overt activity. Putting on a religious front for evil purposes. 1 Pet. 2.16; Gal. 5.13 (religious hypocrisy - point 11)

G. Exaggeration:

1. Does not refer to idioms of exaggeration. hyperboles

2. Exaggeration alters facts either consciously or unconsciously, in order to represent a situation as being more intense or spectacular than it actually is. But it is still deception.

3. The moral issue in lying:

A. Lying perpetuates creature arrogance by denying the validity of moral standards designed by God.

B. Lying affirms that the individual is independent as a law to himself, & he can do as he pleases.

C. But the very fact that he must lie to protect self, indicates that he is not independent from society and its morals.

D. And so, the reality of morality blessing in a society is directly related to maintaining truthfulness in every area of life. 1 Pet.3.10-12; Ps. 34.8-14

4. False witnessing is a serious moral sin since it attacks the personal freedom and rights of the one witnessed against.

A. Forbidden: Ex. 20.16

B. Amplified: Ex. 23.1-3; Deut. 19.15-21

C. Proverbs 24.28-29

5. Deception in finances is counterproductive and oppressive.

A. Principle of counter productivity:

1. The soul: no inner peace and contentment - Pr. 13.11; 20.17; 21.6; 22.16

2. Overt: Proverbs 15.27

B. Principle of oppression:

1. Zech. 7.8-14

2. Ezek 18.5-13

C. False measurements:

1. Lev. 19.35-37; Deut. 25.13-15

2. Prov. 20.10, 23

3. Micah 6.9-13

D. Misrepresentation: Proverbs 20.14

E. Interest: Lev. 25.35-37; Ex. 22.25; Deut. 23.19-20

F. Pledges: Ex. 22.26-27; Deut. 24.6, 10-13

G. Wages: Deut. 24.14-15; Lev. 19.13

6. Thus, a nation characterized by deception among its people will fall under judgment from God.

A. Principle: Jer. 18.6-10

B. Example: Jer. 9.1-9

7. Lying and deception are not compatible with our new life in Christ.

A. Status: Col. 3.9-10a

B. Growth: Col. 3.10b-16

8. Principle of self-deception:

A. Proverbs 14:8b

B. Proverbs 12.15; 14.12; 16.2

C. 1 Corinthians 3.18; Galatians 6.3

D. James 1.26

E. Isaiah 47.8-15

9. Principle of deceiving God:

A. Isaiah 29.13, 15-16

B. Psalm 17.1-5

10.Deceiving others through false doctrine: 1 Thessalonians 2.5

A. Deuteronomy 11.16

B. Jeremiah 10.14; 14.14; 23.25-32; 29.8-9; 51.17

C. Ezekiel 22.28

D. Romans 16.18

E. 2 Corinthians 11.3

F. Ephesians 4.14; 5.6; Col. 2.8

G. 1 Timothy 4.1-2; 2 Tim. 3.13

H. Titus 1.10

I. 2 John 7

J. Jude 4

K. Thus, the importance of knowing truth & proclaiming it accurately. 2 Tim. 2.15

11. Religious hypocrisy: hupokrites - only used by Jesus

A. Luke 12.1- the teaching of the Pharisees is hypocrisy - hupokrisis

B. Mt. 6.2 - giving alms

C. Mt. 6.5 - prayer

D. Mt. 6.16 - fasting

E. Mt. 7.1-5 - judging

F. Mt. 15.1-9 - religious tradition

G. Mt. 22.16-18 with Mark 12.15 - attack on Jesus

H. Mt. 23.1-4 - oppression through misuse of authority (v. 8-12)

I. Mt. 23.5-7 - showcasing self

J. Mt. 23.13, 15 - no salvation reality

K. Mt. 23.16-22 - distortion of value

L. Mt. 23.23 - tithing

M. Mt. 23.25, 27-28 with Luke 11.44 - deceptive appearance (cf. Mt. 7.15f)

N. Mt. 23.29-36 - rejection of God's true communicators

O. Mt. 24.51 - religious unbelievers

P. Luke 12.54-56 - comparison of logic

Q. Luke 13.10-16 - sabbath

12. Deception related to gossip:

A. Gossip is the relating of some bit of information, whether criticism, ridicule, accusations or even truth, with the mental attitude of "love neglect."

B. Love neglect is --

1. Either an attitude of pure self-promotion at the expense of others.

2. Or simply, unwise tale-bearing without considering the benefit, feelings and reputation of the other.

C. See topic GOSSIP (soon)

13. The believer in fellowship is promised Divine protection from the lies and deception of others.

Psalm 31.19-20; 120.1-4; Job 5.21; Isaiah 54.17

14. Comments on Rahab's lie: Joshua 2.1-16; Heb. 11.31; James 2.25

A. Rahab was a believer without growth progress.

B. She did not have Divine viewpoint to use in the crisis so she used human viewpoint.

C. She is praised for her initial decision to hide the spies, not for her lie.

D. Her lie was not right, it did not trust God, it did not showcase God, it was sin.

E. The lie broke her fellowship with God, but later, through teaching she would confess the sin and continue to grow.

15. Apply to the doctrine of separation:

A. Principle: proverbs 22.3, 24-25; 13.20

B. Proverbs 20.19;

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Demons

1. Demon is a functional title that describes the fallen angels who sided with Satan in his rebellion against God.

A. In the secular world, the word, daimön and daimönion, were used of any spirit good or bad. Thus, of deities and gods.

B. In the Biblical revelation, demons are Satan's angels whose only purpose in life is to fulfill their own creature-centered, distorted lust patterns and promote the cause of Satan in the universe.

C. And of course, in line with this is the attempt to discredit and neutralize the viewpoint and policy of God.

2. As creature category, "angel," they exist in spirit form and are basically immaterial in "physical" structure. The term "spirit."

A. Indicates an immaterial type creation.

B. It has a physical appearance and even substance, but has abilities of movement and function unimpaired by that physical substance as man is by his.

C. Being immaterial, they will usually be invisible to human perception, but can manifest themselves in a variety of ways.

D. One such way is through possession of a physical entity, such as man, in which case the personality and character of the demon or demons involved are manifested in the host.

E. Another way is through "ectoplasm." Demons have the ability to manipulate the chemicals of the physical world so as to form visible images and shapes in order to further their deceptive schemes.

F. Apparently they can no longer appear as men like the elect angels can do (cf. Gen. 18:1-5; 19:1-2; Heb. 13:2) since such a thing is not recorded in scripture.

3. As promoters of Satan's 5 paragraph darkness manifesto, they are involved in a variety of activities in order to discredit the Light System and undermine God's plan of using the human race as light bearers to resolve the angelic conflict.

A. This function can be broken down into 2 categories.

1. Oppression
2. Deception

B. Oppression refers to demon influence for the purpose of causing physical and moral chaos in a person's life. Oppression can be either inward or outward.

C. Inner oppression is through "possession" which results in a variety of effects:

1. Dumbness, restraint of the vocal cords: Mat. 9:32-33
2. Blindness: Mat. 12:22
3. Deformity: Luke 13:11-17
4. Convulsive fits: Mat. 17:15-18
5. Self-mutilation: Mark 5:5
6. Anti-social, insane type behavior: Luke 8:27

D. Some oppression is not possession as in the case of -

1. Job: Job 2:6-7
2. and Paul: 2 Cor. 12:7

E. Deception refers to demon influence and/or possession for the purpose of discrediting Light standards and promoting darkness viewpoint.

1. 1 Tim. 4:1; Gal. 1:8; 2 Thes. 2:2
2. 2 Cor. 11:11-13
3. They are behind idolatry: 1 Cor. 10:20-21
4. They can give visions: Col. 2:18
5. They can actually appear to people: Job 4:12-21
6. They can distort the gospel after it is heard and rejected by an unbeliever. 2 Cor. 4:4; Mat. 13:19; Mark 4:15
7. They can influence nations: Rev. 16:13-14; Dan. 10:20
8. They are behind all occult activity as represented by the term, "spirit of divination." at Acts 16:16.

E. Another area of deception is the attack directed against believers.

1. Temptation to sin:

a. 1 chron. 21:1, Satan moved (influenced) David.
How is not indicated.

1. suggestions from others
2. suggestions form demons on some kind of sub-verbal level.
3. cf. 2 Sam. 24:1

a) God is angry with Israel.
b) God's anger causes something to happen so that David is influenced to number Israel.
c) 1 Chron. 21:1 indicates that by way of discipline on the nation, God allowed Satan to afflict the nation.
d) Satan chose to do this through David, by influencing him to go against divine policy.
e) however, David did not "have" to make the choice he made.

b. Acts 5:3, Satan has filled your heart to lie
c. 1 Cor 7:5, temptation to sin because of lack of physical fulfillment in the marriage relationship.
d. 1 Pet. 5:8, temptation to sin because of adversity in the material things of life.
e. Luke 22:32, temptation to disown Christ

2. Influence because of sin:

a. 2 Cor. 2:8-11, failure to have a forgiveness attitude opens the door for Satanic attack.
b. Eph. 4:26-27, uncontrolled emotional anger gives the devil an opportunity to influence you into other negative areas of expression.
c. 1 Pet. 5:8, the devil can take advantage of times when you let worry dominate the soul.

3. Persecution:

a. accuser: Job 1:9-11; 2:4-5; Zech. 3:1; Rev. 12:10
b. Geographical hindrance: 1 Thes. 2:18
c. Physical persecution: Rev. 2:10
d. Health: Job 2:6-7; 2 Cor. 12:7

4. Distortion of truth

a. Orientation to 2 Cor. 11:3, 13-15
b. Gal. 3:1 and 5:7-8

5. Whenever a believer is out of fellowship for whatever reason, the control of the sin nature reflects only darkness and satanic viewpoint. Rom. 8:5-7. basically in 3 areas.

a. failure to trust divine provisions in time of crisis as represented by the word,
oligopistos at Mt. 6:30. "you of little faith."

b. Self-centered, immoral activity as represented at Mark 7:21-23

c. Actual espousal of Satanic viewpoint and policy through religion and/or the occult.
d. Or any combination of these expressions: cf. Peter at Mat. 16:21-23

4. The biblical analysis of the occult: Link to Archive O for this and then return.

5. The rank among Satan's angels: Link to Archive A Angels: for this discussion

6.: Demon Possession: See below

Return to topic Angels

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DEMONS: Recognition of demon doctrine

1. 1 John 4:1

A. Beloved: agapätos - recognizes the recipients as believers.
B. Do not believe: pisteuö, present active imperative + negative = perception that places confidence and trust in something.

C. Every spirit: pneuma = influence, entity or teacher.

1. Cf. 1 Tim. 4:1 (entity) deceitful spirits (adjective, planos)
2. 1 John 4:6, spirit of error (planä, noun = deception influence)

D. But: alla, strong contrast which relates the responsibility each believer has toward the issue of light vs. darkness.

E. Test the spirits: dokimadzö, present active imperative = examine objectively with the intent to find value in the thing examined. 1 Thes. 5:20-21

F. Whether they are of God: ek theos. This is based on evaluation of "content" as verses 2-6 indicate.

G. Because many false prophets: pseudopropähtäs
H. Have gone: perfect active indicative or exerchomai
I. Into the world: the kosmos system as under the control of Satan.

1. Therefore, the realm of human existence
2. And so they confront the believer in every area of life.
1 John 5:19; John 17:15

2. The standard for recognizing the "basic" presence of truth. 1 John 4:2-3

v. 2

1. by this: reference to a specific issue of truth that is being attacked by the gnostics under the leadership of a man named Cerinthus.

2. Basically, that heresy is the teaching that Jesus is a man and not God.

a. That at His baptism the "Christ" descended upon him.
b. Gave him his miracle working powers
c. But left him at the crucifixion when he died.

3. You know: present active indicative of ginöskö = come to know through application of experienced standards.
(It is possible to make this a present active imperative in which case it would read, "by this know. . ")

4. The spirit of God: influence - of, from or pertaining to God.
5. Every spirit: influence, ie, teacher.
6. That confesses: homologeö, present active indicative = acknowledges and teaches.

7. That Jesus Christ: Jesus the anointed one, ie, The Messiah.
The Messiah is Yahweh God (Jehovah) of the Old Testament.

8. Has come in the flesh:

a. come: perfect active indicative of erchomai, indicates a descent from heaven.

b. in the flesh: He became a man; took on true humanity so that Jesus is God in the flesh. Phil. 2:6-8 and John 1:14.

c. This offsets the gnostic heresy by proclaiming that the "Christ" became humanity and not just "came upon" a man like a force or influence or possession.

d. This is not referring to the idea that Jesus was "born" ie, that he was real. To say "in the flesh" in that context is superfluous. Everyone was born "in the flesh" in that sense.

e. But to stress that the "Christ" was born in the flesh, clearly states that the Messiah (who is Yahweh of the Old Testament) was born (became) flesh. Ie, God in the flesh.

9. Is from God: eimi + ek theos indicates that the spirit, influence or teacher is representing God's truth in that area.

a. But this only addresses the gnostic heresy and not error in general.

b. the next statement in v. 3 develops further the issue of examining based on an established body of truth.

V. 3

1. And every spirit: influence or teacher
2. That does not confess: homologeö, present active indicative + neg.

a. Again, an acknowledgement and proclamation.
b. Or in this case with the negative, a failure to acknowledge and represent the established body of doctrine represented by the name "Jesus."

3. Jesus: The name by itself goes beyond the issue of the incarnation and now includes the whole body of truth that He taught.

a. Mat. 7:15-29
v. 16, you will know them by their fruits.
v. 22, not the fruit of good deeds in general, done in the name of Christ (or Jesus).

The issue in good deeds is whether the content of life and message is according to the divine standards and policy, (v. 23, lawlessness).

Thus the fruit of recognizing, accepting and applying the teaching of Jesus. v.24-27

b. 1 Tim. 6:3-5, sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrine about good worship (godliness).

c. 1 Peter 5:12, This is the true grace of God
d. 2 Pet. 3:16, the Scriptures
e. Eph. 4:20, "learn CHRIST."

4. Is not from God: not representing Divine viewpoint and policy. This is the false prophet.

5. And this is "the spirit" (the one)
6. of the antichrist: against Christ as defined by not acknowledging and representing Him or His teaching. (And His teaching is the viewpoint and policy of the Father, John 7:16)

7. Which you heard is coming: taught previously that it (the influence of antichrist) would arise in the world.

a. By Jesus: John 16:1-4; Mat. 24:4-5
b. By Paul: 2 Tim. 3:1, 13; Acts 20:29-30
c. By Peter: 2 Peter 2:1-3

d. This is not referring to the "beast" of the end times. The scripture does not assign this title "antichrist" to the beast. However the beast is "an antichrist" in the same way that any false prophet is.

8. And now is in the world: The spirit of antichrist is in the world

a. 2 Thes. 2:7, the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.
b. 1 John 2:18, many antichrists have arisen.
c. Jude v. 4, for certain persons have secretly infiltrated.

3. The potential for victory: 1 John 4:4

A. You are of God: eimi + ek theos. Out from God is a reference to the new birth accomplished by God which enters the believer into the family of God. Jn 1:12-13.

B. Thus the title, little children: double application.

1. Direct reference to their status as children of God.
2. And is an indication of John's great affection for them.

C. And have overcome them: Both positionally and experientially

1. The status of the over-comer: positional victory IN CHRIST which is accomplished at the moment of trusting in Christ. 1 Jn. 5:4-5.

2. The function of the over-comer: by application of divine resources.

D. Because greater is He who is in you: reference to the indwelling Holy Spirit as the power source for living the Christian way of life in victory. Gal. 5:16-25.

E. Than he who is in the world:

1. The particular influence or false teacher that you may encounter.
2. Or the power source behind all religion false doctrine - Satan and demons.

4. The evaluation of the content: 1 John 4:5-6
V. 5, the content of lawlessness: ie, independence from God.

1. They: the false prophets, ie, the antichrists, 1 John 2:18
2. Are from the world: ek kosmos, because of their status as an unbeliever. Eph. 2:2

3. Therefore they speak from the world: all they know is darkness viewpoint. Therefore their content will always express some aspect of independence from God.

4. And the world listens to them: indicates an affinity between the two and is also a sure sign of their darkness affiliation.

V. 6,

1. We are from God: indicates a regeneration status. Refers to John and associates in contrast with the false teachers of gnosticism, especially Cerinthus.

2. He who knows God: present active participle of ginöskö = relationship and fellowship.

3. Listens to us: akouö, present active indicative = recognition of authority and reception of the message.

4. He who is not from God: that is, the unbeliever.

a. Although there is application to the believer who is out of fellowship with God.

b. For the believer out of fellowship can be dominated by kosmos viewpoint to the point of becoming a false teacher himself.

c. The antichrists come from both the inside and outside of the body.

5. Does not hear us: negative response to truth; a rebellious expression of independence from God.

6. By this: the response to truth in v. 5-7
7. We know: present active indicative of ginöskö.
8. The spirit: influence of truth
9. and the spirit or influence of evil.
10. By measuring the content of each teacher we hear. 1 Thes. 5:20-21.

5. Concerning recognition of demons.

A. These verses are often used as a guide in recognizing the presence of demons.

1. But this approach misses the true intent of the passage.
2. It's purpose is to recognize and expose gnosticism.
3. Message content is the real issue, not a confession of Christ's incarnation.

B. In actuality, the demons DO recognize and confess the reality of Christ's hypostatic union.

1. Mark 1:23-24, "Jesus of Nazareth . . . I know who you are, the Holy One of God."

2. Mark 3:11, "You are the Son of God."

3. Mark 5:6-7, "Jesus the Son of the Most High God."

4. Acts 16:17, "These men are bond servants of the Most High God, proclaiming to you a way of salvation."

5. Acts 19:15, "I recognize Jesus" (ginosko)

6. Mat. 4:3, 6: Satan's confession recognizes the reality of the incarnation. "if" = 1st class condition = "since" you are the Son of God.

C. So to confess Jesus, does not mean to confess "his name."

1. Nor to recognize him as the Son of God
2. Nor to recognize him as true humanity.
3. Nor to recognize his authority as at Mark 5.
4. But to recognize, proclaim and follow His teaching, which is the viewpoint and policy of God.

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Demon Possession

1. Definition: "Demon possession is a condition in which one or more evil spirits (or demons) inhabit the body of a human being and can take complete control of their mind at will." (Unger).

A. The demon expresses his own knowledge and abilities , using the human body as an outlet.

B. This of course sets aside the independent control of the body by the possessed victim while the demon is in control.

C. The individual personality of the demon is also expressed at these times and the personality of the "host" is totally set aside.

D. More than one demon can inhabit the body at the same time with each one expressing his own personality and character.

2. The primary objective of the demons is to promote Satanic "darkness" viewpoint and discredit the "light" viewpoint and policy of God.

A. Satan's viewpoint and policy is outlined in his darkness manifesto which is recorded at Isaiah 14:13-14.
1. Take over heaven
2. Rule over the angels
3. Rule over mankind
4. Claim Messianic glory for himself
5. Become like God.

B. Basically, this is just the creature rejecting creator policy and operating on his own creature policy in total independence from God.

C. In order to discredit light, Satan's goal is to cause confusion and chaos in the human realm physically, morally and spiritually.

D. Demon possession fulfills this goal in two ways.

1. Oppression: Possession for the purpose of causing physical and moral chaos through physical and mental disease.

2. Deception: Possession to cultivate religious, cultic and occultic viewpoint and activity.

3. Another important aspect of demon possession is the personal desire of the demon to gratify his own distorted lust patterns.

A. Demons are creatures (category, angels) and are spirit in form.

B. They don't have the same physical restrictions as humans, but they also do not have the same physical capacity for physical sensations as humans.

C. This is no problem for the elect angels, but the angels that acquired a distorted "sin" nature when they sinned against God as Satan did in Ezek. 28:17, are now dominated by self-centered lust patterns that dominate their existence.

D. So now the lust patterns of the fallen angels move in the direction of physical sensations and experience.

E. Some angels went so far as to actually assume a semi-physical form in order to procreate with human females before the flood.

1. Gen. 6:2, sons of God (fallen angels) saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful, ie, attractive to the angels' lust pattern.

2. Jude 6, kept not their own domain, ie, their spirit sphere of existence.

3. The ones who disobeyed the physical laws of God in this way were then assigned to the prison of Tartarus to await the final judgment. Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4

4. This ability was removed from the angels to prevent such an attack on humanity from occurring again.

F. So now, in order to fulfill their lust patterns, they must possess human bodies and experience the physical sensations kind of "second hand," although for them, it is better than nothing.

G. This is what Jesus is talking about at Mat. 12:43 with the phrase, "seeking rest."

H. And at Mark 5:11-13, the demons think that they can fulfill their lust patterns in animals, but they learn otherwise.

4. There is a difference between demon possession and "evil" possession as illustrated at John 5:1-7.

A. In evil possession, the mind of the victim is not set aside, but is focused upon the evil principle.

B. The principle of evil possession is found in the use of an evil point of view as a mental reference point.

1. The paralyzed man has believed a superstitious lie about the waters having healing powers.

2.. John 5:4 is not in the original but accurately states the common superstition believed in connection with the pool.

3. People who do this things because of superstition are evil possessed. That is, the are aware of what they are doing and their mental point of reference is fear of what might happen if they fail to appease the superstition.

4. This man rejected truth as found in the character and plan of God and instead, trusted in "magic" for healing.

C. This evil point of reference was the basis for his actual "living" at the pool.

D. Physical healing was all this man thought about. Why he was paralyzed was no issue. And creator sovereignty and wisdom was of little concern to him.

E. Either believers or unbelievers can be possessed by evil without actually having demon contact or possession.

F. Under evil possession, mental points of reference can be anything from superstitious fables to religion or occult practices.

G. Recovery is accomplished by rejecting evil and responding to gospel and/or Christian way of life Truth as per John 5:14.

5. Under the Mosaic law, demon possession was dealt with by the death penalty. Lev. 20:27

6. Demon possession occurs in unbelievers as a result of a "disapproved mind." Rom. 1:28

A. A disapproved mind (adokimos) is a mind totally engulfed in darkness viewpoint so that it is worthless with regard to promotion of divine truth (righteousness) in the world.

B. The development of the disapproved mind is taught at Rom. 1:18-27.

1. Its resistance to light is mentioned in v. 18, "suppress the truth in unrighteousness." katechö - present active participle = to hold against or resist.

2. The status of resistance is amplified in v. 19-21a.

a. Exposure to truth.

b. within them, indicates inner exposure and conviction.

c. v. 20, initial mechanics of exposure is the physical creation proclaiming God's power and existence.

d. They are without excuse.

3. The act of resistance: v. 21

a. They did not honor Him: doxadzö, aorist active indicative.
b. or give thanks: aorist active indicative of eucharisteö.
"nor did they express grace (humility)."

4. Acceptance of human viewpoint, creature logic.
They became empty in their reasonings.

a. became empty: mataioö, aorist passive indicative
b. dialogismos, reasonings or thought patterns.

5. Thus the adoption of darkness standards.
foolish heart became darkened, skotidzö - aorist passive indicative

6. Then the distorted thinking led to distorted activity. attitude

a. professing to be wise: present active participle of phaskö.
attitude status. distorted thinking. Pr. 12:15; 16:2

b. they became fools: mörainö, aorist passive indicative
distorted activity described in v. 23-32

c. And this is what constitutes the disapproved mind of v. 28.

7. Distorted activity expresses itself in idolatry, v. 23, 25, which is the gateway to demon possession. 1 Cor. 10:20; Gal. 4:8.

8. And it is at this point that God "abandons" them to the consequences of the darkness system, v. 24.

a. God gave them over: paradidomi, aorist active indicative
Kind of just, let them go.

b. In the lusts of their hearts: sin nature dictates

c. to impurity: akatharsia, represents the character and purpose of the darkness system.

d. Thus, the gateway to demon possession. Cf the term "akathartos" used with "unclean spirit."

9. V. 28-32 is a summary of the process.
a. rejection of truth
b. God delivers them up
c. And thus, an unrestrained, undisciplined, immoral, demon-vulnerable way of life.

10. The idolatry that is a gateway to demon possession can be active or passive; serious or experimental; religious or occultic.

C. Sometimes "innocent" bystanders to the disapproved mind can come under demon possession as at Mark 9:17-25, a boy from childhood.

D. Summary of ways to be possessed.

1. Active submission: Satan worship
2. Passive submission: idolatry, drugs, cults and occultic religions like the Eastern religions (rituals, dancing, music).
hypnotism and meditation.
dabbling in occult activities such as fortune telling, astrology, etc.

7. General characteristics of demon possession: Both oppression and deception aspects.

A. Example at Mark 5:1-13

1. abnormal physical strength: v. 3-4
2. fits of rage: v. 5
3. self-mutilation: v. 5
4. splitting of personality: v. 6-7
5. resistance to spiritual things: v. 7
6. extra natural knowledge abilities: v. 7 and Acts 16:16
7. alteration of voice: v. 9

B. Other observations:

1. Mark 1:26, convulsions
2. Various types of illness:

a. dumbness (speech restrictions): Mt. 12:22; 9:32-33; Luke 11:14; Mk. 9:17

b. blindness: Mat. 12:22
c. deafness: Mk. 9:25
d. epilepsy type symptoms: Mk. 9:17-18; Lk. 9:39f
e. mental disorders: Mk. 5:5; Mat. 17:15
f. immoral activity: public nakedness, Lk. 8:27
g. paralysis: Lk. 13:11, 16

3. Suicidal: Mat. 17:15
4. "magic" abilities: Acts 8:9-11 (not the art of illusion)

8. Demon possession of animals:

A. Gen. 3:1a, "now the serpent was more crafty.

1. the serpent: nAchash, means to hiss, whisper, be bright.

a. this is one of the animals Adam named in v. 2:19

b. The name, nAchash, describes its general appearance. Beautiful and pleasant to be around.

c. At this time, the serpent did not crawl on the ground, but walked.

d. The serpent would make a good pet and was probably around Adam and Eve most of the time.

2. was: qal perfect of hAyAh. This verb can refer to either "being" or "becoming." Here it should read, "became."

a. The serpent was not created "crafty."

b. Something happened to make this animal "become" deceptive.

c. At this point in time, Satan has indwelled the serpent for a disguise, not because he needs the serpent in order to speak.

d. The talking must be viewed as Satanic control as there is no basis for teaching that the animal could speak on its own.

e. This indwelling is the basis for one of the titles that Satan carries throughout the rest of human history (Rev. 12:9).

3. More crafty: Arum = clever, crafty, cunning, deceptive.
This refers to the viewpoint and purpose of Satan expressed through the serpent as an involuntary agent.

4. This is the first and only example of Satanic possession of an animal.

B. The only case of demon possession of animals is found at Mk. 5:10-13, but in that case, there is no control or benefit to the demons.

V. 10-12 - The request of the demons
1. Do not send us out of the country: This is possible and refers to geographical restrictions imposed on the demons by divine authority.

2. Lk. 8:31, not into the abyss: This shows their 3rd point of disorientation as confused creatures enslaved to darkness.

a. The first point of disorientation is indicated in Mat. 8:29, "before the time." This expresses no clear understanding of the indictment of God upon them. Mat. 25:41; Rev. 20:2-3 - at the 2nd advent.

b. The 2nd point of disorientation is stated at Mk 5:7.

1. "What do I have to do with you?" This is a weak, disoriented defense. I'm not hurting you, leave me alone.

2. But of course, they are His enemies and ARE hurting the promotion of divine truth in the world. (Mat. 12:30, He who is not with me is against me.)

3. Into the abyss refers to a prison for demons. But the only prison mentioned in scripture is Tartarus at 2 Pet. 2:4, which is restricted to the angels of the Genesis 6 infiltration.

4. This is disorientation to divine policy. It is not Christ's policy to send demons into the abyss.

5. If it were His policy, there would be absolutely no basis for changing it at this time.

6. The issue with Christ is whether to impose geographical restrictions. The abyss is not an option.

7. Jesus does not impose the geographical restrictions and allows them to enter the pigs.

8. This does not help them because they must immediately vacate again on their own when the pigs die.

V. 13, This is the only place in scripture where we find demon possession of animals.
1. It normally does not take place because an animal is a non-volitional creature and is no issue in the angelic conflict.

2. The reaction of the pigs is from "animal panic," not from the action of the demons.

3. Animals operate on a genetic package of imputed response behavior, which is not "learned" but present through "instinct."

4. When the demons entered the pigs, the whole response system of instinct was "short-circuited" and the pig went wild and could not be controlled by the demon.

5. Demon possession of animals cannot further the plans of Satan because there is no control, no volitional issue and no battleground for light and darkness.

6. The request of these demons was just an attempt to stay together and organized, but they failed to recognize the impossibility of controlling the animals.

7. The status of the demons after the pigs die is to return to "normal activity" within the spirit realm as indicated by Mat. 12:43.

C. So the conclusion is that spirit entities do not possess animals.

1. The possession of the serpent was an exception.
2. It took place "before" the curse on the physical creation.
3. It was permitted by God in order to be "fair" to Satan and to set precedent for the future after the curse.
4. In the same way that the Genesis 6 infiltration was permitted ONCE and then a precedent was established that never allows it again.

5. It was beneficial for Satan to possess the serpent because before the curse, control was possible.

6. After the curse, control is not possible as demonstrated by the pig incident.

7. So there is no point, no purpose, no benefit, no advantage for Satan or demons to possess animals.

8. It makes absolutely NO impact in the conflict between light and darkness.

9. Demon possession of believers: Believers CANNOT be demon possessed.

A. Principle of the New Creation: 2 Cor. 5:17
The presence of a demon is not compatible with the positional transformation into union with Christ.

B. Principle of God's temple: 1 Cor. 6:19a

1. The believer's body is the temple of God the Holy Spirit.
2. The Holy Spirit indwells the believer and cannot share His "house" with a demon. (an application of Mat. 12:44).

C. Principle of ownership: 1 Cor. 6:19b-20
God now OWNS the believer and although the sin nature is still present and needs to be dealt with, God will not allow a demon to be present in His possession.

D. Principle of compatibility: 2 Cor. 6:11-16
There is no basis for "experiential" compatibility between the believer and the things of darkness. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is totally incompatible with an indwelling demon.

E. Principle of spiritual victory:

1. The believer has been once and for all delivered from the kingdom of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of light.

2. A complete spiritual victory was accomplished on the cross and for the believer at the moment of time that he trusted in Christ as savior.

3. The issue in "time" now on earth, is to combat the attack of darkness on the soul of the believer which comes through the sin nature from within and Satan's forces from without.

a. The issue is "resist" through THE faith. James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9

b. The issue is NOT: casting out, binding or even rebuking.

c. The scripture does not use this language in the context of the believer's warfare.

F. Principle of examples: ONLY unbelievers are seen as possessed in the New Testament.

Two "problem" passages:
1. Acts 5 - "Satan filling the heart to lie" is not "possession" but influence from without that caters to the materialism lust of the sin nature. He was the source of the temptation. When they gave into the temptation, they were yielding to Satan's influence.

2. 1 Cor. 5, "turn over to Satan" is not possession, but the administration of divine discipline by the authority of the apostle. Turn over (paradidomi) refers to an "abandonment" of the person over to the consequences of his sin and a "permission" granted to Satan to physically oppress. (Like with Job, although in Job's case, it was not discipline).

G. Old Testament: There is no clear indication of demon possession in the Old Testament, let alone of a believer. The closest thing to it is at 1 Sam. 16:14, but this is not a "demon" nor even a "spirit entity." It is the use of the word, "spirit" to indicate a soul disposition, attitude or condition. "From the Lord = caused by Him because Saul has rejected divine truth. This is why Saul "feels" better when David plays music for him, and the "depression" of his soul goes away for awhile.

10. Demon Exorcism: Link to Archive E for Exorcism.
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DESTINY of the Believer

1. God's general destiny for man is eternal life.

A. John 3:17

B. John 10:10 - Might have life

2. Mankind's original destiny before the fall was to glorify God.

This was the purpose for his creation. 1 Cor. 11:7

3. Man, in Adam, rejected that destiny and joined the kingdom of darkness.

A. Status: Eph. 5:8a; John 8:44; Eph. 2:2

B. Function: Eph. 2:3 with Isaiah 57:21

C. Destiny: Mat. 25:41; Heb. 9:27

4. Mankind through Christ, is offered a repatriation. John 12:46

A. New status: 2 Cor. 5:17 - In Christ

1. Change of kingdoms: Acts 26:18

2. Change of family: John 1:12

B. New destiny: John 3:16-18; Titus 3:7

C. And therefore, a new function in time: Walking as children of light, Eph. 5:8c

1. Character growth

2. Abundant life

3. Service

5. The new destiny is centered in Christ.

A. Romans 8:29, conformed to His image

B. For the glory of the Godhead: Eph. 1:6, 12, 14

6. The new destiny is carried out in 3 phases.

A. Positional: Through union with Christ we receive the "status" of eternal life and are viewed as -

holy and blameless - Eph. 1:3-4, "in Christ, in the heavenlies."

B. Experiential: Through experiencing eternal life dynamics in time. 1 Tim. 6:12; Gal. 6:8

1. Character destiny: growth and consistency in reflecting Christ's character

2. Abundant life destiny: quality of peace, joy and inner stability

3. Service destiny: our purpose is to promote "light" standards in this world.

C. Eternal: Through resurrection with Christ we reign with Him for all eternity.

7. The experiential destiny amplified: It is basically, the reflection of our "position" In Christ into our life on earth - Ephesians 4:1; Eph. 5:1-8

Therefore we are to be holy: which means to be unique and special among men on earth as we showcase the character and viewpoint of God in our life.

A. The first stage is character growth: This fulfills the imitation of Christ's righteousness, and reflects the "positional" righteousness that we have "in Christ."

1. The phrase "spotless and pure" communicates this by indicating viewpoint and knowledge accuracy.

2. The word "blameless" indicates the consistent way of life that results from knowledge and application of truth.

3. The word "righteousness" at Romans 14:17, indicates character standards in conformity to the character of Christ as demonstrated during His life here on earth.

B. The second stage is the abundant life: this fulfills imitation of Christ's peace, joy and stability.

1. Romans 14:17 and 15:13: the words - "peace, joy and confidence."

2. Col. 1:11 - "endurance and patience." Character consistency with joy is the abundant life.

3. 2 Peter 3:14 - "found by Him in peace."

a. spotless: character consistency

b. blameless: unblemished indicates testimony consistency in morality living.

c. See topic: Blameless (soon)

C. The third stage is service: Imitation of Christ as He fulfilled the plan of God the Father.

1. Humility orientation: Rom. 14:7-8; 1 Cor. 10:31-33; 11:1

2. Basically, good works: Ephesians 2:10

3. The word, "irreproachable:" Philip. 2:15; Col. 1:22

D. God makes available exactly what the believer needs in order to fulfill his experiential destiny through the four "provision" graces of 1 Peter 5:10.

1. Equipping grace: the provision of bible truth to fill the soul. (facts)

2. Support grace: the under-girding of endurance that results from knowing bible truth and from using it through claiming the promises of God.

3. Strengthening grace: Develops "character" strength through the combination of facts and promises.

4. Stability grace: the fact of character consistency (sinless consistency as described by the words "blameless and irreproachable) producing the peace and joy of the abundant life.

8. The eternal phase is through possession of a resurrection body just like Christ's.

A. Philip. 3:20-21

B. 1 Cor. 15:45-57

C. Inheritance: 1 Pet. 1:3-5

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DETAILS OF LIFE

1. DEFINITION: bona fide, normal human activities for function in the physical world in which we live.

They exist in two categories

A. Necessity details: those necessary to maintain physical life.

Luke 12.30b - The Father knows you have need - present active indicative - chrädzö

B. Surplus details: those not necessary to maintain physical life but they provide for greater comfort and pleasures in life. Luke 12.15b -

1. When one has an abundance: perisseuö - present active infinitive

2. possessions: present active participle - huparchö - what exists as one's own

C. Phil. 4.12 - both categories mentioned

1. How to get along with humble means: tapeinoo - present passive infinitive - to be humbled

ie, limited to necessity details - food, drink, clothing (shelter)

2. How to live in prosperity: present active infinitive- perisseuö- have an abundance or overflow.

ie, above and beyond necessities

2. There are two areas of living for the believer. 2 Pet. 1.3

A. Life: moral living and normal human existence. Our citizenship is in heaven, but we live and witness in the human realm. Phil. 3.20

B. godliness: eusebeia - good worship. This refers to spiritual living. We are not removed from the human realm, but we are to be uniquely separated from the evil of that realm. Jn. 17.15; 1 Pet. 2.11

3. bona fide human activities exist for the believer. Ec. 3.12-13; 1 Tim. 4.1-5;

A. Necessity details: Food - Gen. 1.29; 9.3-4; Deut. 8.3; Pr. 24.13-14; 25.16; 30.7-9

B. Surplus details:

1. Marriage: Pr. 5.18; 18.22; 31.10

2. Sex: Pr. 5.15-19; 1 Cor. 7.1-5

3. Family: Ps. 127.3-5

4. Job: Pr. 6.6-11; 12.11; 15.16; 20.4; 22.29; 27.23-27; 2 Thes. 3.6-12

5. Friendship: Pr. 27.6

6. Education: Pr. 1.6

7. Luxuries: Pr. 27.9a

8. Celebrations/parties: John 2.1-10

9. Wine: Jn. 2.3-11; Pr. 3.9-10

10. Music/singing (entertainment): Eph. 5.19; Ex. 15.20-21; Ps. 150; 127.1-5; 33.1-3

11. Inheritance: Pr. 13.22a

12. Reputation: Pr. 22.1

13. Homemaking: Pr. 14.1; 31.13-31; 1 Tim. 5.14

14. Health: Pr. 20.29

4. So it is acceptable to God to allow our soul and body to partake of human life activity.

1 Tim. 6.17b

5. In fact, this human realm is the sphere of our witness.

A. We are to demonstrate the reality of peace and joy through participation in the details of life from the Divine perspective. 1 Tim. 6.3-10; Mt. 4.1-4; Heb. 13.9

B. In this way we proclaim to others that only through spiritual values can there be true fulfillment in life regardless of have or have not.

C. Solomon's two-fold conclusion

1. Occupation with details: Ec. 1.1-3, 8

2. Divine viewpoint conclusion: Ec. 12.1, 13-14

D. So it is of the utmost importance for the believer to maintain moral consistency in order to accomplish this proclamation purpose. 1 Pet. 1.12-15; 2.12; 3.16

6. Denial of detail of life activities is a type of religious and moral slavery and is not condoned by the Word of God. 1 Tim. 4.1-3; Col. 2.20-23; Rom. 14.1-3, 14,

7. Only in Christianity is there protection against the distortions of man's sin nature and Satan's influence.

1 Tim. 4.4-11; Col. 2.23; Rom. 14.17

8. Confidence in details is delusion: Pr. 18.11; 23.4-5; Ps. 33.16.17; Jer. 9.23-24; 1 Tim. 6.17;

9. Recognize the principle of Divine provision: God is the source- Psalm 24.1

A. Common grace: Mt. 5.45b -provision for free enterprise activity for the whole human race.

(See business principles in proverbs: soon)

B. Family of God grace: Rom. 8.28, 32 (because we are in HIS family)

1. Mt. 6.25-33 - necessity provision - Ps. 23.1; 34.8-11; Pr. 13.25

2. 2 Cor. 9.6-11 - for your grace giving

3. Proverbs 10.22 - principle of no sorrow

4. 1 Tim. 6.17 - all things for enjoyment

C. Orientation to fulfillment in life: Pr. 2.1-11

10. Principles of control:

A. Food: Pr. 13.25; 15.17; 24.13-14; 25.16; Ps. 34.9-10; Mt. 6.33

B. Excess food and drink: Pr. 25.16, 27; 23.20b, 21a; 20.1; 21.17b; 23.29-35; 31.4-7

C. Pleasure: Pr. 12.11; 14.13; 21.17; 28.19; Ec. 2.1-3

D. Academics: Ec. 1.16-18

E. Business practices: Pr. 15.27; 9.17-18; 11.1, 18; 20.17; 21.6; 28.6; 27.23-27

(criminal activity - Pr. 10.2; 13.11; 15.27; 29.24)

F. Laziness: Pr. 6.4-5; 10.15; 20.4, 13; 21.25; 23.21; 24.30-34; 28.19

G. Wealth: Pr. 10.22; 11.3-4; 11.28; 15.6, 16

H. Generosity: Pr. 3.27-28; 11.25; 22.9; 28.9; 29.7; Ps. 37.21

I. Credit abuse: Pr. 17.18; 22.26-27

J. Marriage: Pr. 12.4; 19.13b; 21.9, 19; 27.15-16

K. Sex: 1 Cor. 7.1-2; 6.15-18; Pr. 5.15-20; 6.32

L. Children: Pr. 17.21, 25; 19.13a; 22.6

M. Friends: Pr. 18.24; 13.20; 19.4, 6; 29.5; 27.9; 1 Cor. 7.39

N. Romantic social life: Pr. 11.22; 1 Co.r 7.39; 2 Cor. 6.14-18; Deut. 7.3-4

O. Envy: Pr. 3.31-37; 23.17-18; Ps. 37.1-2, 7-11; 73.1-20

11. Principles of balance:

A. God's sovereignty: Prov. 27.1; Pr. 3.5-6; James 4.13-17

B. Man's weakness: Jer. 17.9; Pro. 30.7-9

C. Priority: Psalm 19.7-11

12. Comparison of value:

A. Psalm 119.14, 72, 103

B. Pr. 3.13-18; 8.10-11; 16.16; 20.15; (19.8; 4.13; 16.22a)

C. Integrity: Ps. 37.16; Pr. 16.8; 19.1, 22; 22.1

D. Food: Pr. 15.17; Deut. 8.3; Mt. 4.4 w/ Jn. 4.31-34; Pr. 24.13-14; Job 23.12

13. DETAILS OF LIFE: Balance, Control and True Enjoyment
9. The SEVEN steps for controlling (1 Cor. 6:12) the details of life (material things), combating (Luke 21:34) rich mindedness and finding TRUE enjoyment in life (1 Timothy 6:17, for enjoyment).

1 Timothy 6:11

A. You man of God: This refers to the believer who "wants" to conform his life to the viewpoint and standards of God's kingdom (Rom. 14:17; Mat. 6:33).

B. First, what NOT to do:

1. Flee from these things: present active imperative of pheugo.
This refers to a humility acceptance of what God says is non-beneficial for us, and the ACTIVE avoidance of temptation
through application of the doctrine of separation.

C. Second, what to actively pursue: pursue is the present active imperative of dioko.

2. Righteousness: dikaiosuna refers to knowing and following God's moral standards for relating to our fellow man as summarized in the 9 1/2 commandments.

See Topic: THE TEN C0MMANDMENTS

3. godliness: eusebeia refers to knowing and following God's standards for relating to Him (worship and service).
The word group, sebo, means to "bend the knee" in worship. Eu = good and sebeia means worshipful obedience.
Good worship, then refers to following the policies God has designed for fulfilling our responsibilities as "servants" of God.

4. faith: pistis refers to the system of thinking by which the believer relates to The Creator and everything He has provided for us.
See Topic: FAITH THINKING

5. love: agapa refers to knowing and expressing the 15 character virtues of love (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
See Topic: LOVE: 15 Character Virtues

6. endurance: hupomonä refers to a "faith-rest" trust and dependence on God's character and plan. The plan of God is greater than any adversity you can possibly encounter.
See Topic: FAITH REST

7. humility: praüpathia refers to emotional objectivity and control in reference to self and others.
(pathia = passion, desire, emotion; praus = gentleness, humility)
Phil. 2:3-5 - personal priorities subordinated to others.

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