Dealing with Demons Pt 2: How Do Demons Operate?

Last week, we discussed the origin of demons, identifying them as fallen angels led by Satan.

Today, we’ll take a closer look at how demons operate in the world.

To understand their role more clearly, we need to identify the different tactics they use to carry out their work.

• Deception:

In 1 Timothy 4:1–3, Paul warns about teachings that oppose the gospel, identifying them not only as false but as the “teachings of demons” for those who accept them.

This makes sense, as demons serve Satan, the father of lies and master of deception.

Demonic influence often lies behind false religions—any belief system that contradicts the gospel of Jesus Christ.

False teachings, gospels, and teachers continue to be a problem for the church even today.

Moreover, those who reject Jesus are deceived by Satan and his demons.

Ultimately, there is no neutral ground.

Every person either believes in Jesus or follows some form of demonic teaching rooted in lies and deceit.

You seem to believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach about a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.

2 Corinthians 11:4

These people are false apostles. They have fooled you by disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

But I am not surprised! Even Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light.

So it is no wonder his servants can also do it by pretending to be godly ministers. In the end they will get every bit of punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

• Possession:

Throughout Scripture, we see many instances of demons possessing people, taking control of their bodies, minds, and hearts.

The goal of this possession is to cause complete destruction and harm to the individual.

This often results in physical or mental suffering, such as nakedness, severe mental distress, self-harm, muteness, blindness, and even insanity.

However, only Jesus has the power to break the hold demons have on a person and set them free from this control.

It’s important to note that demons cannot possess Believers—those who have put their faith in Jesus and are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Demons cannot coexist with the Spirit in a Christian’s life.

Therefore, demons can only possess those who do not follow Jesus, leaving them vulnerable to demonic influence in both their hearts and lives.

• Temptation:

How do Satan and his demons tempt believers?

They manipulate worldly circumstances to appeal to our flesh and can even place thoughts in our minds.

As Christians, while we have the freedom to walk by the Spirit, many still choose to give in.

So, when succumbing to temptation, we are choosing to follow the desires of our flesh, which are influenced by demonic schemes.

• Various forms of attack:

The Bible also reveals that demons are capable of launching attacks in this world.

For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12

While believers in Christ cannot be possessed or controlled by demons because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, they can still experience demonic attacks.

It’s reasonable to conclude that many of the evil events we see today may have their roots in demonic influence.

In His sovereign plan, God has allowed Satan and his demons to continue their influence until the final judgment.

This judgment will come through the Lord Jesus Christ.

However, we can find peace in the power and the presence of God, giving us confidence and security.

What Can Demons Not Do?

One of the most important things to understand about Satan and his demons is what they cannot do.

They are powerless to act without God’s permission.

For example, Paul’s thorn in the flesh remained because God allowed it.

Paul explains that to keep him from becoming prideful due to the extraordinary revelations he received, God permitted a “thorn in the flesh” to trouble him.

While Paul never specifies what the thorn was, it caused him significant distress.

He pleaded with God three times to remove it, but God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Paul accepted the thorn, realizing that through his weakness, God’s strength was revealed.

This taught him to rely on God’s grace rather than his own abilities.

Similarly, the story of Job shows this same truth: Satan cannot harm a righteous person without God’s permission.

Though demons can influence the world in various ways—by possessing people and animals, causing illness, leading to irrational behavior, and even deceiving nations.

Their power is always limited.

No matter how widespread their influence seems, they are still fully under God’s authority and cannot act beyond what He allows.