Quote:
Originally Posted by SpeakersCorner
I just did a search of the term "demon" throughout the Bible and couldn't find any NT references that would indicate subtle demons. Maybe you can do better.
SC
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Here are three references that come to mind quickly which all point to something a bit more subtle and environmental, not just dark things flying around the room.
1Ti 4:1-3 But the Spirit saith expressly,
that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.
1. Take note of the 'giving heed'. This is a mental thing.
What is your interpretation of a 'seducing spirit' or 'doctrines of demons'?
1Jo 5:19-21
We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in the evil one. (20) And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (21) My little children, guard yourselves from idols.
2. The whole world is everyone and everything. The Enemy is in control here. He has strong influence over the whole environment.
This last verse reference is grayer, but I believe it is still relevant.
1Co 10:18-22 Behold Israel after the flesh: have not they that eat the sacrifices communion with the altar? (19) What say I then? that a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? (20)
But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have communion with demons. (21) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: ye cannot partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of demons. (22) Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
3. This means that partaking of something that has been offered to a demon by someone else can put you in a position to partake of the 'cup of demons'. What is not so clear here is what things are 'sacrificed to demons' by the Gentiles?
Matt