1. What Do
Demons Believe?

2. There is only one devil but many demons.
Introduction
There is only one devil but many demons.
There are several terms used to describe demons: spirits (Luke 10:17,20); evil spirits (Acts 19:12-16), unclean spirit (Mark 1:23), unclean demon (Luke 4:33).
Jesus cast out many demons (Mark 1:34) and the enemies of Jesus could not deny that he did this but instead maliciously said that he did it by the ruler of the demons (Matthew 12:24)

3. Introduction
Casting out demons was one of the signs the apostles did by Christ’s authority to confirm the word (Matt. 10:1, 8; Mark 16:17-20).
Spiritual gifts ceased when the word of God was completed (1 Cor. 13:10).
We now have the power of God’s word to overcome the spiritual forces of wickedness. (Eph. 6:10ff)
The demons do not have the power to overtake someone against their will today.

4. Why do we care what demons believe then?
Introduction
Why do we care what demons believe then?
Because God’s word makes an argument based on what demons believe and they can deceive which we will consider this morning.
“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19)

5. Demons Believe in the Deity of Christ
The Bible testifies to this fact many times. (Mark 1:23-24, 34; 3:11; 5:7)
“The demons were coming out of many shouting, You are the Son of God” (Lk. 4:41)
Believe- (pisteuo)- “to believe," also "to be persuaded of," and hence, "to place confidence in, to trust“.
This is the same thing that Jesus said that all people must do or they will die in their sins. (John 8:24)

6. Demons Believe that Jesus is the Judge
The demons recognize that Jesus had the authority to judge them. (Matthew 8:26)
The Bible teaches that God has given Jesus authority to judge all people (John 5:22; Matt. 28:18)
We will all have to give an account for the deeds done in the body before Jesus. (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10)
Therefore all people everywhere must repent. (Acts 17:30-31)

7. Demons Believe in a Place of Punishment
The demons begged Jesus to not torment them before the time after He commanded them to come out of the man. (Luke 8:26-31)
The word for torment is the same Greek word used in Revelation 20:10 where the devil would be thrown into the lake of fire and be tormented forever and ever.
The consequence of not having your name in the Lamb’s book of life is that you will be thrown in the same lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15)

8. Demons are Terrified of Judgment
James argues that it is good to believe in God but it’s not enough as “the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19)
They tremble in fear of the certainty of their condemnation and so should we.
This is what Felix felt when Paul preached about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. (Acts 24:24-25)
Knowing the terror of the Lord we should persuade men (2 Cor. 5:11).

9. What Do Demons Believe?
They believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
They believe that Jesus is the Judge.
They believe in a place of punishment.
They are terrified of judgment.
Yet many people believe they will be saved with even less knowledge than the demons.
How could this happen?

10. People Refuse to Heed the Warnings of Scripture
Demons do not take over people’s will today but gets people to submit to their doctrines.
We are warned that some would depart from the faith by giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. (1 Timothy 4:1)
We are to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. (1 John 4:1)
By God’s word we know the spirit of truth from error. (1 John 4:6)

11. People Submit to Doctrines of Demons (Faith Only)
While men teach, “That we are saved by faith alone is a most wholesome doctrine and full of comfort” (Methodist Discipline) the Bible teaches that “we are justified by works and not by faith alone” (James 2:24)
Even though the demons believe and tremble they work on the devil’s team to seduce people into believing that lie.
But faith without works is dead being by itself. (James 2:17, 20, 26)

12. People Submit to Doctrines of Demons (Emotions)
Many are stirred up to believe that their religious feelings, emotions, or experiences saved them.
The Bible warns against feelings that we think are right without the facts (Proverbs 14:12; 3:5-7)
Satan and his allies deceive those who do not love the truth but take pleasure in wickedness (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

13. Conclusion
The demons are not too concerned if people believe in the Deity of Christ, realize there is a place of punishment, Jesus is the Judge, or the terrifying thought of the Judgment Day.
The demons don’t care if you have an intellectual faith or strong feelings that you are saved.
The demons are on Satan’s team and don’t want you to obey the gospel so that you will change your state from the domain of darkness to the Son’s kingdom. (Col. 1:13)

14. Conclusion
The devil and his allies deceive people into believing that baptism will not save you when the Bible teaches it will save you. (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21)
But even if you do obey, they don’t want you to abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9) and can use false teachers in the church to deceive (2 Cor. 11:14; 2 Peter 2:1ff).
But Jesus Christ overcame the spiritual forces of wickedness and so can you by putting on all of God’s armor! Stand firm! (Eph. 6:10ff)
Don’t be deceived like those in Matthew 7:21-23 who cast out demons. They did not do the will of God. Jesus said the truth will make you free!