Without glorifying demons, we need to understand the nature of the enemy if we are to engage effectively in spiritual warfare. Jesus was not silent about the reality of demons. In fact, whenever He engaged them it was always to forcefully cast them out - He never met a demon He liked and wanted to coexist with! He taught about the nature of demons too, and that teaching can be found here.
In summary, Jesus taught that demons:
Are able to outside or inside humans. Preferably, as the passage implies, demons would rather exist inside humans.
Have unique identities. Jesus’ teaching also seems to imply that demons are tormented beings who find refreshing when inhabiting a person.
Are able to travel.
Have a level of intelligence, as shown in their ability to communicate, make and remember plans, and evaluate and make decisions.
Are able to combine forces with other demons.
Vary in degrees of wickedness, or specialize in areas of wickedness.
So how do we deal with demons?
Firstly, we have to take on Jesus’ attitude towards demons. As already mentioned, Jesus never met a demon He liked. He never made friends with demons or worked out a compromised state of coexistence with them. He hated demons and their work in people’s lives! He wanted to get rid of them and destroy their work, so He would forcefully and violently cast them out of people’s lives.
Secondly, we have to understand that the Cross is spiritual warfare. Not God’s only or final act of spiritual warfare, we have to understand the Crucifixion to be Christ’s greatest and most decisive act of spiritual warfare. From that place of finalized and secured victory, Christ wages war on everything evil and demonic in the power of the Holy Spirit - even today. But the application of the power and victory of the Cross has now been entrusted to us, the Church, which is His body. And to you, the believer, as an ambassador for Jesus Christ.
(This blog is part of Ps. Paul’s message series on Spiritual Warfare, January 2019)