Demons and Their Titles
Bob Yandian
Where Satan is concerned, there are two dangerous extremes which we can fall into in the Christian life. One is to think too highly of him and to see him in everything we encounter and everyone we meet. The other is not to take him seriously at all and to disregard any knowledge of him or his kingdom. We are told twice in the New Testament that an understanding of Satan’s kingdom is essential to our spiritual success.
2 Corinthians 2
vs. 11 “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”
Ephesians 6
vs. 11 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ”
vs. 12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
DemonsarelistedbyranksinEphesians6:12, butthis does not give their characteristics and personalities. We are told their characteristics and personalities by the titles they are given in the New Testament:
1. Evil Spirits (poneros). The same Greek word is used (ror) wicked spirits, and it means “a malignant evil which causes labor and harm.” Since it is an evil which is malignant, it grows steadily worse in its burdensome toil and physical harm. Satan is never content to rest but seeks more and more domination until he destroys. Some of the scriptures dealing with this type of demon are Luke 7:21, Acts 19:12, 13, 15, 16, and Ephesians 6:12.4
2. Foul Spirits (okathartos). Asyoucansee, thisisalsothesameGreekword used for unclean. The word means “impure” and in bondage. Encompasses everything filthy and vile. Foul spirits are found in Matthew 12:43, Mark 5:13, 7:25, Luke 9:42, and Acts 8:7.
3. Spirits of Infirmity (as theneia). This demon manifests himself as weakness, lack of strength, or inability to produce normal results. He confuses bydisguising himself as an illness. There seems to be no real evident sickness, but the person is continually tired, manifesting symptoms of a disease, and whatever effort is expended to treat the illness brings little or no results. Jesus healed infirmities (Luke 5:15, John 5:5) and “took our infirmities” (Matthew 8:17). He also cast out spirits of infirmities (Luke 13:11,12).
4. Spirit of Divination (puthos). This Greek word gives us our English word “python.” Python came from Greek mythology and was the serpent guarding the Oracle of Delphi, where the gods prophesied to the people. It was said to have been slain by Apollo. The particular demon which took this name is mentioned in the New Testament in Acts 16:16-18, where it possesses a young girl in Philippi. As a fortune teller through the demon’s power, she pretended to be a believer, calling the apostles “servants of the most high God.” Paul was confused by this at first, but after a few days, he recognized it as a demon, posing as a forerunner for his ministry. He cast out this devil, and it left the girl immediately.
5. Seducing Spirits (pianos). What these demons do is obvious from their name. They entice and deceive people in order to lead them away from the Word of God. They exemplify Satan’s main ministry of deception (Revelation 12:9). Satan and his demons appear as messengers of God and distort Scripture. They appear as sweet and religious, but underneath are vicious (Revelation 2:20). Paul warned us about them (First Timothy 4:1), as did John (First John 2:26). Seducing spirits begin by presenting the Word of God, cloaking themselves with it, but introduce a trace of error at the same time. Gradually, through that one lie, they will draw the believer away from the truth and place them in bondage.
Most people today do not believe in the existence of demons. But if they really do exist, what was their origin? Are they fallen angels? What do they look like? Can demons actually possess humans and if so, why would they desire to possess humans? What does the Bible have to say about demons and what does the future hold for them? Bob Yandian explores the topic of demons in this fascinating, thought provoking study.
Message Titles:
The Origin of Demons
Satan’s Power Today
2 CDs / 2 Lessons
Most people today do not believe in the existence of demons. But if they really do exist, what was their origin? Are they fallen angels? What do they look like? Can demons actually possess humans and if so, why would they desire to possess humans? What does the Bible have to say about demons and what does the future hold for them? Bob Yandian explores the topic of demons in this fascinating, thought provoking study.
Message Titles:
The Origin of Demons
Satan’s Power Today
2 MP3s / 2 Lessons / MAD08
Where did demons come from? Are they the same as fallen angels—or something entirely different? What really happened between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2?
In this compelling teaching series, Pastor Bob Yandian explores one of the Bible’s most controversial topics: the origin of demons, the fall of Lucifer, and the mysterious civilizations that may have existed before Adam. Drawing from passages in Genesis, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, Bob lays out a clear, Scripture-based case for a pre-Adamic race, the gap between creation and restoration, and the judgment that led to the Earth becoming “without form and void.”
You’ll discover:
The biblical meaning behind the word replenish
Why God judged a race before Adam
How Lucifer fell and became Satan
How Angels appear in the earth
How the function of Old Testament angels differ from New Testament angels
What the response is of angels to our prayers
This series is not about speculation—it’s about studying the Word of God without fear. Whether you’ve wrestled with these questions for years or are hearing these ideas for the first time, you’ll walk away with greater understanding and fresh insight into God's plan from beginning to end.
Bob Yandian discusses what the Bible has to say about angels and demons in this comprehensive study. This USB flash drive contains 15 MP3 audio lessons by Bob Yandian, a topical study on angels and demons.
Series titles: Angels God's Messengers, A Study of Angels, The Christian and Demons, A Study of Demons
The MP3s can be listened to on computers, MP3 players, smartphones, tablets, iPads, iPhones, as well as car stereos equipped with USB connections.