Satan’s ugly, violent acts of horror are graphically painted throughout the Old Testament. We find monarchs murdered, pregnant women mutilated, and children sacrificed in fire (2 Kings 15:16, 16:3). We see idolatry in its basest form with the establishment of demonic altars in the temple of God (2 Kings 16:10-14).
In the New Testament, we find Jewish exorcists helpless before the violent power of demon spirits. One man possessed by an evil spirit overcame the seven sons of Sceva, taunting, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul. But who are you?” (Acts 19:15). We see that many people in Ephesus lived under demonic oppression and practiced magic before coming to Christ (v. 19). In fact, so steeped in idolatry was Ephesus that the entire city ranted and raved against Paul and rose up to defend the honor of the false goddess Artemis (v. 27).
We cannot deny that Satan has spread his unclean message across all cultures and throughout all history. The good news is that we are not of his kingdom! We are those to whom the Lord grants peace and satisfaction.
Claim the peace of God for your life, and allow no trace of Satan’s kingdom to penetrate!
2 Kings 15:1-16:20
Acts 19:13-19:41
Psalm 147:1-147:20
Proverbs 18:4-18:5