The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Mentor's Guide, MG13

2 5 8 /

T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

say briefly and carefully because we are not exhorted in the New Testament to become experts on the ways of the "dark side." Rather, we are told not to become ignorant of his schemes (e.g., 2 Cor. 2.11 - “so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs ”), and to be alert to his machinations at all times because of his desire to devour anyone he can (e.g., 1 Pet. 5.8-9 - “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [9] Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world”). Although the Old Testament does not seek to speculate much on the subject of dark spirituality, it is clear that some links are connected with the work of the enemy and the practices of idolatry, magic, and witchcraft forces (Deut. 32.17; Ps. 96.5). These practices were against the Law and will of God, they were strictly forbidden to God’s community (Deut. 18.10-14; 1 Sam. 15.23). As one scholar suggests, demonic activity in the Old Testament is largely to be understood as an “opposing force to God and his own personal intermediary beings, the malakim (angels).” In the New Testament, the terms associated with these spirits are daimon and daimonion , the actual presence of these beings is defined as “unclean” ( akatharton , Mark 1.24-27; 5.2-3; 7.26; 9.25; Acts 5.16; 8.7; Rev. 16.13) and “evil” ( ponera , Acts 19.12-16) spirits. The majority of texts in reference to the activity of these spirits connect them to the possession of individuals. While the New Testament does not seek to give a systematic answer as to where these beings originated, there is no question that they exist in the mind of the New Testament writers, and that they operate against the affairs of Christ and his work. There is a strong connection to the activity associated with these beings and idolatry (cf. Paul’s understanding of the link to idols and demons in 1 Corinthians 10.20-21; 12.2; cf. Rev. 9.20). Paul and John indicate that demonic activity will increase as the end draws near, with very powerful effects of deception and seduction of others (1 Tim. 4.1; Rev. 16.13-14). Christians are to be engaged with these powers, even as our Lord was, as detailed in Ephesians 6.10-18. The Christian must be prepared to combat “rulers . . . authorities . . . powers, this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”