Sharers in Demons

Sharers in Demons

by David Brenneman 

"Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say. Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread. Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we?" 1 Corinthians 10:6-22.

Is it possible to see what is written here happen in your life? A better way to think of it is the portion that says "Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come."

Things that occurred to the nation of Israel centuries earlier applied to them when this was written. So connect the dots...we are centuries later and we consider "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Would you recognize demons or demonic influences or activities?

How would you know if you are not truly walking with Jesus as a true Christ-follower?

Until that time, after the Great Tribulation, when Jesus Himself reigns over all the Earth, we have to deal with demons and demonic influences. 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12.

We who are in Christ need to realize the truth about life. The truth is we are indeed in this war between God and Satan. Nobody is on the sidelines. Nobody is a bench warmer. There are no vacations away from the battle. No true R&R respites at times from the war. 

When we really read Ephesians 6 and the whole armor of God...nowhere do we read that we can relax, chill, and take any of it off. This isn't like what happened to Pre-King David when he went up against the enemy of God in the form of Goliath. Having tried on armor from King Saul it was unwieldy and he couldn't function in it. All the more David had to rely on God because of this.

We cannot afford to take our world lightly. Temptations are crafted by the millions every day. Satan's schemes do not take a holiday.

We are told repeatedly to stand firm. We are told to be on guard for the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.  

Life isn't all sunshine and rainbows when we realize that lives really are at stake. That Jesus appointed those who come to Christ for salvation to share that with others until the time He returns.  

Sure we can look the other way at what presents itself in our lives. We can indulge in things we probably ought not to. We can make excuses like trying to fit in with our world to get along with others.  

Does not the Bible say "what does Light have to do with the darkness"?

We are to be on guard for our hearts. The helmet of salvation protects the mind. The breastplate of righteousness protects the heart and torso. All the vital organs.  

My Dear Reader this thing we call life isn't random. It's not time through chance. It's serious business this business of the Father that was left to the Believer's a few centuries ago. People have lived and died for the cause of Christ to get Christianity into today's world.

Being in the Word of God and in prayer to our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ were not suggestions from the Word of God. Telling others of the great things He has done for us to others isn't a suggestion either.

Take great care in what you allow into your life from this world. It is saturated with demonic influences. From preschool on through all levels of education demons are influencing this world. All political parties are influenced by demons.   

Jesus is more than a conquer of sin, death and the grave...He's to be alive and well within each of us to seek and save the lost in the world. 

Take the time to get on your knees before Jesus and be sure of your salvation...then be sure to ask Him "What needs to go from my heart and mind? What traps have I been caught in unawares? What do you want me to be doing?".

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.