They make no attempt to thwart the power of Christ, but acknowledge it, and seemingly, note that it is hopeless for them to do so. They evidence an inevitability about things. They speak and act like defeated enemies. And, indeed, they—and their infernal leader—are exactly that.

The encounters that Jesus had with these fallen angels show that their power is not only limited, but also subject to His. He has bound the strong man, and He is now taking away his goods. Yes, like the snake that he is, he writhes and strikes out where he can from under Jesus’ heel, but he is a defeated foe who knows that his days are numbered. His followers reveal a similar attitude.

When the seventy rejoiced over having cast out demons, Jesus indicated that this was a sign that Satan had fallen like lightening from heaven. The old serpent has been cast out, and has no authority to touch the believer (I John 5:18). He can no longer do what he did to Job.

When the Lord confronted demons, it was they who feared—not the other way around! So should this be true of the relationship of the believer toward the evil one and his hordes. After all, the Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling within him.

So, when you meet a believer who has become fearful of demonic power, let him know about these facts. They are all too seldom mentioned.

Check out our online course, Theology and Counseling taught by Jay Adams!

Books related to dealing with problems:

1. A Theology of Christian Counseling by Jay Adams
2. Sanctification and Counseling by Jay Adams
3. Christ and Your Problems by Jay Adams

The Christian Counselor’s New Testament and Proverbs, translated by Jay Adams

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The post Demonic Docility appeared first on Institute for Nouthetic Studies | Biblical Counseling.

In counseling for 10 hours a day two days a week for many years, I have yet to encounter anyone demon-possessed. Oh, sure, I’ve had people claim that a counselee is; I’ve had counselees say so too. But in every instance, the problem turned out to be something else.

But, enough for my experience. What does God say about the matter? The answer? Nothing.

“Nothing?”

Precisely. He says nothing about it. And because nowhere in the entire New Testament does He command you or me to cast out demons there is no reason to expect that He wants us to do so. We ought never to do in His Name that which He doesn’t command. To do so is to misrepresent Him.

“Are you sure He doesn’t tell us to do it?”

Absolutely. Read your New Testament from beginning to the end and you’ll find no such command. That is an important fact because in Jesus’ parting words to the apostles (Matthew 28) He told them to teach their disciples to “observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you.” Obviously, since they left no such command for us to observe, there is no reason to think that we should do so. Don’t let anyone add to the commandments of Jesus and tell you that he has the right to do what He never gave Him the right to do. To do that is a serious matter. The issue is as simple as that!

For whatever reason, today we are to preach the Gospel to the lost, and nothing more. We’re not apostles armed with signs and wonders as they were (Cf. 2 Corinthians 12: 12). They faithfully did as they were commanded. Let us do so too.

Check out our online courses, including, Introduction to Nouthetic Counseling and  The Use of Scripture in Counseling, taught by Jay Adams!

Books related to counseling others:

1. Competent to Counsel by Jay Adams
2. The Christian Counselor’s Manual by Jay Adams
3. How to Help People Change by Jay Adams
4. Check out our Bookstore for all the best counseling books!

The Christian Counselor’s New Testament and Proverbs, translated by Jay Adams

Visit our online bookstore for all your biblical counseling resource needs.
For more biblical counseling training, check out our list of INS Online Courses.

Follow INS on Social Media:
– Facebook: noutheticstudies
– Twitter: @noutheticstud
– Instagram: @noutheticstudies

The post Casting Out Demons appeared first on Institute for Nouthetic Studies | Biblical Counseling.