Demons, Idols and Superstition

We begin a two-part study on demons by making the key discovery of the connection between demons and idols. The Bible frequently states that an idol is  nothing and cannot do either good or bad. Does this mean that demons are nothing, that it is mere superstition, and that God is truly sovereign? Join Richard and Tim as they delve into this essential Bible study.

Key Verse:

“They stirred him to jealousy with strange gods; with abominations they provoked him to anger. They sacrificed to demons that were no gods, to gods they had never known, to new gods that had come recently, whom your fathers had never dreaded.” (Deu 32:16-17)

Outline:

Introduction

• Online debate (1997) with Anthony Buzzard / COGAF
• Claims of modern-day demon experiences but what does the Bible teach?
• Words for demons (Gk. diamonia – Heb. shed meaning destroyer and satyr meaning goat idol)

Demons in the Old Testament

• Psalms106:34-38 there is a connection between demons and idols
• Idols are nothing (Psa. 135:15-18; 96:4-5; Isa. 65:3 LXX)
• Deut. 32:16-17, 39 (Lev. 17:7). God is in charge of everything which they associated with demons (Deut. 28:27-28, 58-61).
• Because of this we are not to be afraid, they cannot do evil (Jer. 10:2-6, 14-15)

The Demon Idol Connection in the New Testament

• 1 Cor. 10:18-22 (cp. 8:4-6) Paul’s association of idols with demons and their being nothing
• Acts 17 – Paul’s tour of Athens
  • V. 18 foreign divinities = daimonion
  • V. 22 very religious = Deisidaimoni = fear of demons
  • V. 24-26 God is sovereign

Conclusion on Superstition

Cover Art:

Statue of the demon Pazuzu (about 934-610 B.C.) at the Louvre Museum.

https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010120489

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