Wretched Man
Puritan Board Freshman
I’ve been reading through Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology and he has a rather intriguing view on our spiritual warfare with demons. In the Satan and Demons chapter, he discusses the fact that demons are limited and asserts they are likely unable to know our thoughts. He then discusses resisting the devil (James 4:7) and encourages people to rebuke demons by briefly speaking a command, preferably including a scripture verse, to an evil spirit to leave when we suspect the presence of demonic influence.
In a footnote, he writes:
I guess first of all I’m a bit baffled that I may have been glossing over a significant element of my Christian walk through spiritual warfare by not rebuking demons. And secondly I’m wondering if silent rebukes against demons are inept.... So I guess I have three questions.
In a footnote, he writes:
Because Scripture gives no indication that demons can know our thoughts, it would seem that the command should be spoken audibly.
I guess first of all I’m a bit baffled that I may have been glossing over a significant element of my Christian walk through spiritual warfare by not rebuking demons. And secondly I’m wondering if silent rebukes against demons are inept.... So I guess I have three questions.
- Should we rebuke demons (he does address Jude 9)?
- If so, is it necessary to speak audibly so they can hear you?
- Can anyone provide good testimonies to rebuking demons?