The Nature of Evil Spirits

"Frequently the devil himself is called a spirit: the "unclean spirit," "foul spirit," "lying spirit."

The inherent nature of the devils themselves, as well as the character of their works, is included in the description, "spiritual wickedness." Some interpret this to mean "against wicked spirits." That is true, as far as it goes. But it overlooks an additional truth, in that the passage refers not only to the spiritual nature of devils but also-- in fact, chiefly-- to the nature and kind of sins they perpetrate. These sins are the apples of temptation which they most often use to poison the saints. Such sins are the "spirituals of wickedness." Not gross, fleshly sins which ignorant sinners, like swine, wallow in-- butspiritual sins, which are much more subtle and perhaps even more despicable.

This brief phrase, "against spiritual wickedness," when taken in context, presents us with three doctrinal conclusions: (1) The devils are spirits; (2) The devils are consummately wicked spirits; and (3) These wicked spirits use spiritual wickedness both to persecute the saints and to provoke them to sin.

The devils are spirits. The word spirit has several meanings in Scripture. It is often used to describe angels, both good and evil ones Hebrews 1:14, 1 Kings 22:21. Frequently the devil himself is called a spirit: the "unclean spirit," "foul spirit," "lying spirit."

What, then, are spirits? And, more particularly, what are the special characteristics of evil spirits?

First of all, they are immaterial-- not made of matter like humans. "Handle me, and see," Christ said to His disciples, who thought they had seen a spirit, "for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" Luke 24:39. We have no evidence to indicate that sin altered Satan's basic substance. As Lucifer, son of the morning, his essence was immaterial; as Satan, prince of darkness, he is immaterial still.”

It is always helpful to know more about your enemy, so that He cannot surprise you with his schemes.

Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell. http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_productDetail.aspx?id=41823&pid=53617