The Origin of Evil Demons and the Spread of Darkness Over the Earth

https://jackhayfordsermons.com February 7, 1999 Scripture: Romans 8:14-23 Introduction/Background Romans 8:20–21 teaches that creation was “subjected to futility… in hope,” awaiting deliverance into “the glorious liberty of the children of God.” Believers, led by the Spirit and adopted as God’s children, share in Christ’s suffering so we may share in His glory. Every time we choose God’s ways over the world’s temptations, He gains ground and so do we. To participate in God’s plan, we continually choose His way. 1. Love: God’s Nature and Eternal Destiny God is love—far greater than the aspects of love we currently understand. He gives eternal life, forgiveness, and assurance, but also prepares an enormous destiny for His people in love. There is a glory yet to be revealed—dimensions of divine love we cannot yet imagine. From the beginning, as God’s love expanded, the adversary sought to thwart it. Today, evil intentions fill many hearts, and the world’s preference for evil must be confronted with love, truth, and prayer. Three Qualities of God’s Love • Multiplying — expanding the community of God. • Sharing — confirming gifts, empowering others, building unity. • Freeing — granting liberty with responsibility; moral choice carries consequences. God’s laws are not separate from His love—they preserve what His love sustains. 2. The Origin and Spread of Evil Evil is confined to one place—the earth—but its effects are profound. Satan, in ingratitude and self‑promotion, twisted everything God gave him for good into tools for his own advancement. When God multiplied love, Satan multiplied evil. Evil began when Satan rejected truth and embraced self‑rule, self‑assertion, and self‑absorption. a. Satan Violated Community He wanted leadership that wasn’t his, respect he didn’t earn, and power he wasn’t given. He kept more than he gave. b. Satan Misused His Gifts God gave him extraordinary abilities, which he used for self‑promotion, comfort, and superiority. c. Satan Abused Free Will He acted as though he created his own greatness, refusing to acknowledge God as the source. He violated covenant and still seeks more authority, more position, and more control. 3. The Larger Hope God endures misunderstanding and “bad press” because His plan is larger than the present struggle. A day is coming when evil will receive its due and every wound will be turned inside out. Creation groans in anticipation of God revealing the fullness behind His order. God’s love is unmatched—eternal, righteous, almighty. The issue is not merely casting out demons; it is about God’s hope, God’s future, and God’s presence with His people now. He calls His people to possess the land with confidence, for victory is ahead. As the Apostle John writes, “the darkness is fading away.” Conclusion Adam was not primitive—he was unfallen, brilliant, and sensitive. God intended to multiply a race that walked in His ways and received His fullness. When Satan rebelled and earth became a battleground, God began proving that: • love is greater than evil • kindness overcomes doubt • light outweighs darkness • obedience on earth gains eternal ground God will ultimately seal the door where evil dwells, and His plan of love and light will prevail. He calls us to walk in faith and confidence, choosing His way in every struggle, knowing that His redemptive plan is unfolding and His victory is certain.