The Danger Within

There’s a story in the Gospel of Mark that reveals the danger within the assembly of believers. We often think of demons being on the outside of the assembly of believers, but this event recorded in the Gospel of Mark says otherwise.

Mark 1:21-24 (NLT)

Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22  The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law. 23  Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, 24  “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One sent from God!”

Did you see it? The demon-possessed man was inside the synagogue. Why was the demon in the synagogue, and what was it that revealed this man to be demon-possessed? Think about it for a moment. Satan doesn’t need to pervert or corrupt the unbelievers because he already has them in his demonic power. Satan desires to pervert and corrupt those on the inside, those who have set their heart to follow God.

The Bible is clear that this particular man was working from the inside. This demon-possessed man was probably masquerading as a Jewish believer, but in reality, he was operating under the dominion of darkness.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NLT)

These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14  But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15  So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

False teachers, false apostles, pretenders…they like to work from the inside. They are the danger within. They disguise themselves so that the untrained can’t recognize them. But that all changed when Jesus entered the synagogue. What changed?

The Word of God confronted the demon-possessed man who was operating inside the synagogue. Jesus began to teach. Jesus is the Word of God, and the demonic pretender was confronted with the Word in the flesh. That confrontation revealed the imposter in the time of Jesus, and that same Word of God will reveal the impostors within today.

The Apostle Paul gives the Gentile church the same warning about The Danger Within. Paul charged the church elders with the task of preaching the Truth and protecting the flock from the danger within.

Acts 20:28-30 (NLT)

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. 29  I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. 30  Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.

It was the Word of Truth that revealed the demon inside the synagogue. It is that same uncompromised and undiluted Word of Truth that will expose the demonic powers inside the church today. The demons must flee in the presence of the Great Light of Truth.

2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Maranatha, Hosanna, Hallelujah and Amen,

Terry Cooper

Lead Minister