“And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him.” Luke 9:42.
Note.—Those under demoniacal control are simply the sport and plaything of the evil spirits possessing and controlling them.
10. As we near the closing scenes of human probation, why may we expect an increase in demoniacal manifestations?
“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Rev. 12:12.
Note.—Acquainted, as they are, with the laws of nature, Satan and his angels raise storms and scatter disease and death as far as lies within their power; and, as enemies of God, they likewise pervert the truth and disseminate error as far as possible. Far better, also, than the inhabitants of the world, do they know that the end of all things is fast approaching, and that their time to work is short.
11. Concerning what have we been definitely informed?
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Tim. 4:1.
12. What class of God's servants have evil angels, through wicked men, seemed to make special objects of attack?
“Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?” Acts 7:52.
Notes.—“Of all classes of men employed by the Heavenly Father in the work of redemption, none are more fiercely hated by the wicked angels than the whole line of the prophets; for from the first to the last they foretell the final and eternal overthrow and utter extinction of the ‘powers of darkness,’ the ‘spirits of disobedience.’ ”—“Footprints of Angels in Fields of Revelation,” page 14.