Why Is Rebellion the Principle of Demons?

 

Why Is Rebellion the Principle of Demons?

This text is compiled based on the Bible and with reference to ministry information (especially *Life-Study of Matthew*, *The Kingdom of God*, and *Kingdom Messages*). The statement here that "the principle of the demon is rebellion" refers to a spiritual principle, meaning that anyone who disobeys God's administration, rejects God's authority, or goes against their inner life's feelings possesses the principle of rebellion represented by the demon. It does not mean that believers themselves are demons, but rather that in those aspects of life, the elements of rebellion represented by the demon still remain, requiring the Lord's intervention. 

Item	Integrated Explanation
Meaning	The essential principle represented by demons is rebellion against God's authority. Demons were originally created beings, but by following Satan in his rebellion they became evil spirits. Therefore, wherever there is refusal to submit to God's rule, the principle of demons is present.
Cause	Satan first rebelled against God (Isa. 14:12–15; Ezek. 28:12–17). The demons followed Satan and became spirits of rebellion. Likewise, every area of human living that refuses God's authority manifests the same spiritual principle.
Illustration	Like rebels in a kingdom who reject the lawful government, demons are the rebels in God's universe, refusing His legitimate authority.
Explanation	The kingdom of God is God's ruling and reigning. Demons represent resistance to God's authority. Therefore, when the Lord Jesus cast out demons, He was not merely removing evil spirits but restoring God's authority. Hence He declared, "If I cast out the demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you" (Matt. 12:28).
Effect	Rebellion breaks fellowship with God, robs believers of peace, frustrates the operation of the Spirit's anointing, strengthens the flesh and the self, and gives Satan ground to work.
Purpose (Satan)	Satan seeks to establish his kingdom through rebellion so that people will live independently of God, according to the self, the flesh, the natural life, and the world.
Purpose (God)	God casts out the principle of rebellion through Christ so that people may return under His divine government and live under His kingdom.
Relationship	Satan → Rebellion → Demons → Kingdom of Darkness → Human Disobedience → Hindrance to God's Kingdom; Christ → Casting Out Demons → Restoration of Submission → God's Reigning → Manifestation of the Kingdom of God.
Biblical Examples	(1) Satan's rebellion (Isa. 14; Ezek. 28); (2) Adam's disobedience (Gen. 3);  (3) Saul's rebellion, "rebellion is as the sin of divination" (1 Sam. 15:23);  (4) Peter setting his mind on the things of men (Matt. 16:23); (5) Christ's absolute obedience to the Father (John 6:38).
Practical Examples	Brother illustrates that when the Lord inwardly forbids us to buy something, go somewhere, or do a certain thing, yet we insist on our own choice, this is outwardly a small matter but inwardly the principle of rebellion—the principle of demons. The same applies to money, entertainment, internet use, time management, relationships, and church service whenever we ignore the Lord's inner leading.
Application Today	Exercise to live in the spirit daily, obey the inward anointing, deny the self, reject the flesh, and allow Christ to rule every area of life without giving Satan any ground.
Ministry Burden	Brother emphasizes that the Lord desires not only to cast out outward demons but also to remove every inward element of rebellion so that God's kingdom may be established within us in reality.
Guideline for Prophesying	God's warfare today is not merely against sin but against rebellion. Whatever rejects God's authority is the principle of demons; whatever submits to Christ's kingship is the manifestation of God's kingdom. May we allow the Lord to cast out every rebellious element so that His kingdom may spread within us.
Conclusion	The essence of demons is rebellion, whereas the essence of God's kingdom is submission. Every act of obedience enlarges the kingdom of God, while every insistence on the self expresses the principle of demons. Christ casts out demons to restore God's kingship within man.
Key Scriptures	Gen. 3:1–6; 1 Sam. 15:23; Psa. 103:19; Isa. 14:12–15; Ezek. 28:12–17; Matt. 6:10; Matt. 12:28; Matt. 16:23; Luke 10:17–20; John 6:38; John 14:30; Rom. 8:6–14; Eph. 2:2; Eph. 4:27; Col. 1:13; James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8–9; Rev. 12:7–12; Rev. 20:1–3; Rev. 21:27.

 

Spiritual Sequence

Satan rebels against God
            ↓
Demons follow Satan and become spirits of rebellion
            ↓
Rebellion forms the kingdom of darkness
            ↓
Man lives in the self, the flesh, and the natural life
            ↓
Man refuses God's authority
            ↓
Christ casts out demons by the Spirit
            ↓
God's authority is restored within man
            ↓
The kingdom of God comes upon man
            ↓
Believers submit to the Spirit
            ↓
The Body of Christ is built up
            ↓
The New Jerusalem becomes the ultimate manifestation
of God's eternal kingdom.

 

The Spiritual Relationship

Kingdom of Darkness	Kingdom of God
Satan	Christ
Rebellion	Submission
Self-will	God's will
Flesh	The Spirit
Natural life	Divine life
Disobedience	Obedience
Demonic rule	Christ's reign
Darkness	Light
Death	Life
Confusion	Peace
The World	The Kingdom of God
Satan's kingdom	The New Jerusalem

 

One Prophetic Declaration

The principle of demons is not primarily power but rebellion; the manifestation of God's kingdom is not primarily miraculous signs but Christ, through the Spirit, removing every element of rebellion and establishing God's authority within His people. Every act of obedience to the Spirit enlarges the kingdom of God, while every insistence on the self manifests the principle of demons.

 

*Please refer to the 2026 Memorial Day Special Conference theme: The Urgent Need for a New Revival, Part Four: Living the Life of a God-Man by Living in the Kingdom of God as a Holy Kind.