Spiritual Realm Pt 8 – Oppression

Spiritual Realm Pt 8 – Oppression

• Christians can be oppressed – 

  • The Soul is being saved

    • Remedy: a renewed mind, and washing of the water of the word 

  • The Body-  will be saved – Glorification in the resurrection 

  • The Spirit – was saved –

  • He that is with the Lord is joined to the Lord in one Spirit.  1 Cor. 6:17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 

  • Light has no fellowship with Darkness. 2 Cor. 6:14 

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines oppression as “to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority” or “to burden spiritually or mentally:  weigh heavily upon”. 

• The devil wants to weigh you down, to burden you with all the cares of this world. He wants you to lose sleep over your children’s well-being.

•  He wants you to be depressed about your life and marriage. 

• He wants to crush your walk with the Lord. Will you allow him to continue ravaging your life? 

The only person who can empower the devil is YOU! 

• The Bible says in Hosea, “My people perish for lack of knowledge”.

• The majority of people don’t want to be oppressed; they want it gone! 

• But it won’t go anywhere until you tell it to go. 

The Bible says in Luke 10:19, “Behold, I give unto you power (exusia) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” 

Acts 10:38. The SAME Spirit that was on Jesus Christ, who went about doing good and healing ALL who were OPPRESSED of the devil, dwells in you! 

• You have the power through God’s Word and the Blood of Jesus to destroy every oppression in your life. 

Text: Ephesians 4:27…and give no opportunity (place – influence) to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Remember when you got your first place? You had a right to be there because there was a title, deed, or mortgage that was paid. – Jesus made propitiation ( appeased the law), redemption ( paid the price ). 

Landlord and renters, Squatters’ rights: Have 90 days once notice is given to vacate the premises. 

• In Ohio, a squatter can acquire ownership of a property through adverse possession after occupying it for at least 21 consecutive years, meeting specific criteria.

• For monthly leases requiring 30 days’ notice from either party. 

• Why do spiritual beings look to obsess, oppress, and possess people? 

How Demons Enter

1. Occult participation: Both unknowingly and intentionally, Ancestral involvement (Exodus 20:5).

2. Satanic Entertainment – Music, Movies, obsession with death, darkness

3. Personal Occult Involvement: Fortune-telling, spiritism, tarot cards, chants, crystals (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

4. Generational Influences: Deep rejection or trauma (e.g., Great Depression).

5. Manipulation: Control by or of others 

6. Sinful Acts/Habits: Persistent sin invites demons (e.g., lust from explicit media).

   1. Pornography is not just immorality but idolatry – Worship of images 

7. Lack of Self-Control: A man without self-control is like a city without walls (Proverbs 25:28). – The Last fruit of the Spirit is self-control. 

Understanding Open Doors

• Neither give place to the devil. — Ephesians 4:27

• Lock and close all doors 

• Definition: An “open door” is an area of vulnerability or susceptibility to demonic influence or attack, not possession.

  • Distinct from possession: Refers to external attacks (temptation, torment, deception, confusion, division).

Matthew 12:43–45: Insights on Demonic Activity

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’

• Context: Jesus describes an evil spirit leaving a person, seeking rest, and returning to its former host.

  • Key Points:

    • Evil spirits are bound to this realm, roaming as parasites seeking hosts.

    • They have will, reason, and persistence, returning to check for vulnerabilities.

    • The host in the passage is “empty,” not filled with the Holy Spirit, so this does not apply to born-again believers.

  • Application for Believers:

    • Demons cannot repossess Christians (filled with the Holy Spirit).

      • Demons can return to attack through temptation, torment, deception, or harassment.

    • Vigilance is needed to avoid compromise, as demons exploit vulnerabilities.

Avoiding Extremes

• (Left Side) Apathy: Ignoring spiritual warfare, living carelessly, assuming immunity due to salvation.

• (Right Side) Paranoia/Superstitious Legalism: Obsessing over demonic influence in everyday objects or interactions (e.g., thrift store clothes, cereal boxes, websites).

  • Example: A coat owned by a witch does not transfer demons to a Spirit-filled believer. 

    • The Holy Spirit’s presence repels evil.

  • Principle: Demons are not like a cold you catch unknowingly; they exploit willful sin or compromise.

• Balanced Discernment:

  • True depth is walking in the simplicity of faith and the Spirit, not complex rituals.

  • In 35 years of ministry, I have only encountered demonic warfare directly 5 or 6 times. 

  • It’s inefficient for an army to fight toe to toe on the battlefield when you can distract, divert, divide, and destroy the enemy from within. 

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” (Eph. 6:11).. 

Our English word “wiles” is generally used to express deception through trickery and includes all the methods that would be part of that. It has to do with cunning or skill applied to no good purpose.

• Here are some of the strategies of the Enemy to do this: 

Four Open Doors to Demonic Influence

These are areas of vulnerability that intensify susceptibility to demonic attacks. Believers must close these doors through vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

1. Connections (Relationships)

• Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:33– “Do not be fooled by those who say such things, for bad company corrupts good character.”

• Explanation:

  • Relationships with unbelievers can become open doors if they influence believers negatively.

  • Key question: Who has greater influence? Are you the light, or are they shaping your thoughts/behaviors?

• Biblical Balance: Mark 2:17 – Jesus spent time with sinners to save them, not to affirm their sin.

  • Be salt and light, not Sugar and a Discoball (Matt. 5:13 -16),

2. Eyes and Ears (What You See and Hear)

• Scriptures:

  • Psalm 101:3 – “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.”

  • Job 31:1 – “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman.”

• Explanation:

  • Visuals and sounds shape the mind, then emotions, and then behavior, creating vulnerabilities.

  • 2 Cor. 10:3 Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war in the flesh…

  • Examples:

    • Violent images can strengthen the sin nature, leading to torment, fear, or confusion.

    • Lustful images provide the enemy with “tools” to tempt at weak moments.

    • Traumatic memories can be exploited by demons to resurface during vulnerability.

• Ears and Music:

  • 1 Samuel 16:23: David’s harp soothed Saul, driving away a tormenting spirit.

  • 2 Kings 3:15: Music aided Elisha’s prophetic gift, showing its spiritual dynamic.

    • God inhabits the praises of His people….

Application: Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart, wellspring of life. 

• Guard what you see (avoid worldly or lustful media).

• Guard what you hear (avoid ungodly conversations or music that conflicts with the Spirit).

• Trauma isn’t your identity, but unaddressed memories can be exploited. Seek healing through the Holy Spirit.

3. States of Being

• Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-27– “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

• Explanation:

  • Certain emotional or physical states make believers vulnerable to demonic influence (not possession).

  • Examples of States:

    • Anger: Not sinful in itself (e.g., Jesus’ temple cleansing, John 2:13-17), but unresolved anger leads to bitterness, gossip, or destructive actions.

    • Fear, Sorrow, and Confusion: Need to be healed and addressed. 

      • Most people would go to the emergency room immediately if what happened in their body happened to their heart and mind. 

    • The Greek for “opportunity” (topos) in Ephesians 4:27 means influence, not possession.

• Application:

  • Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

  • Retreat to the “inner place” of fellowship with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:16).

  • Rely on “inner strength” from God, not external emotions, to resist attacks.

4. Mouth (What You Consume)

• Scripture: Matthew 15:11 – “It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”

• Explanation:

  • Jesus addressed dietary laws, emphasizing heart condition over rituals, but this doesn’t negate the impact of consumption.

  • Examples:

    • Drunkenness: Proverbs 23:19-21 warns against carousing with drunkards, leading to poverty.

    • Gluttony/Drugs: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 lists drunkenness among sins, implying impaired judgment opens doors.

  • Mechanism:

    • Overeating, alcohol, or drugs affect physical/mental health, increasing vulnerability to demonic attacks (e.g., sickness, impaired judgment).

    • Poor health weakens resistance to spiritual attacks.

• Solution: Galatians 5:22-23 – The Holy Spirit produces self-control to close this door.

• Application:

  • Practice moderation and health to avoid physical vulnerabilities.

  • Rely on the Holy Spirit for discipline in consumption.

5. Words and Their Power

• Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

• Clarification:

  • Not about magical “speaking into existence” (superstition). Only God has creative power.

  • Believers have cultivated power: 

    • Like a farmer breaks the ground to receive seed that will later yield multiplied fruit…..The mind conceives, thoughts become things. 

      • Words shape emotions, thoughts, and environments (blessing vs. curse, encouragement vs. discouragement).

• Impact:

  • Negative speech (gossip, criticism) programs the mind toward division or torment.

  • Worldly conversations reshape thought patterns, making believers vulnerable to deception.

• Application:

  • Speak life, truth, and encouragement aligned with Scripture.

  • Avoid worldly philosophies that conflict with God’s Word.

Practical Steps to Close Open Doors

• Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal vulnerabilities.

• Repent of open doors

• Ask God for healing and the full occupation of His Spirit

• Submit to God, resist the devil (James 4:7).

• Claim freedom through Jesus’ name and the Spirit’s power.

How to Be Delivered

• Conditions:

  1. Be Humble: Pride blocks deliverance.

  2. Be Honest: Name sins accurately.

  3. Confess Faith in Christ: Jesus acts as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14).

  4. Confess Sins: Personal and ancestral (Proverbs 28:13).

  5. Repent: Turn from sin with determination.

  6. Break Occult Ties: Renounce and destroy occult objects.

  7. Forgive Others: Essential for God’s forgiveness (Mark 11:25).

  8. Stand on Scripture:

     • Joel 2:32: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.”

     • Luke 10:19: Authority over Satan’s power.

     • 1 John 3:8: Jesus destroys the devil’s works.

     • Colossians 1:13: Delivered from darkness to God’s kingdom.

  9. Ask to be filled with the Spirit of God and walk in the Spirit!

Spiritual Dangers That Open Doors to Demonic Oppression

1. Living in Secret Sin (James 1:15)

• Christians should NOT be that sneaky cookie thief hiding crumbs in their Bible! Keeping sin hidden instead of confessing it grants demons authority to afflict you.

• Unrepentant sin acts as an open gate, inviting torment and bondage.

ESV: Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

2. Entertaining Ungodly Media (Psalm 101:3)

• Christians should NOT be binge-watching demon Netflix marathons with popcorn and a pitchfork! 

• Consuming movies, music, or content that glorifies lust, violence, or the occult creates a spiritual pathway for demonic influence. 

• What enters your eyes and ears shapes your spiritual atmosphere.

ESV:I will set no thing of worthlessness before mine eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away. It shall not cling to me.

3. Engaging in Sexual Immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18–20)

• Christians should NOT be swiping right on soul-tie Tinder dates with the devil as wingman! 

• Sex outside God’s covenant causes spiritual contamination. 

• Ungodly sexual encounters create soul ties that demons exploit to manipulate and enslave.

ESV: Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

4. Consulting Spiritual Alternatives (Deuteronomy 18:10–12)

• Christians should NOT be consulting their horoscope app, only Jesus! 

  • Practices like reading horoscopes, using charms, or seeking palm readers and false prophets hand over your destiny to dark powers, making your life vulnerable to demonic activity.

ESV:There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.

5. Harboring Unforgiveness and Bitterness (2 Corinthians 2:10–11)

• Christians should NOT be that grudge-holding porcupine at church potluck, spiking the punch with venom! 

• Holding grudges gives the devil legal ground to torment your mind. Bitterness poisons your heart, blocking peace, prayer, and spiritual authority.

ESV: Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

6. Living a Prayerless Life (Luke 22:40)

• Christians should NOT be ghosting God’s prayer hotline like it’s a bad blind date! A lack of prayer weakens spiritual defenses, diminishing the divine covering around you and allowing the enemy to influence your thoughts and actions.

ESV: And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

7. Ignoring the Word of God (Matthew 4:4)

• Christians should NOT be treating their Bible like a dusty gym membership—signed up but never showing up! Neglecting Scripture makes you vulnerable to deception. Without the Word as your sword, you become defenseless against demonic influence.

ESV: But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”