Demonic influences are the module operand of the devil introduced to us in a harmless form with the intention to separate Christians from GOD. Did you notice there is no significant difference between the children of God and the children of this world? Why is the appearance in churches so like that of the world?

Today’s message is a wake-up call for you to think deeply and ensure you are not under demonic influences of any form which might look harmless to you.

20 Demonic Influences You Must Know and Avoid!

1. Deception and Lies

Demons propagate falsehoods and deceive people into rejecting the truth of God by using many preachers to cause misconception of the scriptures.

John chapter 8 verse 44: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

2. Idolatry

Demonic influences promote the worship of idols, which is ultimately the worship of demons. Stay away from churches and doctrines that adore statues or images such as Holy Mary, Saint Peter etc.

3. Sexual Immorality

Dark powers encourage behaviors that defile your body and spirit. The popular practices of sex before marriage including divorce and remarry are some of the great demonic influences of the devil in the church.

Revelation chapter 2 verse 20 to 22: “…because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols…Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.”

4. Fear and Anxiety

One of the strong demonic influences is to instill fear upon you to paralyze your faith. Don’t fall into the Fear of the future, fear of good health, fear of success and be anxious of nothing.

5. Anger and Bitterness

Demons exploit unresolved anger in you to cause division, destruction and to steal your joy.

Ephesians chapter 4 verse 26 and 27: “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.”

6. Pride and Arrogance

The spirits of pride are successful to foster self-exaltation among successful Christians and ministers in the church. It is now a taboo to correct the pastor or any influential church member doing wrong.

Isaiah chapter 14 verse 12 to 15: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations…Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.”

7. Greed and Covetousness

Demonic influences drive a relentless pursuit of worldly possessions. Don’t sell your soul to the demons because you are desperate to acquire worldly assets. Cars, houses, money are temporary!

8. Blasphemy

Demons provoke irreverence and disrespect toward God.

9. Addiction

Demonic influences enslave individuals through substances or behaviors.

10. Division and Strife

Demons sow discord among people, including within families and churches.

11. Religious Legalism

They twist religion into rigid rules, distorting God’s grace.

Matthew chapter 23 verse 23: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”

12. Occult Practices

Participation in occult activities opens doors to demonic oppression.

13. Illness and Affliction

While not all sicknesses are demonic, some illnesses can have demonic origins.

14. Mental Torment

Demons can afflict minds with tormenting thoughts, including despair and hopelessness.

15. Persecution of Believers

They incite hostility toward Christians to hinder the spread of the gospel.

16. False Teachings and Heresies

Demonic spirits promote doctrines that lead people astray.

17. Murder and Violence

Demonic influences inspire hatred and destruction.

18. Witchcraft and Sorcery

Dark powers influence individuals to practice magic or seek power through dark means. Visiting prophets and pastors that promote materialism such as handkerchief, candle, soap etc is dangerous!

19. Self-Harm and Suicide

They drive despair to the point of self-destruction.

20. Perverting Justice

They influence actions that lead to the miscarriage of justice.

 

20 Spiritual Steps to Combat Demonic Influences

1. Daily Submission to God

Surrendering your life to God enables you to resist the enemy effectively. (James 4:7)

2. Putting on the Armor of God

Spiritual armor, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, equips believers for spiritual battles. Wear the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit.

3. Praying Without Ceasing

Consistent prayer helps maintain a strong connection with God and strengthens you against demonic influences. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

4. Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough

Fasting intensifies prayer and helps overcome certain spiritual challenges. (Matthew 17:21)

5. Studying and Meditating on God’s Word

The Bible is a weapon against deception and temptation. Jesus used Scripture to overcome Satan’s attacks in the wilderness. (Matthew 4:1-11)

6. Renouncing Sin and Closing Spiritual Doors

Turn away from sin, which can give the enemy a foothold. Confess and repent! (1 John 1:9)

7. Worshiping God with All Your Heart

Worship brings God’s presence and drives away spiritual darkness. (Psalm 22:3)

8. Guarding Your Heart and Mind

Avoid influences that glorify evil or distract you from God, such as occult practices or immoral entertainment. (Proverbs 4:23)

9. Declaring the Name of Jesus

The name of Jesus carries power over demons. Use His name in prayer and spiritual warfare. (Philippians 2:9-11)

10. Living in love with Other Believers

Fellowship provides encouragement, accountability, and prayer support. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

11. Applying the Blood of Jesus

Remember the victory won through the blood of Christ. Declare this protection over your life when you encounter demonic influences. (Revelation 12:11)

12. Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

The Spirit empowers believers to discern and overcome demonic influences. (Acts 1:8)

13. Using the Gift of Discernment

Pray for spiritual discernment to recognize and avoid demonic traps. (1 Corinthians 12:10)

14. Proclaiming God’s Promises

Speak God’s promises over your life to counter fear and doubt. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

15. Standing Firm in Faith

Be unshakable in your belief and reliance on God. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

16. Practicing Love and Forgiveness

Unforgiveness and hatred create openings for the enemy. Choose love and reconciliation. (Matthew 6:14-15)

17. Breaking Generational Curses in Christ

Renounce any generational ties to sin or bondage through the authority of Jesus. (Galatians 3:13)

18. Resisting the Enemy’s Lies

Take every thought captive and align it with Christ’s truth. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

19. Speaking and Living Truthfully

Walk in honesty and integrity will help you overcome demonic influences. (John 8:31-32)

20. Resting in God’s Authority

Remember that Jesus has already triumphed over the powers of darkness, and through Him, we share in that victory. So, always take authority over demonic influences!

Romans chapter 8 verse 37: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

 

By faithfully practicing these biblical principles, you can stand firm against demonic influences and walk confidently in God’s light.