Pre-Shiloh Teachings (Pt. 2) - General and Specific Activities of Demons
As believers, we cannot afford to live unaware of the enemy’s operations. Scripture is clear: there is a kingdom of darkness, and it is organized. Demons are not chaotic agents running loose—they are ranked, assigned, and strategic.
As Jesus taught in Luke 11:14–26, Satan has a kingdom, and it does not operate in confusion. Just as God has angels and the Holy Spirit working on His behalf, Satan operates through demons, executing judgment and stirring opposition.
We should also be aware that we were born Into a warzone. There is no neutral ground. From the moment we entered this world, we stepped into a spiritual battlefield. Every spirit is either for God or against Him—there is no in-between. Whether we recognize it or not, warfare is active around us, and demonic spirits are playing their roles with frightening precision.
General Activities of Demons
While demons manifest in various ways, there are overarching strategies that form the foundation of their work:
Temptation: This is often the first tactic. Just like with Jesus in the wilderness, Satan watches for opportune moments to tempt us (Luke 4:13).
Deception: Their primary tool. They mimic the appearance of light to spread lies subtly (2 Corinthians 11:14). We must remember that not all “light” is divine.
Oppression: Through fear, torment, and shame, they defile and contaminate. These spirits seek to weaken us emotionally and spiritually.
Opposition and Hindrance: Demons fight progress—especially when it aligns with God’s will. From Ezra to 1 Thessalonians, we see how demonic forces delay or halt divine assignments.
Bondage and Enslavement: This can be emotional, spiritual, or even physical. You feel helpless, like something unseen has you on a leash.
Behavioral Influence: Demons influence decisions, culture, and ideologies—both on an individual and societal scale (1 Chronicles 21:1).
Possession (and External Influence): A demon doesn’t have to live inside someone to influence them. Through thoughts, voices, or cravings, they attempt to control.
Accusation: One of their most sinister roles. They exploit guilt and spiritual legalities to trap us in cycles of condemnation (Revelation 12:10, Romans 8:1).
Confusion: If God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), then the enemy certainly is. Mental chaos is often spiritual.
Specific Activities of Demons
While general activities point to how demons operate, their specific goals often target areas of everyday life:
Sin and Disobedience: These are foundational. Satan’s aim is rebellion against God’s will.
Sickness: Not all sickness is demonic, but some are directly linked to spirits of infirmity (Luke 13:11).
Marital Strife: Christian marriages face constant spiritual attack. When your arguments seem irrational or cyclic, look deeper.
Barrenness and Miscarriage: These too can be spiritually initiated.
Addiction and Uncontrolled Appetites: Demons exploit weaknesses to trap us in cycles we can’t break alone.
Mental Confusion and Restlessness: Wandering minds, lack of focus, or chronic indecision are not always natural.
Corrupt Mindsets: Not every thought is yours or from the Holy Spirit. Strongholds form when demonic ideologies go unchallenged (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).
Financial Leakages: The devourer mentioned in Malachi 3:11 is very real.
Lack of Spiritual Fire: A slumbering spirit can keep a believer lukewarm, dull, and disengaged.
Sexual Perversion: From pornography to promiscuity, spirits aim to distort God’s design.
Stagnation and Delay: The spirit of opposition can cause prolonged seasons of inertia.
Emotional Disorders: While some conditions are medical, many are worsened or originated by spiritual torment.
False Religions: When entire cultures embrace ideologies contrary to Christ, it is often spiritually sponsored.
Violence, Nightmares, and Self-Sabotage: Demonic influence can be both subtle and dramatic.
Final Thoughts: Spiritual Discernment is Essential
We must not live paranoid, but we also must not live ignorant. Everything negative isn’t necessarily demonic, but demons are often the hidden architects behind the scenes. That’s why discernment, rooted in Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit, is essential.
We have authority through Christ, but we must walk in awareness. Let’s continually submit our thoughts, relationships, habits, and environments to the scrutiny of God’s Word. In doing so, we fortify ourselves against the schemes of the enemy—and stand strong in victory.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh...” — 2 Corinthians 10:3-5