Pre-Shiloh Teachings (Pt. 4) - How To Know If An Issue Is Demonic
In seasons of spiritual battle, the enemy is not passive. He is strategic, intentional, and constantly seeking the upper hand. As believers, one of our greatest challenges is to recognize when something in our lives is not merely natural but influenced—or even driven—by demonic activity.
So how do we know when an issue is spiritual in nature? And what are the conscious strategies Satan uses to manipulate or oppress us?
Let’s break it down.
Discernment and Humility Are Critical
Hebrews 5:12–14 shows us that spiritual maturity is the ability to use your senses to discern good from evil. 1 John 4:1 reminds us that we’re to test the spirits—it’s not passive; it’s a specific, intentional act. And 2 Chronicles 7:13–14 tells us humility is required for this.
If you're lacking in discernment and humility, you’ll likely miss it. The moment humility is lost, the ability to even consider that something might be demonic fades—and demonic activity can find expression undetected.
One sign of pride is making wrong assumptions.
Discernment requires looking well at everything in your life that is not of God.
Satan’s main attack is deception—he blinds people from seeing what he’s doing.
Questions to Help Discern if Something Is Demonic
Is there a pattern or cycle? Does it run in your family?
Have you received repeated negative revelations?
Did it start from a dream? (See Matthew 13:25, 1 Kings 3)
Is it sudden and drastic?
Is it protracted or unusually long? Demons don’t get tired.
Is the impact highly elevated? (Mark)
Is it unexplainable?
Are multiple areas of your life being attacked at once? (e.g. Job)
Understanding Satanic Strategy
The enemy doesn’t improvise—he’s intentional and strategic. He often sees more potential in us than we see in ourselves.
Breaking your own hedge gives the enemy legal access (Ecclesiastes 10:8). One major way to do this is by refusing to show mercy.
The spiritual realm is built on legalities. God is a Judge, the devil is the accuser. Never downplay this aspect.
The enemy uses decoys—what’s obvious isn’t always what’s real.
He attacks the mind because once your belief aligns with the attack, it becomes reinforced.
He targets your needs and strengths, fashioning weapons based on what he finds in you.
He always goes for your love for the Word and prayer, because that’s where your deliverance is.
He transacts and trades—not everything good is from God. A partial win is still a win for the enemy if it keeps you from God’s full plan. Don’t negotiate your destiny. Satan even tried it with Jesus.
Let’s not be ignorant of the devil’s devices. We must stay humble, discerning, and rooted in God’s Word and prayer. That’s how we expose and overcome every strategy of the enemy. "Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." — 2 Corinthians 2:11