When an evil spirit gains a foothold in your life, it intensifies the pressure to continue sinning, causing you to experience temptation from within rather than just externally. This internalisation of temptation can make it increasingly difficult to resist as the sin continues to build up and form iniquity. Like lust, iniquity demands to be fed with more sin, ultimately becoming a formidable adversary, a "Goliath" within you.
14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions).15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death. (James 1:14–15 AMPC)
The influence of a demonic spirit is significantly more potent when it resides inside you, making it harder to achieve deliverance. However, it is crucial to remember that deliverance is possible.
When an individual has repeatedly sinned in a specific area of their life, it appears that demons tend to exploit that person's weakest moments to enter and assume control over that particular aspect. In some instances, a single, decisive sin can open the door for demonic entry. This is exemplified by Judas Iscariot, who, after deciding to betray Lord Jesus, satan entered him.
2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to do away with [Jesus], for they feared the people. 3 But [then] Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve [apostles]. 4 And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and captains how he might betray Him and deliver Him up to them. 5 And they were delighted and pledged [themselves] to give him money. (Luke 22:2-5 AMPC)
The biblical account of Judas' fate serves as a stark reminder that toying with sin, whether carelessly or habitually, can have severe consequences, potentially costing us both our physical lives and eternal salvation (see Matthew 27:1-5).
In order to close an entry point that has been opened to demons due to habitual sin, several steps must be taken:
1. Humble yourself before God:
Recognise your need for God's help and grace, acknowledging your inability to overcome sin on your own. In James 4:6, the Bible teaches that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." By humbling ourselves, we position ourselves to receive God's assistance in overcoming the power of the enemy. Jesus demonstrated humility by washing His disciples' feet, showing that even the Son of God was willing to take on the role of a servant (John 13:1-17).
2. Repent:
Make a conscious decision to turn away from sin and change your behaviour. Acts 3:19 encourages us to "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." The story of the prodigal son is a powerful illustration of repentance and the redemptive love of the Father (Luke 15:11-32).
3. Confess and renounce the sin:
Admit your sin to God and openly reject it, severing ties with any sinful patterns or behaviours. 1 John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." The example of King David in Psalm 51 demonstrates the importance of confessing and renouncing sin before God.
4. Ask for God's forgiveness:
Seek God's mercy and cleansing, trusting in His promise to forgive those who come to Him with a repentant heart. In Isaiah 1:18, God says, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Likewise, the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) reminds us of the importance of seeking and extending forgiveness.
5. Reject and rebuke the evil spirit in Jesus' name:
Assert your authority as a believer in Christ and command the demonic force to leave your life. Luke 10:19 states, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Jesus' casting out of demons during His earthly ministry (e.g., Mark 1:23-27) demonstrates the power we have in His name.
6. Ask God to refill you with His Holy Spirit:
Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit to fill you anew, empowering you to walk in obedience and spiritual victory. Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to "be filled with the Spirit." Likewise, the story of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4 exemplifies the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
7. Consider fasting:
Engaging in fasting, if possible, can enhance the effectiveness of your deliverance efforts, as it demonstrates a deeper level of commitment and reliance on God's strength. In Matthew 17:21, Jesus said, "But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." The story of Esther and the Jews fasting for their deliverance (Esther 4:15-17) reveals the power of fasting in overcoming spiritual battles.
By following these steps, you can actively work to close the entry points that have allowed demons access to your life due to habitual sin. In doing so, you will not only experience personal deliverance but also grow in your relationship with God and strengthen your spiritual foundation.
Lord Jesus came to set us free, but we must know the truth, or the root, of each problem in order to apply the power of the cross of Christ to it.
31 So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free. (John 8:31–32.)
Prayer
1. Father, I surrender my heart and mind to You, and ask that You would renew my thoughts and transform my character. As I submit myself to Your will, empower me to break free from the clutches of these bad habits and live a life that brings honour to Your name. In Jesus’ name.
2. Almighty God, I ask for Your Holy Spirit to fill me with wisdom and discernment, enabling me to recognize and avoid the traps laid by the Enemy. Equip me with the spiritual armour necessary to stand firm against every attack and temptation. In Jesus' name.
3. Father, I pray for the support and encouragement of fellow believers as I strive to overcome these bad habits. Surround me with a loving community that will hold me accountable and uplift me in prayer. In Jesus' name.
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