Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience  (Ephesians 2:2, KJV)

There is an unprecedented increase in demonic activity on the earth right now, and it is still on the rise. The prophet Isaiah said darkness shall cover the earth in the last days. John said the Light of God shines in the darkness and the darkness does not comprehend it.  This is not ordinary darkness. It is the product of demonic activity that shall multiply on the earth leading to degrading levels of sinfulness, death, wickedness, malicious behaviors, bondages of all sorts, suffering, grief, fears, etc. In the lives of people.

The scripture above tells us plainly that Satan is the prince that controls the powers of the air, and he is at work in the children of disobedience. Our live Bible Study this week focused on spiritual warfare as I reviewed the ways in which the Devil works in our lives.  In summary, I discussed three major methods by which Satan operates in the lives of people. The first is possession, where a demonic spirit lives in a person and causes all sorts of bondages and pains. The second is oppression, where a spirit does not live in a person but causes suffering and bondage through evil spiritual power. The last method I talked about is the least recognized though it is the most common of all of Satan’s ways of working in our lives. That is what is mentioned in the verse above. I call it influence. It is not possession, nor oppression. Demons  influence  the minds, feelings or even motivations of people. This is his method of operation that makes people reject the Gospel because he blinds their spiritual understanding and causes a spiritual stronghold in their minds. This is how he tempts people into sin, which opens a door for him to come in for oppression and even possession.

There is a lot of demonic activity that is not possession or oppression. We must know the enemy. The scripture has shed light on how he operates, so do not be ignorant of his devices.

MEDITATE

Does Satan have to possess or oppress people to work in their lives? 

APPLY THE WORD

Be sensitive to the Spirit, to pick up spiritual activity that might be going on in your life : maybe your mind, finances, health, family, etc. Do not make the mistake of thinking that demonic activity is not “your thing”  because your concept of spiritual warfare is limited to things like occultism, witchcraft, etc. You are fighting against demonic powers so be spiritually sensitive.

PRAY

Ask the Lord to enable  you to be strong in His power and might and re-enforce Jesus’ victory over Satan in your life. 

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