Spiritual Freedom (Part 6)

Today we’ll look briefly at a third possible access point for demonic involvement …

3. Personal Sin

‘Sin’ simply means disobedience to God’s instructions as to how he wants us to live. When we sin we not only displease God we do damage to our own life as well as to those around about us.

When we repeat sin it becomes a habit or a pattern in our life. These habits then become ingrained and become weaknesses or areas of vulnerability. Satan knows how to take advantage of these and he often uses them as access points. Sometimes this leads to addictions or compulsive behaviour where we feel like we can’t even stop ourselves.

Examples:

• Greed and love for money ended up leading Judas to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver he never lived to spend (Luke 22:3).
• Lying caused Ananias’ to open up his heart to the work of the enemy (Acts 5:1-6). Peter discerned that this had been a result of Satan filling his heart.
• Sexual attraction is normal but not every attraction is appropriate (even after you’re married). We need to control those that aren’t. When we don’t, we give in to lust. Lust that becomes a habit, can become an addiction, and then can open a person up to a ‘spirit of lust’, where there is almost an obsession and a lack of control or ability to stop.
• Extreme uncontrolled anger can result in opening up to a murderous spirit.

Now Demonic Dave would jump on to this so we need to keep it balanced.

However, it is vital that we confess our sin and then forsake it (stop doing it) lest we give the enemy an opportunity to take advantage of us.

Prov.28:13. He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. NIV

Prov.28:13. People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy. NLT