In our spiritual journey, we often encounter challenges that don't seem to yield to medical intervention, psychological counseling, biblical wisdom, or even fervent prayer. This can be perplexing and disheartening, leading us to question the root of our struggles. Could it be that we are facing a spiritual attack? As Doris M. Wagner suggests in her book, "How to Cast Out Demons: A Guide to the Basics," it is wise to consider the possibility of demonic influence when conventional methods fail.

One of the most poignant biblical examples of this is Judas Iscariot. Judas’ unchecked thoughts and unrepented actions opened the door to demonic influence and eventual possession. Jesus, in His infinite wisdom and grace, constantly tried to correct Judas’ behavior, highlighting the dangers of serving two masters and the deceitful nature of greed, or mammon. This example underscores the critical importance of protecting our thoughts and hearts from unchecked sin.

In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the mechanisms of demonic influence, exploring how sin grants the enemy a foothold in our lives. We will also discuss the powerful intercession of Jesus, who desires not to remove us from the darkness but to protect us within it. Join us as we uncover the steps to safeguard ourselves, our families, and our communities through diligent application of grace and steadfast resistance to temptation.

The Example of Judas Iscariot

One of the most poignant biblical examples of demonic influence is Judas Iscariot. Judas’ unchecked thoughts and unrepented actions opened the door to demonic influence and eventual possession. Jesus, in His infinite wisdom and grace, constantly tried to correct Judas’ behavior, highlighting the dangers of serving two masters and the deceitful nature of greed, or mammon.

Unchecked Thoughts and Actions

The planting of ideas in Judas’ heart started with thoughts uncaptured. Jesus warned about serving two masters, revealing Judas’ divided heart between God and mammon (the spirit of greed). Despite Jesus’ efforts to correct him, Judas’ unrepented sins—lying and stealing—created a stronghold for demonic influence.

Unchecked thoughts lead to unbiblical, sinful actions, which, when left unrepented, pave the way for demonic influence. Judas’ example is a sobering reminder that sin, when not dealt with, can give the enemy a foothold in our lives.

The Importance of Protecting Our Thoughts

The Bible teaches us the critical importance of guarding our hearts and minds. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our thoughts are the battlefield where the enemy often begins his attack. Uncaptured and unguarded thoughts can lead to actions that open the door to spiritual attack.

Jesus’ Heart for Us

Jesus’ desire is not that we be removed from the darkness but that we be protected against it. In John 17:15, He prays, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” If Jesus is interceding for our protection, how much more should we intercede for ourselves, our families, and our communities?

The Grace of Jesus

The beautiful thing about Jesus is His grace and understanding. While we must be diligent in applying grace, we also need to be diligent in avoiding sin. It’s through repeated and unrepented sin that strongholds are made. Temptation is a satanic trap designed to make us take a God-given hunger and fill it in a forbidden manner.

The Trap of Temptation

The story of Adam and Eve illustrates this well. They had great community with God, but when their desire for a relationship with Him twisted into a desire to be like Him, they fell into temptation. This deception highlights not only Satan’s desire to lead us astray but also our flesh’s inclination to follow.

Steps to Safeguard Ourselves

1. Guard Your Thoughts: Capture every thought and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Constantly renew your mind with the Word of God.

2. Confess and Repent: Regularly confess your sins and seek God’s forgiveness. Unrepented sin can become a stronghold for the enemy.

3. Stay Vigilant: Be aware of the enemy’s schemes and resist temptation. Don’t give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27).

4. Pray for Protection: Follow Jesus’ example and pray for protection from the evil one. Intercede for your loved ones and community.

5. Apply Grace: Remember that Jesus’ grace is sufficient. Lean on His strength and understanding when you fall.

Conclusion

Recognizing and guarding against demonic influence is crucial in our spiritual journey. By protecting our thoughts, confessing and repenting of our sins, staying vigilant, praying for protection, and applying Jesus’ grace, we can safeguard ourselves, our families, and our communities from spiritual attacks. Let us follow Jesus’ example and intercede diligently, knowing that His desire is to protect us within the darkness, not remove us from it.