Overcoming Demonic Influence in Daily Life
During our last Women’s Bible study, we had an honest conversation about the struggles we face daily. Each of us wrote down one thing we wrestled with, fear, finances, self perception, relationships, discouragement, or conflict. When those slips of paper were placed in a basket, it felt heavy. But even heavier is the truth Paul gives us in Ephesians 6:12:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Paul uses the word wrestle, which paints the picture of a close, hand-to-hand battle. It’s not distant or abstract, it’s personal. He also points out who the real opponents are: principalities (ruling spirits), powers (spiritual authorities), and rulers of darkness (forces working to influence the systems of this world). His reminder is clear: people are not the enemy. The real fight is spiritual.
We also studied how Scripture shows that demons are not myths or vague concepts. They are real spiritual beings who move, act, and influence. In Mark 5:9, a spirit responded to Jesus, saying, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” They spoke with intelligence. In Luke 8:31, they begged not to be sent into the abyss, showing will and emotion. In Acts 19:15, an evil spirit declared, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” They recognized authority. In Matthew 12:43–45, Jesus explained how an unclean spirit leaves but tries to return, even bringing reinforcements. And James 2:19 reminds us that demons believe in God and tremble.
All of this proves that they are organized, intentional, and aware, but also fully subject to Jesus Christ.
The enemy gains influence when doors are left open. We discussed four of the most common open doors. Sin and disobedience give him access. Ephesians 4:27 warns, “Neither give place to the devil.” That word “place” means territory, ground, or opportunity. When we willingly disobey, it’s like giving the enemy keys to come in. Fear and anxiety also give him room to work.
Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fear is not from God, and when it dominates, it cripples faith and steals peace. Lies and deception are another open door. Jesus said of Satan in John 8:44, “He is a liar, and the father of it.” If the enemy can get us to believe a lie about who we are, who God is, or who others are, he can control our actions without ever lifting a hand. Unforgiveness and bitterness also leave us vulnerable. Second Corinthians 2:11 says we must forgive “lest Satan should get an advantage of us.” Bitterness is fertile ground for the enemy to plant division and resentment.
We then walked through twelve everyday areas where demonic influence can show up.
12 areas open to demonic influence
Mind: Strongholds, lies, and negative thought patterns. (2 Corinthians 10:4–5) The mind is often the first battleground. Thoughts left unchecked can harden into strongholds that feel impossible to break. For example, when someone continually thinks, “I’ll never measure up,” or “Things will never change,” those thoughts become chains. Over time, they limit what God wants to do in our lives. That’s why renewing our minds with Scripture is so critical. Truth breaks the cycle of lies and replaces it with the freedom to think as God thinks.
Emotions: Fear, anger, and depression. (2 Timothy 1:7) Emotions are real, and as humans we will always feel them. God designed us with emotions. But how we filter them matters. If we don’t run our emotions through the truth of God’s Word, they can control us instead of us controlling them. Anger can turn into rage. Sadness can settle into despair. Fear can paralyze faith. But when we filter emotions through Scripture, they can point us back to God instead of away from Him.
Will: Temptation, rebellion, and stubbornness. (Romans 7:15) The will is where decisions are made, and the enemy often pressures it through stubbornness. A real-life example might sound like, “I’ve always done it this way, and I don’t see the need to change.” That kind of thinking may come from pride, fear of change, or even past hurt, but it becomes a barrier to growth. The inability to learn and grow, whether in relationships, habits, or even in our walk with God, keeps us stuck. What feels like holding firm can actually be resistance to the Holy Spirit’s leading, and that leaves us vulnerable to the enemy’s influence.
Body: Afflictions, addictions, torment. (Luke 13:11–16) Demonic influence can afflict the body with weakness, keep people bound to destructive habits, or bring cycles of torment. Not all sickness is demonic, but Scripture shows that some physical struggles can be tied to spiritual oppression.
Tongue: Gossip, cursing, negativity. (James 3:6) This one especially hits close to home. Corruption in speech doesn’t always sound like outright slander. Sometimes it looks like making assumptions about someone’s motives and sharing them with others when you don’t actually know the truth. It looks like casual gossiping among friends that plants seeds of division in a group. It looks like jealousy when you compare yourself to someone else and speak negatively out of envy, whether that’s about their relationships, their spiritual gifts, or the influence they have. Words create atmospheres, and the enemy loves to use them to divide and destroy.
Eyes and ears: What we consume shapes us. (Psalm 101:3) The things we watch, listen to, and give attention to can either feed our spirit or weaken it.
Relationships: Division, unforgiveness, and abuse. (2 Corinthians 2:11) The tongue and relationships go hand in hand. A careless word can fracture trust. A private conversation can turn into a public wound. The enemy thrives where division is stirred. Guarding speech and choosing forgiveness is how we keep the door shut.
Home: Atmosphere and what we allow inside. (Deuteronomy 7:26) The environment of our homes matters. Allowing things that glorify darkness, even subtly, can shift the atmosphere.
Time: Busyness, wasted seasons, distraction. (Ephesians 5:16) The enemy doesn’t always try to destroy you with disaster; sometimes he simply keeps you distracted until you’re ineffective.
Finances: Greed, poverty cycles, dishonesty. (1 Timothy 6:9–10) Both lack and abundance can be twisted by the enemy if our hearts are not aligned with God’s purposes.
Religion and occult: False teachings, witchcraft, and practices that seem harmless but open spiritual doors. (Galatians 1:8; Deuteronomy 18:10–12) This doesn’t always look like fortune-telling or horoscopes; sometimes it’s more subtle. It can be adding to the Word of God for personal gain or to push our own agenda. For example, using Scripture out of context to control others, justify selfish desires, or stir division in the church. We may even think our intentions are pure, but if what we’re doing or teaching is contrary to God’s Word, it’s dangerous. The enemy thrives in that distortion, twisting God’s truth to cause confusion and lead hearts away from Him.
Society and culture: Violence, injustice, and idolatry that shape entire systems. (1 John 5:19) The world system is under the sway of the evil one, but believers are called to live set apart. When you look at all these areas, it’s clear: the enemy works in the details of life. But so does God. His power and presence cover every area where the enemy seeks to influence. The good news is that Scripture doesn’t leave us in the dark about how to respond. James 4:7 gives a powerful promise: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The order matters, submission comes before resistance. Daily surrender to God brings covering and authority, and only then does resistance have strength. Luke 10:19 gives us confidence: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” The authority we have is not our own; it comes directly from Jesus. And 2 Corinthians 10:4 reminds us that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” We fight differently, through prayer, Scripture, worship, and faith. Lies are torn down when they are replaced with the truth of God’s Word.
Reflection Questions:
Which of the twelve areas do you see the enemy trying to influence most in your life right now?
Have your words ever created division through gossip, assumptions, or jealousy? How can you begin guarding your speech?
What lie about yourself, God, or others have you been tempted to believe?
What area of your life do you need to fully submit to God so that your resistance has power?
Have you ever been tempted to use or hear Scripture in a way that added to God’s Word for personal gain or to divide? How can you guard yourself against this?
How do you usually process your emotions, and how can you begin filtering them through God’s Word instead of your feelings?
Practical Ways to Overcome Demonic Influence in Daily Life:
When fear tries to paralyze you with “what ifs,” speak 2 Timothy 1:7 out loud: “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” For example, if you’re lying awake at night full of anxiety, pray this verse until peace replaces panic.If negative thoughts attack your mind, take them captive immediately.
When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m worthless,” stop and say, “That’s a lie. God’s Word says I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).” Write that truth on a card and keep it where you’ll see it.
When anger rises in a relationship, pause before speaking. Pray, “Lord, help me to be slow to speak and slow to anger”(James 1:19). Instead of venting to others about the situation, release forgiveness in prayer, even if your feelings haven’t caught up yet.
If stubbornness is holding you back, humble yourself before God. For example, if you’ve resisted wise counsel because “you’ve always done it this way,” pray Psalm 25:4: “Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths.” Take one small step in a new direction.
In your home, if the atmosphere feels heavy or tense, turn on worship music and walk through each room praying, “God, fill this place with Your peace. Anything not from You must leave in Jesus’ name.” You’ll notice a shift because praise silences the enemy (Psalm 8:2).
If jealousy creeps in when you see someone else’s blessings, gifts, or influence, instead of speaking negativity, bless them in prayer. Thank God for what He’s given you and ask Him to teach you contentment (Philippians 4:11). This silences envy and strengthens gratitude. Sis, you can do this! By faith and the power of God, you can be fully aware and lie a life that is aligned with the Word of God. May the Lord keep you and bless you!
Start with reading scriptures for understanding. The Word of God is the best place to gain guidance for true understanding. I have also attached every scripture that was used during the bible study with key biblical definitions to pay attention to.
-Pastor Tammy