Introduction
Understanding the Spiritual Battle – Angels, Demons, and Freedom in Christ
-by James Gurganus
Throughout Scripture and history, we see evidence of spiritual beings—angels and demons—working behind the scenes of human life. While angels are often embraced as God's messengers, many struggle with the idea of demons and their influence. Yet, the Bible clearly affirms both.
This series will serve as an introduction to the topic of demons: who they are, how they operate, and how they can affect people. It may seem difficult to accept, but Scripture shows us that demons can inhabit or influence individuals. Jesus Himself cast out many demons during His ministry (Mark 1:34; Luke 8:2).
In Matthew 12:43, Jesus describes how an unclean spirit "goes out of a person and passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none." This suggests that demons can dwell in people and that they actively seek out places—often people—to reside in.
Some believe that a person filled with the Holy Spirit cannot be affected by demons. While the Holy Spirit brings freedom and victory (John 8:36), we also see in the Bible that even believers can face spiritual attack, oppression, or temptation (Ephesians 6:12). The spiritual battle is real, and we must be equipped to stand firm.
Scripture tells us that Satan “prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He doesn't work alone—when Satan fell from heaven, a third of the angels fell with him (Revelation 12:4). These fallen angels, or demons, now seek to distract, discourage, and deceive people from their God-given purpose.
This study is not meant to cause fear, but to awaken awareness. It’s about understanding the reality of spiritual warfare and recognizing that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory. Through Him, we can walk in freedom, healing, and authority.
Our goal is to lay a foundation for deeper study. We'll look at what Scripture teaches, how to recognize the enemy's tactics, and how to live a life that is free, whole, and grounded in the power of Jesus Christ.
How Do Demons Get In?
How are demons able to enter us and live in or occupy us? The most common way is through what the bible calls a Stronghold. The word is used only once in the bible in 2 Corinthians 10:5.
Strongs Greek 3794/oxýrōma used figuratively as a false argument in which a person seeks "shelter" to escape reality.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV) - 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Side Effects in Your Body:
Every kind of sickness—whether it’s disease, chronic pain, fear, anxiety, sleeplessness, skin issues, joint problems, or even the physical effects of spiritual oppression—can feel overwhelming. These conditions, all conditions are designed to create a deep sense of weakness, pain, and hopelessness that makes life hard to bear.
So the real question is: how much longer do you want to live with these struggles and burdens?
There is a better way. Before we get to the solutions, take time to explore the scriptures below. You'll find the dramatic themes that oppose your healing, freedom, and lasting joy in the Lord.
We are Not Ignorant of His Devices:
2 Corinthians 2:11
Amplified Bible
to keep Satan from taking advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
New International Version
in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
English Standard Version
so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
New King James Version
lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
International Standard Version
so that we may not be outsmarted by Satan. After all, we are not unaware of his intentions.
Definitions of Greek Words:
The words Demons, Evil Spirits, and Unclean Spirits are all used interchangeable in the New Testament
Greek word diabolos is the English word for Devil which means the slander or the accuser
Greek word Diamonion is translated as Demon in English
Derek Prince definition of Demon: Some kind of spirit being whom the ancients regarded as half divine and half human
Greek word Daimonizomai is a verb from the noun for demon meaning “I am demonized” or “to be under the power of a demon” sometimes translated as to influence or control.
In the KJV translation this verb Daimonizomai is translated as “to be possessed with demons”. There is nothing in the original Greek language to justify the use of the word possessed. The word possessed in the English language suggest total ownership of an object.
Are you ready start Breaking Free?
The justice of God is waiting. Receive the freedom, healing, and love only Jesus freely offers by understanding your Authority in Jesus.
Authority in Jesus:
If demons could possess or own you, why did they beg Jesus where to go once they were cast out from a person?
Matthew 8:28-32 (NKJV) - 28 When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. 29 And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” 30 Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”
Demons are always looking for a place of rest and they think that we are houses for them but they do not own us. They want to dwell, live in, or occupy us.
Matthew 12:43-45 (NKJV) 43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
We have authority through Jesus to remove demons from the place they occupy.
Matthew 10:1 (ESV) - And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.
Luke 4:36 (ESV) - “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
Luke 10:17 (ESV) - “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”
Authority does not come just because we say the words.
Acts 19:13-16 (ESV) 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
First Steps to Walk in Your Authority in Jesus:
True breaking of strongholds to receive healing—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—comes through Jesus Christ. No matter what struggles you face, Jesus has already overcome them through His death and resurrection. When you place your faith in Him, invite Him into your heart, and walk by the Holy Spirit, you gain authority over sin, fear, sickness, and darkness. This life of victory begins with salvation and continues with obedience, transformation, and holiness through God's power.
Read Scripture References Aloud:
-
Salvation through faith in Jesus
-
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
-
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
-
-
Authority in Christ
-
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18
-
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” – Luke 10:19
-
-
Walking in the Spirit
-
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
-
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
-
-
Holiness and Separation
-
“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” – 2 Corinthians 6:17
-
“Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16
-
Step-by-Step: Preparing to Walk in the Authority of Jesus
Step 1: Believe in Jesus and Invite Him In
Pray sincerely out loud:
"Father, thank You for loving me and sending Jesus to die for my sins. I believe He died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Jesus, I ask You into my heart. Make me new. Teach me to live for You. Holy Spirit, fill me now. Purify my mind, body, and spirit. Give me the gift of prayer in the spirit with evidence in speaking in other tongues and help me to know I am truly changed."
This is the beginning of salvation and transformation. (Romans 10:9, John 3:16)
Step 2: Learn to Walk in Christ’s Authority
Understand that Jesus has all power over death, darkness, and sin—and now you share in His authority.
Pray sincerely out loud:
"Lord, help me understand who I am in You. Teach me to walk in boldness, healing, and victory through the Holy Spirit." According to Matthew 28:18 and Luke 10:19.
Step 3: Pursue God and Renew Your Mind Daily
Pray sincerely out loud:
-
I am committed to learning about you by reading the Bible daily
-
I will talk and reason together with you God at all times (praying and listening to) without ceasing
-
I will seek only eternal things, things that are best for me; help me to do this Lord.
“I set my heart on heaven, not on temporary things. I will grow by renewing my mind through Your Word.” According to Romans 12:2 and Colossians 3:2.
Step 4: Separate from Darkness and Live Holy
Pray sincerely out loud:
I will leave behind anything that leads you away from God, Holy Spirit help me in my weakness to overcome and to
-
Reject violence, drugs, drunkenness, and immoral entertainment
-
Stay away from occult practices
-
Choose to be set apart for God’s will
“Lord, I choose to be holy, to walk in light, and to turn away from every dark path.”
According to 2 Corinthians 6:17 and 1 Peter 1:16
Step 5: Receive and Walk in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Pray sincerely out loud:
I ask you Lord daily for the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, and empower me now to break strongholds.
“Holy Spirit, fill me with your wisdom and power which is increasing now forever. Help me overcome every struggle, to see your way out. Lead me into truth. I submit to You, resist the devil and he will flee in my life always.” According to John 14:26, Romans 8:14, and James 4:7.
“So if the Son (Jesus) sets you free, you will be free indeed” – (NIV)
Congratulations, you are on a wise path to freedom! The understanding mastery of God can take time, however, if understanding your authority in Christ is new to you – or you have just asked Jesus in your heart for the first time…we recommend you reach out to use for help to be guided in your first steps.