Today I want to talk about something that hits close to home for many of us, those invisible chains that hold us back spiritually, mentally and emotionally. This message is called Seven Signs an Evil Spirit is Binding You. They're struggles I've battled personally, things I've seen in my family, friends and even in my own walk with Christ.
Life is a spiritual battlefield and too often We don't recognize the enemy's schemes until we're already caught in his traps. As C.S. Lewis once said, The safest road to hell is the gradual one, the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. This is such a profound truth, because many strongholds don't appear overnight.
They creep in subtly. binding us with habits, mindsets, and influences that slowly drain us of our spiritual vitality. Today we're going to shine a light on these strongholds, exposing the lies, reclaiming our freedom. Let's dive right in. Sign number one, the spirit of laziness.
Let's start with the spirit of laziness, also called slothfulness. Laziness isn't just being tired or taking a break. It's an unwillingness to engage with the work God has called you to.
Proverbs 19.15 warns us, Laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless go hungry. When we allow laziness to take root, it can stop us from reaching our potential, hinder our purpose, and rob us of God's blessings. What does laziness look like? It could mean wasting hours on the couch, scrolling through social media, or just avoiding responsibilities.
Even in a world where many people work online, the line between rest and slothfulness can blur. If you're not proactive in pursuing your goals, your calling, or even your relationship with God, you're opening the door for spiritual bondage. Here's the danger. Laziness creates a ripple effect.
It can lead to depression, anxiety, and a lack of fulfillment. You may have experienced this yourself. The Bible shows us examples like Saul in 1 Samuel, who was troubled by an evil spirit when he refused to humble himself and follow God's plan. As C.S. Lewis said, don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. Laziness often stems from focusing on obstacles instead of opportunities.
It convinces us we're too tired, too unmotivated, or too stuck to move forward. But when we sit idle, we miss out on life's experiences and God's blessings. To break free from this stronghold, start small.
Open your Bible, even if it's just a few verses a day. Set realistic goals for your time and energy. Seek God's strength, because Philippians 4.13 promises I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Remember, the spirit of laziness isn't just about inaction.
It's a spiritual battle for your purpose. Sign number two, multiple personalities and soul ties. Let's talk about something often misunderstood, but spiritually significant.
Multiple personalities and soul ties. These terms may seem like psychological jargon, but spiritually, They point to deeper struggles rooted in demonic influence and unresolved connections. Soul ties form when you share intimate connections, especially through sexual relationships.
In these moments, you exchange more than physical closeness. You open yourself up spiritually. If the person you're connected with carries emotional wounds, spiritual darkness, or ungodly habits, those things can attach to you. influencing your thoughts, emotions, and even behavior.
As the Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6.16, the two will become one flesh. These bonds were designed by God for marriage, but when misused, they lead to confusion, instability, and oppression. Think about this.
Many people joke about having multiple personalities, or being unpredictable. Culture glorifies this chaos, not realizing it can be a sign of spiritual turmoil. A powerful quote by C.S. Lewis says, You are the product of the spirit. of the five people you spend the most time with.
If you're constantly surrounded by ungodly influences or connected to toxic relationships, those spirits and struggles begin to shape you. Women, in particular, bear the unique burden of being spiritually impacted by the men they connect with. Society may champion sexual liberation, but it doesn't warn about the spiritual weight that comes from jumping between relationships.
This is one reason why many struggle to bond deeply in future relationships. The lingering effects of past ties haven't been broken. Breaking free requires repentance and deliverance. Start by asking God to sever any ungodly soul ties.
Speak freedom over your life in prayer. Sign number three, uncontrollable emotions. Let's talk about uncontrollable emotions, specifically anger and rage.
Anger in and of itself isn't a sin. It's a natural human response. But when anger controls you, when it becomes rage, it opens a door for the enemy to work in your life.
Ephesians 4 verses 26 to 27 warns, In your anger do not sin, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. That foothold can lead to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and even spiritual oppression. I know this firsthand. When I was younger, I struggled with constant anger. I would lash out and let rage take over, not realizing I was allowing demonic influences to thrive in my life.
You might have seen this in yourself or others. Moments where anger escalates into something uncontrollable, leaving you or others hurt and regretting the aftermath. The world often glorifies rage, calling it passion or drive, but make no mistake, uncontrolled anger is dangerous.
As C.S. Lewis once wisely said, you will not be crushed for your anger, you will be crushed by your anger. It consumes your peace, clouds your judgment, and isolates you from others, creating a fertile ground for spiritual bondage. What can you do about it?
Start by identifying your triggers. What situations or words ignite that fire within you? Once you're aware, bring those emotions to God in prayer. Psalm 34 17 promises, the righteous cry out and the Lord hears them. He delivers them from all their troubles.
Practical steps like taking deep breaths, stepping away from situations and seeking wise counsel are important, but the real transformation happens when you allow the Holy Spirit to work in you. Galatians 5 verses 22 to 23 tells us that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. Don't let anger and rage be the chains that hold you back. Sign number four, the gluttonous spirit. Let's face it, our culture has normalized overeating.
to the point where gluttony is almost celebrated. But behind this behavior is often a spiritual stronghold that goes unnoticed. The Bible calls us to honor God with our bodies, 1 Corinthians 6 verses 19 to 20. Yet many of us struggle to find balance when it comes to food.
In America especially, we've been conditioned to eat constantly. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. and multiple snacks in between.
The result? We're not only physically unhealthy, but often emotionally and spiritually drained as well. Food becomes a comfort, a distraction, or even an escape from deeper issues we're avoiding.
As they say, you are what you eat, but more importantly, you are why you eat. Sometimes, overeating is tied to boredom, stress, or the convenience of highly processed, chemical-laden foods designed to hook us. These habits leave us stuck in cycles of dissatisfaction, with our bodies and spirits paying the price. Remember, gluttony isn't just a physical issue, it's a spiritual one.
Overindulgence can weaken your discipline, cloud your mind, and distract you from God's purpose. So how do we break free? One powerful step is fasting.
Fasting is not just about denying food, it's about strengthening your spirit and realigning your focus on God by denying your flesh. You remind yourself that your body is not your master, God is. It's also crucial to approach food as a blessing rather than a crutch.
Start being intentional. Eat to nourish, not to numb. Exercise gratitude for what you have and steward it wisely.
The great author C.S. Lewis once said, you can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. Even if gluttony has been a struggle, today can be the day you start a healthier, more disciplined path.
Sign number five, double-mindedness. James 1.8 tells us plainly, a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. When you're torn between two paths, trying to serve God while clinging to the world, you end up stuck in a cycle of instability and confusion.
Double-mindedness. shows up when you can't fully commit. You say you're going to pursue a goal, but distractions pull you away.
You declare your devotion to God, but you still entertain habits or relationships that pull you in the opposite direction. It's a constant back and forth that drains your energy and erodes your faith. A great quote by C.S.
Lewis says, What we pray, or the things we are afraid of, becomes a part of our lives. When you focus on your fears, your energy is scattered and progress feels impossible. Instead of moving forward, you find yourself spinning in circles, unable to achieve your God-given purpose. This struggle isn't just about being indecisive, it's a spiritual battle.
The enemy thrives when you're stuck between two opinions, because it keeps you from being effective for God's kingdom. Like a person trying to row a boat with oars going in opposite directions. Double-mindedness leaves you exhausted but going nowhere. So how do we overcome this? First, fully submit to God.
James 4.7 says, Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Submission isn't partial.
It's total surrender. Second, simplify your priorities. Focus on one thing at a time, aligning your plans with God's purpose for your life. Finally, stay in prayer and the Word. Clarity comes when you seek God's guidance and trust Him fully.
Sign number six, spiritual attacks when you fight back. It's no coincidence that the moment you choose to follow Christ more closely, life seems to get more challenging. Ephesians 6.12 reminds us, 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. When you take a stand against sin, the enemy sees it as a threat.
He'll try to use fear, confusion, and doubt to discourage you. Maybe you've experienced it, quitting a toxic habit, walking away from an unhealthy relationship. or choosing obedience in a difficult situation, only to face unexpected obstacles or emotional attacks.
This isn't random, it's spiritual warfare. C.S. Lewis said, do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway. When you fight for righteousness, the enemy and even people around you might criticize, challenge, or oppose you. But criticism and opposition are often proof that you're headed in the right direction.
So how do we stand firm in these battles? First, recognize that these attacks are a sign of your spiritual growth. The devil doesn't waste his energy on people who aren't a threat to his kingdom. Second, put on the full armor of God, Ephesians 6, verse 13 to 18. Stay prayed up, grounded in scripture, and connected to a supportive faith community.
Finally, don't give in to fear. Remember, greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4.4.
Spiritual attacks can feel overwhelming, but they're also an opportunity to grow stronger in your faith. Just like resistance strengthens muscles, these battles will strengthen your spirit. Sign number seven. Opposition from people you use to sin with.
When you decide to walk with Christ, the people you use to sin with will turn against you. It's one of the most painful aspects of spiritual growth. The Bible speaks to this in 1 Peter 4 verses 3 to 4, where it says people will think it strange when you no longer join them in sin and they may mock or oppose you. This is spiritual warfare at its core.
When God calls you out of darkness into his marvelous light, not everyone will celebrate your transformation. Some friends, family members, or co-workers may feel uncomfortable, or even hostile, towards your decision to follow Christ. This isn't just about them feeling left out. It's about the enemy working through their resistance to try to pull you back. As C.S. Lewis says, If you hang out with sinners, you're going to fall.
And if you hang out with eagles, you're going to fly. When you choose to soar with Christ, don't be surprised when those who prefer clucking feel threatened by your growth. Opposition often manifests as ridicule, exclusion, or outright hostility.
Maybe they criticize your faith, dismiss your efforts to live righteously, or tempt you to return to old habits. It's painful, but it's also proof that God is doing a transformative work in you. How do we handle this? First, pray for those who oppose you.
Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Matthew 5.44 Second, set boundaries. You don't need to cut everyone off, but you do need to protect your spiritual health.
Finally, find a new community of believers who will encourage and support you. Remember, walking the narrow path isn't easy, but it's worth it. Some of those who mock you now may one day be inspired by your faithfulness. Family, as we've journeyed through these seven signs of spiritual bondage, I pray that God has spoken to your heart.
Recognizing these strongholds is the first step toward breaking free, but the power to overcome lies in Christ alone. Remember, the battles we face are not just physical or emotional, they are spiritual. Yet the victory is already won through Jesus.
Let's close in prayer. Heavenly Father, thank you for opening our eyes to the spiritual battles that surround us. Lord, we acknowledge that without you, we are powerless against these strongholds.
We ask for your strength and wisdom to resist the enemy and for your grace to walk in freedom. Help us to fully submit to you, to rely on your word and to trust in your spirit. For anyone watching who feels bound today, I pray that you would break their chains and bring healing, deliverance and peace.
Thank you for the victory that is ours. In Christ Jesus, in his mighty name we pray. Amen. Thank you for staying with me until the end.
If this message spoke to you, share it with someone who needs encouragement. Together, let's spread the light of Christ. God bless you.