We need to understand that sin is demonic in nature, meaning it attracts that realm of darkness. When we give into temptation and sin, and continue in this pattern, a demon will attach itself to that particular sin, and enflame our craving for it. So just as there is the natural action of murder, there is also a spirit of murder, the action of lust, and the spirit of lust. Each sin has a corresponding demon that tries to enforce its power over us when we give into its allure.

This is part of why it’s so important to not give in to temptation, because when we do we are opening doors in the spirit-realm that give evil spirits access and authority to harm and harass us.

Now this is not to say that if we stumble every so often that we are in danger of becoming oppressed by devils, rather it is when we deliberately persist in sinful activities that unclean spirits attach themselves to our lawless behavior and begin empowering our disobedience.

Sin has a certain stench in the spirit-realm, and it attracts spirits with its odor. We cannot simply command devils to leave if we still cling to sin, they will return like flies to rotten meat. It makes no difference how many times you swat the flies and yell at them, they will always return if you smell like dinner. We must make no room for the enemy by giving into compromise!

“And do not give the devil a foothold.” (Ephesians 4:27)

“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” (Romans 13:14 NLT)

The devil only has access to us through sin and lies. When we believe lies, a stronghold, or safe place is constructed within us that creates a welcome mat for demons to harass us from that vantage point. Sin also creates strongholds that draw the powers of darkness with a magnetic charge. If we give into to anger for long enough eventually we wind up with a spirit of anger, which makes what once started as a sin of the flesh into a demonically anointed bondage that is extremely hard to break free from. This is the same for all sins, they are a homing beacon for evil spirits.

But there is freedom: as we turn from sin, discard false beliefs, and receive God’s Spirit, only then will we begin to step into the liberty Christ is offering.

“Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)