If you harbor ANY unforgiveness against anyone, God will not forgive you (see Matthew 18:23-35; Matthew 6:14-15)! Also, if there is unconfessed sin, (1 Peter 3:12, Psalm 66:18): God will not hear you – if He doesn’t hear you, He isn’t going to answer you.

 

With regard to being susceptible to demonic oppression (influence/interference), ANY willful and continual (repeated over and over – unforgiveness can go on for years in a believer if they do not know the Word of God and the consequences they are setting themselves up for) sin OPENS doors which all demonic activity in your life.

 

Therefore, FORGIVENESS is paramount!

 

The other 2 top sins are ANGER and LUST. Regardless of which sin has become a stronghold for the Enemy, it is important simply not to willfully, continue in sin. We must “nip it in the bud” so-to-speak OR suffer the consequences the Enemy will inflict on us. I can assure you that none of the consequences are worth it. They ALL come from the Enemy who comes ONLY to kill, steal and destroy. I don’t want any of those in my life. Do you?

 

The answer is simple, clean up your “house!” Acknowledge your sin, repent (take responsibility for it – and STOP IT) and expel whatever demon(s) have entered through the door you have opened through your sin. After your “house” is cleaned up, don’t let it get dirty again: JUST SAY “NO” TO SIN! Sounds simple, doesn’t it? You know why? Because . . . it IS simple. The Enemy wants you believe it’s hard (and ALL he does is LIE). VICTORY is a matter of our will—denying self. And isn’t that what we have been commanded to do?

 

Matthew 16:24 (KJV) "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “If ANY MAN (who does this include?) will come after me, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF, and take up his cross, and follow me." See also, Matthew 16:24, Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; 1 Peter 4:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17.

 

God’s Word doesn’t tell us to deny self “if we feel like it” or “if it’s not too difficult” or “that it’s negotiable.” Because it’s not. More and more pastors are reluctant to preach to believers about their SIN and much needed repentance. IT IS PARAMOUNT that in order to live in VICTORY over the Enemy, WE OBEY GOD’S WORD – THE COMPLETE WORD OF GOD – and DENY SELF. If we don’t, then we are “practicing sin.” If we are practicing sin, we are opening spiritual doors. If we open spiritual doors, demons are going to walk right in (and sit right down) and wreak havoc!

 

How does self-denial relate to temptation? See James 1:12-15. What are some of the temptations we must deny ourselves? Proverbs 6:16-19, 23:2; Matthew 6:1-4, 16-21; Galatians 5:19-21; Hebrews 11:24-26. As soon as we are tempted, we must begin to deny ourselves the wrong desire (bring EVERY thought captive that sets itself against the Word of God). Jesus calls us to practice self-denial in our actions even BEFORE we do them. Temptations vary according to the weaknesses of each person. What may be an easy self-denial for one may be tough to resist for another.

 

With regard to deliverance: YOU CANNOT RECEIVE DELIVERANCE WITHOUT FULL REPENTANCE. So, if you are under demonic attack/influence/oppression and desire deliverance, time to get on your knees!

 

PRAYER:

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Father God, remove the scales from our eyes. May Your entire Word fall afresh on the fertile soil of our minds, as that is where all of our spiritual Battles are fought. Forgive us for living defeated and ineffective lives. Forgive us for lacking the knowledge of Your Word (Hosea 4:6). We repent of that, Father, return to You and commit to reading/studying Your Word each and every day. We ask that Your Word will “prick our hearts” and that the knowledge of Your Word will protect us from destruction. We confess quenching the Holy Spirit and invite You, Holy Spirit, to convict us of our sin. Lord we want to be again sensitive to You and Your Word.  We are ready and willing to take responsibility for our sin. we (I) repent of ____________ (fill in the blank with whatever sin(s) that has/have become a stronghold).  We seek deliverance so that we may LIVE IN VICTORY A LIFE THAT IS EFFECTIVE FOR YOU! AMEN.