03/06/2026
APOSTLE, WHY IS THE DEMON NOT LEAVING?
One of the most common questions I am asked in deliverance ministry is:
"Apostle, why is the demon not leaving?"
Over the years, I have encountered situations where I struggled to cast out a spirit. As someone trained and experienced in deliverance ministry, those moments were frustrating because I understood the principles of spiritual warfare and the authority believers possess in Christ.
However, experience has taught me that sometimes the issue is not a lack of authority from the minister. Often, unresolved issues continue to provide access points through which bo***ge is maintained.
Many people seek deliverance from demons while refusing deliverance from the mindset that invited the oppression in the first place.
Jesus taught that freedom is not merely about expelling spirits, it is about establishing God's rule in the heart and mind.
"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
Indeed through knowledge the just will be delivered
Deliverance removes bo***ge, but truth preserves freedom.
1. UNFORGIVENESS
Unforgiveness is one of the greatest barriers to freedom.
When we refuse to forgive, we maintain agreement with bitterness, resentment, and pain. The enemy often exploits these wounds to sustain oppression.
Scriptures
"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any" (Mark 11:25)
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger... be put away from you" (Ephesians 4:31)
The Lie
"I have the right to hold onto this hurt."
The Truth
God forgave us when we did not deserve it. Therefore, we are called to forgive others.
"Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)
Case Study:
In Matthew 18:21-35, the unforgiving servant received mercy but refused to extend mercy. His unwillingness to forgive became a prison.
Many believers desire freedom while still holding onto offenses that continue to strengthen spiritual strongholds.
Unforgiveness is the prison we build for ourselves while hoping someone else remains confined
2. HABITUAL SIN
Habitual sin creates an environment where spiritual bo***ge thrives.
What is repeatedly practiced eventually becomes a stronghold.
Scriptures
"Neither give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27)
"For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)
The Lie
"My actions have no spiritual consequences."
The Truth
Every seed produces a harvest. Every habit produces a destination.
Illustration:
A spider's web begins with a single strand. Eventually it becomes strong enough to trap its prey.
Likewise, repeated compromise eventually becomes a stronghold.
Case Study:
King Saul repeatedly disregarded God's instructions. What began as partial obedience evolved into rebellion, opening the door to spiritual torment (1 Samuel 15-16).
Quote
"What you repeatedly permit, you eventually empower."
3. BAD COMPANY
Relationships shape beliefs, behaviors, and spiritual atmospheres.
The people around you often reinforce either truth or deception.
Scriptures
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." (1 Corinthians 15:33)
"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise." (Proverbs 13:20)
The Lie
"My environment does not affect me."
The Truth
Every environment is educating you into something.
Illustration:
Place a white cloth in muddy water and eventually it absorbs the color of its surroundings.
Likewise, people often absorb the values, attitudes, and behaviors of those closest to them.
Personal Observation:
There was a season when I spent considerable time around someone who appeared spiritual but secretly lived in immorality. I noticed unusual temptations intensifying around that relationship. When his lifestyle was eventually exposed, it helped explain the spiritual atmosphere that had surrounded that friendship.
Case Study:
Lot progressively moved closer to S***m until its culture began affecting his household (Genesis 13-19).
4. BLOODLINE INIQUITY AND GENERATIONAL PATTERNS
Some struggles appear repeatedly across generations.
Patterns of addiction, violence, occult involvement, family instability, or other destructive cycles may reveal issues requiring prayerful attention.
Scriptures
"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law." (Galatians 3:13)
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The Lie
"I am doomed to repeat my family's history."
The Truth
In Christ, generational patterns do not have the final word.
Illustration:
A family tree may reveal inherited tendencies, but salvation introduces a new root system through Christ.
Case Study:
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob each struggled with deception. Yet God continued working through the family line until transformation occurred.
You may have inherited the battle, but you do not have to perpetuate it.
5. FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DELIVERANCE
Many people focus on casting out spirits but neglect rebuilding their lives with truth.
Jesus warned that an unoccupied house can become vulnerable again (Matthew 12:43-45).
Deliverance removes something. Discipleship replaces it with something better.
The Lie
"If I receive prayer once, my battle is over."
The Truth
Freedom is maintained through continual surrender, obedience, prayer, fellowship, and the Word of God.
Scriptures
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2)
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." (Colossians 3:16)
6. REPLACE THE LIE WITH THE TRUTH
This is where many people either keep their freedom or lose it.
A lie cannot simply be removed. It must be replaced.
The mind must be renewed through God's Word.
Deliverance is often immediate, but transformation is usually a process.
Scriptures
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind." (Ephesians 4:23)
"Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2)
Understanding Strongholds
Strongholds are reinforced thought patterns.
Some strongholds are demonic, rooted in deception, fear, pride, lust, rejection, and unbelief.
Other strongholds are godly, rooted in faith, truth, righteousness, hope, and love.
Both are strengthened through:
• Observation
• Meditation
• Repetition
• Participation
• Environment
• Consistency
What you repeatedly think about eventually becomes what you believe.
What you repeatedly believe eventually becomes how you behave.
Illustration:
A path across a field is formed by repeatedly walking the same route.
Likewise, thoughts become beliefs, beliefs become habits, habits become strongholds, and strongholds become lifestyles.
Case Study:
Ten spies saw giants and concluded they were defeated.
Joshua and Caleb saw the same giants but believed God's promise.
The difference was not the giants.
The difference was the stronghold in their minds.
"We are well able to overcome it." (Numbers 13:30)
Practical Application
When the lie says:
"I am rejected."
Replace it with:
"He hath made us accepted in the beloved." (Ephesians 1:6)
When the lie says:
"I will never change."
Replace it with:
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
When the lie says:
"God has abandoned me."
Replace it with:
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
Every stronghold began as a thought that was believed long enough
THE PATHWAY TO FREEDOM
1. RECOGNIZE
Identify the problem and expose the lie.
2. REPENT
Confess your sins and turn toward God.
3. RENOUNCE
Cancel every agreement with darkness.
4. REPLACE
Replace every lie with biblical truth.
5. RESTORE
Allow God to heal damaged areas of your life.
6. REINFORCE
Continue meditating on truth until it becomes your new reality.
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night" (Joshua 1:8)
Freedom is not merely the absence of demons.
Freedom is the presence of truth.
Deliverance is complete when God's truth becomes such a stronghold within you that obedience becomes your natural response.
If you desire biblical teaching, prayer, and guidance toward spiritual freedom, consider connecting with I Am For Nations Global Network and surrounding yourself with a community that will encourage your growth in Christ.
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:36)
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