Bible Truths on Demonic Oppression and Overcoming

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee.” Hosea 4:6

So many Christians today are unknowingly engaging in spiritual practices the Bible clearly warns against. When my Bible study group read Derek Prince’s They Shall Expel Demons, we were unsettled. Firmly rooted in Scripture, yet exposing truths that many believers still ignore or reject today. Here is a short overview of what the book entails. Obviously there is much more depth in the book itself and I highly encourage everyone I know to read it!

1. The Danger of Spiritual Ignorance

The Bible doesn’t say unbelievers perish for lack of knowledge --- it says God’s people do.
Ignorance of God’s Word is one of the enemy’s most effective weapons.

Derek Prince wrote, “The devil operates best in darkness.” That’s why truth brings freedom --- it exposes the enemy’s hidden work.

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

The uncomfortable truth is that many in the Church today don’t recognize how witchcraft and the occult have been repackaged into modern culture. What used to be obvious is now normalized and even celebrated --- often under the names of “self-care,” “manifesting,” or “spiritual balance.”

2. A Book That Shook My Understanding

When Derek Prince released They Shall Expel Demons, it was highly controversial.
Many pastors and Christian leaders dismissed it as too extreme or “unnecessary for modern believers.” The idea that Christians could be influenced or oppressed by demons was (and still is) unsettling.

Yet Prince’s teaching wasn’t based on superstition, it was anchored in Scripture and decades of ministry experience.
Over time, his book became a foundational work on biblical deliverance, even though it remains rejected by some who would rather avoid the topic altogether.

3. Our Bible Study’s Experience: From Fear to Freedom

When my Bible study group decided to read it together, we didn’t know what we were in for. At first, we were fascinated --- then uncomfortable. Each chapter peeled back layers of spiritual blindness.

There were moments when we honestly wanted to stop reading. It was scary to realize how real and close spiritual warfare is. Many of us recognized patterns in our own lives --- habits, words, and “harmless” activities—that could have opened doors to the enemy without us even realizing it.

We prayed, discussed, and wrestled through our fears. The more we learned, the more we understood why the devil wants Christians ignorant of his schemes.

Finishing that book wasn’t easy --- but it was worth it.
When I reached the last chapter, fear had turned to faith. Knowledge had replaced confusion. I felt more spiritually equipped and more aware of Christ’s authority in me than ever before.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

4. What the Bible Says About Witchcraft

Scripture could not be clearer: witchcraft, divination, and sorcery are abominations to God.

• Deuteronomy 18:10-12 “Let no one be found among you who practices divination, sorcery, or casts spells…”

• Leviticus 19:31 “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists.”

• Galatians 5:19-21 Lists witchcraft among the works of the flesh that separate us from God.

While modern culture glamorizes “spirituality,” the Bible warns that many such practices are simply the enemy in disguise.

“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14

5. Key Insights from Derek Prince’s Teaching

Prince’s book teaches believers how the unseen world operate, and how to walk in victory through Jesus Christ.

A. How Demons Gain Access

He identifies several doorways for demonic influence:

1. Ancestral involvement – family history with occult or false religion (Exodus 20:5)

2. Personal sin – unrepented rebellion (Ephesians 4:27)

3. Emotional trauma – rejection or abuse (Psalm 34:18)

4. Occult activity – horoscopes, crystals, séances, etc. (Deuteronomy 18:10–12)

5. Idle words or curses – careless speech (Proverbs 18:21)

6. Ungodly soul ties – unholy emotional or physical bonds (1 Corinthians 6:16)

7. False religious practices – unbiblical teachings or unwise “laying on of hands” (1 Timothy 5:22)

B. The Path to Deliverance

Prince outlines biblical steps to freedom:

• Confess faith in Jesus Christ

• Repent of all sin

• Forgive others

• Renounce all contact with the occult

• Resist the enemy in Jesus’ name

• Walk in continued obedience

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

6. The Authority of the Believer

Prince emphasized what Scripture already teaches --- believers have authority over demonic power.

“These signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out demons.” Mark 16:17
“Behold, I give you authority… over all the power of the enemy.” Luke 10:19

Deliverance isn’t a dark or strange topic... it’s part of Jesus’ ministry and part of our inheritance as His followers.

7. Pressing Through Fear

If reading or studying deliverance feels frightening, remember: fear is one of the enemy’s tools to keep you uninformed.
Knowledge doesn’t open doors to demons --- it closes them.

In my group, fear turned into freedom once we realized that truth belongs to God. Every time the enemy’s tactics were exposed, it was like light flooding a dark room.

Don’t let fear stop you from learning spiritual truth. The enemy wants you silent, but Jesus wants you strong.

8. Living in Freedom

Freedom is not the absence of warfare --- it’s the presence of authority.
Walk daily in the light of Christ, guard your heart, and stay grounded in Scripture.

“Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32

Finish what you start. Press through the discomfort. Don’t fear the truth, embrace it.
I finished Derek Prince’s book, and I can honestly say: I am much better off for it.