Paul taught the Galatians that witchcraft and idolatry are “works of the flesh.” A work of the flesh is simply a character flaw of the old sin nature BEFORE Christ that lingers on if the person does not submit him or herself to the cross. To submit to the cross is to allow the Holy Spirit to progressively break you in both your personality and your character traits.So what does this mean, exactly. Does it mean that demons are not involved in a “work of the flesh?” Absolutely not. Witchcraft and idolatry are demonic practices. What it DOES mean is that people who have witchcraft in them as a work of the flesh—a personality flaw— are more susceptible to demonic influence, particularly religious demons and devils.
I have witnessed too many manifestations of evil spirits in ALL of the works of the flesh, so clearly there are two definitions of witchcraft andidolatry. Where a work of the flesh is a personality type that is predisposed to demonic involvement, the actual act of witchcraft and idolatry are demonic practices. When demons are looking for “human workers” to implement their agenda, they target people who already have witchcraft and idolatry built into their persona as “a work of the flesh.”Along these lines, the witchcraft demon is attracted to a person with a soul that is predisposed to to the three (3) “P”s of position, prestige and power. Those who wish to dominate, to acquire fame and prominence, can become a safe haven for the witchcraft demon.
In such cases, the captive’s own personality will be a secure place in which demons of a similar nature will be able to hide and secretly function. This is because no one will suspect that the captive’s ambitious striving for control and domination is demonic because the captive has continued to demonstrate over time a steady pattern that propels them to seek power. Consequently, everyone just assumes that the captive is simply being true to his nature or character and therefore, doesn’t have a demon. The witchcraft demon will also hide within weaker personalities.
For example, there are those who wear a facade of false humility, who appear to be very self-effacing and passive. However, deep within his or her soul is a striving to “be somebody.” People with this kind of soul will offer up many testimonies of their inadequacies and their lack of ambition, yet when confronted, they will show in their actions that they are not at all convinced of their own unworthiness. In fact, when there is even a minor concern or question about their actions or motives in a particular situation, they will become extremely defensive and resentful. If others show a tendency to take their self-belittling attitude and recriminations seriously, a seething anger may erupt that is out of balance and extreme. For instance, while the so-called “humble” will proclaim their unworthiness, a witchcraft demon will cause them to make great demands for consideration and admiration from others. The witchcraft spirit will rise up and expose itself in these “low key” people, presenting a strong unwillingness to accept even the slightest degree of criticism.
You will find many people like this among professing Christians. They are passive on the outside but inside, they are seething, ravenous wolves who will use a humble demeanor and manner as a weapon to bring others down. Repressed anger and envy has opened passive-aggressive people to a religious demon. In such cases, passivity masquerades and humility. The inner hostilities are hidden from view by a veneer of a pretended politeness, feigned fair play and an appearance of good fellowship. This “front” is a coverup used in subtle ways to move against perceived enemies in an effort to shame others with their “nice” behavior. The facade consists of pretenses, hidden fears and some genuine caring mixed in with an ability to make YOU look bad in comparison to THEM.
Spiritual Warfare Library of PSM 