Demon Hunter or Cursed Sinner

Are We Wrestling With Demons—or Just Ourselves?

Do you believe that what we’re fighting today is simply our human sin nature, or do you believe we’re wrestling with both our sin nature and demonic influence?

That was the question of the day. And it’s an important one—because how we answer it shapes how we understand spiritual warfare, personal responsibility, and even the nature of God.

The question is rooted in a common belief, often emphasized in Pentecostal circles and many other denominations, that we are actively “wrestling devils” on a daily basis. Much of that belief hinges on a particular interpretation of the story of Job—where Satan supposedly goes before God to challenge Him.

But I want to propose something: the belief that we are constantly fighting demons may actually be more about spiritual pride than biblical truth. And ironically, pride is itself a demonic spirit, according to the same reasoning used by those making the claim.

So, what’s the real answer to this question?

Let’s start at the root: What is a spirit?

Hollywood Has Distracted Us

When we hear the word “spirit,” we often think of horror movies, ghosts, or some invisible force lurking in the shadows. But that imagery—popularized by Hollywood—can distract us from what Scripture actually teaches.

In the Bible, spirit (whether good or bad) is better understood as a force or influence. And we can identify a spirit by what it produces.

Galatians 5 tells us plainly what the Spirit of God produces:

“Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

So then, any force that produces the opposite—hatred, anger, violence, selfishness—isn’t from God. It’s from an opposing spirit. And yes, you could call that demonic. But that doesn’t mean there’s a literal demon whispering in your ear. Sometimes, the most powerful influence comes from within.

The Bible Says the Real Problem is Us

Here’s where we get to the heart of the issue.

James 1:13–15 gives us a clear, direct answer about the source of sin:

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”

That’s it. Our own desires. Not Satan. Not some demon. Not your generational curse. Just your own heart.

This isn’t to say that demonic influence doesn’t exist—but Scripture places the weight of sin squarely on our own internal corruption. Sin begins when we entertain our own lusts and let them take root. That’s what gives birth to sin, and sin brings death.

What About Job?

Let’s revisit Job for a moment, since this is often used as the go-to “Satan’s challenge” story.

Satan does appear at the beginning of Job—but Job never once blames Satan for his suffering. He cries out to God. He pleads with God. He accuses God. In Job’s eyes, it’s all in God’s hands.

And Job is right. Satan wasn’t acting independently. He had to get permission. He was on a leash. Even then, Job’s focus remains on his relationship with God, not on a battle with the devil.

This shows us something huge: Satan may be present, but he’s not the star of the show—God is. And God remains sovereign even when suffering comes.

The Real Battle is Internal

Paul echoes this in Romans 7, where he talks about the war inside his own body—between the law of sin in his flesh and the desire to obey God in his spirit.

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”

That’s not about demonic possession. That’s the broken, sin-prone human nature. That’s the battle we all fight.

Yes, Ephesians 2:2 speaks of “the spirit that is now at work in the children of disobedience.” But again, this is describing a prevailing influence, not necessarily some external being occupying every sinful person.

So What Do We Need? Not a Demon-Hunter—A Savior

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to become an expert demon-hunter. You don’t need to live in fear of spiritual attack around every corner.

What you need is a Savior.

The real enemy isn’t out there—it’s in here. And Jesus came to set us free from that enemy: the self-willed, prideful, sin-loving nature that lives in every human heart.

He gives us His Spirit—the one that produces the fruit of righteousness. The Spirit that empowers us to live free, to overcome, and to walk in truth.

Final Thought

Spirits are real. Evil influences are real. But the most dangerous ones aren’t flying through the night—they’re shaping our thoughts, our choices, and our desires.

And through Christ, we are not powerless.

In Him, we don’t just have victory over demons—we have victory over ourselves.