“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Jesus cast out demons in the synagogue.

“And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out.” Mark 1:23

Satan has his agents in the pulpits and the pews.

“In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brothers.” 2 Corinthians 11:26

The parable of he tares teaches that satan has children and he sows them whenever God sows believers.

“But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.” Matthew 13:25

Potential members should be screened before membership is given. The devil will try to interfere with the worship service. Paul warned that lack of order in a church service would make unbelievers think that the church members are mad.

“If therefore the whole church be come together into one pace, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad?” 1 Corinthians 14:23

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 2 Corinthians 14:40

Christian worship must be tied to the Word of God. God is giving no new revelations; We must build our worship on the truths revealed in the New Testament. There must be balance and discernment.

“Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesies. Prove all things, hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

Satan can use dead formalism to kill a church, but he can use also uncontrolled fanaticism. Fanaticism almost killed the Church of God movement in the early stages.

Talent in the church does not mean that a person is suited for worship ministry. Unsanctified talent has given access to the enemy in those persons. (See Ephesians 4:27)

“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” 1 Timothy 2:8

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19

It is unfortunate that talent has been presented to the church as entertainment where the people are mere spectators watching religious activity. Much music that is labeled Christian does not line up with the Word of God.

Music plays on the emotions, while preaching touches primarily the intellect and the will. There is nothing wrong with emotions in worship provided they not shallow sentiment but are true feelings and which results in a will that obeys God.

Satan can show up at church business meetings. Spirits that oppose the direction of the church will try to bring a spirit of division, disorder, argumentation, and strife.

“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” 2 Timothy 2:14

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envying and strife in your heart, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” James 3:13-16

Satan tries to use leaders and members to spread his wisdom.

In Acts 15, the legalists tried to bring their influence into the church. Satan tries to enter the church through its organization by the selection of leaders.

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:29-30

“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, or good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.” 1 Timothy 3:2

“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” 1 Timothy 3:6

Spiritual pride is on of the main obstacles.

“I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.” 3 John 1:9

There is no seniority rights in the church. Just because someone has been in the church many years does not validate that person as a potential leader. There are control spirits that try to run everything.

There are those in the church that act very spiritual. Often their speech will be filled with “the Lord told me this…the Lord told me that.” when it is clear in their lives that the Lord never spoke. They try to control others by appearing to be very spiritual and always wanting to give words for someone.

Charismatic witchcraft uses the works of the flesh and false spirituality to gain influence and power over others.

“You put up with a man if he makes servants of you, if he makes profit out of you, if he makes you prisoners, if he puts himself in a high place, if he gives you blows on the face.” 2 Corinthians 11:20

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14

I have been in meetings where someone brings in a hateful, unforgiving attitude which disturbs the whole meeting place. People can control prayer meetings by the way they pray. Self focused prayers that detour true prayer.

Slander and gossip can kill a church.

“He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18

Many will use distorted perceptions of the Word of God. Look at the context.

The Jezebel spirit is a very common thing in the church where one of a lesser authority tries to usurp the authority of another. Ahab lost his authority over the nation by his submitting to his overpowering wife, Jezebel. Often these people will control through fear, intimidation, and other tactics.

The devil tries to bring disunity.

A Song of decrees of David. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1

An unforgiving spirit is one of the main seeds that the devil sows in a church to bring disunity. Petty little things can disrupt the spiritual atmosphere very quickly.

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” Hebrews 12:15

Whenever there is division, we must wait on the Lord for spiritual unity. If unity does not come, we must discover who the people are that satan is using to hinder the work, and we must deal with them in firmness and love.

“Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yes, strife and reproach shall cease.” Proverbs 22:10

“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition.” Titus 3:10