Pastor Jack Hibbs is warning Christians that demonic activity is becoming increasingly prevalent while many believers remain unaware of the spiritual forces working behind the scenes.
In a recent message, Hibbs examined the biblical structure of the kingdom of darkness, the limits God has placed on Satan, and the need for spiritual discernment in a dangerous hour.
“Demonic activity is more prevalent today than it ever has been,” Hibbs said. “But I’m sad to say that Christians, we do not discern it as we ought to be. We are not attuned enough with the power that’s going on behind the scenes.”
Hibbs based his teaching on Ephesians 6:12, which declares that our struggle reaches beyond flesh and blood to principalities, powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual forces of wickedness.
“In the atmosphere, there are activities that are invisible to our human eyes that, according to Ephesians chapter 6:12, they are demonic powers of certain ranks and authorities,” Hibbs said. “It’s important for us to know that.”
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A Kingdom Working Behind the Scenes
Hibbs described the demonic realm as a structured kingdom operating under Satan’s authority. The ranks identified in Ephesians reveal varying forms of influence within that kingdom.
He connected that passage to Daniel 10, where an angel sent to Daniel encountered resistance from the spiritual “prince of the kingdom of Persia” for 21 days. Michael, one of the chief princes, eventually arrived to help.
“In the atmosphere, a war takes place invisible to our human eyes,” Hibbs said.
The passage demonstrates how spiritual conflict can influence earthly nations and their leaders. Hibbs said the political realm has become one of the places where that battle can be seen.
“Would demons be involved in political realms of power? Yes, the Bible says absolutely yes,” he said. “What would demons be involved in politics for? Control. By the way, if you want to shut Christianity up, use political means to do it.”
This conflict also reaches into Christian ministry. Hibbs pointed to 1 Thessalonians 2:18, where Paul said Satan had hindered him from reaching the believers in Thessalonica.
Hibbs explained that the Greek word translated as “hindered” describes an effort “to frustrate, to impede, to thwart, to weary by confusion or disunity.”
Division within the church can therefore become an effective weapon. Gossip, damaged reputations and broken fellowship provide opportunities for the enemy to weaken believers from within.
“The dark realm is at work, and it’s all terribly effective,” Hibbs said.
When Darkness Appears Desirable
The enemy often approaches people through attractive opportunities and persuasive thoughts, Hibbs warned. Spiritual warfare may surface through temptation, relational conflict or decisions that slowly pull someone away from God.
“I believe that this is demonic activity,” he said. “We didn’t smell any sulfur. That’s the point. He’s a deceiving spirit. He makes things look good.”
Hibbs offered the example of someone reconnecting with a former romantic interest through social media. A decision that initially appears harmless can eventually devastate a marriage and family.
“What happened? The enemy approaching, dropping little thoughts,” Hibbs said. “Why don’t you connect on social media with your old high school flame before the high school reunion? You would never think so, but Satan was at work and destroyed a family.”
The account of the slave girl in Acts 16 also demonstrates the need to discern the spiritual source behind someone’s words. The woman followed Paul and accurately identified him and his companions as servants of the Most High God. Paul eventually addressed the spirit operating through her and commanded it to leave in the name of Jesus Christ.
“Is there anything wrong with what she said? Not a word,” Hibbs said. “All what she said was exactly perfect. It was the vessel from which it was coming from. It was the individual. Somehow, in some way, shape or form, this was not good. And it’s the source. Satan’s at work.”
Believers therefore need the discernment of the Holy Spirit to recognize what lies beneath outward appearances.
The Enemy Operates Under God’s Authority
Although the kingdom of darkness is organized and active, its power remains subject to God.
Hibbs pointed to the book of Job, where Satan appeared before God and requested permission to afflict Job. God established clear boundaries around what Satan could do.
“Satan must always operate within God’s restrictions,” Hibbs said. “He is on a leash, however long that leash may sometimes appear.”
That truth is especially important for those of us facing spiritual attacks, unexplained resistance or prolonged suffering.
“Satan, demons cannot do anything to you unless God permits it,” Hibbs said.
He also cited Paul’s description of a “messenger of Satan” sent to buffet him in 2 Corinthians 12. Paul pleaded three times for the affliction to be removed. God answered that His grace was sufficient and His strength was made perfect in weakness.
“Whatever is going on, how painful, how strenuous it is, body, soul and spirit, God wants you to learn that His power will rest upon you in a way that otherwise couldn’t come,” Hibbs said.
Hibbs urged his fellow believers to approach spiritual warfare with biblical understanding. Some may dismiss the subject, while others allow fear to dominate their thinking.
“Christians make two mistakes,” he said. “They either swing the pendulum too far and laugh at spiritual and demonic and satanic activity, thinking that it’s a joke, or the pendulum swings the other way and Christians are terrified and mortified for fear. Both those positions are wrong.”
As demonic activity increases, our security remains in Jesus Christ. We are called to recognize the battle, remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit and stand confidently in the authority Christ has given His people.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
