The enemy rarely attacks the same way twice. Sometimes he comes with open pride and division. Other times he disguises deception as spiritual truth. If we fail to recognize the difference, we can become vulnerable to his tactics.
In a recent teaching, evangelist Daniel Adams of The Supernatural Life explained that the Leviathan spirit and the python spirit are often treated as though they are identical. He argues they are not. While both work against the Kingdom of God, their assignments are distinct. For us to stand firm in spiritual warfare, we must grow in discernment and remember that Jesus has given us authority over every work of the enemy.
Leviathan Seeks to Destroy Through Pride
Adams describes Leviathan as a spirit whose mission is total destruction.
“Leviathan is one spirit you do not want to mess with and you do not want this spirit in your life cuz Leviathan is a destroyer. He destroys everything. He destroys marriages. He destroys churches. He destroys families in general. He’ll even destroy your finances. He just wants to destroy everything.”
He identifies pride as Leviathan’s defining characteristic.
“If you’re a child of pride, then you are in agreement with the spirit of Leviathan.”
According to Adams, Leviathan also twists communication, causing believers to become offended by things that were never intended.
“He will get in and he will start to make something seem like what it’s not… he’ll twist it on the inside to make you get offended, make you feel rejected.”
That is why Scripture repeatedly calls us to humility, forgiveness and unity. Pride always separates. Christ always reconciles.
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Python Counterfeits the Voice of God
While Leviathan attacks openly, Adams says the python spirit works through deception and counterfeit spirituality.
“The thing with this spirit other than Leviathan is this spirit will make you think that it is the voice of the Holy Spirit. But when you listen to it, it doesn’t lead you into a fruitful place.”
Rather than intimidating people, Adams says the python spirit seduces them.
“The python spirit is more of a seducer. The Leviathan spirit is a very angry like arrogant strong demeanored spirit.”
He warns that believers must never confuse spiritual gifts with spiritual maturity.
“They see a gift. They’re not looking for the fruit. So, it’s the fruit that you want to look for when you’re dealing with somebody that is really working with the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus taught that we recognize people by their fruit. Miraculous claims, charisma and influence should never replace biblical discernment.
Different Strategies, Same Enemy
Adams summarizes the distinction this way:
“Leviathan is wanting to shipwreck everything… Python is coming in with seductive ability… They both do crazy things. They both destroy lives, but they are different in a sense of how they operate, and what their assignments are.”
The lesson is not to become preoccupied with demons. Our focus must remain on Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Lest Satan should take advantage of us. For we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11).
The more we know the Word of God, the more closely we walk with the Holy Spirit and the more faithfully we test every spirit against Scripture, the less room we give the enemy to operate. Whether the attack comes through pride, offense, deception or counterfeit spirituality, Christ has already won the victory. Our calling is to remain humble, discerning and steadfast, standing in the authority He has given us.
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].
