What should a Christian do if they suspect demonic activity?

As a Christian, what do you do or say if you suspect demonic activity? How do you make the devil flee?

The Bible does not instruct a Christian to oppose or confront demonic activity. Satan is far more powerful than we are, and we have no authority over him. The Bible says our only option is to submit to God and resist the devil’s efforts to tempt us into sin, and when the enemy sees our commitment to obedience, he will flee from us:

James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

By submitting to God’s word, we stay out of sin, which frustrates the enemy’s desire to tempt us into sin. If we persist in obedience, in time the enemy gives up (for the moment).

Peter offers similar advice:

1Pet. 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1Pet. 5:9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

Resisting the enemy means not giving in to our sin nature by setting our mind on obeying the word of God and preparing our hearts to pass by the temptations of the enemy. The enemy has no power to force our hand. He merely tempts us to act against the commands of the word of God.

Resisting and fleeing his effort to tempt us into disobedience are key to minimizing his effect in our lives. In the case of demonic activity in or through another person, we recommend praying for the person and teaching them to resist the devil’s temptations as well. Beyond that, there is no recipe for opposing the enemy found in the Bible.