What’s Happening When I sin?

Sin isn’t just “breaking a rule”—it’s choosing a way of thinking and living apart from God. When we do that, we can give the enemy a foothold (a place of influence) in our thoughts, desires, habits, relationships, or spiritual life—even if we never meant to.

And if we don’t close that door, but keep agreeing with the same lie from the enemy and continuing the same pattern, that foothold can grow into a stronghold—a settled mindset, a “default belief system,” that starts steering how we interpret life and how we live. Over time it can become like a fountainhead: a source that keeps feeding reactions, choices, and habits in the same unhealthy direction.

The goal isn’t to obsess over demons. The goal is to return to Jesus, walk in truth, and shut the door to the enemy’s influence—so what once had influence no longer has a place to operate.

1. CONFESS

Bring it into the light. Tell the truth to God.

• Name the sin plainly (no excuses, no vague language).

• Take ownership: “I did this.”

• Ask for cleansing and forgiveness.

Prayer starter: “Father, I confess that I sinned by ________. I call it what You call it. I take responsibility. Please forgive me and cleanse me.”

2. CANCEL

Break agreement with the lie and return to God’s truth and ways.

This is where you close the door sin opened. Choose what applies:

1) Repent (turn)

“I turn away from ________. I don’t want this path anymore. I choose Your way.”

2) Renounce (reject the lie/stronghold)

“I renounce the lie that ________. I reject it. I agree with Your truth instead: ________.”

3) Forgive (release the person to God)

“Jesus, I forgive ________ for ________. I release them to You. I surrender my right to revenge and ask You to heal my heart.”

One sentence summary: Repent of the sin, renounce the lie, release the offender.

3. COMMAND

Resist the enemy in Jesus’ name.

This isn’t a power contest—it’s standing under Jesus’ authority. Keep it short, calm, and Christ-centered:

Declaration: “In the name of Jesus Christ, I reject every influence of the enemy connected to this sin and these lies. I belong to Jesus. I command you to leave me now.”

4. COMMIT

Replace the old path with obedience and wise steps.

Confession isn’t the finish line—new obedience is.

• What will I do differently this week?

• What boundary will I set?

• Who will I tell for support/accountability?

• What truth/practice will I build in?

Commitment statement: “Holy Spirit, strengthen me to obey. I commit to ________. Help me walk this out with wisdom and support.”

Related Biblical Texts 

• "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."—1 John 1:9

• "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."—Acts 3:19

• "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."—Ephesians 4:26-27

• "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." —James 4:7

• "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. "—1 Peter 5:8–9