Kingdom Under Occupation
In a conversation with the Pharisees, who was conspiring against him, Jesus makes it plain that they, and everyone else, has a kingdom of God within them; but it is a kingdom that is unacceptable to God.
Before one becomes a true Christian, their inner kingdom is under heavy influence from violent forces of darkness; according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
However, by being born again through the Holy Spirit, the person becomes a new creation in Christ; and is set free from the Powers of Darkness.
Until a person is set free by Jesus Christ, demonic spirits will continue their efforts to make life difficult. In this case the individual is treated like a prisoner, being spiritually abused, as stated in 2 Timothy and 1 John. The individual will suffer from spiritual, emotional, and mental conditions. (It is reported that a large portion of the United States, and world’s population, is suffering from some degree of mental or emotional instability.)
In an effort to deal with the insufficiencies of their inner life, the person often resorts to various methodologies and behavior modification techniques; that fall short of complete deliverance. The individuals lifestyle often exhibits what the Bible calls the sinful works of the flesh. In general, sin is a vain attempt to deal with problems, that only God can solve.
Before God’s solution is received, the person’s inner life, known as the heart, or soul and spirit, takes on the characteristics described by Jesus in Matthew chapter 13. To get on the road to recovery a person must become aware of their inner self, and its needs.