The Spirit of Stubbornness: When Deliverance Is Rejected by the Very People Who Need It Most

One of the most frustrating things I’ve encountered in deliverance ministry is this: people who claim to be Spirit-filled, Jesus-loving believers — but who shut down any talk of deliverance as if it’s demonic. They say Christians can’t have demons, and they say it with so much pride that it’s nearly impossible to reach them.

At first, I thought it was just ignorance. Maybe they were taught wrong. But over time, I’ve learned that this kind of resistance isn’t just rooted in bad theology — it’s often spiritual. And there’s a name for it:

A spirit of stubbornness.

Stubbornness Isn’t Just a Trait — It’s a Stronghold

Stubbornness sounds innocent to some — just someone “strong-willed.” But Scripture doesn’t view it that way. In fact, it’s dangerous.

1 Samuel 15:23 (NKJV)

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”

Did you catch that? Stubbornness is equated with idolatry. That means when we dig our heels in and refuse to yield to God — especially when the truth of His Word confronts us — we’re no longer just stubborn, we’re operating in spiritual idolatry.

And biblically, idolatry always invited demonic activity. It’s never just a sin — it’s an open door.

Can a Spirit of Stubbornness Be a Demon?

Yes. I fully believe — and have witnessed — that a spirit of stubbornness can be a demon. It might start as a mindset or personality trait, but when it becomes a block to repentance, truth, or deliverance, it’s no longer just the flesh. It’s spiritual.

Ephesians 2:2 (NKJV)

“…the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.”

Paul said that rebellion and disobedience can be energized by a spirit — not just human will. That means someone resisting the truth that Christians can have demons may actually have one influencing them to resist it.

What Deliverance Leaders Say

Jennifer Eivaz

She teaches that religious spirits are some of the most stubborn to confront. They will argue, twist Scripture, and use theology as a wall to protect the very thing oppressing them.

She’s also said God sometimes gives people a holy stubbornness to persevere — but the counterfeit is a demonic stubbornness that resists truth.

“We are often stubborn and defiant, even against God and His way.” — Jennifer Eivaz

John Eckhardt

He says flat-out:

“The greatest deception is a demon convincing you it isn’t there.” — Deliverance and Spiritual Warfare Manual

That hit me hard. Many people who say, “I don’t need deliverance” are actually defending the demon that’s hiding in them.

Derek Prince

He taught that deliverance is for believers, and that demons hide best in religious settings. He described how spiritual pride and tradition are often used by demons to avoid being cast out.

“Jesus never cast demons out of unbelievers — only those who came to Him.” — Derek Prince, They Shall Expel Demons

What Does This Look Like in Real Life?

You might be dealing with a spirit of stubbornness if:

• You get angry or defensive when someone talks about deliverance

• You shut down conversations about spiritual warfare

• You say things like “I’m saved — the devil can’t touch me!” while living in bondage

• You’ve never seriously examined your own soul wounds or generational curses

• You use Scripture as a wall rather than a mirror

I’ve seen people manifest when someone simply says, “Let’s pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything unclean hiding in your life.” That resistance — the mocking, the tension, the refusal — isn’t just emotion. It’s spiritual.

Why This Matters: Truth Sets Us Free

John 8:32 (ESV)

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Here’s the reality: if Christians couldn’t have demons, then there would be no need for deliverance ministries in the Church. But Jesus cast out demons — and so did the apostles — from people who were following Him.

Mark 1:39 (NIV)

“So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.”

Deliverance wasn’t just for pagans. It happened in the synagogue, among the people of God. The modern Church has sanitized this reality, but that doesn’t make it untrue.

Deliverance Is For the Church

Matthew 10:8 (NKJV)

“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”

Jesus commanded us to cast out demons. He didn’t say, “Only if they’re unbelievers.” He didn’t say, “Only if they’re really messed up.” He said cast them out — because He knew many people would be carrying unseen bondage, even if they had faith.

A Call to Humility and Discernment

If you’re reading this and feeling resistant, I want to lovingly ask you:

Could it be that your resistance is spiritual?

Ask the Holy Spirit:

• “Is there anything unclean hiding in my soul?”

• “Am I resisting You or yielding to You?”

• “Have I made an idol out of my own theology?”

Don’t let a demon hide behind your doctrine.

James 4:6-7 (NKJV)

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Final Thoughts

Yes — a spirit of stubbornness can be a demon, and yes — it can block you from deliverance. If the enemy can convince you that you’re fine just the way you are, he doesn’t have to fight you. He just needs you to stay bound while believing you’re free.

But God is raising up a remnant — people who are willing to humble themselves, press into uncomfortable truth, and pursue freedom at all costs.

Let’s be that people.