Understanding How the Enemy Worksਨਮੂਨਾ

Oppression

Understanding Oppression

In Acts 10:38, the word oppressed is translated from the Greek compound word kata-dynasteuo. It gives us an incredibly vivid picture when broken down:

• Kata – down, against, in a subjugated position
• Dynastēs – a ruler, a potentate, one who rules with power, often by force

So when Luke records that Jesus healed all who were oppressed by the devil, he’s literally saying:

“He healed all who were held down, subjugated, ruled by force, under the tyrannical dominion of the devil.”

This is not just a mild burden. This is a throne the enemy sets up in the mind. Oppression is what happens when the enemy moves beyond temptation and stronghold—he now rules an area of your soul like a tyrant king.

Let’s see how we get to this point:

1. Wiles (Methodia) – The enemy uses one organized strategy: a straight road to your mind.
2. Devil (Diabolos) – He throws lies, slander, and accusations like rocks, with hostile intent, repeatedly.
3. Stronghold (Ochuroma) – Lies take root and build a prison in your mind, keeping you trapped inside and truth out.
4. Oppression (Kata-dynasteuo) – Once a stronghold is established, the devil sets up a throne in your mind and begins ruling from there like a tyrant king. You lose control of your thoughts, emotions, and decisions in that area.

Oppression isn’t just external pressure.
It’s internal submission to a spiritual force that has gained legal access through lies and strongholds. You begin to bow your thoughts, will, emotions—your soul—under the influence of this “king.”

Real-Life Example of Oppression

Picture an abusive relationship. At first, you resist, speak back, or fight. But over time, as the mistreatment continues, you become emotionally worn down. Eventually, you stop fighting altogether. You yield. You believe the lies. You submit.

That's oppression. You are still living but ruled.

Oppression can also look like:

• Repeating cycles of failure or addiction
• Chronic fear, anxiety, or shame you can’t seem to break
• Emotional numbness and hopelessness
• The inability to believe or receive God’s Word, no matter how often it’s preached

Reflection Questions

1. Can you identify areas in your life where you feel powerless or overruled emotionally or mentally?
2. Have you stopped fighting in a particular area of your life? Can you recognize how past lies or experiences have built up a stronghold and now it feels like they're “ruling” you?