Areas of Captivity

There are 2 main ways that captivity arises: one’s own self (flesh) & the enemy (2 Timothy 2:20-30, Romans 6:20, 7:23, 2 Peter 2:19, Hebrews 2:14-15, Matthew 18:21-35). There is not necessarily a separation of the following areas listed as they can be connected together. Rather for the reader’s understanding they are given in sections.

Spirit

The spirit is a person’s intuition, conscience, and connection on the spiritual plane. The spirit is captive to the sin & to eternal death. The only way for the spirit to be free is by being born again by the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-6, 1 Peter 1:23, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Romans 9:1).

Soul

Consists of a person’s mind (thinking, reasoning), heart (emotions, beliefs, desires), and will. These are captive to the sin & eternal death. The heart could be held captive through lies it believes. The mind is held captive through bad patterns (John 3:16, 8:34-36, Romans 6:22, 12:2).

Body

The body is a person’s physical being and interacts with the physical world around it. This again is subject to sin & eternal death. The body is different in that it does not become new until after a person dies physically. After death, people who follow Jesus will get new bodies! (1 Corinthians 15:35-54, 2 Corinthians 5:1-6). 

Demonic

People can also be plagued by demons (angels who decided to disobey God). This happens when one chooses to make their actions and beliefs with the kingdom of darkness. This can result in demonization. Demons can also cause physical infirmities & illnesses. (Ephesians 4:26-27, Matthew 18:21-35, Acts 16:16-24).