Yoga — Opening Doors to Demons

Scripture: Exodus 20:4-5 (ERV) “Don’t worship or serve idols of any kind, because I, the LORD, am your God. I hate my people worshiping other gods. People who sin against me become my enemies, and I will punish them. And I will punish their children, their grandchildren, and even their great-grandchildren.”

Introduction

Brothers and sisters, today we address a topic that has become so normalized in our culture that many Christians no longer recognize the danger it poses: yoga. While it is often portrayed as harmless exercise or a method for relaxation, the spiritual implications of yoga are far more dangerous than many realize. The purpose of this sermon is to expose yoga for what it truly is—a practice rooted in pagan worship that opens the door to demonic influence.

1. The Goal of Yoga is Worship

Yoga originates in Hinduism, a religion steeped in the worship of false gods. The word “yoga” itself comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “to yoke” or “to unite with.” What is being yoked, and with whom? Practitioners of yoga engage in deliberate postures designed to pay tribute to Hindu deities, which the Bible identifies as demons. 1 Corinthians 10:20 (NIV) states:

"No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons."

In this verse, Paul is addressing the Corinthian Christians about the dangers of participating in pagan rituals, emphasizing that such sacrifices are not directed toward God but to demons. This reflects the broader theme of discerning true worship and avoiding associations with practices that contradict faith in God.

Consider this: Hinduism recognizes over 330 million gods, and yoga honors these false deities through its practices. This is not simply stretching or breathing—it is a spiritual act of homage. To engage in yoga is to violate God’s commandment in Exodus 20:4-5, where He explicitly forbids His people from worshiping or serving idols of any kind. As Christians, we are called to worship and serve the one true God, Jesus Christ.

2. The Deceptive Philosophy of Yoga

The Little Book of Yoga reveals the underlying philosophy of yoga in its foreword:

“According to ancient yoga philosophy, every person is compassionate, loving, and peaceful. Yoga helps us uncover the basic goodness in ourselves and in others, which can so easily become buried beneath the anger, resentment, self-criticism, and doubt. The more you practice yoga, the more clearly you can see the truth: All is as it should be. You are perfect just as you are.”

Church, this teaching is completely at odds with the truth of Scripture. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:10, “None is righteous, no, not one.” The idea that humans are inherently good and perfect as they are denies the reality of sin and our need for salvation through Christ. Yoga encourages self-focus and self-exaltation, while the Word of God calls us to humble ourselves and fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).

3. Can Yoga Be “Just Exercise”?

Some argue that yoga can be practiced purely for physical benefits without adopting its spiritual beliefs. But is this truly possible? When the postures themselves are acts of worship to false gods, can we separate the physical from the spiritual? Scripture warns us against compromising with the world. In 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul writes:

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Ask yourself: Is it worth forfeiting the blessings of God for temporary physical benefits? Is it acceptable to exercise if Satan is providing the workout? The answer, my friends, must be a resounding NO!

4. Satan’s Subtle Deceptions

Satan often infiltrates the believer’s mind and heart through subtle means. He uses the culture, the media, and even well-meaning trends to make sin appear less offensive and holiness seem restrictive. Yoga is one such deception, presenting itself as harmless or even beneficial while leading believers away from the truth.

Christians are called to be “in the world but not of the world” (John 17:14-16). This means we must remain vigilant, guarding our hearts and minds from worldly influences. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Holiness requires intentional choices, and we must reject anything that compromises our walk with Christ.

5. The True Path to Salvation

Unlike the self-focused philosophy of yoga, the Gospel points us to the only true source of salvation—Jesus Christ. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”

We cannot save ourselves, no matter how much we stretch, meditate, or strive. Only through faith in Jesus can we be made righteous. Romans 10:9 declares:

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Conclusion

Church, the dangers of yoga are real. It is not just exercise or relaxation—it is a spiritual practice rooted in idolatry that opens doors to demonic influence. God’s Word is clear: we are to worship Him alone.

Today, I urge you to evaluate your heart. Are you willing to sacrifice the eternal blessings of God for the fleeting pleasures of this world? Let us choose godliness over compromise, and let us honor Christ in every aspect of our lives. Remember the promise of James 4:7:

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Let us pray,

Heavenly Father, Thank You for revealing the truth to us through Your Word. Help us to resist the schemes of the enemy and remain steadfast in our devotion to You. Forgive us for any ways we have compromised, and guide us to live lives that honor and glorify You. May we always worship You, the one true God, in spirit and in truth.. In Jesus’ name, Amen.