It is not just a heart issue.

How much of our current frustrated conversation about sin, sick systems, institutions, congregations, departments, governments is unclear because we have conflated the scripture’s rich semantic domain around the “domain of darkness” (Colossians 1.13) into a simplistic “it is a heart or sin issue.”? The profound brokenness experienced personally and cosmically is never less than a heart and sin issue, but is so often more.

It is also unhelpful to draw distinctions and make speculations about related concepts that are a stretch. For instance, Paul lists a plurality of powers in Ephesians 6.12. I don't know if he is making a fine distinction between "rulers" and "authorities" or if he is communicating that these powers are numerous, seductive, and have a power within themselves.

Acts 16 helpfully shows the rich plurality and semantic domain of evil. There is an evil "spirit" (Acts 16.18), there are personal idols (Acts 16.19 "hope of gain"),  and there is systemic powers (Acts 16.20).

The trafficked girl doesn't need forgiveness for her captivity, she needs deliverance. The systemic powers need exposing. The idols need to be de-deified.

Idolatry, demonic harassment (whole spectrum), and “the powers” share a semantic domain, but are battled differently.

Idolatry requires the desacralization of “non-gods” (Dawn, 83-84) that our hearts have fashioned into gods. Pastors or soulcare shepherds using the sword of the Spirit (God's word of law and gospel) are often God's voice in idol detection and replacement with the worship of the true God. This is where the daily language of confession, repentance, forgiveness, absolution are to be the mother tongue of the church. 

Demons require deliverance in Jesus' name. The minister doesn't come in their own training or authority, but says like Paul, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." (Acts 16.18).

“The powers” require being exposed. There are two voices that the powers, rulers, and authorities want to silence so they may continue their destructive work: the voice of the victim and the voice of the prophet. Both will be called the same name: "Trouble-maker!" The traffickers say to the magistrates, "These men are disturbing our city. they advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice." (Acts 16.20-21). Notice the plurality of powers. Cultural systems colluding with governmental systems colluding with economic systems. 

“The larger the institution and the more public care is taken to maintain its reputation for good (running the country, making money, administering justice, organizing religion, caring for the sick, etc), the more hidden the evil and the more difficult to detect and do something about it.” (Jacques Ellul, 259.)

“Institutions…provide cover for the “spiritual forces of evil.” (258). 

“The powers exploit culture and social systems in their attempts to wreck the creative and saving word of God.” Peter O’Brien, Pillar Commentary on Ephesians, 468. 

Paul's ministry in Ephesus in Acts 19 is also a powerful demonstration of his addressing the plurality of powers. He baptized them into Christ (19.5). He healed the sick and expelled evil spirits (19.12). He also exposed the collusion of economic, religious, and cultural systems that gave cover to evil in Ephesus (19.26). In his epistle, he calls it "exposing works of darkness" (Ephesians 5.11).