There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
Acts 5:16 KJV
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
I Timothy 4:1-3 KJV
Process of seducing spirits:
- ++Depart from faith “falling away from faith”
- ++Allegiance to seducing spirits “give heed to. . .doctrines of devils.”
Principles of seducing spirits:
- ++Worldly
- ++fleshly
- ++devilish
Progress of seducing spirits:
- ++Turning away from (Word of God, truth)
- ++Turning to (demonic instruction and oppression, rebellion)
Production of seducing spirits:
- ++”Lies in hypocrisy” The false is presented as truth.
- ++”Conscience seared with hot iron” A desensitizing of morals and consequences.
Keys to overcome a seducing spirit:
1. Watch and pray.
2. Learn to test the spirits.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
I John 4:1-6 ESV
DANGER ZONE:
++I will not ever be a target or victim of a seducing spirit.
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
I Corinthians 10:12
SAFE ZONE:
++God will deliver me because God is faithful.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
I Corinthians 10:13
And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ Do not believe it. For false christ’s and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
Mark 13:21-23
Seducing spirits (fake Christs and false prophets) will be so convincing that believers (church) WOULD BE deceived IF NOT for the truth Jesus places in our hearts.
False doctrines and Fault-finders
False Doctrines:
- ++Turns against the Word of God and truth.
- ++Turns to self-righteousness.
Fault-finders:
- ++lies
- ++gossip
- ++unforgiveness
- ++contention
- ++strife
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
James 1:26
If a seducing spirit can not get you, they will use others for your destruction and demise of your destiny.
The seduction and destruction of King Saul’s destiny.
I Samuel 15
And Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘I have noted what Amalek did to Israel in opposing them on the way when they came out of Egypt.
I Samuel 15:1-2
“Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you came out of Egypt, how he attacked you on the way when you were faint and weary, and cut off your tail, those who were lagging behind you, and he did not fear God Therefore when the LORD your God has given you rest from all your enemies around you, in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget.
Deuteronomy 25:17-19
Seducing spirits are always there to rob you of your destiny.
Who are the Amalekites?
Amalek is the grandson of Esau.
First nation to attack the Jewish people after their Exodus from Egypt.
Open door of seducing spirit (Genesis 27)
- ++Denounced his God-given birth right.
- ++Seduced by soup.
- ++Looses his destiny- God of Abraham, Isaac, and Esau (not Jacob).
Fast forward (Exodus 17)
And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
Exodus 17:13-14
Back to the story. . . . . Then Samuel said, “Bring here to me Agag the king of the Amalekites.” And Agag came to him cheerfully. Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.” And Samuel said, “As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.
I Samuel 15:32-33
Here’s how you deal with seducing spirits. . . . .
++AT THE POINT OF A SWORD!!!
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.