How To Resist Wicked Spirits

What is one way that you can resist wicked spirits and protect yourself and your family from their snares?
First-century Christians in Ephesus who had practiced spiritism before becoming believers took positive steps.

We read that "quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them up before everybody." (Acts 19:19) Even if you have not practiced spiritism, get rid of anything having spiritistic uses or overtones. This includes books, magazines, videos, posters, musical recordings and objects used for spiritistic purposes. Also included are idols, amulets and other items for protection, and gifts received from practicers of spiritism. (Deuteronomy 7:25,26; I Corinthians 10:21 ) To illustrate: A married couple in Thailand had long been harassed by demons. Then they got rid of objects associated with spiritism. What was the result? They were relieved of the demonic attacks and thereafter made real spiritual progress.

In order to resist wicked spirits, another necessary step is to apply the apostle Paul's counsel to put on the complete suit of God-given spiritual armor. (Ephesians 6:11-17) Christians must fortify their defenses against wicked spirits. What does this step include? "Above all things," said Paul, "take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one's burning missiles." Indeed, the stronger your faith, the greater will be your ability to resist wicked spirit forces.- Matthew 17:14-20.

How can you strengthen your faith? By continuing to study the Bible and apply its counsel in your life. The strength of one's faith depends largely on the firmness of its base - the knowledge of God. Do you not agree that the accurate knowledge you have gained and taken to heart as you have studied the Bible has built up your faith? ( Romans 10:10,17) It will be mighty good start in preventing demon attacks.

What further steps might be taken by a person who is determined to resist wicked spirit forces? Ephesian Christians needed protection because they lived in a city infested with demonism. Hence, Paul told them: "Carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit." (Ephesians 6:18) Since we live in a demon infested world, praying intensely for God's protection is essential in resisting wicked spirits. (Matthew 6:13) Helpful in this regard is the spiritual assistance and prayers of appointed elders in the Christian congregation. - James 5:13-15.

Keep Up Your Fight Against Wicked Spirits

Even after taking these basic steps, however, some have been troubled by wicked spirits. For instance, one man in Cote d' Ivoire studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses and destroyed all his amulets. Thereafter, he made fine progress, dedicated his life to Jehovah God, and was baptized. But a week after his baptism, the demons began to trouble him again, and voices told him to abandon this new found faith. If this happened to you, would it mean that you had lost Jehovah's protection? No necessarily.

Though the perfect man Jesus Christ had divine protection, he heard the voice of the wicked spirit creature Satan the Devil, Jesus showed what to do in such a case. He told the Devil: "Go away, Satan!" (Matthew 4:3-10) In like manner, you should refuse to listen to voices from the spirit world. Resist wicked spirits by calling on Jehovah for help. Yes, pray aloud using God's name. Proverbs 18:10 says: "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection." The Christian man in Cote d I'voire did this, and the wicked spirits stopped harassing him. - Psalm 124:8; 145:18.

Jehovah has allowed the wicked spirits to remain in existence, but he shows his power, particularly in behalf of his people, and his name is being declared in all the earth. (Exodus 9:16) If you stay close to God, you need not fear wicked spirits. (Numbers 23:21,23; James 4:7,8; 2 Peter 2:9) Their power is limited. They were punished in Noah's day, were cast out of heaven in recent times, and are now awaiting final judgment. (Jude 6; Revelation 12:9; 20:1-3, 7-10,14) In fact, they dread their coming destruction. (James 2:19) So whether wicked spirits try to attack you in any way, you can resist them. (2 Corinthians 2:11) Shun every form of spiritism, apply the counsel of God's Word, and seek Jehovah's approval. Do this without delay, for your life depends on your resisting wicked spirit forces.