Chapter 12 - RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES

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,  musical recordings and objects used for spiritistic purposes.  Also included are idols (statues, pictures/posters) amulets (crosses) and other items worn for protection and gifts received from practicers of spiritism.  (Deuteronomy 7:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 100:21)  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 6:1-17) 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)  No doubt, therefore, as you continue this study and make  it your custom to attend the meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses, your faith will be fortified even more.   (Romans 1:11, 12; Colossians 2:6, 7) It will be a mighty bulwark against demon attacks. - 1 John 5:5.

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.

Next time: KEEP UP YOUR FIGHT AGAINST WICKED SPIRITS

The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995