Chapter 12 - RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES

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 de'Ivoire studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses and destroyed all his amulets.  Thereafter, he made fine progress, dedicated his life to Jehovah, and was baptized.  But a week after his baptism, the demons began  to trouble him again, and voices told him to abandoned his newfound faith.  If this happened to you, would it mean you had lost Jehovah's protection?  Not 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 name in Cote d'Ivoire did this, and the wicked spirits stopped  harassing him.  -Proverbs 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; 2:1-3, 7-10, 14)  In fact, they dread their coming destruction.  (James 2:19)  So whether wicked spirits try to attract you with some kind of bait or 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!

Next time: Chapter 13 -WHY LIVING A GODLY LIFE BRINGS HAPPINESS

The Book -KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995