HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRITS

The Bible tells us both how to resist wicked spirits and how to break free from them.  ( note:  although, since Satan is running the world right now, you can never be totally free, but you can be really close if you are in  God's favor)  Consider the  example of the first-century Christians in the city of Ephesus. Some of them practiced spiritism before becoming Christians.  When they decided  to break free from spiritism, what did they do? The Bible says: "Quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together  and burned them up before everybody."  (Acts 19:19)  By destroying  their books on magic, those new Christians set an example for those who wish to resist wicked spirits today.  People who want to serve  Jehovah need to get rid of everything related to spiritism.  That includes books, magazines, posters, and music recordings that encourage the practice of spiritism and make it seem appealing and exciting. Included, too, are  amulets or other items worn for protection against evil. -1 Corinthians 10:21. 

Some years after the Christians in Ephesus destroyed their books on magic, the apostle Paul wrote them: "We have a wrestling . . .against the wicked spirit forces." (Ephesians 6:12) The demons had not given up.  They were still trying to gain an advantage. So, what else did those Christians need to do?  "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 ones [Satan's ] burning missiles."  (Ephesians 6:16)  The stronger our shield of faith, the greater our resistance to wicked spirit forces will be.- Matthew 17:20. 

(Note: Yes this helps a great deal, but since we are imperfect, sinful humans, we are apt to temptation of things and are still vulnerable to Satan's tactics and manipulations and have to keep our wits about us, because Satan has so little time left, he will use any trick to wreck your faith and that is one way to get your worship of him. I know it makes no sense to you, but it does to him.) 

How, then, can we strengthen our faith?  By studying the Bible.  The firmness of a will depens very much on the strength of  its foundation.  In the same way, the firmness of our faith depends  greatly on the strength of its base, which is an accurate knowledge of God's Word, the Bible.  If we read and study the Bible daily, our faith will become strong. Like a strong wall, such faith will shield us from the influence of wicked spirits.  -1 John 5:5.  

Note: What they don't say here is that if you don't follow all of God's commandments and statutes, that your faith will not do any good. You have to follow all his commandments and statutes if you want a fair chance. That will be a long, detailed list, that would seem unfair to you, but if you love Jehovah God and Jesus Christ and have extremely strong faith in him, (and by the way, he can read your heart and mind and he will know if you faith is as strong as you think it is, believe me) You will do whatever it takes to keep him in favor of you and in his protection.  You will need to go to a Jehovah's Witness to get all the truth that the Bible gives you, because no other church or religion will. I guarantee that.   

Next time: Conclusion of: HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRITS 

From the Book: What Does the Bible Really Teach?  2005 and 2006