Spirit Creatures-How They Affect Us/HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRITS

The Bible tells us both how to resist wicked spirits an dhow to break free from them.  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 that encourages 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."  (Ephesus 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 [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. 

How, then, can we strengthen our faith? By studying  the Bible. The firmness of a wall depends 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 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. 

What other step did the Christians in Ephesus need to take?  They needed further protection because they were living in a city filled with demonism.  So Paul told them:  "With every form  of prayer and supplication carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit."  (Ephesians  6:18) Since we too  live in a  world full of demonism , earnestly praying to Jehovah for his protection is essential  in resisting wicked spirits. Of course, we need to use Jehovah's name in our prayers.   (Proverbs 18:10) Hence, we should keep on praying go God to "deliver us from the wicked one,"Satan the Devil.  (Matthew 6:13) Jehovah will answer such earnest prayers. -Psalm 145:19.

Wicked spirits are dangerous, but we need not live in fear of them if we oppose the Devil and draw close to God  by doing His will.   (James 4:7, 8)  The power of wicked spirits  is limited.  They were punished in Noah's day, and they face their final judgment in the future.  (Jude 6)  Remember, too, that we have protection of Jehovah's powerful angels.  (2 Kings 6:15-17) Those angels are deeply interested in seeing us succeed in resisting wicked  spirits. The righteous angels are cheering us on, so to speak. Let us therefore stay close to Jehovah and his family of faithful spirit creatures. May we also avoid every kind of spiritism and always apply the counsel of God's World.  (1 Peter 5:6, 7;  2 Peter 2:9)  Then we can be sure of victory in our fight against wicked spirit creatures.

But why has God tolerated evil spirits and the wickedness that has caused people  so much suffering?  That question will be answered in the next chapter.

Next time: Spirit Creatures-How They Affect Us/CHAPTER ELEVEN:Why Does God Allow Suffering?

From the book:  WHAT DOES THE BIBLE REALLY TEACH?