RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES

HOW TO RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES

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 (like necklaces with crosses, rosary beads, for example)  and other items worn for protection, (or worship)  and gifts received from practicers of spiritism.  (Deuteronomy 7:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 10:21) To illustrate:  A married couple in Thailand had long been harassed by demons. 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 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 your ability to resist wicked 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 might 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 tole 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. 

Note: Another thing that helps to resist wicked spirits is if any of your family or friends  are not believer, or have anything to do with magic, or any other thing that has to do with spiritism- music or books about magic, worshiping any other thing that they consider god, and they either gave you something or want to give you something pertaining to the practice of spiritism,  Give back, get rid of  and refuse anything like that, including jewelry that has a cross on it, That, flags, rosaries or any statute or anything else that pertains to spiritism.  That is considered idolatry. Also saluting the flag, standing when the Star Spangled Banner comes on, is odolatry.  Anything that takes too much time away from God and worshiping him is wrong in his eyes. 

Next time: RESIST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES/KEEP UP YOUR FIGHT AGAINST WICKED SPIRIT FORCES. 

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life