Introduction
There are 12 strong spirits that try to make it difficult for people to serve God and be free in their lives. These spirits work every day to keep humans feeling trapped and controlled. In this message, we will talk about these spirits so that people can understand them better. This understanding will help individuals identify their choices and find ways to overcome these spirits on their Christian journey.
- Familiar Spirit
Deuteronomy 18:9-14
A familiar spirit refers to an evil spirit that communicates with and guides individuals through mediums or occult practices. It tempts people to engage in divination, sorcery, and witchcraft, leading them away from God’s guidance and into spiritual darkness. As a Christian who desires to reach heaven at the end of your Christian journey on earth, it is important to distance yourself from the spirit of Familiar. If you have already involved yourself with it, you need to come back to God by accepting the lordship of Jesus Christ, who has the power to save you from the spirit of Familiar. It may not be easy for you, as you may continue to hear its voice at night when you decide to leave the spirit of Familiar. However, through prayer, accepting the lordship of Jesus Christ, studying the word, and joining a true Christian community, you can achieve victory as promised in His word, for all power bows down before the name of Jesus Christ.
- Spirit of Bondage
Romans 8:15
The spirit of bondage is a formidable force that keeps individuals trapped in the clutches of addictions, unhealthy habits, and destructive patterns of behavior. It creates a suffocating environment that hinders them from experiencing the freedom, joy, and abundant life that God has promised to His children. This spirit acts as a formidable barrier, preventing individuals from embracing their true potential and living in alignment with their divine purpose.
To break free from the grip of this spirit, it often requires a multifaceted approach. Inner healing is a vital component, as it involves delving into the depths of one’s soul to address the underlying wounds, traumas, and emotional baggage that contribute to the cycle of bondage.
It is essential to acknowledge that addiction, whether it be substance abuse, unhealthy habits, or destructive behavioral patterns, can deceive individuals into believing that it holds the key to inspiration, wisdom, and power. However, this is a dangerous misconception. True inspiration, wisdom, and power emanate from God Almighty, the source of all goodness and light. Embracing a relationship with Him and surrendering to His divine guidance can illuminate the path towards liberation and restoration.
Breaking free from the spirit of bondage requires a steadfast commitment, a willingness to confront inner struggles, and an unwavering faith in the transformative power of God. Through His grace, individuals can overcome addictions, unhealthy habits, and destructive patterns, stepping into a life of true freedom, joy, and abundance.
- Spirit of Infirmity
John 5:5-16, Luke 13:10-13
The spirit of infirmity is a malevolent force that brings about physical ailments, illnesses, and chronic conditions. It manifests in diverse forms, weakening individuals physically and impacting their overall well-being. This spirit originates from the dark realms, seeking to keep believers in bondage and prevent them from fully embracing the power of God. However, it is crucial to recognize that there is no power on earth that surpasses the name of Jesus Christ.
When the name of Jesus Christ is invoked and His lordship is acknowledged, every spirit of infirmity must submit. God, in His infinite glory, does not share His power with any other spirit residing within our bodies. By placing our faith and trust in the Lord, we can experience His healing touch and be set free from the grip of infirmity.
It is essential to remember that God’s power transcends any physical ailment or illness. Through the name of Jesus Christ, believers can tap into the divine authority and experience miraculous healing. By embracing the lordship of Christ and believing in His ability to restore and renew, individuals can find solace and strength in the face of physical afflictions.
It is important to approach healing with a mindset of faith and perseverance. This involves consistently seeking God’s guidance, praying for deliverance from the spirit of infirmity, and actively engaging in practices that promote physical and spiritual well-being. Surrounding oneself with a community of believers who will uplift, support, and intercede in prayer further enhances the healing journey.
By aligning ourselves with His will, calling upon the name of Jesus Christ, and embracing His lordship, we can experience the transformative power of His healing touch and find freedom from the spirit of infirmity.
- Spirit of Pride and Haughtiness Proverbs 16:18
Pride and haughtiness are destructive attitudes that elevate oneself above others and reject humility. This spirit can blind individuals to their own faults, impede personal growth, and harm relationships by fostering arrogance and self-centeredness. Due to the presence of pride in material possessions, such as houses, cars, and education, it has caused the destruction of many relationships, as individuals are unwilling to apologize and take responsibility for their actions. If one desires to attain heaven, it is crucial to overcome the spirit of pride by embracing the qualities of “humility” and “selflessness” exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ demonstrated humility even to the point of death. It is important to acknowledge that everything one possesses is a gift from God and not the result of one’s own abilities alone. While personal effort plays a role, it is important to recognize that the power and abilities bestowed upon an individual originate from God. The spirit of pride poses a significant threat to the spiritual journey of Christians, potentially leading them away from salvation.
- Spirit of Heaviness
Isaiah 61:3
The spirit of heaviness represents a profound state of sorrow, depression, or emotional burden. It has the ability to oppress individuals, impacting their mental well-being, joy, and overall quality of life. Overcoming this spirit requires learning to find contentment with what one possesses and placing faith in God’s timing and plan for success. Instead of harboring envy or resentment towards others who have achieved success and joy, it is important to rejoice with them and genuinely celebrate their blessings. By cultivating a mindset of happiness and gratitude for the achievements of others, one opens themselves up to receiving their own blessings. The key to overcoming the spirit of heaviness lies in learning how to genuinely rejoice and find happiness in the success of others.
- Spirit of Fear
2 Timothy 1:7
Fear is an incredibly potent emotion that can immobilize individuals, preventing them from pursuing their dreams, making decisions, or embracing new opportunities. The spirit of fear infiltrates one’s heart with anxiety, worry, and timidity, stifling personal growth and depriving individuals of a truly fulfilling life. This spirit has caused many people to fail in life and will continue to lead countless others towards damnation. As a Christian, you may find yourself working in an office environment where corruption is rampant, yet you remain silent, compromising your principles out of the spirit of fear in order to preserve your job. However, when you place your faith in God, you come to understand that God has not given us a spirit of fear but rather the spirit of confidence that discerns what is true and righteous.
- Spirit of Lies
2 Chronicles 18:1-25
The spirit of lies is a force that promotes deception, falsehood, and dishonesty. It leads individuals astray, distorts the truth, and cultivates a culture of deceit. This spirit can manifest in various ways, including lying, manipulation, and hypocrisy, which ultimately damage relationships. In today’s world, people often resort to lies in their daily interactions. For instance, when your coworkers call you while you are still at home, responding with “I’m on my way” is a lie. However, lies have become prevalent because the devil understands that an individual who consistently lies will find their path on a steep decline. It is important to recognize that the spirit of lies is a common enemy that has deceived many into believing that everyone lies. Which is not true. If you have find yourself skilled in the art of lying, it is important for you to change and embrace the truth, as lying is an adversary to the kingdom of God.
- Spirit of Jealousy
Numbers 5:14-15
Jealousy is a breeding ground for resentment, envy, and covetousness. It prompts individuals to constantly compare themselves to others, nurturing bitterness and conflicts. This spirit gives rise to harmful actions like gossiping, sowing division, and harboring a relentless desire to undermine or harm those seen as rivals. This spirit has caused numerous individuals to remain in a state of poverty because once one becomes consumed by jealousy towards the success of others, they become blind to their own potential and hinder their own path to success. True success is achieved when one refuses to allow the spirit of jealousy to blind their vision.
- Spirit of Perversion Jude 1:16-21, Leviticus 18:1
The spirit of perversion distorts and corrupts moral values, leading individuals down a path of immorality and sin. It tempts people to indulge in sexual immorality, deviating from God’s intended design for human relationships. Unfortunately, this spirit has had a detrimental impact on the pursuit of holiness among many believers today. It entices individuals to prioritize the satisfaction of their fleshly desires over upholding moral values that bring glory to God. It is essential to recognize that our bodies are temples of God, and just as we wouldn’t allow a deplorable condition in our physical home, we should strive to ensure that our hearts, where God resides, are pure and free from corruption. It is crucial to be mindful of our actions and live above the influence of the spirit of perversion, embracing a contented and virtuous lifestyle.
Read also: signs of the end time
- Antichrist Spirit
1 John 4:1-3
The spirit of the Antichrist stands in opposition to Christ and His teachings. It vehemently denies Jesus as the true Messiah and seeks to deceive individuals, leading them astray from the truth found in the Gospel. This spirit actively promotes false doctrines that undermine the foundational principles of Christianity. Unfortunately, many believers today are drawn to hearing only what they want to hear, disregarding the true teachings of the Bible. The spirit of the Antichrist is relentless in its efforts to deceive and mislead believers, and if one becomes a vessel for this spirit due to selfish interests, their preaching becomes tainted and untrue. It is essential to change one’s ways and align with the teachings of Christ, for on the day of judgment, many will claim to have done great works in His name, but God will say; “Depart from me, you workers of evil.”
- Spirit of Idolatry
Hosea 4:9-12, Ezekiel 16:22-36
In the journey of believers today, the spirit of idolatry emerges as one of the formidable adversaries. Its influence has caused many individuals to stray from faithfulness to their partners. This spirit wages war because it aims to prevent believers from truly serving God. In our current generation, the transgression of idolatry has become increasingly common. However, as believers who uphold the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we possess the power to overcome this sin and temptation. The key lies in remaining faithful to our partners and steering clear of any opportunities for idolatry.
Idolatry, at its core, involves the worship and reverence of false gods or objects. It is a diversion from the true worship of the one and only God. This spiritual battle against idolatry is not a new phenomenon; rather, it has plagued humanity since ancient times. In biblical accounts, we witness numerous instances where people deviated from God’s commandments and sought solace in the worship of idols. The allure of idolatry lies in the promise of immediate gratification, worldly desires, and the pursuit of self-centered pleasures.
Today’s society is no stranger to the transgression of idolatry. We live in a world inundated with distractions, materialism, and the pursuit of self-fulfillment. The prevalence of social media, the glorification of celebrities, and the obsession with material possessions have all contributed to the rise of idolatrous tendencies. The spirit of idolatry takes advantage of these temptations, seeking to draw believers away from their commitment to their partners and ultimately, their relationship with God.
- Spirit of Dumb and Deaf Spirit Matthew 17:13-23
A dumb and deaf spirit symbolizes a spiritual influence that obstructs communication and comprehension. It manifests in individuals as speech impediments, hearing impairments, or challenges in effectively expressing oneself. Many believers struggle to express themselves because their spiritual ears are deafened. The prevalent lifestyles of the world have led numerous believers astray, hindering their ability to hear and understand the word of God. This occurs when they prioritize worldly desires and pursuits over the teachings of the divine.
When one remains enamored with the things of the world, their ability to hear and comprehend the things of God becomes compromised. The distractions and allure of worldly pleasures can deafen their spiritual ears, causing a disconnect from the truth and wisdom found in the word of God. It is essential to recognize that a genuine understanding of God’s teachings requires a heart that is open and receptive to His guidance, free from the entanglements of worldly desires.
To overcome the deafness of spirit, believers must cultivate a transformative mindset. This involves a deliberate choice to detach from the influences of the world and redirect one’s focus towards God. By nurturing a deep love for Him and prioritizing His will above worldly pursuits, individuals can begin to regain their spiritual hearing and understanding.
Engaging in regular prayer, studying and meditating on the scriptures, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit can help believers overcome the deafness of spirit.
Read also: What are the Character of true disciple?
Conclusion
Understanding the existence and influence of these 12 strong spirits can help individuals identify and combat negative forces in their lives. By seeking spiritual growth, cultivating positive attitudes, and relying on the power of faith, individuals can overcome these spirits and experience a life filled with joy, peace, and purpose. It is important to remember that with God’s guidance and support, individuals have the ability to conquer any spiritual challenge they may face.
