The Bible speaks of two types of spirits that have great impact on our lives: the spirit of the world and unclean spirits. These spirits have vastly different origins, characteristics, and consequences, but both have the power to influence individuals and hinder our relationship with God.
As believers, it is important to understand the nature of these spirits and how to protect ourselves from their influence. Let us delve deeper into the teachings of the Bible to gain a better understanding of these spirits and their role in our lives.
1. The spirit of the world is opposed to the spirit of God - In 1 Corinthians 2:12, it says "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God." There is a clear distinction between the spirit of the world and the spirit of God. The spirit of the world is in opposition to the things of God.
2. The spirit of the world leads to worldly desires - In 1 John 2:16, it says "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." The spirit of the world entices with worldly desires that are not from God. These desires can lead us away from living a life that pleases God.
3. The spirit of the world promotes selfishness and pride - In James 4:4, it says "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." The spirit of the world encourages you to seek your own desires and prioritize your own needs over others. This is in direct contrast to the humility and selflessness that God desires from us.
4. The spirit of the world promotes sin - In Ephesians 2:2, it says "in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." The spirit of the world is controlled by Satan, the prince of this world. It promotes sin and disobedience, leading away from God's will for our lives.
5. The spirit of the world hinders your understanding of God - In 1 Corinthians 1:21, it says "For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe." The spirit of the world relies on human wisdom, carnal thinking and understanding, which cannot comprehend the things of God. This hinders our ability to truly know and understand God.
6. The spirit of the world leads to spiritual death - In 1 John 5:19, it says "We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." The spirit of the world is ultimately controlled by the evil one, and it can lead us towards spiritual death and separation from God. It can easily distract us from our relationship with God and lead us down a path of destruction.
7. The spirit of the world will ultimately be destroyed - In 2 Peter 3:10, it says "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed." The spirit of the world and all its desires will be destroyed on the day of judgment. As believers, we are called to resist the spirit of the world and instead live according to the spirit of God, knowing that His kingdom is eternal and far greater than the passing pleasures of this world.
The Bible talks about unclean spirits in Matthew 10.
1. Definition of unclean spirits: According to the Bible, unclean spirits are evil spirits or demons that possess and influence individuals, causing them to act and behave in ways contrary to God's will.
Mat 8:16-17 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: (17) That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
2. Origin of unclean spirits: These spirits are said to have originated from fallen angels, who were cast out of heaven with Satan after rebelling against God.
Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
3. Power and authority over unclean spirits: In Matthew 10:1, Jesus gave his disciples "power against unclean spirits, to cast them out." This shows that as believers, we have authority over these spirits through the power of Christ.
4. Characteristics of unclean spirits: The Bible describes unclean spirits as being deceitful, cruel, and seeking to destroy those they possess. (Mark 1:23-27) They also have the ability to cause physical ailments, such as blindness and mute speech. (Matthew 9:32-33)
5. Influence on individuals: These spirits have the power to influence individuals to commit acts of sin and disobedience against God. In Matthew 17:15, a man's son is said to have been "lunatic, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water." This was due to the unclean spirit that possessed him.
6. Their ultimate defeat: The good news is that these unclean spirits have already been defeated by Jesus on the cross. In Colossians 2:15, it says that Jesus "spoiled principalities and powers [including unclean spirits], he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it [the cross]."
7. Protection from unclean spirits: As believers, we have been given the armor of God to protect us from the attacks of unclean spirits. In Ephesians 6:12, it says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." By putting on this armor and standing firm in our faith, we can resist the influence of these spirits. (Ephesians 6:13)
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(c) Apostle Jonas Clark
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