| UNVEILING THE ‘SPIRIT’ |
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Memorise: “Then a spirit passed before my face: the hair of my flesh stood up” (Job 4: 15). Read: Job 4:15-17 |
| Just as the Spirit of God and His angels pay us visits, so also do evil spirits. The human body has a way of responding to the presence of a spirit, hence we ought to be sure of what spirit we are dealing with. 1 John 4:1-3 says because of the myriads of deceptive spirits hovering around the world today, there is need to subject each spirit that comes calling to scrutiny. But how do you know when a spirit is near? According to our reading, when a spirit is passing by, your hair will stand up right. If your hair immediately returns to normal position, you can ignore it. But if it doesn’t, then know that a spirit is visiting you. Immediately cover yourself with the blood of Jesus. If you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, you can command that spirit to manifest itself in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. All spirits are bound to obey. When they manifest, do not take to your heels. Scripturally, you can now commence a series of interrogations. Remember there is no need to fear because Ephesians 2:6 says, “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Also Colossians 3:3 says, “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God”. This means you are in Christ and you are seated with Him in heavenly places far above all powers, principalities and demons. According to 1 John 4:1-3, you can determine if the spirit is from God or the devil by asking it, “Has Jesus come in the flesh.” If it says, ‘No’, it is from the devil. Other questions you can ask according to 1 Corinthians 12:3b are: ‘Is Jesus blessed forever?’ and ‘Is Jesus Christ Lord?’ If both answers are in the affirmative, you are talking to an angel. A further test is found in Luke 1:11-13. Spirits from God will always say, ‘Fear not’ whereas demons enjoy being feared. Any spirit who fails these tests is from the devil. Do not be deceived by its beauty or glory. If Satan is coming to you, do you think he will come in an ugly, repelling and vicious manner? No. He knows you will not receive him. Hence, he will transform his ugliness into beauty, and feign the glory he once had as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Be watchful and sensitive to the Holy Spirit always. Before you accept a message a spirit has brought to you, find out the source of that message. |
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