The Religious Spirit.
One of the most different spirits to deal with in the church is the religious spirit.
The religious spirit is demonic, it influences organizations, denominations, group of people and individuals
What are examples of Religion Spirit?
1). Conforming to outward holiness without inward transformation.
2). Desiring position and honor in the church more than honor from God.
3). Always critical of other people’s walk with God when comparing themselves.
4). Religious spirit identities itself and culture in a lifestyle of denomination, instead of Christ likeness.
5). Religious spirit knows about the doctrinal teaching of the church but not the way of Jesus Christ.
6). The religious spirit projects outward righteousness but inwardly filled with anger and resentment.
7). Religious spirits rejoice when a sinner dies outside of Christ.
8). Using religion without love and mercy to enforce rules and control against others.
The religious spirit replaces a genuine relationship with God with works and man made traditions.
When persons operate out of a religious spirit they hinder, condemn, victimize and create guilt. This evil spirit has established non biblical beliefs and customs for generations. Yet, as Believers, we should not turn a blind eye to the work of the religious spirit, It is lurking around attempting to cause judgment and destruction among Believers and in the Body of Churches.
The enemy uses the religious spirit to cause chaos, confusion, shame, and guilt.
He does this with the intention to destroy lives, purpose and destiny.
Years ago I was called to the national board of by my local church bishop, to be vetted for ministerial crenditial however I was rejected on two accounts; one having a television in my home and two verbally expressing my views of having no problem with females processing their hair, this was due to the double standards of foreigners coming to our church with processed hair and allowed to ministered openly in the sanctuary but local sisters with processed hair were rebuked and put on the back bench for 6 months.
I discovered this spirit, that disguised as holy and righteous, creating nothing but condemnation, shame and guilt.
How did Jesus deal with the religious spirit?
The main carriers of the religious spirit in Jesus's days were the Jewish leaders.
Jesus could not put up with their religious pride and hypocrisy among the Jewish leaders, these were often the scribes and Pharisees.
(Matthew 23:13-39)
Jesus often clashed with them, he called them out loudly! "Wow be unto you Scribes and Pharisees"
they were the religious leaders of the nation, yet Jesus criticised them openly and exposed their hypocrisy.
Jesus said, "They love to be respected and admired, given important seats and called Rabbi."
Jesus warns people that although the Pharisees preach God’s Law, they do not practice it. Therefore people should not copy their behaviours.
Jesus criticised how the scribes and Pharisees loved to make a show of how religious they were, with extra wide phylacteries and extra long tassels on their prayer shawls. Jesus saw past all this and showed the real person and their hearts intention, the
pride, a self-righteous with no desire to change their attitudes.
How to see and discern the Religious Spirit?
I have listed 8 things above to help you identify the religious spirit.
Pray and fast for the discerning of spirits and ask God to expose and reveal to you this wicked spirit.
The shepherd is responsible for the care of his sheep, love is a good antidote against the religious spirit.
Finally the Spirit of truth which is Holy Spirit often exposes and reveals the religious spirit.
Marcel and Jacqueline Bruff
@walkgoodinchrist
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