Religious spirits have a form of godliness. We are instructed by the Apostle Paul, “From such turn away.” Religious spirits spend a great deal of time talking about what great and magnificent things they are going to do for God, yet seldom do more than criticize others. With an understanding of the evil designs of the religious spirit, it becomes vital to recognize its characteristics so we can turn away from its influence. In a letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul warns his spiritual son about religious spirits and gives him implicit instructions about how to interact with them. Scripture says, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5). As Paul so matter-of-factly points out, religious spirits have a “form of godliness” – they appear religious but lack the spiritual substance of an intimate believer. Paul told Timothy to avoid such people – and with good reason. Religious spirits sidetrack people with the deceptive illusion of religious form. Religious form is: Appearance Structure Ceremony Formula Liturgy Ritual. More interested in liturgy than liberty, religious spirits are focused on outward appearances. Religious spirits look at things like the church building, the size of the congregation, where the church is located, and who is attending to decide whether or not they want to be a member of the assembly. They are more interested in form than what the Spirit of God is doing among the people. The result is that they miss the spiritual dynamics of the church because of a focus on carnal externals. Ask yourself these questions: 1.Do you know anyone that chases religious status, titles and positions? 2.Have you ever met a person that was offered a religious title or position in the church only as an obvious attempt to keep that person in the church? 3.Do you know a person that acts like a know-it-all? 4.Have you been around a person that projects an air of self-righteousness or a better-than-you attitude? 5.Does someone expect you to do things that they are not willing to do themselves? 6.Have you met the person who can’t perceive the spiritual dynamics of the local church? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you have probably experienced the spirit of religion first hand.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:45:04 +0000
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