![]() ![]() Develops a harsh, judgmental attitude toward others- This spirit will skillfully mutter words of judgment toward others in a Believer’s life.“ Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”-Philippians 2:3-4 As a result, the Believer becomes isolated, because he or she is more focused on tasks and praise than honoring God and thinking of others. Craves a position of honor in the Church- Closely related to pride, this spirit drives Believers to seek positions in the Church or ministry where they will be recognized and commended.“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not by works, lest anyone should boast.”-Ephesians 2:8-9 Pressure is turned on and thus builds, causing feelings of guilt, shame and doubt. Attempts to earn God’s love and salvation- Even though a Believer could know the truth of our Savior, this spirit suggests to the mind that they must earn God’s love with their actions.“…God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”-James 4:6 This blocks the blessing of an intimate relationship with God. Pride slowly starts to creep in and puffs up the Believer thoughts and actions. Concerns with outside appearances of being holy and righteous- This spirit deceives those in the Church into thinking if they act like a Christian it replaces the need of Christ in their lives.Let’s look at ways this spirit wages war against the grace and power of God in a Believer’s life: This leads to a multitude of destructive thoughts and behaviors. Eventually, the person who is operating in the religious spirit harbors resentment. These infectious lies plant seeds of false righteousness and holiness. ![]() It often uses a person’s history and circumstances to afflict internal whispers of judgment and pressure to perform. You can identify this spirit and overcome it ! How does a religious spirit manifest?Ī religious spirit can manifest in different ways. But the Holy Spirit has equipped us with God’s full armor. There are a number of trademarks of the religious spirit. The good news is, when you seek to be led by the Holy Spirit, you will be able to identify and deal with this bitter and hypocritical spirit. But he can cause great confusion and deception. We must be clear that no matter how hard Satan tries to forge the work of the Holy Spirit, he cannot. This religious spirit is out to imitate the work of the Holy Spirit. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”-2 Corinthians 11:13-14 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. He does this with the work of the religious spirit. We know the enemy is an angel of light, attempting to counterfeit any of God’s good and perfect gifts, in efforts to cause chaos, confusion, shame, and guilt. It is lurking around attempting to cause judgment and destruction among Believers and in the Body of Church. Yet, as Believers, we shouldn’t turn a blind eye to the work of the religious spirit. This evil spirit has established nonbiblical beliefs and customs for generations. When people operate out of a religious spirit they attempt to earn salvation. A religious spirit is a type of demonic spirit that influences a person, or group of people, to replace a genuine relationship with God with works and traditions.
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