BREAKING BONDAGES - SEDUCTION - PART 1

 THE SEDUCTION OF REASON, PASSION, BEING GIVEN OVER
 

This is Part 1 of a 3 part series dealing with temptations, bondages, and demonic influence. The other two are:
- BREAKING BONDAGES "TAGGED"   
- BREAKING BONDAGES "ENSLAVED"


 Jesus' ministry had so many unique characteristics, and one was the casting out of devils. What relevance does that have with us today?
The following teaching does not deal with the casting out of devils, but rather some of the ways we can be exposed to the forces of darkness.

    INDEX: - The Kingdom of Darkness and Open Doors

                  - Three Ways of Falling Under the Power of the Enemy:

  1.The Seduction of Reason

      a-    Being  disobedient, presumptuous (venturing in forbidden territory) 
      b-    Rebellion and Self-exaltation

      c-    Harbouring sinful and deceitful ulterior motives and practices
      d-    Hating your brother

      e-    Through ignorance and carelessness

f-    Rejecting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior

 2.The Seduction of Passion

 3. Being Given Over

               - Conclusion

                           

             

The Kingdom of Darkness and Open Doors

  As we go about our daily lives, carrying out our responsibilities, and bumping shoulders with the everyday concerns of not only our lives, but those of the world around us, we must keep in mind certain things the Lord has taught us from the Bible. Three of these are:

1 – NOT ALL ISSUES IN LIFE ARE ORGINATED BY PEOPLE

2 – WE ARE TO GUARD THE GATES OF OUR HEART AND MIND

3 – WE ARE TO BE SOBER AND VIGILANT, AND WATCH AND PRAY

  In the midst of all things natural it is easy to forget that we are in a spiritual battle, fighting with spiritual weapons, against an enemy that is a spirit. The Bible further reveals to us the Kingdom of God, the kingdom of darkness, as well as the kingdom of men, and everything that goes on in this life involves at least one of them at any given time, and you are in it, like it or not. One cannot say, “I want nothing to do with the Kingdom of God, or the kingdom of the devil.” and is thereby excluded from the battles. Like it or not, you are either a soldier, a pawn, or a victim. The good news is that in Christ Jesus you get to be a soldier, and our weapons are the Word of God (truth), prayer, righteousness, faith, and love. Ephesians 6:17-18, 2 Corinthians 6:7, Hebrews 11:33, Romans 12:21

  The Lord has placed bounds, defenses, and restrictions against the works of darkness for our sakes as people, and especially as Christians, so the devil can do nothing through us but what we allow him to, “But Peter said to Ananias and Sapphira, ‘Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost…?’” Acts 5:3.  In other words when we enter into agreement with him we give him an open door into our heart and life to fulfill his will, and God holds us completely responsible.
 

 3 WAYS OF FALLING UNDER THE POWER OF THE ENEMY
– Being seduced in our thinking and passions, losing control of ourselves, being given over.

1 -THE SUDUCTION OF REASON

“That which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15.

 The worst time to discover what the end product of something is, is in the wake of its destruction.  Before embracing… an idea, a right, a goal, a campaign, please check out its source, hidden motives, and destiny before God.

“Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart form the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils…” 1 Timothy 4:1

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after  their own lusts shall the heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 3:3-4

  As stated, the devil cannot do anything through us unless we agree. That means he has to capture our thinking, and if he does, he has access to every aspect of our being. Remember what Jesus said about the devil, that he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). We can be sure that the conclusion he brings us to is deceptive. Now he is crafty and he knows how to appeal to our sense of values and self-worth, as well as to our lusts. He also realizes that he has to jump the hurdles of our moral defense. Let us look at how the serpent seduced Eve. First he led her into doubt the Word of God, “Has God said…?” then to disbelief “You shall not surely die.” Finally he sold her the goods, appealing to her lust and pride “and you shall be as gods…” Genesis 3:1-6. She caved, opened the door, the sin crept in, and death followed.

  He will use actual cases and situations in your life that are verifiable – “Look what they did to you!”  He even uses Scriptures Matthew 4:6, but the motive and conclusion is always in rebellion to God and for destruction, and not necessarily only yours.

How did Jesus combat the devil’ lies?

 He used the Scriptures of the Bible in the appropriate application for each temptation; “It is written… It is written again… It is written…” Matthew 4:4,7,10

 Now the devil is not always speaking to us through our thoughts, but often through the ideas, thoughts, and reasoning of others.  Nor are they always coming through a religious setting, but likely more often in a social, political, educational, or even an entertainment setting where we would not so easily recognize him as the source, nor be on our guard.

REMEMBER – Not all conclusions are true and right merely because they have a logical sequence and are backed with 'apparent' corresponding evidence that claims to substantiate the conclusion. When examined in the light of the testimonies of the Lord, and the provable facts, not only the conclusions, but even the so called evidence may be 100% contrary to reality.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11
  If anyone’s conclusion defies any of these and condones any form of hate, malice, cruelty,  enslaves, the taking the life of innocent human beings, sexual sin, drugs, witchcraft, idolatry (giving something the place that only God should be and draws you away from supreme loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ), you must flee from it! It is evil and demonic.

HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE?

-Jesus said that you shall know them by their fruits Matthew 7:16-20

-Jesus said that we shall know what is from God by how obediently we respond to God’s will “If any man do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.” John 7:17

“To the Law and to the Testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20

  The Old Testament is the Law and the New Testament is the Testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. Whenever something or someone contradicts or attacks these it is an immediate warning sign. Now the end product of our Biblical application should resemble or coincide with the nature, character, person, and purpose of Jesus Christ, which is the plan of God Almighty.

HOW DO WE GET INTO A POSITION OF BEING SUCEPTIBLE TO FALLING UNDER DEMONIC INFLUENCE/CONTROL?

a-    Being  disobedient, presumptuous (venturing in forbidden territory) 

b-    Rebellion and Self-exaltation

c-    Harbouring sinful and deceitful ulterior motives and practices

d-    Hating your brother

e-    Through ignorance and carelessness

f-    Rejecting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

 

a – King Saul disobeyed the Lord by taking it on to himself to exercise the role of priest which God did not permit - 1 Samuel 13:12-13. Soon afterwards he did not follow the Lord’s instructions to completely carry the Lord's retribution on the Amalekites for their ruthless attack  on the Israelites when they were wondering in the desert.  As a result the Lord was severely displeased with him and His Spirit departed from him. Instead He sent an evil spirit to torment him. When the evil spirit was on him he would have fits of anger and rage, and become violent. 1 Samuel 16:14 This event is peculiar though not the only time recorded in the Bible that the Lord had done such a thing in this manner to someone. A messenger of Satan was sent to buffet Paul lest he would be overly exalted 2 Corinthians 12: 7. With King Saul, it clearly shows some of the behavior that a person tormented by an evil spirit will display.  He began to reason that David, his loyal servant, was out to get him. The difference between Paul and King Saul was that Paul was not afflicted as a result of disobedience and was thus able to manage the torments by faith which was actually for his benefit. On the other hand, Saul out of disobedience, was afflicted and therefore unable to resist anymore than when the devil had tempted him into presumption and disobedience in the first place. Here we can see who King Saul was more apt to obey when under pressure. With the example of King Saul we can have a glimpse of the possible danger of anyone venturing into forbidden territory and acting in disobedience because we are following another voice other than Christ's.
(The question of King Saul's eternal soul is not necessarily reflected in this account of his life. God is just and only He is capable to make such a judgment. This account is a here and now situation for our benefit.)

 “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” 1 Samuel 15:23 This was the charge against King Saul through Samuel the Prophet. Both witchcraft and stubbornness leaves us open to demonic influence/control.

b – An extreme example of rebellion by self-exaltation is in Numbers 16  when Korah, Dathan and Abiram, rose up against Moses, “And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, ‘You take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, everyone of them, and the Lord is among them: why then do you lift up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?” Numbers 16:3

 That sounds true, doesn’t it, even Scriptural? But it was a form of pure rebellion against the established order of the Lord (God’s order and authority are things the devil hates), and the Lord exposed the jealously of their motives and their arrogance. Moses, by the Word of the Lord called them wicked men (vs 26). They were attacking the work of God and the work of the Holy Spirit Who was manifesting Himself through the ministries of Moses and Aaron. From where do you think they got their inspiration? Do you see the logic of their thinking? Was not their conclusion a rational deduction from their reasoning, and it even sounded Biblical? But what was their objective really aimed at? Were their accusations just? Were their motives upright according to the will of God? The devil no doubt helped feed their greed and pride, and through them tried to attack the work of God. What a price they paid! King David prayed this, and so should we:

 “Search me O God, and know my heart, try me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 Rebellion and defiance are such dangerous undertakings. We must fear God and be quick to humble ourselves. The devil is right there to fuel all our attitudes and ambitions and we will feel so justified.

 

c – Judas harboured sinful and deceitful practices, and ulterior motives. “’Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?’ (again, that sure sounds noble) This he said not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare/pilfered what was put therein.” John 12:5-6.

 When we harbour sinful practices we will have ulterior motives and are already operating in the realm of deceit. The devil will grasp the opportunity to persuade you to do something that you think will give you what you want and that will justify your cause, but it is always evil. And woe be to you if you succeed. There are things that are even a stretch for the average sinner to do, but if we completely resolve to go ahead and do it, look what happened with Judas, … “And after the morsel (of dipped bread), Satan then entered into him (Judas).” John 13:26.

 Have you ever wondered how people can do the things they do even though the Lord holds them fully accountable? When you agree to do something sinful/evil, guess who you are opening the door of your heart and mind to? Others will be hurt and you will bear the guilt before God Almighty!

 

d – Hating your brother is another open door for the devil to get a foothold into your life – “The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother in in darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the Light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him...For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; not as Cain who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.” 1 John 2:9-10, 3:11-12 NAS

  We must never take lightly the thoughts we have against someone “Love thinks no evil” 1 Corinthians 13:5. If we harbour hate in our heart, the devil will continually feed it with every justifiable reason until you are ready to carry out his will. So many of our thoughts and opinions are from an outside ‘inspiration’, and whatever their objective is will become ours if we are in agreement, and consequently so will our actions fulfill another’s agenda. Be assured, you will be judged and fully accountable for what you do while you carry out their agenda. We must fear God and walk in love, truth, and humility.

 

e – Ignorance and carelessness are other avenues for an open door to demonic forces which rely heavily on our ignorance or carelessness. A popular example of such thing is when Peter tried to restrain the Lord regarding the cross, “Then Peter took Him, and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Be it far from You, Lord: this shall not be unto You.’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get thee behind me Satan, for you are an offense unto me: for you savour not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” Matthew 16:22-23

 We do not realize how such a statement was temptation to Jesus “Who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin” Hebrews 4:15. Doubtless, His human side was struggling with anxiety and fears with regards to what He was about face. Through his ignorance, Peter allowed the devil to attack Jesus. I wonder how many times we have done similar things to people.

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declares unto them: for the spirit of whoredom has caused them to err, and they have gone a-whoring from under their God.” Hosea 4:6,10.

“But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God, and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils.” 1 Corinthians 10:20

 Well-meaning people, perhaps in pursuit of God, or maybe looking for  adventure and mystery have gone off course and become entangled with cults, the occult, or idolatry. In so doing they have become seduced by devils. Another trick that the devil uses on people who may want God but do not want to repent of their sin, is that he will give them a religion that will impersonate their god and at the same time allows for their sin. What they do not realize is that what they are actually fellowshipping with and entertaining are devils, as the Scriptures warns.

 

f– Those that reject the Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, are open targets for falling into deception because they have forsaken the Truth, grace and deliverance that God had provided for them. Furthermore, they not only had made a choice to renounce submission to God, “Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son.” Colossians 1:13, but now they have absolutely no defense against the forces of darkness, under which they, by default, have made an agreement with, and furthermore made themselves God’s enemies.

“…even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

 

2 -THE SEDCUTION OF PASSION – WHEN WE LOSE CONTROL

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28 NIV

“Be angry, and sin not,: let not the sun go down upon your wrath; Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27

 I previously mentioned that God has given us built in defenses against the powers of darkness, and two of them are the ability of free choice, and the ability to have control over our own behaviour. That begins with parental training and disciplines, and in Christ Jesus, self-control is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23). We are all weak in areas and the Lord holds us up in our integrity as we earnestly desire to please Him by doing what is right, and this goes for the unconverted as well - “And God said unto him (Abimelech), “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart; for I also withheld you from sinning against Me. Therefore I did not allow you to touch her (Abraham’s wife, Sarah).’” Genesis 20:6,

“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me.” Psalm 25:21

  If, however, we give ourselves over to something without restraint, or willfully open ourselves freely to something or someone, we are in danger of being taken over. Hypnotism functions on this principle. It is equivalent to what the Scripture declares about a city broken down and without walls. It is vulnerable to attack and invasion by any enemy. This is another reason why the use of drugs and getting stoned is not only sinful, but dangerous. In fact, by losing control in any aspect of our lives we are in danger of demonic oppression or possibly possession. By losing control in any area of our lives, like anger, lusts, greed, idolatry, lying, and so on, we are giving way to the evil spirits behind it. Please be warned, this is a most serious matter. I do not know of how prolonged a time of being out of control is required before the devil takes over due to so many variables and the type of behaviour involved, but be assured you are vulnerable.

 “And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits, and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils.” Luke 8:2

 For whatever reason or reasons she apparently gave herself over to that lifestyle, she also opened herself to the corresponding spirits which then cruelly enslaved her.

 You may have wondered why people seem to lose control of their passions, and especially if they give themselves over to something God calls sinful. I am not saying this is in every circumstance, but the Scriptures do warn us regarding these dangers. A person can get to the point where they unwittingly take on strange and perverse (contrary to the natural order) behaviour. Yes, they likely have an evil spirit that binds them to it and eventually will openly express itself through them. It literally becomes a part of them and will seem normal in their eyes. Depending on the situation, the only way out is if God grants them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, or He sets them free through the ministry of deliverance. For an example take a look at the man possessed by the Legion Luke 8:26-39. 

 By far, the most important message about all this is that we are to “fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13  Keep Jesus as Lord of your life!

3 – BEING GIVEN OVER

This area is somewhat of a combination of the three areas, although I am leery about being so cut and dry in categorizing. This teaching is not intended to be a kind of lecture, but a solemn warning.

  The Scriptures clearly illustrate in both the Old and New Testaments how God had and will deliver His people into the hands of their enemies if they will not cooperate with Him, but rather rebel against His Spirit, His laws and commandments, and His grace. The nation of Israel has a history full of these stories, beginning in the book of Judges right up until their captivity into Babylon. The situation with King Saul, as previously mentioned, is more of a personal example where the Lord delivered Saul into the hands of an evil spirit to be tormented by it.

    In the New Testament beginning in the book of Romans chapter 1, the apostle Paul describes how the Lord delivers those who are defiant and rebellious into the hands of their own irrational lusts. The apostle Paul instructed the church to deliver a man who had committed an act of gross sexual immorality, into the hands of Satan “for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 5:5. He also did the same with Hymenaeus and Alexander so that they would learn not to blaspheme 1 Timothy 1:20. In both the Old and New Testaments, the goal was to bring God’s people back to Himself by allowing to eat the full fruit of their ways, with the hopes that they would have enough of their sin and rebellion and turn back to the Lord. The books of the Prophets as well as throughout the Old Testament are full of the Lord’s admonitions and grievances of how He had to deliver them into the hands of their enemies for them to see what it was like serving under other gods and lords.

 So if people are rebellious, defiant, unteachable, stubborn, and incorrigible, they may be in line to be delivered into the hands of the enemy of their soul so that they may eat the fruit of their own ways.

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, and that they may recover themselves out of the snares of the devil who are taken captive by him at his (to do his) will.” 2 Timothy 2:25-26

 

CONCLUSION

 Dear friends, this is in no way intended to bring any kind of fear outside the wholesome fear of the Lord, but to awaken and admonish you or anyone you know that it is so dangerous in many ways to give yourself over to any indulgence, idol, or sinful passion, or following ideas and people who are contrary to Jesus and the Word of God. Nor are we to tempt the Lord by playing games with His grace or His laws and commandments. Instead, He has called us to a life of faith, love, and holiness. This life is full of His joy and freedom. Please make every effort to abide in Him, and trust Him for everything else.  The next topic in this series is "TAGGED". .