Because of His death and resurrection, Jesus has provided us with the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the manifestations (gifts) of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophesy, discerning of spirits, tongues and interpretation of tongues. He has also provided to us the fruits of the Spirit including love, joy, peace, longsuffering. gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.

Most people automatically believe that all evil spirits speak only evil or lies, but this is not always true. There is found a startling example of an evil spirit speaking the truth regarding God in the Book of Acts chapter 16. Here it mentions a woman who was demon possessed with a spirit of divination (able to tell the future) who worked for “her masters” and was the source of much money obtained for her services. Currently in our society we can find fortune tellers, palm readers and tarrot card readers in almost every community. These things arc all associated with the powers of darkness and should be rebuked by every person calling themselves Christian. Sadly, this is not always realized by Christians who seek “another spirit” to show them the future. There is no way under Heaven to validate seeking such advice or knowledge through the spirits of Satan, for it is only through him that such spirits originate and receive their information. Believers are to receive guidance through the Spirit of God only, for God’s Spirit will guide us according to the Word of God which is pure truth.

Even though the woman was telling the truth in this instance, the Spirit of God will not accept or recognize false praise or glory. The unbelievers who employed this woman were part of the general society that believed in many gods — all pagan gods under the authority of Satan. As this woman followed Paul and company, Satan’s tactic was to make it seem that Paul’s God was to be held in the same classification as the other gods that the locals worshipped such as Jupiter or Zeus. By this woman “prophesying” on behalf of Paul, she would have his God associated with the other gods in her employment. How did Paul respond? Was he happy that she proclaimed the truth? Did he invite her to join his ministry (like others may have done)? Absolutely not! Verse 18 states that Paul was “grieved”. He turned to the spirit within her and rebuked it; I command thee in the Name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.. ..and he (the evil spirit) came out! Notice that the only means used to cast out the demon spirit was the use of the name of Jesus Christ which is exactly what Jesus told His followers to do in Luke 10:19 and Mark 16:17. No other actions, ceremonies, rituals or words were needed. Every Spirit filled believer has the authority to do the same thing, for the scripture of Mark 16: 1 7 proclaims that these signs shall follow them that believe! Remember 1 John 4:1 Try (test) the spirits!

Another false manifestation of evil spirits are widely held as sacred by the Roman Catholic Church; the appearances of Mary. She is called the Virgin Mary, with the Catholic Church claiming that she remained a virgin after the birth of Christ; she is also called the Mother of God and held in almost equal reverence with Christ (we need to go to God the Father through Mary). Many occurrences even to this present day have been claimed regarding her appearance to “select persons”, with the Catholic Church accepting these appearances as indication of her holiness to God and strength to the “Church”. But — there is only one problem with her appearances — they are not from God Almighty but from the god of this world Satan!

It is not Mary who is appearing, but a familiar spirit (evil spirit of darkness) imitating her. There is absolutely no foundation found in God’s Word to support her many appearances and certain messages proclaimed. These frequent appearances help to establish “Mary worship” which in turn takes away from Jesus worship. Mary gave birth to our Savior, obediently performing the task given her by the Father, but she was no more than a sinner who needed salvation like the rest of us. She holds no closer association to Jesus or to God than any other born again believer. Satan has blinded the hearts of many who rcadly seek the intervention and prayers of Mary over serving Christ the Savior through the Holy Spirit.

Finally, we are told to stand! Stand on the Name of Jesus, Stand on the power of God’s Word and Stand in faith as we are led through the Holy Spirit in fl things. And, we must stand armed! As Satan and his evil spirits come against us in our walk in Christ, we are given specific armament from God, made possible through Jesus Christ. and delivered personally by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 6:14-16 instructs us that we are specifically instructed what to use in our spiritual battles; Take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, amid having (bile all, TO STAND!

Have your loins gird about with truth. We must have the “truth” which is the Word of God “fastened or strapped” about us at all times. There must be sincerity in our inward parts. The enemy (Satan) desires to fool us with his lies as he disguishes them to appear as truth. He never takes a rest — neither can we!

Have on the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate covers the heart (where Satan strikes often) and vital organs of the body. Our vital organs (spiritual) must be covered, and therefore protected, in the Righteousness of Christ. The prophet Isaiah recorded how Jesus would be clothed in righteousness; Righteousness shall be the girdle of His Iouis Isaiah 11:5.
Have your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. As we continue our Christian walk we must insure that our feet are not stepped upon by anything foreign (the enemy) nor allowed to trip and Pallor even obstruct our “march in Christ”. The Gospel (“good news”) will keep us from falling and allow us to stand mightily; not easily provoked, not prone to quarreling, but showing gentleness and longsuffering toward all men. We must continue forward in spreading the Gospel.

Take the shield of faith. With this shield we shalt quench (stop) all the fiery darts (temptations) of the wicked. With the shield we can turn in every direction and remain safe against attack. Tins is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith 1 John 5:4. Our faith in Christ secures total victory for us as it allows us to see “beyond” current battles or circumstances.

Wear the helmet of salvation. A helmet is a protective head covering. It protects our thoughts, allowing us to dwell on the Righteousness of God and rebuke the assaults on our mind by Satan. It allows us not only to trust in God but to also rejoice in 1 Tim.

Take the sword of the Spirit. This is a weapon of “offense” for each believer. This sword will cut away any attack mounted against the Christian, for it is the Word of God. There is absolutely nothing that can com against the Word and prosper. It will cut to pieces ever’ form olevil. For the Word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two—edged sword 1-Hebrews 4:12. Even as Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness and was then tempted by Satan, He used the Word to steadfastly halt every attack b Satan (‘it is written”..). He has thereby provided the perfect example for us in using this important weapon for complete victory. The Word also serves as an inner weapon for the believer; as it remains hidden in our heart it preserves us from sin and wi1l kill the lusts and corruption that try to enter in.

Brethren, if a man (or woman) be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual (in the proper Spirit f tire Lord), restore with a one in, the Spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.