Reference: Cox, Everett. Doing the Supernatural Works of Jesus. 2010. Available on Amazon.
A critical element of this teaching related to understanding why evil spirits can torment Christians is contained in Chapter 4. In #196 we discussed the need to close off all the doors, that, when opened, authorize demonic spirits to invade and work us over. As a reminder we discussed the need to be "born again," to confess all sins and to harbor no bitterness nor unforgiveness throughout our lives.
Continuing along, there are other doors that must be closed or never to be opened for an invasion by the evil spirits.
A long life may be ensured when children honor their parents, even though we may believe they do not deserve our honoring them. God's Word: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3)
Works of the Flesh: Not surprisingly this is a major door opener. What follows is from (NIV) Galatians 5:19-21. These sins must be recognized, admitted and repented of to be able to close off their impact from evil spirits. "The acts of the sinful nature (works of the flesh) are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions (divisions), factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." These hit home for so very many, perhaps most prevalent and evident.
Pride: As we examine ourselves and recognize that non-humility and pridefulness are present, we must repent and ask forgiveness. "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." (I Timothy 3:6)
Witchcraft: "Any involvement with withcraft will open a door to demonic oppression. Messing with a ouija board, tarot cards, going to a fortune teller, having your palm read, reading horoscopes, astrology, etc....Anything that gives importance to any form of withcraft is a potential open door to demonic oppression. This gives demons 'rights' to torment others in the household and cause weird things to happen in the house."(30). See Deuteronomy 18: 10-12.
Drugs, Alcohol and Other Addictions: "The enemy will use addictions as an open door to give evil spirits permission to harass."(31) These addictions can be so debilitating and harmful to one's health. Addictions put self before God. This is an area that proper choices and self-control are most needed.
Traumas of the Past: Most harbor some emotional wounds of our past. "There are wounds from bad relationships, rejection (perceived or real), abandonment, physical, verbal, psychological or sexual abuse, severe frightening experiences, experiences with miscarriages, abortions, or having bad childhood memories...these traumas need inner healing."(31). "...He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted...to set at liberty them that are bruised..." (Luke 4:18) As a soldier severely wounded in Vietnam I endured suffering emotionally from my past traumas, as do many in the military, who were in warzones and came under fire or bombardments. At no time in years of secular counseling was I introduced to the aspect of a need for Jesus to help heal me from my wartime experiences. The world just talks to you and refills your prescription.
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