Opposing Spirits at Work
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
Kingdom Pioneers have been given discernment to bring divine authority into earthly systems as the Holy Spirit leads (See Galatians 5:16).
In Acts 13:4-12 we read the story of Paul’s encounter with the Roman Governor of Cyprus, when he and Barnabas are invited to the seat of power in Paphos.
Elymas, his chief administrator, is also there and manifests an opposing spirit to the Holy Spirit because he is a sorcerer.
This man was using his elevated position for evil, so God sets up an Elijah-type showdown, which eradicates the threat to His kingdom. At the same time the governor is changed into someone who can rule righteously, which includes choosing his staff more wisely!
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In today’s working world how can we recognise and deal with similar evil spirits that oppose the work of the kingdom?
Hebrews 4:12 tells us that
‘The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.’
So, reading and declaring God’s word in prayer like a spiritual sword (Ephesians 6:17b) will help us discern spiritual environments, whilst remembering that our battle is not personally against an individual.
This both blesses the organisation and advances Christ's kingdom with genuine heavenly truth, displacing ‘imposters’ who bring subtle lies and deception.
