How does Exodus 22:18 guide us in discerning spiritual influences today? Reading the Command Straight from Scripture “You must not allow a sorceress to live.” – Exodus 22:18 Why God Spoke So Strongly Against Sorcery • Sorcery appeals to powers hostile to God (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). • It replaces humble dependence on the Lord with manipulation and control (Isaiah 8:19–20). • It leads entire communities into deception (2 Kings 21:6). • The penalty under Israel’s theocracy underscored how gravely God views any rival spiritual authority. Continuity and Change from Israel to Today • The civil death penalty belonged to Israel’s unique national law. • The moral principle—absolute rejection of occult influence—remains unchanged (Leviticus 19:31; Revelation 21:8). • Christ’s kingdom is advanced through proclamation and transformation, not judicial execution (John 18:36; 2 Corinthians 10:4). Discerning Spiritual Influences in Our Time 1. Source Test – Does it seek power apart from the Triune God? 2. Message Test – Does it contradict the gospel revealed in Scripture? (Galatians 1:8). 3. Fruit Test – Does it produce holiness or bondage? (Matthew 7:16–20). 4. Allegiance Test – Does it direct worship toward Christ or toward self, spirits, or created things? (Colossians 2:18–19). 5. Spirit Test – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). Common Modern Expressions of Sorcery and Occultism • Astrology, horoscopes, and zodiac dependency • Tarot, oracle cards, pendulums, runes • Séances, channeling, ghost hunting • Energy crystals, Reiki, and “spirit guides” • Manifestation rituals, spell casting, witch-tok trends • Divination apps, occult role-play games that invoke real spells • Any media glamorizing witchcraft, spells, or curses Practical Steps for Faithful Discernment • Immerse your mind in Scripture daily (Psalm 119:11). • Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom; He delights to guide (James 1:5). • Stay accountable in a Christ-centered church community (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Remove and destroy occult objects—just as believers in Ephesus burned their spell books (Acts 19:18–20). • Guard what you watch, read, stream, and share (Ephesians 5:11). • Teach children plainly about the difference between fantasy and real occult practice. • Replace fascination with darkness by celebrating Christ’s power and presence. Living in the Victory of Christ • Jesus “disarmed the powers and authorities” and “made a public spectacle of them” (Colossians 2:15). • “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). • Walk confidently, refusing every invitation to dabble in the occult, and shine His light wherever spiritual confusion reigns. |
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