How can Christians guard against influences condemned in Deuteronomy 18:11? The verse in focus “...or a spell caster, or a medium or spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.” (Deuteronomy 18:11) Why these practices remain dangerous • They open doors to demonic deception (1 Corinthians 10:20). • They usurp God’s exclusive right to reveal the future (Isaiah 8:19). • They substitute counterfeit power for the Holy Spirit’s power (Acts 13:6–10). • They erode faith by encouraging trust in hidden forces rather than in Christ (Hebrews 12:2). Biblical safeguards for today • Saturate your mind with Scripture: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). • Test every spiritual claim: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). • Flee, don’t flirt: “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). • Put on the full armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18). • Walk in the Spirit; He leaves no room for occult curiosity (Galatians 5:16). Practical checkpoints • Entertainment: Avoid movies, games, and books that glorify sorcery, necromancy, or fortune-telling. • Media: Delete horoscope apps; unsubscribe from astrology feeds; refuse “harmless” quizzes that promise to predict the future. • Décor & symbols: Remove dreamcatchers, tarot decks, crystals used for “energy,” ouija boards, or any item linked to occult practice (Acts 19:18-19). • Conversations: Redirect friends from palm readings or psychic fairs to the hope found in Christ alone. • Music: Screen playlists for lyrics that invoke spells or celebrate spiritual darkness. • Internet: Filter search habits; block sites that offer spells, spirit guides, or séances. • Community: Surround yourself with believers who encourage discernment and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). When past involvement exists • Confess specifically to the Lord (1 John 1:9). • Renounce the practice aloud, affirming Jesus’ lordship (Romans 10:9). • Destroy occult objects (Acts 19:19-20). • Seek mature believers to pray for freedom and reinforcement (James 5:16). The promised protection “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Walking in humble submission places a believer under the Almighty’s covering, shielding the heart and home from every influence condemned in Deuteronomy 18:11. |
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