How can believers ensure they are not influenced by "sorceries" in society? Setting the Scene “Idolatry and sorcery… I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:20-21) The Spirit treats sorcery as deadly serious. It is not harmless entertainment; it is a work of the flesh that drags people away from Christ. What Scripture Means by “Sorceries” • Greek pharmakeia—any attempt to gain power, knowledge, or pleasure through occult means, mind-altering potions, spells, charms, or spirit contact. • Always linked to idolatry (cf. Revelation 9:21; 18:23). • Forbidden outright (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Where Sorcery Shows Up Today • Horoscope, tarot, astrology apps. • Witch-themed TV, movies, TikTok trends. • New Age crystals, energy healing, guided spirit meditations. • Hallucinogenic “medicine journeys.” • Video games or music that celebrate spell-casting and occult symbols. • Seemingly innocent kids’ toys/books that normalize magic as a power source independent of God. Scriptural Safeguards against Sorcery • Fill the mind with truth—“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) • Test every spirit—“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) • Guard the eye and ear gates—“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” (Psalm 101:3) • Stand in Christ’s authority—“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) • Suit up daily—Ephesians 6:10-18 lists belt, breastplate, shield, helmet, sword, all needed to resist occult pressure. • Practice separation—“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers… What harmony has Christ with Belial?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15) Practical Steps for Everyday Life 1. Inventory entertainment shelves, streaming queues, and gaming libraries; remove anything that glorifies spells or dark power (Acts 19:18-20 gives the pattern). 2. Replace with Christ-honoring books, music, and games that uplift. 3. Memorize key verses (Galatians 5:19-23; Psalm 1; Colossians 2:8). 4. Fast periodically from media to sharpen discernment. 5. Stay in fellowship—accountable friends notice compromise sooner than we do (Hebrews 3:13). 6. If past occult involvement lingers, renounce it aloud in Jesus’ name and ask trusted believers to stand with you (James 5:16). 7. Keep short accounts with God; unconfessed sin cracks the door for deception (1 John 1:9). A Closing Encouragement Sorcery promises hidden power but delivers bondage. Christ already supplies “everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). When we cling to Him, the counterfeit loses its appeal, and His light exposes every shadow the culture tries to cast. |
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