The phrase “Do Not Entertain Spirits” generally refers to the biblical admonition against consulting or communicating with spirits, or engaging in practices such as divination and sorcery, which are condemned in scriptures like Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:10-12. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and seeking guidance from Him rather than turning to spiritual mediums or entities.
Scripture
31 “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.
“Do Not Entertain Spirits” in the Bible
The admonition against “entertaining spirits” in the Bible highlights a broader theological principle concerning the nature of faith, trust, and the relationship between humans and the spiritual realm. This concept is rooted in the belief that engaging with spirits, mediums, or necromancers detracts from one’s dependence on God, who is the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. Verses such as Leviticus 19:31, which instructs the Israelites not to turn to mediums or necromancers, and Deuteronomy 18:10-12, which lists such practices as abominable, underscore the serious consequences of seeking insight outside of God’s intended order. Instead, believers are encouraged to cultivate a direct relationship with God through prayer, scripture, and the community of faith.
Furthermore, the prohibition against engaging with spirits also reflects a foundational belief in the sovereignty of God over all spiritual aspects of life. The Bible reveals God’s desire for His people to remain devoted to Him and to recognize His power as the only authority. For instance, in Isaiah 8:19-20, the prophet warns against consulting the dead on behalf of the living, emphasizing that true guidance must be sought from God’s law and testimony. By rejecting the notion of entertaining spirits, believers actively affirm their faith in God’s providence and the sufficiency of His Word as the source of truth and direction in a world filled with competing spiritual claims. This principle invites believers into a deeper communion with God, fostering a reliance on His Spirit rather than on transient and potentially harmful influences from the spiritual realm.
The biblical stance against entertaining spirits illuminates the importance of discernment in the believer’s spiritual journey. The New Testament, in particular, emphasizes the need for vigilance against deceptive spirits that can distort truth and draw individuals away from their faith. For instance, 1 John 4:1 encourages believers to “test the spirits” to see whether they are from God, indicating a clear warning against allowing external spiritual influences to dominate one’s understanding or experience of faith. This call to discernment underlines the necessity of grounding one’s belief in the truth of God’s revelation, rather than succumbing to the allure of supernatural experiences that may contradict His promises.
Moreover, the ministry of Jesus provides a model for resisting the temptation to engage with spirits. His encounters with demonic forces, such as in Mark 5, showcase His authority over the spiritual realm while also highlighting the distinction between divine power and unclean spirits. By casting out demons and confronting spiritual oppression, Jesus affirms the reality of the spiritual struggle, yet consistently leads individuals toward healing and salvation in Him, rather than reliance on spirits or mediums. Consequently, the Bible’s teachings guide followers to seek a deeper and more authentic relationship with God, encouraging reliance on His Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength rather than looking to the supernatural for answers. Embracing this biblical perspective fosters a profound sense of peace and security found only in the presence of God, steering believers away from the potential chaos of engaging with wayward spirits.
The Call to Spiritual Discernment
In the biblical context, the admonition to “do not entertain spirits” emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment. Believers are encouraged to be vigilant and discerning about the influences they allow into their lives. This call to discernment is rooted in the understanding that not all spiritual experiences or entities are benign; some may lead individuals away from the truth of God. By fostering a deep relationship with God and grounding themselves in scripture, believers can better identify and reject misleading or harmful spiritual influences.
The Danger of Idolatry and False Worship
Another broader meaning of this phrase relates to the dangers of idolatry and false worship. Entertaining spirits can be seen as a form of turning away from the worship of the one true God and instead engaging with entities that distract or lead one astray. This can manifest in various forms, such as the pursuit of occult practices, reliance on mediums, or the veneration of false gods. The biblical narrative consistently warns against such practices, highlighting that they not only compromise one’s faith but also invite spiritual danger and disconnection from God.
The Importance of Faithfulness to God
Lastly, the instruction to avoid entertaining spirits underscores the importance of faithfulness to God. Engaging with spirits or seeking guidance from sources outside of God can signify a lack of trust in His sovereignty and provision. The Bible encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, relying on God’s wisdom and guidance rather than seeking answers from potentially deceptive spiritual sources. This faithfulness is seen as a reflection of one’s commitment to God and a recognition of His ultimate authority over all spiritual matters.
How to Cultivate Spiritual Discernment in Your Christian Journey
Cultivating spiritual discernment is an essential part of deepening your Christian journey, and it begins with a sincere desire to know God more intimately. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to shape your thoughts and actions; remember, as Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, the Word is alive and active, capable of piercing through our intentions and revealing truth. Prayer is another vital component—seek God’s guidance in every decision, big or small, and be open to the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can offer wisdom and support, as Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “Iron sharpens iron.” Finally, practice patience and reflection; discernment often comes in the quiet moments when we pause to listen for God’s voice amidst the noise of life. By nurturing these habits, you’ll find that your ability to discern God’s will becomes clearer, leading you to a more fulfilling and purposeful walk with Christ.
Bible References to “Do Not Entertain Spirits”:
Leviticus 20:6: 6 “If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12: 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer.
11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead,
12 For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.
1 Samuel 28:7-20: 7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.”
8 So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments and went, he and two men with him. And they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Divine for me by a spirit and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you.”
9 The woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the necromancers from the land. Why then are you laying a trap for my life to bring about my death?”
10 But Saul swore to her by the Lord, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.”
11 Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” He said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”
12 When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul.”
13 The king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What do you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.”
14 He said to her, “What is his appearance?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is wrapped in a robe.” And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground and paid homage.
15 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have summoned you to tell me what I should do.”
16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy?
17 The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David.
18 Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day.
19 Moreover, the Lord will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.
20 Then Saul fell at once full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night.
2 Kings 21:6: 6 And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
2 Chronicles 33:6: 6 And he burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.
Isaiah 8:19-20: 19 And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?
20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.
Isaiah 19:3: 3 And the spirit of the Egyptians within them will be emptied out, and I will confound their counsel; and they will inquire of the idols and the sorcerers, and the mediums and the necromancers.
Acts 16:16-18: 16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling.
17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”
18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
Galatians 5:19-21: 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Revelation 21:8: 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.