Familiar spirits are often mentioned in the Bible as deceptive entities that seek to mislead and harm. Understanding the spiritual dangers they pose is essential for anyone looking to live a life aligned with God’s word. In this blog post, we will talk about 20 powerful scriptures against familiar spirits, alongside an exploration of what the Bible says about these spirits and how to protect yourself from their influence.
What is a Familiar Spirit in Scripture?
A familiar spirit is often associated with witchcraft, divination, and other occult practices. These spirits are considered deceptive and manipulative, often masquerading as something benign or even beneficial to gain influence over individuals. In scripture, familiar spirits are frequently condemned as evil, and those who consult with them are warned of severe consequences.
The term “familiar spirit” comes from the idea that these spirits are “familiar” with individuals, often impersonating deceased loved ones or other entities to create a sense of trust and familiarity. This false sense of security can lead people away from the truth of God and into spiritual bondage.
What Are the Different Types of Spirits Mentioned in the Bible?
The Bible mentions various types of spirits, each with distinct roles and characteristics. Here are a few key categories:
1. Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is God’s presence in the world today, guiding and empowering believers.
2. Angels: These are messengers of God, sent to protect, guide, and deliver messages to humans.
3. Demons: Fallen angels who rebelled against God, demons are evil spirits that seek to harm and mislead humans.
4. Familiar Spirits: Deceptive entities that often impersonate the dead or other beings to deceive individuals.
5. Spirits of Bondage: These spirits seek to enslave individuals through sin, addiction, and other forms of spiritual oppression.
Understanding these different types of spirits helps believers discern the nature of the spiritual battles they may face.
20 Powerful Scriptures Against Familiar Spirits (NIV)
Here are 20 scriptures that offer protection and guidance against familiar spirits:
1. Leviticus 19:31 (NIV) – “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
- This verse is a clear commandment against engaging with familiar spirits and other forms of occult practices.
2. Isaiah 8:19 (NIV) – “When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
- Isaiah warns against seeking guidance from the dead, emphasizing the importance of turning to God instead.
3. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV) – “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord…”
- This passage lists the practices that are detestable to God, including consulting familiar spirits.
4. 1 Chronicles 10:13 (NIV) – “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance…”
- King Saul’s downfall was partly due to his consultation with a familiar spirit, showing the grave consequences of such actions.
5. Acts 16:16-18 (NIV) – “Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.’ She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her.”
- This account demonstrates the authority believers have over familiar spirits through the name of Jesus Christ.
6. 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV) – “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
- This verse reminds us that familiar spirits can be deceptive, appearing as something good to lead people astray.
7. 1 John 4:1 (NIV) – “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
- Discernment is crucial when dealing with spiritual matters, ensuring that one is not misled by familiar spirits.
8. Leviticus 20:6 (NIV) – “I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.”
- God’s judgment is clear against those who seek out familiar spirits.
9. Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV) – “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
- Witchcraft, including dealings with familiar spirits, is listed as a work of the flesh that can prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God.
10. 1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV) – “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
- This scripture warns of the dangers of following familiar spirits and other deceiving entities.
11. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
- This verse emphasizes that the real battle is spiritual, including the fight against familiar spirits.
12. Matthew 10:1 (NIV) – “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”
- Believers are given authority over all spirits, including familiar spirits, through Jesus Christ.
13. Mark 9:25 (NIV) – “When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. ‘You deaf and mute spirit,’ he said, ‘I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.'”
- Jesus’ authority over spirits is a model for believers to follow.
14. James 4:7 (NIV) – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
- Submission to God is key in resisting the influence of familiar spirits.
15. 2 Kings 21:6 (NIV) – “He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.”
- This scripture shows the extent of evil associated with familiar spirits and their practices.
16. Revelation 21:8 (NIV) – “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
- Those who practice magic arts, including dealing with familiar spirits, face severe consequences.
17. Micah 5:12 (NIV) – “I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.”
- God promises to rid His people of all forms of witchcraft, including familiar spirits.
18. Exodus 22:18 (NIV) – “Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
- The Old Testament law was very strict about dealing with those involved in sorcery, which included familiar spirits.
19. Isaiah 19:3 (NIV) – “The spirit of the Egyptians within them will be emptied out, and I will confound their plans; and they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead, and the mediums and the sorcerers.”
- Consulting spirits of the dead, including familiar spirits, leads to confusion and destruction.
20. Romans 8:15 (NIV) – “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”
- The Holy Spirit liberates believers from the bondage of familiar spirits, bringing them into the family of God.
These scriptures against familiar spirits serve as powerful tools for anyone seeking to protect themselves from spiritual deception and oppression.
What is the Spirit of Familiarity?
The spirit of familiarity is often described as an attitude or approach that trivializes or disregards the significance of spiritual matters. It can manifest as a lack of reverence for God, His word, or His presence, leading to a dangerous complacency. In relationships, the spirit of familiarity can cause people to take each other for granted, weakening the bonds of love and respect.
In a spiritual context, this spirit can cause individuals to become desensitized to the presence of familiar spirits, making them more susceptible to deception. It’s a subtle but powerful force that can erode one’s spiritual vigilance and lead to a gradual drifting away from God.
What Does God Say About Familiarity?
God’s word emphasizes the importance of maintaining a reverent and humble attitude in all aspects of life, especially in spiritual matters. Familiarity, in the sense of taking sacred things lightly, is often condemned because it opens the door to deception and sin.
Scripture encourages believers to remain humble, vigilant, and respectful of God’s holiness. The battle against familiar spirits is part of a broader spiritual conflict, and maintaining a healthy fear of the Lord is crucial in standing firm against these deceptive forces.
Conclusion
In summary, familiar spirits pose a significant spiritual threat, but the Bible offers clear guidance on how to combat them. By understanding what these spirits are, recognizing the different types of spirits mentioned in scripture, and knowing what God says about familiarity, believers can protect themselves and stand firm in their faith. Use these 20 powerful scriptures against familiar spirits as a resource for spiritual defense, keeping your focus on God and His truth.
Read also: 30 Biblical Affirmations to Decree Over Your Life
