Rebellion as Witchcraft By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." – 1 Samuel 15:23
Introduction
In today’s world, many who claim to be great in God’s Kingdom are not walking in true obedience to His Word. Instead, they have given way to rebellion, and through their disobedience, they unknowingly operate under the influence of witchcraft. The spirit of witchcraft is not always obvious in its manifestations; it can take subtle forms, including religious witchcraft. These deceptive forces work to hinder God’s Spirit from moving and to prevent His people from experiencing the fullness of life in the Spirit. This teaching explores how rebellion can manifest as witchcraft and the destructive consequences it has on the church and the believer’s life.
Rebellion and Its Link to Witchcraft
Rebellion is a powerful force that often operates under the guise of spiritual authority. When individuals rebel against God and His Word, they open the door for witchcraft to operate in their lives. This rebellion creates a barrier to the movement of God’s Spirit, leading to a form of spiritual deadness. Just as witchcraft operates through deception and control, so does the spirit of rebellion. When we refuse to walk in obedience to God's commands, we unknowingly allow witchcraft to take root in our hearts.
Religious Witchcraft
Religious witchcraft is a deceptive force that seeks to counterfeit the true power of God. It appears in places where God’s Word is read, but its life-giving Spirit is absent. Religious witchcraft reduces the Word of God to just another book, a mere study item, and strips it of its power to transform. It seeks to control and manipulate through religious structures and rituals, rather than through a genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit. This type of witchcraft thrives in environments where the Holy Spirit is quenched, preventing the believers from experiencing the fullness of God’s presence and power.
Scripture Reference:
"Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." – 2 Timothy 3:5
The Deceptive Nature of Witchcraft
There are various forms of witchcraft that influence individuals and churches. The darker forms of witchcraft are characterized by overt evil and destruction, but there are also subtler forms that are equally destructive. These lighter forms include idolatry, false teachings, and disobedience. When people are seduced by these powers, they are prevented from coming to the fullness of God’s Spirit. Even those who have been exposed to the move of God’s Spirit, but choose disobedience, become instruments for witchcraft, and they stand in the way of others who seek to walk in the fullness of God.
Humility and Knowing God
God desires His people to walk in humility, for only in humility can we truly know Him. Those who refuse to humble themselves will never know God, because humility is the path to intimacy with Him. God calls us to be willing to suffer loss for the sake of gaining Him. We must be willing to bear all things in our relationship with God, embracing humility and submitting to His will.
Scripture Reference:
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." – Matthew 23:12
Begging God for His Presence
The true believer does not seek after material wealth or worldly possessions, but rather seeks God’s presence, His glory, and His Spirit. We are called to beg God for His presence, not for the things of this world, but for His power to be made manifest in our lives. God is looking for a people who long for His presence, who will not be satisfied with the trinkets of the world but desire to be clothed in His righteousness and holiness.
Scripture Reference:
"As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God." – Psalm 42:1
The Garment of Humility
The teaching of the prosperity gospel has led many to believe that material wealth is a sign of God’s favor. However, God’s true favor is found in humility and a willingness to be poor in spirit for His sake. God desires people who are willing to make themselves poor in the world’s eyes in order to become rich in Him. True wealth is found in His Kingdom, and the garments He gives are those of righteousness and holiness.
Scripture Reference:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." – Matthew 5:3
Summary
Rebellion against God is not just a matter of disobedience; it is a doorway for witchcraft to operate in our lives. The spirit of rebellion, whether through direct disobedience or religious witchcraft, seeks to quench the power of God’s Word and His Spirit. True humility is the antidote to rebellion, and only through humility can we truly know God and experience His presence. God is calling His people to desire His presence above all else, to seek His Kingdom, and to embrace the garment of humility that He offers.
Conclusion
We must recognize that rebellion, in any form, opens the door for witchcraft to operate in our lives. As believers, we are called to walk in obedience, humility, and a deep longing for God's presence. Let us not be deceived by the false teachings and powers of this world, but rather pursue a genuine relationship with God, desiring His presence above all else. When we humble ourselves and seek His face, we will experience the true power of God’s Spirit and be clothed in His righteousness.
Scripture Reference:
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." – James 4:10
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