In every generation, God’s people have been warned about influences that seek to corrupt true worship and draw them away from His truth. From the days of ancient Israel to the early Church, the Bible repeatedly cautions against practices that resemble or align with witchcraft. Some of these behaviors are obvious—such as sorcery and divination—while others are more subtle, disguised within religious settings. Today, many believers unknowingly engage in actions that, when examined through Scripture, bear a striking resemblance to the very things God condemns.
The Word of God is clear in Deuteronomy Chapter 18 Verse 10-12, which states:
“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”
This passage is not just a warning to the world but a directive to God’s people. It reminds us that certain behaviors—whether practiced openly or in secret—can place individuals outside of God’s will. The Apostle Paul echoes this in Galatians Chapter 5 Verse 19-21, where he lists sorcery among the works of the flesh, warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But how does this apply to us today? How do behaviors that resemble witchcraft manifest within religious settings? Could it be that some practices, words, or traditions—though commonly accepted—carry the spirit of manipulation, deception, or control?
In this teaching, we will explore five behaviors that some associate with witchcraft within a religious setting. These are not necessarily acts of open sorcery, but they bear the same spiritual characteristics: they lead people away from dependence on God, they open doors to deception, and they distort true faith.
Before we begin, let us consider three cautions:
- The Danger of Spiritual Blindness – Some may unknowingly engage in behaviors that resemble witchcraft due to ignorance or tradition. The Bible warns in Hosea Chapter 4 Verse 6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Awareness is the first step toward discernment.
- The Enemy’s Subtle Tactics – The devil rarely presents deception in an obvious form. 2 Corinthians Chapter 11 Verse 14 reminds us, “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” What appears religious or spiritual may, in reality, be leading people into bondage.
- The Call to Examine Ourselves – We must approach this study with humility, allowing the Word of God to convict and transform us. 2 Corinthians Chapter 13 Verse 5 instructs us, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”
As we uncover these five behaviors, let us do so with a heart that seeks truth, a mind that desires wisdom, and a spirit that longs to remain aligned with God’s will.
Now, let us begin.
Behavior 1: Speaking Curses Over Others
The words that flow from our mouths carry great power. They can bring life, healing, and encouragement, or they can bring destruction, pain, and division. Many believers do not realize that speaking curses over others—whether in anger, resentment, or even through careless words—is a behavior that bears a striking resemblance to witchcraft. In Scripture, we see that witchcraft is often linked to the misuse of words, whether through enchantments, incantations, or the deliberate uttering of words to bring harm. Yet, how often do we find people—even within the church—using their tongues in a way that aligns more with darkness than with the light of Christ?
The Bible warns us about the spiritual consequences of our words. In (Proverbs Chapter 18 verse 21), it is written, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” This means that every word spoken carries weight in the spiritual realm. When a person speaks words of blessing, they release life. When they speak words of destruction, they align themselves with the enemy’s agenda, unknowingly participating in an act that mirrors the very nature of witchcraft.
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of how spoken words influence outcomes. Consider the story of Balaam, a man sought by a pagan king to curse Israel. The king of Moab, Balak, understood that words had spiritual authority, and he wanted Balaam to use his influence to bring harm to God’s people. Yet, Balaam’s response in (Numbers Chapter 23 verse 8) reveals a critical truth: “How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced?” Though Balaam attempted to use words against Israel, God did not allow him to succeed. This shows us that curses have real spiritual implications, but those who walk under the protection of the Lord are shielded from their effects.
However, many believers do not recognize that they themselves can fall into the sin of cursing others—not necessarily by performing rituals or using incantations, but by speaking words of destruction, condemnation, or slander against their brothers and sisters. When someone speaks negatively over another person’s life—saying things like “You’ll never succeed,” “You are worthless,” or “Nothing good will come from you”—they are, in effect, pronouncing a curse. These words are not just empty statements; they have the potential to take root in the heart and spirit of the one who hears them.
James, the brother of Jesus, speaks strongly on this issue. In (James Chapter 3 verse 9-10), he writes, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” This passage reveals the deep contradiction that exists when believers use their mouths both to worship God and to tear others down. Such behavior is not fitting for a follower of Christ. It is a spiritual inconsistency that must be addressed with repentance and a commitment to speaking words that edify rather than destroy.
The enemy delights in using words to sow division, bitterness, and resentment. He knows that if he can influence a believer to speak curses over another, he can create strife within the body of Christ. In (Ephesians Chapter 4 verse 29), Paul instructs, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” This is the standard to which every believer must hold themselves. Our words must be instruments of grace, not weapons of destruction.
Jesus Himself demonstrated the power of words in His ministry. When faced with opposition, betrayal, and even crucifixion, He did not retaliate with cursing or condemnation. Instead, in His moment of greatest suffering, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke Chapter 23 verse 34). If the Son of God, who was blameless and without sin, chose to speak words of forgiveness rather than words of wrath, how much more should we be mindful of the words we speak over others?
There are believers who have unknowingly spoken curses over their own lives and the lives of their loved ones. Parents who declare failure over their children, spouses who speak negativity over their marriages, and individuals who proclaim doom over their own future are engaging in a practice that can bring spiritual consequences. But the good news is this: in Christ, every curse can be broken, and every spoken word of harm can be overturned. In (Romans Chapter 12 verse 14), Paul gives a command that directly counters the act of speaking curses: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”
The path forward is clear. If any believer has used their words to harm, they must repent and ask God to cleanse their heart and tongue. They must choose to replace words of cursing with words of blessing, to speak life where they once spoke death. And most importantly, they must remain vigilant, guarding their speech so that their words always reflect the heart of Christ.
Behavior 2: Seeking Guidance from the Dead or Spirits
From the beginning of creation, God has desired to be the sole source of wisdom and guidance for His people. He speaks through His Word, through the Holy Spirit, and through godly counsel. Yet, throughout history, there has been a temptation to seek knowledge from sources outside of God. One of the most dangerous practices that some associate with witchcraft is the act of seeking guidance from the dead or from spirits. This is not a small issue—it is a practice that Scripture strongly condemns, warning of its serious spiritual consequences.
The Bible makes it clear that communication with the dead is forbidden. In (Leviticus Chapter 19 verse 31), the Lord commands, “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.” The reason for this prohibition is clear—God alone is the source of truth. When people seek the dead for answers, they are placing their trust in something other than Him. This is not simply a misguided tradition or a cultural practice; it is a spiritual act that aligns with the kingdom of darkness.
The story of King Saul is one of the clearest examples of the dangers of turning to the dead for guidance. Saul, once chosen by God to lead Israel, found himself in a desperate situation. He was afraid of the Philistine army, and God had stopped speaking to him because of his disobedience. Instead of repenting and seeking the Lord with a humble heart, Saul took matters into his own hands. In direct violation of God’s law, he sought out a medium, the witch of Endor, to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. When the spirit appeared, it did not bring peace or reassurance, but instead delivered a message of judgment. In (1 Samuel Chapter 28 verse 16), Samuel’s spirit rebuked Saul, saying, “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy?” Saul’s decision to seek guidance from the dead sealed his fate. He was defeated in battle the next day, and his life came to a tragic end.
This story is a sobering reminder that when people turn to spirits or the dead for guidance, they are stepping outside of God’s covering and exposing themselves to spiritual deception. Many do not realize that those who claim to communicate with the dead are not truly speaking to the souls of departed loved ones. Scripture teaches that once a person dies, their spirit does not roam the earth or return at will. In (Hebrews Chapter 9 verse 27), it is written, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” The idea that the dead linger and communicate with the living is not a biblical concept; it is a deception that the enemy uses to lead people astray.
The danger of spiritism is that it opens the door to demonic influence. Many who seek guidance from mediums, psychics, or ancestral spirits believe they are engaging in harmless communication. Some even attempt to justify it within a religious context, claiming that they are honoring their ancestors or seeking wisdom from past generations. However, the spiritual realm does not operate according to human sentiment. When people seek to communicate with spirits outside of God, they are exposing themselves to forces that are not from Him. In (2 Corinthians Chapter 11 verse 14), Paul warns, “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” The spirits that respond to such inquiries are not benevolent or wise—they are deceptive, seeking to pull people further from God’s truth.
Even today, there are those who consult fortune tellers, engage in séances, or participate in rituals to summon spirits, believing that they are receiving divine insight. Others may not openly seek out a medium, but they may rely on superstitions, omens, or visions that claim to reveal knowledge from the dead. This is not a minor issue; it is a serious spiritual matter. Seeking wisdom apart from God is the same mistake that led Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It is a rejection of God’s wisdom in favor of another source. The consequences of such actions are severe, as seen in (Isaiah Chapter 8 verse 19), which says, “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?”
The Lord desires His people to walk in the light, not in the shadows of deception. The guidance we need is already available through Him. His Word is filled with wisdom, His Spirit leads us into all truth, and His presence is enough to direct our paths. When people attempt to seek hidden knowledge through spiritual means outside of God, they are engaging in a practice that mirrors the same occult methods used by those who openly oppose Him. This is why God calls His people to complete separation from such practices. In (Deuteronomy Chapter 18 verse 14), it is written, “For these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.”
Instead of seeking the dead or spirits, believers are called to seek God in every matter. He is the God who answers prayer, who provides wisdom generously to those who ask, and who leads His people in paths of righteousness. There is no need to turn to the voices of the past when the living God speaks today. There is no need to consult spirits when the Holy Spirit dwells within the hearts of His children. The safest, wisest, and only righteous path is to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and to lean not on our own understanding.
Behavior 3: Engaging in Ritualistic or Superstitious Practices
There is a vast difference between true faith in God and the empty repetition of religious rituals. True faith is rooted in a living relationship with the Lord, built upon obedience to His Word and guided by His Spirit. However, throughout history, many have fallen into the trap of engaging in practices that have no spiritual value, believing that certain actions or objects hold supernatural power apart from God. This is a deception that has led many astray, causing them to trust in traditions and superstitions rather than in the power of God.
One of the most striking examples of this error is found in the story of Israel. God commanded His people to worship Him alone and to reject the practices of the surrounding nations. Yet, time and again, they turned to rituals and traditions that had no foundation in His Word. In (2 Kings Chapter 21 verse 6), it is recorded that King Manasseh, one of the most wicked rulers of Judah, “burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.” Manasseh believed that through these rituals, he could gain favor, insight, or protection, but in reality, he was engaging in practices that led to destruction.
Even in modern times, many still fall into this pattern. Some believe that carrying certain objects, such as charms, beads, or symbols, will bring them divine protection. Others repeat specific prayers in a mechanical way, assuming that the sheer repetition of words will force God to act on their behalf. There are those who engage in religious customs without understanding their meaning, thinking that by performing a certain act, they can secure blessings or ward off evil. These are forms of superstition, not faith. Faith is not found in objects, rituals, or repeated phrases—it is found in a heart that fully trusts in God’s sovereignty.
Jesus Himself confronted this issue during His earthly ministry. The religious leaders of His day had developed traditions that had no basis in Scripture, and they imposed these traditions on the people as though they were divine commandments. In (Mark Chapter 7 verse 8), Jesus rebuked them, saying, “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” He made it clear that external rituals, apart from genuine obedience to God, have no spiritual power. He was not impressed by religious ceremonies that were performed without true devotion.
The Apostle Paul also warned against falling into the trap of empty religious practices. In (Colossians Chapter 2 verse 8), he wrote, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Paul understood that human traditions and superstitions do not bring people closer to God; rather, they create a false sense of security. Many who engage in such practices believe they are being spiritual, when in reality, they are being led further from true faith.
One of the dangers of ritualistic and superstitious practices is that they remove the focus from God and place it on external actions. Instead of trusting in the Lord’s presence, people trust in physical objects. Instead of relying on the power of prayer, they rely on repetitive phrases spoken without thought. Instead of seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they look to man-made traditions. This is the very thing that the prophets warned against time and again. In (Isaiah Chapter 29 verse 13), the Lord declares, “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men.”
True faith is not found in religious performance but in a heart that seeks God with sincerity. When people engage in superstitious or ritualistic practices, they fall into the same error as those who worshiped idols, believing that external actions could manipulate spiritual outcomes. God is not moved by rituals; He is moved by faith. He does not respond to empty traditions; He responds to those who seek Him with a humble and contrite heart.
Many people may not realize that some of their actions resemble the practices that God condemns. If a person believes that wearing a specific item will protect them from harm, they are placing their trust in that object rather than in God’s power. If someone thinks that performing a certain religious act will force God’s hand, they are treating Him as though He can be manipulated. These are subtle forms of idolatry because they shift dependence away from the Lord and onto something else.
God calls His people to a pure and sincere faith, one that is not tainted by superstition or meaningless rituals. He desires worship that comes from the heart, not from obligation or tradition. In (John Chapter 4 verse 24), Jesus declares, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” This means that true worship is not about outward actions but about the condition of the heart. It is not about repeating phrases or performing ceremonies, but about living in obedience to His Word.
The enemy is always looking for ways to distract believers from true faith. He does not need to convince people to reject God outright; he only needs to lead them into practices that seem religious but are void of spiritual substance. If he can make people trust in rituals instead of in God, he has already succeeded in drawing them away from the truth. This is why Scripture warns against being deceived by false teachings and traditions that do not align with the gospel.
The good news is that through Christ, every believer has direct access to God. There is no need for special objects, elaborate rituals, or superstitious customs. The power of God is not found in traditions, but in His presence. The wisdom of God is not hidden in mystical practices, but revealed through His Word. The protection of God does not come from symbols or charms, but from walking in obedience to Him.
Behavior 4: Manipulation and Control in the Name of Religion
True faith in God is built on love, truth, and freedom. The gospel of Jesus Christ calls people into a relationship with God, not into bondage under human control. Yet, one of the most dangerous behaviors that some associate with witchcraft within religious settings is the use of manipulation and control in the name of God. This is a subtle but deeply destructive practice, where individuals—whether leaders, teachers, or even family members—use fear, guilt, or false authority to dominate others instead of leading them in the truth of Scripture. This is not the way of Christ, and the Bible warns against such deception.
One of the clearest examples of this form of control is found in the story of King Saul. As Israel’s first king, Saul began his reign with great potential, but his heart turned away from God. Instead of walking in obedience, he became obsessed with maintaining his power, even if it meant using manipulation and fear to control those around him. In (1 Samuel Chapter 15 verse 23), the prophet Samuel rebuked Saul, saying, “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.” Saul’s desire to control others led him into rebellion against God, and that rebellion was equated with the sin of witchcraft. When people use fear, pressure, or false authority to dominate others in the name of religion, they are engaging in a practice that mirrors the spirit of witchcraft—a spirit that seeks to manipulate rather than to guide in truth.
The religious leaders in Jesus’ time were also guilty of this form of control. They burdened the people with strict laws and traditions, not to bring them closer to God, but to maintain their own influence and power. Jesus exposed their hypocrisy in (Matthew Chapter 23 verse 4), saying, “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.” These leaders presented themselves as the gatekeepers of faith, but instead of leading people to freedom in God, they kept them bound in fear and legalism. Religious manipulation operates in this same way—it places people in spiritual bondage, making them dependent on human authority rather than on Christ.
The Apostle Paul also addressed this issue when writing to the Corinthian church. False teachers had entered among them, using deceptive tactics to manipulate the believers. Paul warned in (2 Corinthians Chapter 11 verse 13-15), “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” Paul made it clear that those who use religion as a tool to control others are not operating by the Spirit of God but by deception. They may appear godly on the surface, but their true motives are revealed by their actions.
Manipulation and control can take many forms. Some leaders use fear to keep people under their authority, teaching that questioning them is the same as questioning God. Others use guilt to coerce obedience, making people feel that they will be cursed or punished if they do not comply with their demands. There are also those who twist Scripture, selectively using verses to justify their control while ignoring the true message of grace and freedom in Christ. These tactics are not of God, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
God’s design for leadership is not based on control, but on servanthood. Jesus, the greatest leader of all, did not demand blind submission from His followers. Instead, He led by example, serving others in humility and love. In (Mark Chapter 10 verse 42-43), Jesus told His disciples, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” True spiritual authority does not seek to control but to uplift. It does not bind people in fear, but leads them into the freedom of God’s truth.
Unfortunately, many who have been subjected to religious manipulation find it difficult to break free. Fear can take deep root, making people afraid to question what they have been taught. Some have been led to believe that if they leave a certain church or stop following a particular leader, they will be outside of God’s will. Others have been conditioned to think that disagreeing with human authority is the same as rebelling against God. This is not the way of Christ. The Lord calls His people to discernment, to test every teaching, and to follow Him above all else. In (1 John Chapter 4 verse 1), it is written, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Breaking free from religious control requires a return to the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. It requires believers to place their trust in God’s Word above the words of man. It requires the courage to seek truth, even when it challenges long-held beliefs. Most of all, it requires a deep relationship with Christ, for He alone is the Good Shepherd who leads His people in righteousness. Those who follow Him will never be led into bondage, but into truth that sets them free.
Religious manipulation is one of the most dangerous forms of deception because it distorts the true nature of God. Instead of seeing Him as a loving Father, people who have been controlled by fear-based teachings may see Him as a harsh master who is always waiting to punish them. Instead of experiencing the joy of salvation, they live in constant anxiety, trying to earn God’s favor through forced obedience. This is not the life that God intends for His children. Jesus came to bring freedom, not captivity. In (Galatians Chapter 5 verse 1), Paul declares, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Any teaching that leads people into spiritual bondage is not from God, no matter how religious it may appear.
True faith is marked by love, not control. It is grounded in truth, not fear. It produces genuine devotion, not forced submission. As followers of Christ, we must be vigilant against any form of manipulation that seeks to replace the authority of God with the authority of man. We must walk in the light of His Word, testing all things and holding fast to what is good.
Behavior 5: False Prophecies and Divination
One of the greatest dangers facing the body of Christ today is the rise of false prophecies and divination disguised as divine revelation. In every generation, there have been those who claim to speak on behalf of God but are instead moved by their own desires, emotions, or even demonic deception. Many sincere believers, longing for direction and clarity in their lives, have fallen victim to misleading words spoken by individuals who claim to have supernatural insight. But Scripture warns us to test every prophetic message, for not all who claim to speak for God are truly sent by Him.
The Bible has always drawn a clear distinction between true prophecy, which comes from the Spirit of God, and false prophecy, which originates from the flesh or from deceptive spirits. In the days of Israel, false prophets arose who spoke what the people wanted to hear rather than what God had truly declared. In (Jeremiah Chapter 14 verse 14), the Lord spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them, nor did I command them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a lying vision, worthless divination, and the deceit of their own minds.” This passage reveals that not all prophetic words come from God—some originate from human imagination, while others are rooted in deception.
False prophecy is often linked to divination, which is the attempt to gain hidden knowledge through supernatural means apart from God. In ancient times, pagan nations used various methods—such as interpreting omens, reading signs in the stars, and consulting spirits—to uncover supposed truths about the future. But God strictly forbade His people from engaging in such practices. In (Ezekiel Chapter 13 verse 6-7), the Lord rebuked those who claimed divine revelation without His authority, saying, “They have seen false visions and lying divinations. They say, ‘Declares the Lord,’ when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word. Have you not seen a false vision and uttered a lying divination, whenever you have said, ‘Declares the Lord,’ although I have not spoken?” This warning applies just as much today as it did in ancient times. Many people use the language of prophecy to give weight to their own opinions, but the true test of a prophecy is whether it aligns with God’s Word and whether it comes to pass as He decrees.
The New Testament also warns against false prophets who mislead people for personal gain. Jesus Himself warned in (Matthew Chapter 7 verse 15), “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” This is a sobering reminder that not everyone who claims to speak for God is truly doing so. Some false prophets arise out of ignorance, speaking their own thoughts as though they were divine revelation. Others are more dangerous, deliberately using deception to manipulate and exploit others.
The rise of false prophecy in the modern church is a serious concern. Many seek out prophetic words as though they were fortune tellers, wanting to hear about their future, their financial breakthroughs, or their personal success rather than seeking the will of God. This is no different from the practice of divination, where people chase after supernatural knowledge instead of humbling themselves before the Lord. The danger is that when people depend on false prophets rather than on God’s guidance, they open themselves to deception. Some will hear words that are meant to control and manipulate them, leading them away from true faith. Others will become discouraged when so-called prophecies fail to come true, leaving them questioning their trust in God.
True prophecy always points people to God, not to man. It aligns with the truth of Scripture and brings correction, encouragement, and guidance in accordance with His will. In (1 John Chapter 4 verse 1), it is written, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” This means that believers must exercise discernment, testing every word spoken in the name of the Lord. If a prophetic message contradicts Scripture, promotes selfish gain, or stirs up fear and confusion, it is not from God.
One of the ways to guard against deception is to cultivate a deep knowledge of God’s Word. Many people are led astray because they do not know what Scripture truly says, making them vulnerable to smooth-talking individuals who twist the truth for their own purposes. But Jesus declared in (John Chapter 8 verse 31-32), “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” The more grounded a believer is in the Word of God, the less likely they are to be deceived by false teachings and misleading prophecies.
The pursuit of supernatural experiences over sound doctrine has become a major issue in some religious circles. There are those who prioritize personal revelations, visions, and so-called prophetic insights above the written Word of God. But true faith is not built on experiences—it is built on Christ, who is the unshakable foundation. When people begin to chase after signs and wonders rather than seeking God Himself, they are treading on dangerous ground. This is why Jesus warned in (Matthew Chapter 24 verse 24), “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Not every supernatural experience is from God. Some are designed to deceive, to captivate, and to lead people into falsehood.
God calls His people to seek Him, not through mystical means or through individuals who claim special access to divine knowledge, but through His Word and through a relationship with the Holy Spirit. He speaks clearly through Scripture, and He leads His children in paths of righteousness. Those who belong to Christ do not need to run after prophets for direction—they have direct access to the Father through the Son.
The antidote to false prophecy and divination is to walk in the Spirit and to hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit is the one who reveals truth, who convicts of sin, and who leads believers into God’s perfect will. In (John Chapter 16 verse 13), Jesus said, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” This is the promise that every believer has—a direct relationship with the Spirit of God, who speaks truth and brings wisdom in every season.
As we reflect on all that has been discussed, it is clear that these five behaviors are not just distant threats but present realities. Many sincere people have unknowingly engaged in practices that resemble witchcraft, not realizing how dangerous they are. But the call of God is always a call to repentance, to truth, and to freedom. Those who recognize these behaviors in their own lives must turn back to the Lord, seeking His wisdom and aligning their hearts with His will.
The enemy’s strategy has always been to counterfeit the work of God, to offer false versions of what only God can truly give. But those who belong to Christ must not be deceived. They must remain vigilant, testing all things, holding fast to what is true, and rejecting every form of evil. The Lord is calling His people to purity, to holiness, and to a faith that is built not on rituals, manipulation, or false revelations, but on the unshakable foundation of His Word.
The time has come for believers to walk in discernment, to trust in God alone, and to reject every practice that leads away from the truth. The Spirit of the Lord is calling His people to a deeper walk with Him, where they no longer depend on human voices but hear His voice clearly through His Word. Let those who have ears to hear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.
