“Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1, NLT)
In a video below, a noted Roman Catholic priest and exorcist discussed the rising trend among young people who dabble in the occult. He related stories of how many young girls from Gen-Z find it intriguing and enlightening to become witches. There have always been young people who desired to act out in the world. Some may act out with sexual promiscuity. Others will use alcohol or drugs to fuel an obsession to be special. However, some have been enticed to take a dark spiritual path in open opposition to God. Very seldom do they realize the deadliness of their pursuit.
In an interview on YouTube, an exorcist made mention that in the 1960’s and 1970’s many young people were introduced to satanism and the occult through the “game” of Ouija. Ouija uses a board that is used to communicate with the dead, unknown spirits, even evil spirits. It was not uncommon for young people of that era to be found in a cemetery late at night trying to communicate with a dead friend or relative. Others would break out the board at a sleepover. The exorcist on YouTube mentioned how sometimes these young people opened portals to evil that infested a home or person with evil spirits. He related that some young people who unknowingly tried to communicate with the dead ended up with evil spirits following them home, torturing their dreams, pushing them to be suicidal, and more. And yet, the Ouija game boards can still be bought today. They are heralded by toy stores as “fun distractions”. An evil spirit let loose is never a fun distraction.
1 Timothy 4:1 was written by Paul as a warning to Christians. In this verse, Paul explained that “in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons” (1 Timothy 1:4, NLT). You might think this verse is saying that demonic teachings and deceptive spirits will only be a product of the end times. That’s not what Paul is saying. Paul is more so warning that as we get closer and closer to the end times, deceptive spirits and demons will become more and more proficient in swaying people toward evil.
The New Testament has many examples of deceptive spirits and demonic action. Jesus accomplished many exorcisms, notably one with the Gerasene Demoniac who was filled with a whole legion of evil spirits. Mark 6:7 shares stories of how the disciples were sent out two by two with part of their mission to “have authority over unclean spirits” to cast them out. In Acts 16 and 19 relate how Paul’s ministry included casting out many evil spirits. Also in Acts 19, the unholy seven sons of Sceva sought to overpower demons but were instead overpowered by demons. The Devil and his evil spirits have roamed the earth since the beginning (Job 1, 1 Peter 5:8), hoping to corrupt the innocent and shipwreck all who would be tempted.
In the modern age, the internet and social media have helped attract people to occult practices. These avenues of information have become conduits through which people can learn how to use incantations, how to call forth an evil spirit, and how to hex another person. Even certain holidays like Halloween and All Souls Day have been coopted to initiate the young with the occult. It is easier than ever to dabble in witchcraft, find those close by who are in a coven, or learn satanic rituals that can bring evil upon the believer.
To counter the growing evil influences in modern times, Pastor David Jeremiah urged parents to pray for their children, pray with their children, and pray for protection over their home. In his book, Morning and Evening Devotions, he wrote:
“Irene Park is a committed Christian with a tragic background: she was a high witch in the state of Florida, seducing boys and girls into abusive occult activities. She has stated that the only children she could never reach were those who had Christian parents who protected their children by pleading the blood of Christ over them in prayer.
Today, occultism has made its way directly into the public school systems of our land under the guise of the New Age movement. Well-meaning parents provide children every kind of protection possible—cell phones, pagers, nannies, cars—but too often fail to provide the most powerful defense of all: prayer in the name and through the blood of Jesus. Technology will never overcome Satan like the blood of Jesus can (Revelation 12:11). As you pray for your own children, pray for their teachers, schools, and classmates as well. The devil will take a foothold wherever he can.” (p. 165)
Be careful the way you walk in life. As 1 Peter 5:8 makes clear, the Devil is roaming the earth seeking whom he may devour”. It’s terribly easy to fall victim to those who worship evil, despise the good, and would gladly corrupt the innocent. As a child of Christ Jesus, don’t be afraid to learn how to cast out demons as did the disciples, reject evil spirits as did Paul, and walk in righteousness before the Lord.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, the forces of evil are around me. Sometimes I know it. Sometimes, I fail to see their action. Give me the courage to stand against evil spirits. Grant me the depth of faith to tell the truth. Encourage me always to share the gospel. Our world is in great need of Jesus Christ. Followers like me need to be ready to fight evil and hold fast to what is good.
I pray for protection around young people. I ask that you may specifically watch over these young souls: _____________________________ . Let evil not gain a foothold upon their lives. May the truth of the gospel keep them on a path that leads back to you.
I not only look forward to Heaven with You, but I also can’t wait until evil is defeated and evil spirits are cast into the lake of fire forever. Until that day, I pray for the naïve and innocent who can be preyed upon by dark forces. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
In an interview on YouTube, an exorcist made mention that in the 1960’s and 1970’s many young people were introduced to satanism and the occult through the “game” of Ouija. Ouija uses a board that is used to communicate with the dead, unknown spirits, even evil spirits. It was not uncommon for young people of that era to be found in a cemetery late at night trying to communicate with a dead friend or relative. Others would break out the board at a sleepover. The exorcist on YouTube mentioned how sometimes these young people opened portals to evil that infested a home or person with evil spirits. He related that some young people who unknowingly tried to communicate with the dead ended up with evil spirits following them home, torturing their dreams, pushing them to be suicidal, and more. And yet, the Ouija game boards can still be bought today. They are heralded by toy stores as “fun distractions”. An evil spirit let loose is never a fun distraction.
1 Timothy 4:1 was written by Paul as a warning to Christians. In this verse, Paul explained that “in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons” (1 Timothy 1:4, NLT). You might think this verse is saying that demonic teachings and deceptive spirits will only be a product of the end times. That’s not what Paul is saying. Paul is more so warning that as we get closer and closer to the end times, deceptive spirits and demons will become more and more proficient in swaying people toward evil.
The New Testament has many examples of deceptive spirits and demonic action. Jesus accomplished many exorcisms, notably one with the Gerasene Demoniac who was filled with a whole legion of evil spirits. Mark 6:7 shares stories of how the disciples were sent out two by two with part of their mission to “have authority over unclean spirits” to cast them out. In Acts 16 and 19 relate how Paul’s ministry included casting out many evil spirits. Also in Acts 19, the unholy seven sons of Sceva sought to overpower demons but were instead overpowered by demons. The Devil and his evil spirits have roamed the earth since the beginning (Job 1, 1 Peter 5:8), hoping to corrupt the innocent and shipwreck all who would be tempted.
In the modern age, the internet and social media have helped attract people to occult practices. These avenues of information have become conduits through which people can learn how to use incantations, how to call forth an evil spirit, and how to hex another person. Even certain holidays like Halloween and All Souls Day have been coopted to initiate the young with the occult. It is easier than ever to dabble in witchcraft, find those close by who are in a coven, or learn satanic rituals that can bring evil upon the believer.
To counter the growing evil influences in modern times, Pastor David Jeremiah urged parents to pray for their children, pray with their children, and pray for protection over their home. In his book, Morning and Evening Devotions, he wrote:
“Irene Park is a committed Christian with a tragic background: she was a high witch in the state of Florida, seducing boys and girls into abusive occult activities. She has stated that the only children she could never reach were those who had Christian parents who protected their children by pleading the blood of Christ over them in prayer.
Today, occultism has made its way directly into the public school systems of our land under the guise of the New Age movement. Well-meaning parents provide children every kind of protection possible—cell phones, pagers, nannies, cars—but too often fail to provide the most powerful defense of all: prayer in the name and through the blood of Jesus. Technology will never overcome Satan like the blood of Jesus can (Revelation 12:11). As you pray for your own children, pray for their teachers, schools, and classmates as well. The devil will take a foothold wherever he can.” (p. 165)
Be careful the way you walk in life. As 1 Peter 5:8 makes clear, the Devil is roaming the earth seeking whom he may devour”. It’s terribly easy to fall victim to those who worship evil, despise the good, and would gladly corrupt the innocent. As a child of Christ Jesus, don’t be afraid to learn how to cast out demons as did the disciples, reject evil spirits as did Paul, and walk in righteousness before the Lord.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, the forces of evil are around me. Sometimes I know it. Sometimes, I fail to see their action. Give me the courage to stand against evil spirits. Grant me the depth of faith to tell the truth. Encourage me always to share the gospel. Our world is in great need of Jesus Christ. Followers like me need to be ready to fight evil and hold fast to what is good.
I pray for protection around young people. I ask that you may specifically watch over these young souls: _____________________________ . Let evil not gain a foothold upon their lives. May the truth of the gospel keep them on a path that leads back to you.
I not only look forward to Heaven with You, but I also can’t wait until evil is defeated and evil spirits are cast into the lake of fire forever. Until that day, I pray for the naïve and innocent who can be preyed upon by dark forces. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.