"I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
As we walk in the Spirit and focus our affection on Jesus, we are bound to encounter troubles. Paul faced off against demonic attack on many occasions. One such occasion was in the new outreach at Philippi. He encountered a demonic oppression that Luke names, the python spirit.
Weariness, Frustration, Heaviness, and Confusion. Spiritual Battle?
The forward motion of Kingdom mission typically encounters people and strongholds. The enemy seeks to put these in place to enslave and bring captivity into people's lives. Enslaving them to a whole system of activity and action that dulls, opposes, hinders, the advance of the Gospel in the hearts and lives of people groups.
Captivities are systems of life that hold out the Gospel, resist the freedom message of Jesus Christ, and keep people enslaved to the dominion of darkness.
I want to look at one of these in the Book of Acts. It may shed light on some of your struggles at the moment and give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to overcome this captivity.
The Python Spirit (Acts 16:16)
This spiritual attack and demonic affront comes with particular characteristics and possibly during a vulnerable season of weariness and need for encouragement.
Key words
Weariness, fatigue, confusion, frustration, heaviness, depressions, oppression, pressure, discouragement, factions, divisions.
I Corinthians 1:10-13
Acts 16:16 the python spirit – divination spirit
Paul confronted this demonic spirit in Philippi. It was one of the demonic spirits named in the New Testament. A fortune teller and diviner Acts 16:16-17), a woman met them, followed them and shouted announcements after them to the crowds.
Most would consider this a good thing. Someone is shouting out who we are and affirming us, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." Uh. Sounds good. Yet, everyone who saw her attached to Paul and Silas could conclude they were "of the same spirit". For days she continued in the same activity following Paul and proclaiming and shouting out affirmations that sounded correct. The woman was the mouthpiece for the idols of the area and Paul and Silas were tearing down the stronghold.
Keep in mind. Jesus was confronted by Satan himself on occasion as the Devil thought he had opportunity. Matthew 4:1-f He also confronted Legion and many other fallen angelic spirits. Satan and his cohorts are always looking for a moment of opportunity to deceive (Sow lies), confuse (cloud the truth and resolute action and focus) and hinder (but things in the way of the servants of the Lord to stall, slow, and hinder the advance of the Kingdom.). The Master encountered Satan. We will as well. Better to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves in the face of his attacks.
Here is an overview of the characteristics of this spiritual attack.
1. Positive affirmation of Paul’s ministry and ours – from a clearly demonic fortune teller who is not noted as repenting or being baptized. Drawing close, causing confusion, preparing for the ultimate connection of his ministry with theirs. Wearying them. Tightening the fatigue and passivity.
2. All that the apostles did in miracles, healings, signs etc would be associated with the slave girl as well. Associated with divination.
3. Jesus did not allow demons to associate with him even when they spoke the truth about him. He would silence them.
Side Note: The Devil is clear on who Jesus is and who his servants are.
Sons of Sceva - Acts 19:14
Side Note: The Devil is clear on who Jesus is and who his servants are.
Sons of Sceva - Acts 19:14
4. She kept this up for many days. Paul and Silas took a while to realize that their guard was down. That they were passive toward this "voice"; To discern the python spirit confronting their ministry.
5. The word for how Paul felt when he turned and rebuked the spirit was
Toil, or work hard. The passive nature of the verb – worn out, at the end of ones tether.
Paul and Silas were at their ropes end. The account does not say they had breakthrough or reported many salvations or miracles? That is until the spirit was defeated.
Paul and Silas were at their ropes end. The account does not say they had breakthrough or reported many salvations or miracles? That is until the spirit was defeated.
6. Flattery, and spiritual deception were part of the attack.
Why didn’t Paul perceive a demonic spirit influenced the diviner? What was the outcome described after… “She kept this up for many days.”
She kept up her yelling and announcing with incessant continuance.
It wore Paul out. Most likely that is when he perceived the attack and that the “way of the python spirit” that was affronting him.
The environment/atmosphere was one of squeezing, slowly, incessantly, and continuously. Just like a python snake. Every breath you take, it tightens its grip.
Ephesians 6:12
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.…"
Reflecting on the story in Acts we can see - The Python Spirit...
· Comes in times of uncertainty when encouragement is needed – when we are tired, worn down.
When we are not seeing all we expect or when we face a difficult challenges.
Key 1 - we can start to make agreements with enemy perspectives, slowly, step by step, as weariness and fatigue creep in.
For every agreement the energy of the Spirit shrinks, is sapped out of us. Everything starts shrinking as the attack grows tighter and tighter and we loose all sense of creativity, power in the Spirit and energy for advancing.
We loose sight of the power of the Kingdom.
We loose sight of the creativity and breakthrough of the Spirit.
We loose sight of who we are "in Christ". Eph 1
We loose sight of a faith filled heart seeking the Father's way to new life and power.
We loose sight of exercising the power we carry.
We loose sight of our God in our midst as a mighty creative and guiding grace to lead us through any and all hindrances and challenges in our mission with Jesus.
For instance. Paul allowed this woman to be among them and to follow "for many days". Possibly he was encouraged by the flattery in a weak moment. As things tightened up and they did not see a breakthrough in the Kingdom in signs as in other towns.
Giving in to one thought here, one thought there. Letting go of the victory in Christ and the simple leading of the Holy Spirit, we can slip from freely giving and flowing freely in the Spirit.
Key 2: Passivity is a sign of "giving in" to the Enemy. Jesus is never passive. He is always working in the will of the Father.
What to look for?
· This spirit confronts in an environment of Spiritual power – it is false expression –divination – familiar spirit knowledge. Soul knowledge. Demonic knowledge.
It lacks any power in the Spirit but presents itself as knowledge of the spirit.
· It Flatters and gains influence by affirmation, identifying with the ministry in its reality, yet offering no real energy in the Spirit for the ministry. This is key.
Simon Magus - was confronted by Peter.
Eventually this woman was confronted and released from the demonic oppression of her life.
· It seeks to come alongside and identify with true spiritual authority – but has none. Wearying the mission leaders with affirmations but no rain. Clouds with no rain.
Proverbs 25:14
" Like clouds with no rain is one who boasts of gifts never given."
· It causes weariness, a beat down feeling, a passivity to miracles, prophetic grace and breakthrough vision. Paul learned to overcome this and you can to.
2 Corinthians 4:8
" "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;…"
Key 3: We live in the tension of the NOW and the Not YET.
The Kingdom of God is here and is coming in fullness. We see it now and we hope in it for what is not yet. This is the normal position of Kingdom Saints. Moving from the faith deposit to the Hope assurance to the Love Fruit. This is an important lesson and central to frontier mission activity in the Kingdom of God. We have to learn the ways of breakthrough. We have to learn about these battles, hindrances and spiritual confrontations and move through them with power and love.
· Is not in deep relationship or accountable relationship with true spiritual authority.
· Points to itself as “spiritually discerning” “spiritually in tune with revelation”
· Meditate on ACTS 16:16-24
Characteristics of a Spirit of Python
By Dr. Eddie Hyatt’s
By Dr. Eddie Hyatt’s
Luke uses “spirit of python” in regards to this slave girl probably because the spirit operating in her was like the one at Delphi. There is, of course, the possibility that she had actually been to Delphi and that is where she picked up this false spirit. It is important to note that what she said was true. Satan and demons have some knowledge and will reveal their “secrets” in order to impress and draw people into their destructive web. Only our God, however, is omniscient, i.e., all knowing.
Here are some of the traits of a spirit of python that are obvious in this narrative.
It loves to flatter. The prophecy of this young woman was not given to encourage or affirm, but to flatter. We all need to give and receive affirmation and encouragement, but flattery is insincere and self-serving. So many today, including leaders, are so starved for affirmation and approval that they are vulnerable to the flatteries of a deceiving, python spirit. Our security is in being so settled in God’s acceptance and approval that we are no longer susceptible to the flatteries of a false prophetic spirit. Beware of those who use prophecy to flatter and, thereby, gain advantage.
It demands attention. This is indicated by the fact that she followed Paul and the others for “many days” continually giving forth her prophecy. Beware of those who use prophecy to thrust themselves into the limelight.
It loves to be seen and heard. This is indicated by the fact that she kept putting herself at the center of attention. Make note of those who use prophecy to make themselves the center of attention.
It wants to be important. This is indicated by the fact that she directed her prophesying to the leaders of this new movement. Beware of those who use prophecy to gain status with pastors and leaders.
There is often a monetary motive involved. This young slave girl was raking in a lot of money for her masters. I am afraid this same motive is at work in the charismatic/prophetic movement today, usually in very subtle ways. I once saw a man, who probably had a genuine gift of prophecy; express his desire to pray for everyone who would bring a $20.00 offering for his ministry to the front. As he prayed and then prophesied over each one, I saw women looking in their purses for money so they could go forward and get a “word.” I believe this man was opening himself to a false spirit—a spirit of python—by his devious actions.
By Dr. Eddie Hyatt’s
Kingdom Opposites
Constriction – Control
Weariness -
Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt.
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When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God.
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When the LORD your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!
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Ps 63 - my soul clings to you….
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
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He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
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Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
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but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
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Ps 50:4-11 instructs me in words for the weary
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
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Fatigue
Confusion – Throw our enemies into confusion Lord our God
The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great victory at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah.
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May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
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May those who seek my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
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which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
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I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.
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Decree
Lord, bring forth a wisdom that confounds the enemies of your Gospel, upholds in righteousness the true fellowship of the Saints in Jesus Christ, and destroys through the Blood of Christ all python spirits and each supporting lessor demons.
We cling to your words of life and recognize you have opened a door that no man can shut.
We welcome your presence and proclaim against weariness, frustration, “I love you Lord, my strength”. Ps 18:1.
We speak through the open door you have created with your word to the dry and dead bones that are not drawing life from your open doors and throne room vision, come to life in the word of the Lord.
We welcome your presence in water and fire.
We welcome your presence in manifest freedom and grace.
We ask for wisdom to align our lives to the prophetic words spoken over us and in which we participate as family in Jesus.
We will settle for nothing less than the fulfillment of your word and the victory of your proclamation.
Be high and lifted up Lord Jesus. Let your glory fill Central Oregon. Bring springs and rivers and lakes and ponds.
We welcome the fire of holiness and cleansed lives in the Spirit.
Speak through the OPEN DOOR no one can shut! Revelation 3:8
Father, we speak your words to the dry bones. ….
Go ahead. Run with HIM.
Other posts that may interest you:
1.http://jeffreynoldsonedesire.blogspot.com/2015/01/7-things-enemy-devil-doesnt-want-you-to.html
Thanks for reading.
You can do this thing! He's got you.
Jeff Reynolds ---
Brother Jeff
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