MARK COWAN:
Those that emanate and propagate a seducing spirit will allure those that will absorb it because it appeals to their flesh. Both posses similar traits.
If these traits are not discerned and checked, they will produce, or develop into, the next one.
>>James 1:14-15. 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
1. Selective Standards of Sin: >>2 Samuel 13:20-28.
Absalom had no problem telling his sister that the rape was no big deal and she should just forget about it and then going and murdering his brother and thinking he was right on both counts.
The serpent introduced this in Genesis 3:1-6.
Yea, hath God said…? (was it really God?)
Ye shall not surely die. (consequences aren’t that bad).
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (He is keeping things from you)
This is being repeated today.
Is The Bible God’s Word? It is just a book. You can’t take it literally.
That’s not really what God meant. Let me explain in the original language. Here is a version to help you understand better.
Eternal life is real but not eternal damnation.
God knows we all make mistakes. You are only human.
Only those given special revelation can teach, and that would be us.
Sounds a lot nicer and smoother and people will be just like Eve, and later Adam, who swallow it and then pass it around to poison others.
>>Genesis 3:6. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
>>Isaiah 5:20-21. 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
>>Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.
>>Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.
2. Experience Based Egotistic Disregard of Grace:
>>2 Samuel 14:24-26,28,31-33.–2 Samuel 15:1.
Having survived his years of exile, Absalom arrogantly defies his father to kill him, which David does not do.(mercy and grace), he continues his, “in your face” boasting by preparing chariots and footmen to announce his presence.
Absalom had opportunity to be a humble, righteous man but through self delusion he became bitter. Many today have fallen into the same delusion boastfully thinking they have fully escaped the judgement of God, they continue in blatant sin.
Today we see such people exemplified in James.
>>James 1:23-24. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
To these, God’s Word expresses many warnings.
>>1 Corinthians 4:6-7. 6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. 7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
>>Psalm 52:1-5. 1 Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. 2 The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. 3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. 4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. 5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living.
>>>>Proverbs 25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
>>Romans 2:1-6.1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
>>Hebrews 10:26-31. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
>>Hebrews 12:15..(we should be) Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled
3. Desire Directed Patronizing Instruction.
>>2 Samuel 15:2-6.
Talk to people, side with them. As we say today, build a relationship. Let them know how you feel and how you would do things differently (always in their favor).
While advancing your own agenda, tell people what they want to hear in order for them to think that you are promoting their agenda. All the while not caring for others. After all, the others are in it just for themselves as well.
>>2 Peter 2:17-18. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
We see so much of this happening today.
>>Jeremiah 5:30-31. 30 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
>>2 Timothy 4:3-4. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
>>Isaiah 30:8-11. 8 Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: 9 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: 10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: 11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.
>>Jeremiah 2:12-13. 12 Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. 13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
>>Proverbs 16:28-30. 28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. 29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. 30 He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.
A seducing spirit, or one possessing it is froward.
(Froward: not willing to yield or comply with what is required; unyielding; ungovernable;)
Those that will not yield to God expect compliance and yielding to themselves.
4. Unscrupulous or Underhanded Activities:
Doing something under false pretense without attracting observation. Doing something when people do not know the truth or intentions of the one doing them.
2 Samuel 15:7-11.
Absalom has, by his befriending and council, gained the minds of the people. Now he is going after the behavior. Although they have no idea what is going to happen they are being lured beyond thinking that Absalom is a nice guy with good ideas to actively taking part in his sedition against the king.
>>2 Peter 2:1-4, 14-15. 1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment..
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
>>2 Peter 2:19-22. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Today this is most obvious in cults where the leaders promise liberty from all the religious trappings of formal church gatherings but still offer a spiritual life of purity and oneness.
It is commonly utilized in gaining or increasing church attendance.
With the use of surveys and questionnaires, they determine what the people want and offer it.
Easier to understand bibles (or none). Shorter timed sermons. They offer a more “laid back” approach to their worship. Worship with more words about what “I: will do instead of glorifying God for what He has done. Lighten up on sin, the blood, and repentance. And make sure that the people are entertained by good jokes and sports or play days.
It is evident in all church or fellowship splits that have, as their origin (no matter how far back it lay), pride.
>>Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
We have a better, more pure gospel or message. Our leaders and preachers are more powerfully anointed and have the mind of God and fuller truth.
>>1 Corinthians 3:3-4. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5. Conscious Consensual Carnality :
That which pertains to or is characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites; sensual, lusts.
2 Samuel 16:20-23.
Having never come into judgement before, Absalom now goes and visibly, before all the people, commits the evils of his fleshly lusts.And the people saw and knew what he was doing was not only in defiance of the king but was evil in the sight of God. They became what Paul describes in Romans 1:28-32. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Although Absalom’s carnality was of a sexual nature, sexual activities are not the only carnal activity that are indulged in.
>>Galatians 5:19-21. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Just as with Absalom and his followers, this is not something that people “fall into” but something they consciously chose to do or enjoy.
>>Hebrews 10:26-27. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
>>Psalm 81:10-12. 10 I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.11 But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. 12 So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.
>>Romans 1:24-25. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
>>1 Corinthians 10:6-7. 6 Now, these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
>>1 John 2:15-16. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
6. Implemented Impulsive Indulgences:
Relating to, or characterized by sudden or rash action, emotion, etc. that motivates one to do something’
2 Samuel 17:1-4.
Having gone thus far with despising and defying the King Absalom now receives counsel to mobilize the whole company of his followers.
It is as though Absalom says, now that I have gone thus far, something must be done “now” to keep the momentum going so as to keep my people, and make a distinct break from the reign of his father.
A modern term would be, “strike while the iron is hot”.
The same idea came to Jeroboam when he decided to separate from the House of David.
>>1 Kings 12:25-30. 25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 29 And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan.
In order to “keep his people” Jeroboam changed the worship. It was not simply making the place or time of worship more easily accessible but the form of worship was changed. The object of worship was changed and drew the people away from God, and caused God’s people to sin.
If people are attracted by carnality, they must be kept by it. So the idea comes to implement incentives to indulge the people in order to motivate and mobilize the people.(these things also come upon individuals as well),to get them to do what you want them to and make them think it is right.
Today, seducing spirits bring people to a place where they become carnal but still want to have a form of Godliness.
So what happens now. They panic. In order to maintain a motivation with the people they must :do” something and it must be done now.
Worship (allegiance) is changed. Under the guise of reaching a new generation all types of ungodly things are allowed into the houses of worship.
Rock music.as long as there are “Jesus words” in it.
Self exalting worship. Singing sons that proclaim more of what the worshiper does or simply making them feel good.
Activities become the accepted norm. Entertainments are planned.
Programs are initiated. Every people group has their own program. People become so busy “supporting their church or fellowship” that they no longer pay attention to the moving of The Holy Spirit’
They become tired of church, it is a weariness to them. Bible study and prayer meetings become “too hard” for them to attend.
Like Absalom, those today that lead or are led.by seducing spirits can not discern when the council they heed is only going to end in their own destruction. As a result they enter into the next stage or trait of such a life.
7. NUMBNESS: Those who walk in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. Ephesians 4:17-19
2 Samuel 17:23-26
At any given point along this downfall of rebellion, Absalom or anyone following him could have humbled themselves and returned their allegiance to their rightful King.
However, now they have No understanding. No shame No discernment. No guilt or remorse.
They are the blind being led by the blind, rushing headlong into their own destruction, not knowing and worse than that, not caring.
>>1 Timothy 4:1-2. 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
>>Proverbs 17:18-19.18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. 19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
>>Proverbs 11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour.
>>Jeremiah 6:15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord.
GUARANTEED GREAT JUDGEMENT
The Consequences of Heeding Seducing Spirits:
2 Samuel 18:6-16
The end of Absalom and his followers was death.
Absalom, like those today that follow seducing spirits became a symbol of a curse.
>>Galatians 3:13 for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Deuteronomy 21:23)
Those that follow a seducing spirit dethrone Christ and preach another gospel.
>>Galatians 1:6-9. 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Absalom also is a symbol of those who have not the faith of Christ (as a shield) nor the righteousness of Christ (as a breastplate). His heart was unprotected from the “darts” that Joab thrust into him.
The path of a seducing spirit can be summed up in…
>>Proverbs 7:7-22, 26-27. 7 And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, 8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house, 9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: 10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. 11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house: 12 Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) 13 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, 14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. 15 Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. 16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. 19 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: 20 He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. 21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;
26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
>>Amos 9:1-3. 1 I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered. 2 Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down: 3 And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:
>>Galatians 6:6-8. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting
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