Part III — Deception and Doctrines of Devils
For Lessons 7 & 8
10 min read
Personal Application
This supplement is a heart-to-heart companion to the preceding two lessons — addressing your immediate personal needs and practical application of the truths studied.
Supplement 4 — For Lessons 7 & 8: Deception and the Occult
Key Terms
Doctrines of Devils — False teachings that originate from demonic inspiration, designed to lead people away from faith in Christ.
Divination — The attempt to gain hidden knowledge by supernatural means apart from God.
Necromancy — Communication with the dead; in reality, communication with demons impersonating the dead.
Familiar Spirit — A demon that attaches itself to a family line, often through occult involvement.
Legal Ground — The right a demon claims to operate in a person's life through sin, trauma, or occult participation.
Scripture Memory
1 Timothy 4:1 — "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."
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 — "There shall not be found among you any one that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch... For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD."
2 Corinthians 6:17 — "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing."
Modern Forms of Divination
| Practice | Biblical Status | Common Manifestations |
|---|---|---|
| Astrology | Forbidden | Horoscopes, zodiac signs, star charts |
| Fortune-telling | Forbidden | Tarot, palm reading, crystal balls |
| Necromancy | Forbidden | Séances, Ouija boards, channeling |
| Witchcraft | Forbidden | Spell-casting, curses, Wicca |
| New Age | Forbidden | Spirit guides, energy healing, astral projection |
Questions for Reflection
- 1 Why does God condemn divination so strongly? What does it reveal about His character and His plan for His people?
- 2 Have you ever participated in occult practices, even in jest? How should you address this in prayer?
- 3 How can you lovingly warn others about the dangers of horoscopes, Ouija boards, and other "harmless" occult activities?
- 4 What does it mean that demons have a "legal ground"? How does the cross of Christ break every claim they have?