“What manner of Spirit You are of?”

There are two different spirits in the world – God’s Spirit and Satan’s spirit, and often people do not know of which spirit they are of. Jesus and His disciples came to the village of the Samaritans, but they did not receive them, therefore James and John became angry and said to Jesus, “Wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them? But Jesus rebuked them and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.” (Luke 9:52-55)

“There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work, or who act contrary to our ideas.” DA 487.

This disposition to hurt may hot be manifested in physical harm but in criticizing, evil speaking and putting down a person’s reputation.
On another occasion, Peter rebuked Jesus about the suffering and death that He told His disciples would come upon Him. Jesus said unto Peter, “Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou art an offence unto Me.” Matt. 16:23.

Humanly thinking, Peter had good intentions. He loved Jesus and did not want any harm to come upon Him. Peter did not understand that if Jesus would not suffer and die, he himself and the whole world would perish in their sins. It was Satan inspiring Peter to speak this way.

These disciples were chosen by Jesus to continue His work, but at times Satan could ‘use them in order to defeat the work of salvation. “Satan was trying to discourage Jesus, and turn Him from His mission; and Peter, in his blind love, was giving voice to the temptation. The prince of evil was the author of the thought. His instigation was behind the impulsive thought.” DA 416.

How often it happens among us that ideas are presented and plans made which are not in accordance to God’s will. If these ideas and plans would be accepted and carried out the work of God would suffer.

Satan can hinder the work of God more successfully by the members and the leaders of the church than by outside enemies. Human wisdom goes against the divine wisdom of God. Even the committees can think humanly, using human logic in their decisions, which really comes from Satan.

Spirit of Persecution

One of the most Satanic characteristics is the spirit of persecution. It can be often seen among Christians even. Jesus and His disciples were persecuted by His own church. Jesus spoke about the last days and said, “The brother shall betray the brother to death.” Mark 13:12.

Jesus also said, “Whosoever shall say, thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.” Matt. 5:22.
The spirit of persecution kills the love to others. This spirit is manifested in faultfinding and evil speaking, yet those who manifest it call it a zeal for good.

Sister White writes, “We should be the last people on the earth to indulge in the slightest degree of persecution against those who are bearing the message of God to the world. This is the most terrible feature of unchristlikeness that has manifested itself among us since the Minneapolis meeting. Sometime it will be seen in its true bearing, with all the burden of woe that has resulted from it.” GCB 1893, p. 184.

Jesus said to love our enemies even. He prayed for His murderers that God would forgive them. So vastly different is Satan’s spirit and God’s Spirit.

Bitterness

Bitterness and dissatisfaction come from Satan. Even a little root of bitterness can defile many, Paul writes. He also said, “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Cor 12:10.
It was not possible to make Paul miserable and bitter. The more people hated him and persecuted him, the more he enjoyed it. He actually took pleasure in it. This kind of attitude comes from the Holy Spirit only.

Power

One with God’s Spirit is a strong Christian, he can move mountains and nothing is impossible to him. He can overcome sin and his weakest point becomes his strongest point. But one with Satan’s spirit is weak. He does that what he does not want to do, and does not that what he wants to do. This kind of weak Christian is not a preacher of righteousness. He cannot from his own experience tell how to overcome sin. He falls into the category of lukewarm Christians whom the Lord will spue out of His mouth.

When two Christians meet and both are of God’s Spirit, automatically there is a bond between them. They feel that they belong together. But if one of them has Satan’s spirit, then there is no unity nor harmony between them. The church can never be united and ready for the latter rain until all members with Satan’s spirit are shaken out. This is a painful process, but it is necessary.

“His Spirit ruling in the heart will create harmony, love, and unity. The opposite of this is seen among the children of Satan. It is his work to stir envy, strife and jealousy.” Test Vol. 5, p. 28.
“They must by constant prayer seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which would lead them to love and unity.” Test. Vol., p. 243.

Joy in the Lord

Only a truly happy person, filled with constant joy is one with the Comforter in him. With the Spirit of God even the dying moment can be peaceful.

The constant smile and cheerfulness are the rewards that God gives to the faithful servants through His Spirit.
Joy that the world is seeking by riches, entertainment and luxury is nothing compared to the joy that we receive by the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is visible in every person who has the Holy Spirit. It is not possible to feel miserable and unhappy with the Comforter with us.

May the Lord help that not one of us would be under the influence of Satan’s spirit but pray for the Spirit of God to fill us. AMEN.

Timo Martin