Acts 16:16-18 π 1 Cor. 12:1 π 1 Cor. 12:24-25 π 1 Cor. 14:33
Another manifestation of evil spirits may be described as prophetic ecstasy, or "inspiration." Such was manifested in the girl with a "spirit of divination," which Paul cast out. ( Acts 16:16-18 ) The danger of this kind of spirit is that the manifestations are more like those of the Holy Spirit, than when in the nervous system, or bodily frame. To distinguish between the two in the Corinthian Church was the object of the Apostle writing the 12th and 14th chapters of the first Corinthians: "Concerning the 'inspired'...I would not have you ignorant," he wrote ( 1 Cor. 12:1 ), as he proceeded to show them how to detect the difference between the manifestations of deceiving spirits in demoniacal "inspiration" or ecstasy, and the true inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God in one believer being in harmony with the manifestation of His power in others, and the demoniacal spirit producing "schism" or "mutiny" of the members of Christ's Body one against the other. The Holy Spirit causing interdependence, and honour of His workings in the one and in the other ( 1 Cor. 12:24-25 ); the demoniacal spirit causing lawlessness, and confusion. "Harmony" and "confusion" being respectively the hall-mark of the supernatural power being from God or Satan in the assembly of God's people. ( 1 Cor. 14:33; top )
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