Revelation 2:18-23 word-pictures “a Jezebel spirit”, which is a satanic spirit of “steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10); this “Jezebel spirit” is described in 1 Kings 16:29-34, as a “Baal-worshiping satanic spirit of hatred for God”: thus, anyone with a “a Jezebel spirit” will do whatever it takes to satisfy the “spirit of control”, so they enjoy controlling people by fear.
First Kings 19-22 reveals how this satanic spirit of Baal worship, so possessed Queen Jezebel with a promise to have the Prophet Elijah killed; thus, he gave in to “the satanic spirit of tormenting fear” (1 John 4:18) and ran for his life, until God reprimanded Elijah, and sent him to anoint Elisha as his replacement.
It would seem obvious the Prophet Elijah would stand-up to Queen Jezebel, in the authority and power of God, as he did to King Ahab and his false prophets on Mount Carmel, in 1 Kings 18:20-40, but in 1 Kings 19 is when King Ahab tells Queen Jezebel the Prophet Elijah had all the false prophets killed, so she sends Elijah his death warrant, and the satanic spirit of fear controlled Elijah and caused him to run for his life, so Jezebel would not kill him.
Jesus, in Luke 11:14-26, explains what happens when “a satanic spirit” is cast out of a person, by the authority and power of God, in Luke 10:1-20, and what happens when the person likes the control or lust the satanic spirit gives them, and although “they” are “c”, they do not receive Jesus Christ as Lord, so they are “empty”, and seven satanic spirits more wicked then the first, come and possess them.
Yes, people soon start enjoying the power the satanic spirits, working through them, have over people, for it gives them control over people, so they willingly obey whatever the person tells them, and lust and greed are always the motivating factor, the same way Satan tried to use “the kingdoms of the world”, in Luke 4:4-8, but Jesus told Satan we must only worship God, but as we read Proverbs 20:1-30, look how people allow the satanic spirits to control their behavior, and look at how these people enjoy what the satanic spirits of “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10) do for, in, and through them.
Proverbs 20:1-30 (NLT)—1 Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise. 2 The king’s fury is like a lion’s roar; to rouse his anger is to risk your life. 3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. 4 Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest. 5 Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out. 6 Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable? 7 The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. 8 When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good. 9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”? 10 False weights and unequal measures—the LORD detests double standards of every kind. 11 Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. 12 Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the LORD. 13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat! 14 The buyer haggles over the price, saying, “It’s worthless,” then brags about getting a bargain! 15 Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies. 16 Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners. 17 Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth. 18 Plans succeed through good counsel; do not go to war without wise advice. 19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so do not hang around with chatterers. 20 If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness. 21 An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end. 22 Do not say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the LORD to handle the matter. 23 The LORD detests double standards; He is not pleased by dishonest scales. 24 The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? 25 Do not trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost. 26 A wise king scatters the wicked like wheat, then runs his threshing wheel over them. 27 The LORD’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive. 28 Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love. 29 The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old. 30 Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart.
Yes, some enjoy what the satanic spirits do for, in , and through them, but others of us enjoy the forgiving, sweet, peaceful, submissive, humbly presence of the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—works for, in, and through us, the way Ephesians 3:14-21 explains it.
Jim Nabors
