Exposing the Spirit of Religion
Today, we're going to discuss a topic that's important to expose in the Christian walk: the sneaky, sly, and often elusive "spirit of religion." You might be thinking, "What on earth is that?" Let’s shed some light on this cunning impostor that disguises itself as godliness but falls far from the Spirit of Truth.
The Spirit of Religion Defined
Picture this: a wolf cunningly dressed in sheep's clothing, parading around the flock, trying to blend in and deceive the unsuspecting sheep. Now picture this wolf-sheep leading a congregation every Sunday morning. That's the essence of the spirit of religion. It's a cunning enemy that creeps into our churches and finds its way into leadership in unsuspecting congregations, causing people to put on a show of righteousness and live a lukewarm “Christian” life, while missing the heart of true relationship with the Lord, and the real freedom which comes when one is born of the Holy Spirit.
Legalism: The Mask of Religion
One of the telltale signs of this spirit is its love affair with legalism. It obsesses over rules and regulations, turning faith into a rigid checklist of dos and don'ts. These folks are all about outward appearances, but their hearts are often miles away from God. Many times, churches with this spirit follow un-inspired traditions of men, which are not supported in the Word: like banning musical instruments during worship and enforcing a dress code.
Judging Outsiders & Missing Grace
Watch out for this one! The spirit of religion loves to wield the gavel of judgment against those who are in bondage, those who are of the world and on the outside of saving grace. But here's the irony: while they're busy pointing fingers, and looking down their noses at lost souls, they fail to remember the deep compassion the Lord has for the lost and His commission to us to preach to them. Additionally, Christians who are heeding the influence of the spirit of religion are quick to point out issues in their brethren with no invitation or occasion. Jesus had a word or two to say about this in Matthew 7:1-6.
Playing Dress-Up: Hypocrisy
You know those people who have their Sunday best on but live a completely different life the rest of the week? That's a classic symptom of the spirit of religion. They put on a show for the world, but behind the scenes, they lack authenticity and genuine faith. It's like what Jesus said about the Pharisees: whitewashed tombs that look good on the outside but are full of dead man’s bones (Matthew 23:27-28). Ouch.
Stagnancy: A Lack of Growth
Picture a pond that's never refreshed by flowing water – it becomes stagnant and lifeless. Algae begins to bloom and the water becomes murky. That's what the spirit of religion does to faith. It discourages growth, innovation, and transformation. It undermines the Holy Spirit and His presence. But Romans 12:2 calls us to embrace renewal and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, changing us from the inside out, continuously.
The "Exclusive Club" Mindset
We've all encountered people who believe they hold the monopoly on righteousness. They claim that their denomination is the way. But in reality, true Christianity welcomes all born-again believers: those who truly repent and believe in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Galatians 3:28 makes it clear that when it comes to being a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, there is no distinction based on race, sex, social status, or education. We are all the same, so that no one may boast and be found with pride.
Human-Crafted Theology: A Deviation from God's Word
One of the key characteristics of the spirit of religion is its reliance on human-made theology rather than the unadulterated Word of God. It weaves complex webs of traditions and (false) doctrines, often obscuring the simple truths found in Scripture. As Christians, we must remain vigilant and hold fast to the Bible as our ultimate authority and guide, discerning the difference between divine revelation, a supernatural instantaneous download from the Lord, and man's flawed interpretations.
The Cessationism Deception: Denying God's Power Today
Ah, here's a hot topic that has sparked many debates among believers – “cessationism”. This belief system propagated by the spirit of religion (and the Calvinist movement of the 16th century) contends that certain spiritual gifts and miraculous manifestations completely ceased after the original 12 apostles went to be with the Lord, in a pathetic effort to limit God's power in the Body of Christ in the present age. However, Scripture paints a different picture, assuring us that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to believers throughout history up to today (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Let us be cautious not to fall for this lie, for it undermines the omnipotent nature of God, blatantly contradicts His Word, and stifles the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of others.
“Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8, KJV)
Conclusion
The spirit of religion is a formidable foe that lures believers away from the simplicity and power of God's Word. By embracing legalism, judgment, hypocrisy, stagnancy, exclusivity, human-crafted theology, and the deception of cessationism, it seeks to distort and dilute the power of faith in Jesus.
As devoted followers of Jesus, let us not be swayed by the allure of religiosity, but instead, cling to the living Word of God. In His Scriptures, we find the boundless grace, love, and power of our Lord and Creator. Let us remain steadfast in discerning the spirit of religion, embrace the fullness of God's unchanging truth, and experience the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May we be a light that shines brightly, unmasking this deceptive spirit and pointing others towards the liberating and life-giving freedom found in a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, as a born-again believer.