The Scripture clearly tells us that as believers, our greatest battles are always battles of the spirit. They are battles waged where we cannot see, feel or touch; yet the impact is very real indeed. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV84)
We should expect that anytime we decide to do the will and purpose of God for our lives, our enemy will seek to sidetrack and derail us from our walk of loving obedience to the will of God. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV84)
Our enemy often will seek people he can use as tools. Wherever there is disobedience to the Word of God, there is an open door for the enemy to wreak havoc. “Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:28, NIV84)
The devil has plans, he schemes. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:11, NIV84) We must become aware of his tools in order to properly fight. “in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” (2 Corinthians 2:11, NIV84)
The word manipulation is not directly found in Scripture. In the dictionary, manipulation speaks of influence in an unfair manner. The words in Scripture that do speak of a manipulative spirit are words of witchcraft, religious spirit, spirits of death, a jezebel spirit, the spirit of the Pharisees. I use the phrase “spirit of manipulation” to clearly identify the characteristics of this negative spirit that seeks to control those it encounters.
This spirit can be found anywhere where people have personal agendas. Jezebel used lies to control Ahab and seek to destroy God’s people. In the church, manipulation is often found in people who are insecure in their identity in Christ and seek their security through a false control of others. This spirit seeks to use others for their own personal gain. Instead of living a life of love desiring to build others up, manipulation will tear others down to build itself up.
Because this battle rages in the spirit, we fight the battle also in the spirit. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13–17, NIV84)
We fight this spirit of control, the jezebel spirit only when we ourselves are secure in Christ. We fight with truth, love, faith and all the fruits of the spirit. We fight to establish the light of God in the place where evil reigns.
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