Closing Entry Points of Evil Spirits

In Galatians 5:19-21, the Apostle Paul lists jealousy and envy among the works of the flesh, emphasising that these negative emotions are clearly evident, visible, and observable in a person's life. When someone harbours jealousy or envy in their heart, it is not a hidden emotion but rather an easily discernible sentiment that can be recognised by those around them.

The real danger arises when an individual continuously gives in to jealousy or envy. This opens the door for a demonic spirit of murder to enter their life. This dark force can drive people to commit terrible acts in the name of jealousy and envy, causing irreversible harm to themselves and others.

That was the case with Saul, who became jealous of David’s success on the battlefield and his subsequent popularity. He thought that David would take away his kingdom.

⁷So the women sang as they danced and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” ⁸Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him, and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me, they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” ⁹So Saul eyed David from that day forward. ¹⁰And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand. (1 Samuel 18:7–10.)

The intensity of jealousy that was awakened in King Saul by the people’s praise for David was so overwhelming that, from that point forward, he became obsessed with eliminating David. His all-consuming envy opened the door for a malevolent spirit of murder, which fueled his determination to put an end to David's life, demonstrating the destructive power of unchecked jealousy.

A similar thing happened with Cain when God was displeased with his offering but accepted the offering of Cain’s brother Abel. Filled with jealousy and anger, Cain killed his brother. (See Genesis 4:1–8.) In the end, jealousy always wants to kill the object of its anger.

So, the entry point for the spirit of murder in Saul was the sin of jealousy. Saul never repented of this sin, and he disobeyed God in other serious ways, as well, refusing to follow the specific instructions of the Lord through Samuel the prophet (see 1 Samuel 13:1–14; 15:1–22) and even consulting a medium (see 1 Samuel 28:3–19).

It is essential to understand that the spirit of murder extends beyond merely wanting to take someone's physical life; it also encompasses the desire to ruin their character, reputation, and influence. When experiencing jealousy towards another person, you may not necessarily wish for their death, but you might engage in actions or behaviours aimed at tarnishing their image or undermining their success, even if it's in subtle ways such as spreading lies or twisting things on social media etc. The Bible teaches that harbouring hatred or unjustified anger towards someone is equivalent to committing murder in our hearts.

²¹“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ ²²But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hellfire. (Matthew 5:21–22)

Ask yourself: “Am I jealous of anyone? Am I envious of another person’s gifts or of God’s grace toward him or of God’s blessings on him?” It could be that this person seems to be more successful, more anointed, or better looking than you are. If you are in a leadership position of any kind, are you envious of someone who is in authority over you or someone who is under your authority and seems to be especially talented?

Regardless of the specific reason for your envy, let me warn you that recurrent jealousy will open the door to the spirit of murder. Repent and flee from being under a curse like Saul’s! Make a decision to cast out the evil spirit this instant and to permanently block this point of access by being obedient to God and by developing the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³ meekness, and self-control; against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22–23.)

Closing Entry Points of Evil Spirits - III

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