Rebellious men try to convince others that humility is a sign of weakness, not boldness. Yet we should learn that it is the truly humble man who possesses spiritual boldness.

The Scriptures warn God’s people strongly against the occult and its practices. The Law of God states plainly, “If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people” (Lev. 20:6). During the reign of King Saul, he had cut off such practices in Israel. Yet he himself saw his wicked life end tragically after he consulted the Witch of Endor and heard his judgment pronounced (1 Sam. 28).

Prophets like Isaiah called out the people of Judah for seeking the help of witches and those who consult the dead, rather than seeking the Lord and His Word. “When they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?” (Is. 8:19). The Bible’s last chapter ends with a picture of the beauty of the holy city, where sorcerers and other wicked people are not allowed to enter (Rev. 22:15).

The internet has fostered a revival of interest in the occult. So many are enthralled with its practices that there are demonic websites, social platforms dedicated to named evil spirits, and even a “WitchTok” community on the popular TikTok platform. Though I could devote the rest of this article to the occult and warn the church to guard its youth from it, that is not the purpose of this particular article.

For there is another form of witchcraft afoot in the church. This type is closer, more subtle, and a greater danger than God’s people recognize.

To understand this type of sorcery, we need to go back to the example of King Saul. Before he ever went to the Witch at Endor, Saul began practicing “black magic” after his anointing as king. The prophet Samuel gave clear directions to Saul to bring judgment on King Agag, the Amalekites, and all their flocks and herds with a full destruction (1 Sam. 15:3). Saul failed to obey God’s Word, as he “and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them” (1 Sam. 15:9). Saul thought God would be pleased if he used these animals as an offering to the Lord. This disobedience on Saul’s part, also seen at other times (see 1 Sam. 13:8-14), caused Samuel to make the following pronouncement.

Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination (“witchcraft” in the KJV), and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king (1 Sam. 15:22-23).

In reading this account, I often wondered why the Lord likened rebellion to witchcraft. One day, it hit me. Because, like witchcraft or divination, rebellion occurs when someone ignores the plain commands of God, looks elsewhere for revelation, and then, in their rebellion, casts a spell over others around them who are influenced. Rebellion blinds men, and others are caught up in their web of self-delusion and deceit. Just as the occult is all the craze these days and ensnaring thousands of young people with its allure, so is rebellion. The witchcraft of rebellion is alive and well in the modern church.

Many men calling themselves pastors and ministry leaders are rebels at heart. Some sidestep proper ordination and oversight by other leaders, setting up their own ministries devoid of any true accountability. Others refuse any type of correction when their teachings or actions call for it. In either situation, when attempts are made to address areas of concern in doctrine or life, instead of humbly receiving it, these men rail against correction, procedure, discipline, and the courts of the church. Further, they began attacking God‘s people and creating division. They have fallen under the spell of the evil ones’ lies and deception, under the witchcraft of rebellion.

In my own denominational setting, people take vows upon becoming members of the church. One of the vows reads in part, “In case you should need correction in doctrine or life, do you promise to respect the authority and discipline of the church?” I have seen pastors, over years of ministry, ask dozens of people this question, then refuse to accept this correction themselves when they need it. Furthermore, these same ministers took this vow upon their own ordination.

Do you promise subjection in the Lord to the courts of this church, and engage to follow no divisive courses from the doctrine and order which the church has solemnly recognized and adopted; and do you promise to submit to all the brotherly counsel which your brethren may tender you in the Lord?

I shudder to think of how their disregard of their vow, their rejection of the authority and counsel of the church, and the way they divide the church are all seen by the Lord who states, “When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!” (Eccl. 5:4).

Recently, I was preaching from James about being a doer of God‘s word. James says to those who only hear and do not obey God‘s word that they are “deceiving” themselves (Jas. 1:22). This word is a strong one in the Greek, implying that someone has come under the influence of a con artist and fallen for a false scheme. When God’s people do not obey his word—especially if they are leaders!—they have fallen for the scheme of pride, being self-deluded and rebellious.

Read More