The Python Spirit and Applied Righteousness

The Python Spirit and Applied Righteousness: 

The Spirit of Divination

In the Book of Acts, we encounter a fascinating account of a young woman who was possessed by a spirit of divination. The Greek word used to describe this spirit is “Pythos,” a term that takes us back to the ancient world of the Oracle of Delphi. This oracle was renowned throughout the Greco-Roman world, attracting emperors, generals, and philosophers seeking divine guidance. People would journey from far and wide to consult the oracle, believing that she could reveal hidden knowledge and predict the future.

The prophecies delivered at Delphi were often shrouded in mystery and ambiguity. The oracle, typically a young woman known as a Pythia, would enter a trance-like state, believed to be induced by intoxicating fumes emanating from a fissure in the earth within the temple. Modern research suggests that these fumes may have been ethylene gas, which can cause altered states of consciousness. However, the ancient Greeks attributed the oracle’s prophetic abilities to the mythical serpent Pythos, slain by the god Apollo. They believed that the serpent’s decaying body lay beneath the temple, and its fumes were the source of the oracle’s inspiration.

This connection between the spirit of divination and the serpent Pythos is significant because it highlights the deceptive nature of this spirit. Just as the oracle’s prophecies were often misleading or open to misinterpretation, the spirit of divination can lead us astray, offering counterfeit guidance and false hope. It is essential to recognize and resist this spirit, turning instead to the true source of wisdom and revelation, which is God Himself.

The Python Spirit

The python, a powerful and stealthy constrictor snake, provides a vivid illustration of the nature of the spirit of divination. Unlike venomous snakes that strike quickly and inject their prey with toxins, the python employs a different tactic. It coils its muscular body around its victim, gradually tightening its grip until the prey’s heart stops beating and life is extinguished. This slow and deliberate method of killing is a chilling metaphor for how the python spirit operates in the spiritual realm.

Just as the python constricts its prey, preventing it from breathing and moving freely, the python spirit seeks to suffocate our spiritual lives. It subtly squeezes the life out of our faith, hindering our growth and preventing us from experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings. This spirit often manifests as fear, doubt, and anxiety, gradually eroding our confidence in God’s promises and causing our hearts to fail. Jesus Himself warned of this in Luke 21:26, stating that “men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”¹

The python spirit is cunning and patient, waiting for opportune moments to strike. It lurks in the shadows, observing our movements and anticipating our decisions. When we hesitate, waver, or become paralyzed by fear, the python spirit seizes the opportunity to tighten its grip, seeking to crush our spirits and prevent us from moving forward in God’s plan for our lives.

The Threshold of Blessing

The imagery of the python lurking at a fork in the road or at the entrance to a burrow is particularly insightful. These locations represent thresholds, points of transition where we are poised to enter a new phase or experience a breakthrough. The enemy, like a python, understands the significance of these thresholds and seeks to hinder us from crossing them. He knows that if he can keep us stuck in a state of indecision or fear, he can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings.

The python spirit often employs various tactics to keep us from crossing these thresholds. It may whisper lies and doubts, tempting us to question God’s goodness or His faithfulness. It may stir up fear and anxiety, causing us to shrink back from the challenges that lie ahead. It may even use flattery and deception, luring us with false promises and enticing us to take detours that lead us away from God’s perfect will.

However, we are not powerless against the python spirit. We have been given authority in Christ to overcome the enemy’s schemes and walk in victory. Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”² By putting on the armor of God, which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet³ of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,⁴ we can stand firm against the python spirit’s attacks and confidently cross the thresholds into God’s blessings.

Applied Righteousness

The concept of righteousness is central to the Christian faith. It is the foundation upon which our relationship with God is built. The Bible declares in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that “Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” Through faith in Christ, we are made righteous in God’s sight, not because of our own merits or good works, but because of His perfect sacrifice on the cross.

But righteousness is not merely a legal declaration; it is also a practical reality that should be evident in our daily lives. This is what is meant by “applied righteousness.” It is living in such a way that our thoughts, words, and actions reflect the righteousness of Christ that dwells within us. It is allowing the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to shape our character and guide our conduct, so that we become more and more like Jesus.

Applied righteousness manifests in various ways. It is being honest and truthful in our dealings with others, even when it is costly. It is treating others with kindness and compassion, regardless of their background or beliefs. It is standing up for what is right and just, even when it is unpopular. It is forgiving those who have wronged us, just as Christ has forgiven us.

In short, applied righteousness is living out the gospel in every sphere of our lives. It is allowing the light of Christ to shine through us, so that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

God’s Perfect Will

Many Christians struggle with the idea of God’s perfect will, often feeling anxious or uncertain about whether they are truly aligned with His plan for their lives. This can lead to a sense of paralysis, as they hesitate to make decisions or take action, fearing that they might step outside of God’s will and miss out on His blessings.

However, the truth is that God’s heart towards us is one of love and grace. He desires to bless us and prosper us, even when we don’t fully understand His ways or His timing. As Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”⁵

God’s default answer to us is “yes.” He is eager to pour out His blessings upon us, to give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4). This doesn’t mean that we can simply demand things from God and expect Him to comply with our every whim. Rather, it means that we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is good and that He desires to give us good gifts (Matthew 7:11).

The fear of God should not be rooted in a fear of His disapproval or rejection. Instead, it should be a reverential awe of His power, His love, and His faithfulness. It should be a recognition that He is the ultimate authority and that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Poverty Mentality

One of the most insidious lies that the enemy uses to keep us from experiencing God’s best is the poverty mentality. This is a mindset that believes that resources are scarce, that there is not enough to go around, and that we must constantly struggle and strive to make ends meet. This mentality can manifest in various ways, such as hoarding possessions, being stingy with our time and resources, or constantly worrying about finances.

The poverty mentality is a direct contradiction to the abundance of God’s kingdom. Jesus came to give us life, and to give it to us more abundantly (John 10:10). He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep, and He desires to provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

When we embrace a poverty mentality, we limit God’s ability to bless us. We create a ceiling over our lives, preventing us from receiving the fullness of His provision. We become focused on what we lack, rather than on what we have in Christ. This can lead to a cycle of negativity, dissatisfaction, and even resentment towards God.

To break free from the poverty mentality, we must renew our minds with the truth of God’s Word. We must meditate on His promises of provision, His faithfulness, and His abundant love. We must cultivate a heart of gratitude, thanking Him for all that He has done and all that He has promised to do.

Dominion and Authority

God created us in His image, and He has given us dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28). This means that we have been entrusted with the responsibility to care for creation, to cultivate its resources, and to exercise authority over the forces of darkness. However, when Adam and Eve sinned, they relinquished their dominion to Satan, who became the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Despite this, Jesus came to reclaim our dominion and restore us to our rightful place as God’s image-bearers. Through His death and resurrection, He defeated Satan and his forces, and He has given us authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). We are no longer slaves to fear, but we are children of God, heirs to His kingdom, and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

To exercise our dominion, we must first recognize our identity in Christ. We must understand that we are not victims of circumstance, but victors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37). We must put on the armor of God and stand firm against the enemy’s schemes, wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

We must also be proactive in taking responsibility for our lives and our “gardens.” This means cultivating our spiritual lives through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. It means stewarding our resources wisely, using our time, talents, and finances to advance God’s kingdom. It means being intentional about our relationships, surrounding ourselves with positive influences and blessing those who bring negativity into our lives.

Blessing Away Negative Influences

Just as Abraham blessed Lot away from him, we can pray for God to remove negative influences from our lives. This doesn’t mean that we hate or despise those who have hurt us or caused us pain. Rather, it means that we recognize the importance of setting healthy boundaries and protecting our spiritual well-being.

We can pray for God to “occupy them elsewhere,” to redirect their attention and energies away from us. We can also pray for God to “bless them away from us,” to bring them into situations or relationships where they can find healing and fulfillment, even if it means that they are no longer a part of our lives.

This principle of blessing away negative influences applies not only to individuals, but also to situations and circumstances that are hindering our spiritual growth or preventing us from experiencing God’s best. We can pray for God to remove obstacles, to open doors, and to make a way where there seems to be no way.

Spiritual Warfare and Self-Care

Spiritual warfare is an essential aspect of the Christian life. We are engaged in a constant battle against the forces of darkness, who seek to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). However, we are not fighting alone. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, empowering us to overcome the enemy’s attacks and live victoriously.

Spiritual warfare involves various practices, such as prayer, fasting, worship, and speaking God’s Word. It also involves being mindful of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, recognizing that the enemy can use these areas to gain a foothold in our lives.

Spiritual self-care is equally important. This means taking care of our physical, emotional, and mental health, recognizing that these areas are interconnected with our spiritual well-being. It means setting healthy boundaries, saying “no” to things that drain us, and making time for rest and renewal.

Reflection and Review

This teaching on the python spirit and applied righteousness has been a powerful reminder of the importance of being vigilant and proactive in our spiritual lives. We must be aware of the enemy’s schemes and resist his attempts to hinder us from experiencing God’s best. By understanding the nature of the python spirit and applying the principles of righteousness and dominion, we can walk in victory and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

Call to Action:

• Identify: Take time to reflect on your life and identify areas where you may be hesitating, facing a “fork in the road,” or feeling stuck.
• Pray: Ask God for discernment and guidance, seeking His wisdom and direction for your life. Pray for protection against the python spirit and its influences.
• Declare: Speak God’s Word over your situation, declaring His promises and His faithfulness. Remind yourself of your identity in Christ and your authority over the enemy.
• Believe: Cultivate a mentality of abundance, believing that God desires to bless you with His best in every area of your life. Reject the lies of the poverty mentality and embrace the truth of God’s abundant provision.
• Connect: Surround yourself with positive influences and seek out those who will support your spiritual growth. Bless those who bring negativity into your life and pray for God to remove them from your sphere of influence.