“But we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:12

The world has a spirit. 1 John 2:15-16 tells us what that spirit is.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

The spirit of the world governs the activities of the flesh and all forms of lust. It establishes, supervises, coordinates, and organizes the lust of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life. Look at what happened to Peter:

“Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. ‘Never, Lord!’ he said. ‘This shall never happen to you!‘” Matthew 16:22

Jesus was speaking about His coming death, and Peter, under the influence of one of these spirits of the world, began to rebuke Him. The powers of this wicked world and the evil spirits in the heavenly realms are the forces we fight against. These forces lead people to act against God so that they fall under His judgment.

Notice how they manipulated Peter, who had just proclaimed by revelation that Jesus is the Christ: “It was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you,” Jesus told him. The devil then decided to reveal something to Peter. So, Peter took Jesus aside to rebuke Him! He was under the influence of a force from the depths of hell.

Anything that provokes spiritual arrogance or rebellion is a work of the spirit of the world. Jesus saw beyond Peter as a man and said to him:

“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:23

When the works of God mean nothing to you, you are under the influence of these ruling forces of the world. Whenever your spirit does not align with the truth of life, know that there is an influence of darkness trying to destroy your destiny. Be vigilant and say, like Jesus did, “Get behind me, Satan!” Judas was also a victim of the spirit of the world.

“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.” Luke 22:3

Rebellion is a demonic activity perpetrated by evil influences. Satan entered Judas and compelled him to betray his Master. These forces are not natural. They are essentially spiritual, demonic, satanic, aimed at destroying human destinies. You will not be destroyed, in Jesus’ name!

The spirit of the world has destroyed many families. Thus, the wife wants everything money can buy, to the point of completely ruining her husband. Lust of the eyes! A man or woman who wears clothes bought on credit is under the captivity of the spirit of the world—the lust of the eyes and the flesh! Buying a wristwatch worth thousands of dollars while more urgent problems are pending is simply outrageous and unhealthy!

Dear friend, these spirits are extremely subtle in their operations. Have you ever heard the sound of a snake’s footsteps? So tell me, what could a man possibly do with two cars when he is just starting his business? This is the same man who travels the country looking for capital! I think he is committing a capital sin. He is under the influence of a force remotely controlled from the invisible world.

The spirit of the world binds people through the lust of the eyes, the flesh, and the pride of life. Some people are looking for capital to start their businesses, yet their jewelry box is worth more than what they need.

When our ministry began, I had just three shirts and two trousers. I used these five items to create endless combinations while being the “President” of the Ministry. Who is watching you? A man’s value is not in his clothing, but in his address!

Your worth lies in what people receive from you, not in what you wear. For example, a prostitute who dresses in lavish, luxurious clothing will not become a virtuous woman! The title “prostitute” instantly destroys the splendor of her attire. Have you ever seen an elegant and handsome beggar? The label “beggar” destroys any beauty in them.

The spirit of the world is what torments your mind to the point of not being content with what you have received from God and being ungrateful. Instead, it leads you to always yearn for what you don’t have. Haven’t you heard that “godliness with contentment is great gain”? (1 Timothy 6:6)

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” Ephesians 2:1-3

It says: “the ruler of the kingdom of the air.” This means he operates wherever there is air. The prince of the power of the air is everything that drives people into the lust of the flesh and similar things. Now, look up into the air and say: Christ has given me all power against impure spirits. You, prince of the air, hear my voice. I am not subject to your authority. Your influence will no longer have access to my life, my flesh, or my thoughts. Never again!

The things of the world—namely, the lust of the eyes and the flesh—are all machinations of the spirit of the world. If they manage to capture you, you become, by default, an enemy of God.

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” James 4:4

No enemy of God has a future. Remember Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, and the others. It is only love for God that guarantees a glorious life. It is what guarantees a newness of life…

This text is an excerpt from the book “WALKING IN THE NEWNESS OF LIFE” written by David O. Oyedepo.
We invite you to read the following article: “EXERCISE YOURSELF.“