The provided text excerpts from “16 Spirits.pdf” detail sixteen biblically-based demonic spirits, their manifestations, associated scriptures, and methods for spiritual deliverance. Each spirit’s description includes behavioral characteristics, relevant Bible verses, and instructions on binding the negative spirit and releasing the Holy Spirit. The text also addresses the “Spirit of Poverty,” differentiating it from material wealth and defining it as a generational, demonic spirit fueled by greed and fear. Finally, strategies for overcoming the “Spirit of Poverty” and the “Spirit of Death” are offered, focusing on biblical principles of giving, hard work, and obedience.

• What are spiritual strongmen, according to this material?
• Spiritual strongmen are biblically named demonic spirits that can bind or oppress individuals. They are believed to operate through specific manifestations and are rooted in the “works of the flesh” as described in Galatians 5:19-21. The idea is that they can influence people’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors leading to destructive patterns and actions. There are 16 strongmen described in this document.
• How are these spirits identified?
• These spirits are identified through their specific manifestations, which are observable behaviors and patterns. For example, the spirit of divination manifests as fortune-telling, witchcraft, and drug use. The spirit of jealousy is manifested through anger, hatred, and envy. The document also references Matthew 7:20, “By their fruits you will know all men” meaning that outward actions reveal the underlying spiritual influences.
• What is meant by “binding” and “loosing” in the context of dealing with these spirits?
• “Binding” refers to the act of spiritually restricting the influence of a specific demonic spirit. This is often done through prayer, using the authority of Jesus Christ. “Loosing” refers to releasing or activating the positive opposite of the demonic influence, often through prayer and seeking the Holy Spirit, such as the Spirit of Truth, gifts of healing, or a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind.
• Is the “spirit of poverty” simply about financial wealth or lack thereof?
• No, the spirit of poverty is not solely about financial status. It’s defined as a demonic spirit empowered by iniquity and sin, particularly in areas of giving and receiving. This spirit can affect both the wealthy and the poor, manifesting through laziness, greed, stealing, concealing sin, and a lack of generosity. It is often a generational issue that needs to be broken.
• What are some examples of manifestations associated with the “spirit of heaviness”?
• Manifestations of the “spirit of heaviness” include excessive mourning, sorrow, grief, insomnia, self-pity, rejection, broken-heartedness, despair, depression, suicidal thoughts, and inner hurts. This spirit is associated with an emotional weight that is not easily lifted.
• How does the “spirit of error” manifest in a person’s life?
• The “spirit of error” can manifest through error, unsubmissiveness, false doctrines, being unteachable, serving corruption, contentiousness, and defensiveness, particularly when defending personal interpretations of spiritual revelations. It often presents as an argumentative nature.
• What is the spiritual counter to the “spirit of fear” as identified in this document?
• The spiritual counter to the “spirit of fear” is Love, power and a sound mind. This is linked to 2 Timothy 1:7 and 1 John 4:18. Also, it’s emphasized that perfect love casts out fear, suggesting that cultivating a deeper connection with God’s love can overcome fear.
• What role do the “works of the flesh” play in the context of these spirits?

The “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-21) are considered the root causes of the manifestations of these demonic spirits. It is believed that indulgence in fleshly desires like hatred, jealousy, and lust opens a door for these spirits to take hold. Therefore, turning away from those fleshly desires is a critical part of deliverance

Spiritual Strongmen: A Study Guide

Quiz

Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 complete sentences.

1. According to the source material, what is the primary reason for filling a person with good after removing a demonic spirit?
2. List three manifestations of the Spirit of Divination.
3. What are the two main things the Spirit of Poverty is related to, and how can it affect people?
4. Explain the difference between the manifestations of the Spirit of Heaviness and the Spirit of Fear.
5. What does it mean to “bind” a spirit, and what is the purpose of doing so?
6. Name three activities associated with a Familiar Spirit.
7. According to the text, what are the manifestations of the Spirit of Whoredoms?
8. How does the Spirit of Anti-Christ manifest, and what does it deny?
9. What is a characteristic of a person influenced by the Spirit of Haughtiness?
10. What is the purpose of ‘loosing’ when dealing with demonic spirits?

Quiz – Answer Key

1. The primary reason for filling a person with good after removing a demonic spirit is to prevent the original spirit from returning with seven other spirits, making the person’s condition worse than before. This underscores the importance of spiritual maintenance and growth.
2. Three manifestations of the Spirit of Divination are fortune-telling, stargazing or using horoscopes, and practicing witchcraft or wicca. These practices seek to gain knowledge or power through sources other than God.
3. The Spirit of Poverty is related to both greed and the fear of loss. It can oppress both wealthy and poor people, suggesting it’s not about money but rather a heart condition characterized by fear and avarice.
4. The Spirit of Heaviness manifests as excessive mourning, sorrow, despair, and can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. The Spirit of Fear, on the other hand, produces specific fears, phobias, anxiety, and stress, leading to torment and doubt.
5. To “bind” a spirit means to restrict or restrain its influence and activities, rendering it powerless over a person. This action seeks to dismantle the spirit’s stronghold and diminish its ability to impact behavior or thinking.
6. Three activities associated with a Familiar Spirit include necromancy, using mediums, and practicing spiritism. These practices involve attempts to communicate with or seek guidance from the dead.
7. The Spirit of Whoredoms manifests in unfaithfulness, adultery, prostitution and idolatry. Additionally, it can manifest as a chronic dissatisfaction and love of money.
8. The Spirit of Anti-Christ manifests by denying the deity of Christ and His atonement. This spirit is also characterized by anti-Christian actions, teachers of heresies, and promoting lawlessness.
9. A characteristic of a person influenced by the Spirit of Haughtiness is arrogance, smugness, and pride. It is also seen as a rejection of God.
10. “Loosing” when dealing with demonic spirits means to release positive spiritual forces, like the Holy Spirit or specific virtues such as love or truth, into a person’s life. This serves to replace the negative influence of the bound spirit, and to bring healing and restoration.

Essay Questions

1. Discuss the concept of “binding” and “loosing” in the context of spiritual warfare, using specific examples of spirits and their corresponding solutions provided in the text. Analyze how this practice is meant to be a strategy for spiritual freedom.
2. Based on the manifestations and root causes of the sixteen listed spirits, explain the connection between spiritual problems and “the works of the flesh” mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21. How do these concepts intersect to provide a more comprehensive view of demonic oppression?
3. Compare and contrast the Spirit of Poverty with the Spirit of Whoredoms and the Spirit of Haughtiness. While all three can be viewed as “works of the flesh,” how do these spirits differently manifest within a person’s life and what are the common or unique roots from which these spirits arise?
4. Select three spirits from the list that you believe would have the most significant impact on an individual and describe in detail the different ways these spirits could manifest in a person’s daily life. What steps can be taken to counteract these spirits?
5. According to the text, the way to counteract negative spirits is to “loose” specific virtues or gifts of the Holy Spirit. Discuss this approach and evaluate its effectiveness as a strategy for spiritual deliverance. How does this approach differ from other approaches for dealing with demonic oppression?

Glossary of Key Terms

Bind: To restrain or restrict the activity and influence of a demonic spirit.

Loose: To release positive spiritual forces, such as the Holy Spirit, virtues, and gifts, to counteract the negative influence of demonic spirits.

Familiar Spirit: A demonic spirit that seeks to guide individuals through practices like necromancy and mediums, often connected to a family line or generational sin.

Manifestation: The specific actions, thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that indicate the presence or influence of a particular spirit.

Principality: In this context, a term for the overarching demonic force or spirit that is listed.

Pharmakos: The Greek word for drugs, used here in reference to their use as a means of spiritual divination.

Necromancer: A person who seeks to communicate with the dead for knowledge or power.

Medium: A person who claims to be a channel for communication with spirits, especially the deceased.

The Works of the Flesh: A list of sinful behaviors in Galatians 5:19-21, often seen as an entry point for demonic influence.

Spirit of Divination: A demonic force that manifests in practices like fortune-telling, astrology, and witchcraft.

Spirit of Heaviness: A demonic force that brings excessive sorrow, grief, and despair, often leading to depression.

Spirit of Whoredoms: A demonic force that promotes sexual immorality, idolatry, and an unhealthy love of material things.

Spirit of Infirmity: A demonic force that causes physical ailments, weakness, and chronic health issues.

Spirit of Bondage: A demonic force that leads to addictions, fears, and enslavement to sin.

Spirit of Haughtiness: A demonic force that instills pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness.

Spirit of Anti-Christ: A demonic force that denies the deity of Christ and seeks to oppose His teachings.

Seducing Spirits: Demonic forces that lead people away from the truth through deception and false teachings.

Spirit of Poverty: A demonic force that operates in areas of giving and receiving and characterized by greed, fear of loss, and a lack of generosity.

Spirit of Death: A demonic force that promotes suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Spirit of Error: A demonic force that promotes false doctrines, unteachableness,