Devil Worshippers

Bill Brinkworth Stained glass window

There is a lot of “religion” in this world, but little that worships the one true God His way. Some worship multiple “gods”. Some religions even claim to worship the one God that created them, and that controls this world; but a quick glimpse into their teachings show they are in direct violation of what God’s Word commands. Discernment will also show most are man-made beliefs and worship God the way they feel is right, rather than how God commands in the Bible He is to be worshipped.

The Word of God talks quite a bit about these man-concocted ways to worship. It points out that most often the people are worshipping “devils” (often called demons), rather than the Holy God.

Here is some of what the Bible says about the deceptive, “devil worship”:
People thought they were worshipping God. They even partook in ceremonies and sacrifices, but it was not God in Heaven they were worshipping. They unknowingly were worshipping devils.
“They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.” Deut. 32:17
“And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.” Lev. 17:7 Like many, even today, they thought they were worshipping God; but they were committing spiritual adultery (“gone a whoring”) against the Almighty.

The “religious” were often recognized as heathens, and not followers of God.
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” James 2:19 Just believing in God does not make anyone saved and a Christian. The devils believe there is a God, yet they have no promise of Heaven. One must be born again (John 3:3) to be born into God’s family and have an eternity with Him. That is the only way!
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites … 33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Mat. 23:29-33 The Pharisees were Jewish religious leaders and the scribes were those that made copies of the Word of God. Jesus called these religious leaders hypocrites and snakes. They were dishonest with teaching and sharing God’s Word.
“Ye [Jews] do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me … 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do...” John 8:41-44

A religion may appear to be Christian or even worship in a church building, but compared to God’s commandments in His Word, it is just a “form [a pretense] of godliness”, and is without His Truth and power. It may be a counterfeit belief.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. … 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.…” II Tim. 3:1-7

In biblical days, and even today, some are controlled by devils. As intelligent, normal, and in control as some may seem, their thoughts and words often originate from an in-dwelling demonic spirit(s).
“And his [Jesus] fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.” Mat. 4:24 Also: Mark 1:39.
“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” Mt 10:8 The apostles also were instructed to cast out “devils”.
“And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs ... 30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. … 33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.” Luke 8:27-33 At the time of this account a Roman legion of warriors prepared for battle were about 5,000 strong. It is possible that this man, Legion, was possessed with that many “devils”. See also: Mark 3:15, Luke 8:2.

People wanted to please God with their most precious possession, their children. They allowed the babies and children to be sacrificed. However, it was not God that ordered them to murder their offspring. It was a ploy of “devils” to get them to commit murder and false worship. The “abortion” crowd has been around for a long time and is definitely not of God
“Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,” Psalm 106:37
“But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.” I Cor. 10:20

In the last days, the idolatry and worshipping of devils will continue and increase. Many of the religions even call themselves “Christians”.
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” I Tim. 4:1 Also: II Tim. 3:13.
“And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: 21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” Rev. 9:20 Also: Rev. 16:14, Rev. 18:2.

As Ephesians 6:12 makes very clear, there is an unseen spiritual battle raging for the souls and control of men. Most do not see this conflict and follow the popular way, rather than the way God commands them to live. In following man’s way many often are deceived and tricked by the enemy — the devil and other “devils”.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6:12

The only defense against this conflict that sends multitudes to Hell is to know and practice God’s way, as told in His preserved Word. By reading, believing, and obeying its commandments one will have a godly discernment to be able to detect what is of God, and what is of the enemy. The battles rage; be wary of the enemies’ trickery and lies. Make sure you know what is of God, and what is not!

“The devil's most devilish, when respectable.” — Browning

This lesson was featured in The Bible View #641.