Marriages are under constant attack from various spiritual forces that seek to destroy the unity and love between husbands and wives. In this sermon, we will explore four specific spirits that attack marriages, along with biblical examples and insights.
The Spirit of Jezebel
The spirit of Jezebel is a seducing and manipulative spirit that seeks to control and dominate others. In the context of marriage, this spirit can manifest as a wife who seeks to control her husband or a husband who allows his wife to manipulate him.
Example: 1 Kings 21:1-16
Queen Jezebel manipulated her husband, King Ahab, into committing evil and idolatry. This spirit of manipulation and control can destroy the harmony and unity of a marriage.
The Spirit of Ahab
The spirit of Ahab is a spirit of weakness and compromise. It can manifest in a husband who fails to lead his family or a wife who fails to support her husband.
Example: 1 Kings 21:1-16
King Ahab's weakness and compromise allowed Queen Jezebel to manipulate him and lead him into sin. This spirit of weakness can lead to a breakdown in communication and trust in a marriage.
The Spirit of Leviathan
The spirit of Leviathan is a spirit of pride and arrogance. It can manifest in a husband or wife who seeks to elevate themselves above their spouse.
Example: Psalm 74:13-14, Isaiah 27:1
The Bible describes Leviathan as a powerful and proud sea monster. This spirit of pride can lead to a breakdown in communication and a lack of humility in a marriage.
Familiar Spirits and Household Wickedness
Familiar spirits are spirits that are familiar with a family's history and dynamics. They can manifest as patterns of behavior or attitudes that are passed down from generation to generation. Household wickedness refers to the sinful patterns and behaviors that can become entrenched in a family.
Example: Exodus 20:5-6, Deuteronomy 5:9-10
The Bible warns us about the dangers of familiar spirits and household wickedness. These spirits can lead to a cycle of sin and destruction in a family and marriage.
7 Examples of Marriages under Attack
Adam and Eve: The first marriage was attacked by the spirit of deception and manipulation (Genesis 3:1-7).
Abraham and Sarah: Their marriage was attacked by the spirit of doubt and unbelief (Genesis 16:1-16).
Isaac and Rebekah: Their marriage was attacked by the spirit of favoritism and manipulation (Genesis 25:19-34).
Jacob and Rachel: Their marriage was attacked by the spirit of deception and manipulation (Genesis 29:1-30).
David and Bathsheba: Their marriage was attacked by the spirit of lust and adultery (2 Samuel 11:1-27).
Ahab and Jezebel: Their marriage was attacked by the spirit of manipulation and control (1 Kings 21:1-16).
The Marriage of the Lamb: The ultimate marriage between Christ and His bride, the church, is under attack by the spirit of deception and apostasy (Revelation 19:6-10).
Conclusion
Marriages are under constant attack from various spiritual forces. As believers, we must be aware of these spirits and seek to overcome them through prayer, fasting, and a deepening of our relationship with God. By recognizing the spirits that attack marriages, we can better equip ourselves to defend our marriages and build strong, healthy relationships that honor God.