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Fascinated with Familiar Spirits (1 Samuel 28:1-14)

Introductory Thoughts

When once spiritual men cease to get counsel from the Lord, they seek other means of spiritual communication. “Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits” (1 Samuel 28:3), but when “the LORD answered him not” (1 Samuel 28:6), he reconsidered his decision. In desperation, Saul sought out a woman that had a familiar spirit (1 Samuel 28:7). Those who were caught up in this error were seeking out the dead in order to receive counsel or instruction (Deuteronomy 18:10-11; 1 Chronicles 10:13; Isaiah 8:19; Isaiah 19:3; Isaiah 29:4). This practice is wicked in every sense and demands God’s righteous judgment (Leviticus 20:27).

Devotional Thoughts

  • (For children): God alone is to be sought out for everything (1 Chronicles 16:11). King Manasseh would not seek God, but sought others for counsel (2 Kings 21:1-2, 6; 2 Chronicles 33:9-10). Therefore, the Lord removed Judah out of their land (2 Kings 23:26-27).
  • (For everyone): Read Leviticus 19:31 and Leviticus 20:6. What does the Bible mean when it says men are defiled by regarding those that have familiar spirits? What does the Bible mean when it says men go a whoring after them?
  • What are some common ways in which men seek after familiar spirits today? How does God feel about these practices?

Prayer Thoughts

  • Ask the Lord to help you reject these ungodly practices.
  • Ask God to show you when you are partaking in such practices.

Song

GIVE ME JESUS