The Jezebel Spirit

[Stephen63]

This thread is called The Jezebel Spirit because there's really no other name it's called by. There is no effort to be super spiritual by using this phrase, we're just using it as a point of reference.
In this thread, will be looking at traits and attitudes of the Jezebel spirit. We will be using writings from the Internet on this topic, and giving their addresses so that you can read them yourself.

*Note to readers: This is not a debate thread. Anyone wishing to speak against it can start their own thread. This is for those who are interested in the Jezebel spirit that either want to learn or add their knowledge to it. It is for educational purposes only. This thread is not meant to speak to/against any particular person/group/denomination.

Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit
John Paul Jackson http://ruachministries.org/teaching/JezebelSpiritbookreview.pdf
*This thread does not promote this book nor the person evaluating it. It is for educational purposes only.

When a friend sent me this book, I must confess to approaching it with some considerable reservations. I have heard the term ‘Jezebel spirit’ being bandied around too often for comfort, and have seen all too many people chasing ‘shadows’. I found this book a revelation, however. It not only made sense of a number of situations we have been involved in ourselves, but explained what was going on with far more insight than we could possibly have done. It also alerts the Body of Christ to see just how widespread this problem really is. So far from being a case of ‘crying wolf,’ Jackson’s teaching unmasks some of the really serious ways by which churches and organisations are being undermined.
Jackson’s primary observation is that ‘Jezebel’ spirits most frequently infiltrate ministries that have a prophetic- intercessory edge. In all too many cases, the net result has been either to slow the movement right down or to cause it to grind to a complete halt. (emphasis mine)

Given the controversial nature of this subject, Jackson avoids falling into some gaping traps. For
example, it is often assumed that someone with a Jezebel spirit is invariably a woman, but he
takes great care to stress that this is by no means automatically the case. The longing to exercise
power and control is every bit as much a masculine trait as a feminine one. Jackson is equally
concerned to stress the difference between an immature person who prophesies imperfectly and a
genuine Jezebel spirit. It will not be his fault if people fall into the mistake of falsely accusing
one another of this phenomenon!

 

[Stephen63]

Jezebel and Thyatira

Jackson’s scriptural basis centres around an analysis of the historical Queen Jezebel and her
relationship with King Ahab. He also mentions the passage in Revelation 2, in which the Spirit of
the Lord convicts the otherwise excellent church at Thyatira of the need to take urgent action
against a certain prophetess (Jezebel) who was leading people astray.
It seems incredible that a church that was doing so well should have fallen for such things, but it
did just as countless churches and organisations are doing today. Jackson exposes how hidden
motives combine with a strong desire in certain people to find ways to achieve influence and
exercise control. The results of this are as serious as witchcraft itself.

The Jezebel spirit is shown to represent one of Satan’s most successful attempts to infiltrate the
Body of Christ. Because it operates primarily through gifted and seemingly ‘sold-out’ believers, it
is much more difficult to detect than some more overt immorality or occult activity. Most pastors
and leaders ready to assume that a person with obvious prophetic gifting must be blessed with an
equally well developed character. This can be a fatal mistake. It is important to note what God
expects us to do about such things when we come across a Jezebel spirit operating, and what He
will do about them.
Revelation 2:20-24 might seem at first glance to owe more to the language of the Old Testament
than the new, but this is our loving Lord who is speaking and He is concerned when admixture in
the Church leads to His beloved people being controlled and manipulated. Jackson points out that
the Lord insists that the believers in Thyatira decontaminate themselves from the power of this
spirit and promises them special rewards for doing so: authority over the nations, and the
‘morning star.’ (2:25-29)
There is an implied warning, however, that this will be an intense battle. Resisting this spirit will
involve suffering but this is ultimately less costly than succumbing to this spirit and following its
ways (v22). Ignoring the problem or capitulating in the face of it effectively makes a church or
individual leader as complicated as Ahab himself.

Understand that even though the article speaks of "gifted" people with this spirit, this does not mean that such people will only be in full Gospel churches. They are in all denominations and organizations. No organization is immune.

 

[RedTent]

Lynn Austin wrote the book Gods and Kings in her series Chronicles of the Kings. She did so much study of the biblical times of the kings that her fiction books does show us Jezebel thinking that meshes perfectly with scripture and history.

Jezebel often used biblical truths to promote the ways of her false Gods. That is so easy for us to do. We can take one truth that God gives, say it is the only truth, and use it for an excuse not to learn all about the whole truth. That is what Jezebel did.

 

[notuptome]

I'm sitting here shaking my head. Is it really wise to start a thread on what many will see as a controversial issue? You complain and cry crocodile tears about mistreatment on CC and you invite "study" on the Jezebel spirit.
Here's an idea. Why not talk about Christ and how wonderful it is to rejoice in the knowledge of eternal life? Why not talk of how you got saved and why everyone who is not saved should get saved as well?
Might as well talk about pink unicorns. I would love to know how this thread is going to edify the folks here on CC. Eph 4:11

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[unclefester]

I'm sitting here shaking my head. Is it really wise to start a thread on what many will see as a controversial issue? You complain and cry crocodile tears about mistreatment on CC and you invite "study" on the Jezebel spirit.
Here's an idea. Why not talk about Christ and how wonderful it is to rejoice in the knowledge of eternal life? Why not talk of how you got saved and why everyone who is not saved should get saved as well?
Might as well talk about pink unicorns. I would love to know how this thread is going to edify the folks here on CC. Eph 4:11

For the cause of Christ
Roger

And I would like to know how one "prophesies imperfectly" .... immature or otherwise ? Annnyways .....

 

[1still_waters]

What are the traits of Jezebel according to Rev 2:18-29?
I'll give the summary first and then the verses.

SUMMARY

1. Claims to be hearing from, and speaking for God, under the office of prophetess. Verse 20
2. Teaches and deceives people to commit sexual immorality. Verse Verse 20
3. Teaches and deceives people into eating meat sacrificed to idols. Verse 20
4. Commits adultery. Verse 22
5. Knows the deep things of Satan. Verse24

So basically the Jezebel spirit is someone claiming the office of prophetess, who claims to be hearing from, and speaking for God, who leads people into sexual immorality, who leads people into eating meat sacrificed to idols, who commits adultery, and who knows the deep things of Satan.



[SUP]18 [/SUP]“Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira:
“The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze,[SUP][l][/SUP] says: [SUP]19 [/SUP]I know your works—your love, faithfulness,[SUP][m][/SUP] service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first. [SUP]20 [/SUP]But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality[SUP][n][/SUP] and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. [SUP]21 [/SUP]I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality.[SUP][o][/SUP] [SUP]22 [/SUP]Look! I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her[SUP][p][/SUP]practices. [SUP]23 [/SUP]I will kill her children with the plague.[SUP][q][/SUP] Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds[SUP][r][/SUP] and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works. [SUP]24 [/SUP]I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known the deep things[SUP][s][/SUP] of Satan—as they say—I do not put any other burden on you. [SUP]25 [/SUP]But hold on to what you have until I come. [SUP]26 [/SUP]The one who is victorious and keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations—
[SUP]27 [/SUP]and he will shepherd[SUP][t][/SUP] them with an iron scepter;
he will shatter them like pottery[SUP][u][/SUP]—

just as I have received this from My Father. [SUP]28 [/SUP]I will also give him the morning star.
[SUP]29 [/SUP]“Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

 

[presidente]

One thing I notice is that the Bible says nothing about a 'Jezebel spirit'. I suppose if we all have spirits, the dead Canaanite woman who married an Israelite king, Jezebel, had a spirit as well. Revelation does talk about someone leading people astray it refers to as 'that woman Jezebel.' Knowledge of the existence of a demon known as the Jezebel spirit is based on what people say based on their spiritual gifts and revelations (or based on what people parrot from others and expand on with their own imaginations in some cases) and not on scripture.

Something to notice is that she claimed to be a prophetess but was leading people to commit fornication and to eat meat offering to idols. These are the sort of practices pagans would engage in, and Jezebel in the Old Testament seemed to be trying to stamp out the worship of the true God, Yahweh, in favor of an idol, Baal and other false deities from the Canaanite pantheon. She had prophets killed, and she was so effective that Elijah said, "only I am left alone"-- or so he thought.

My point is, we need to be careful not to throw the word "Jezebel" around, for example to ostracize someone, maybe a woman, who has a strong personality or who gets into conflict a little with leadership. Even if someone is a bit controlling, it doesn't mean that person is promoting sexual immorality and idolatry. Those are the traits 'that woman Jezebel' had in common with the Old Testament accounts.

 

[presidente]

5. Knows the deep things of Satan. Verse24

Or at least claims to know the deep things of Satan.

I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known the deep things[SUP][s][/SUP] of Satan—as they say—

Notice "as they say".

 

[1still_waters]

Or at least claims to know the deep things of Satan.


Notice "as they say".

Ok I'll nix 5.

My amended list.

1. Claims to be hearing from, and speaking for God, under the office of prophetess. Verse 20
2. Teaches and deceives people to commit sexual immorality. Verse Verse 20
3. Teaches and deceives people into eating meat sacrificed to idols. Verse 20
4. Commits adultery. Verse 22

 

[1still_waters]

Or at least claims to know the deep things of Satan.


Notice "as they say".

The "as they say" could be in reference to a common phrase of "we put no burden on you", and not on them thinking they know the deep things of Satan but not knowing.

as they say—I do not put any other burden on you.

I'd suggest from other NT passages, the "as the say" is in reference to the common saying about burdens, and not about a potential fake knowing of the deep things of Satan. No burden on you and other forms of that statement, appears to be a common NT phrase/concept.

to put no greater burden on you than these necessary things: Acts 15:28

so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 2 Thes 3:8

However, so that I will not burden you any further Acts 24:4

Now I am ready to come to you this third time. I will not burden you, 2 cor 12:14

So maybe my original 5 still stands.

1. Claims to be hearing from, and speaking for God, under the office of prophetess. Verse 20
2. Teaches and deceives people to commit sexual immorality. Verse Verse 20
3. Teaches and deceives people into eating meat sacrificed to idols. Verse 20
4. Commits adultery. Verse 22
5. Knows the deep things of Satan. Verse24

 

[1still_waters]

So if we were to make a flowchart of sorts, to help us easily spot these Jezebel Spirits, where would we start?

I'll start with my initial list of five...well..four..according to some...

1. Claims to be hearing from, and speaking for God, under the office of prophetess. Verse 20
2. Teaches and deceives people to commit sexual immorality. Verse Verse 20
3. Teaches and deceives people into eating meat sacrificed to idols. Verse 20
4. Commits adultery. Verse 22
5. Knows the deep things of Satan. Verse24

Ok so what types of people would be on our list of potential Jezebels if you use the list John gives in Revelation?

1. They'd have to be someone who believes God is still speaking through the office of prophet/prophetess today.
2. They'd have to be someone who believes God is directly communicating to them.

So based on this very simple starting point, who can we disqualify as having a Jezebel spirit?
Honing in on the potential suspects starts by finding out who isn't on that list.

I'd suggest those who believe the following, would have to be removed from the suspect list of who is a Jezebel.

1. Someone who doesn't believe God is still speaking through the office or prophet/prophetess today.
2 Someone who doesn't believe God is directly communicating with them.

 

[1still_waters]

I also believe we should primarily lean on John's explanation of Jezebel, seeing he is getting direct revelation, and isn't just recording narrative.

1. Claims to be hearing from, and speaking for God, under the office of prophetess. Verse 20
2. Teaches and deceives people to commit sexual immorality. Verse Verse 20
3. Teaches and deceives people into eating meat sacrificed to idols. Verse 20
4. Commits adultery. Verse 22
5. Knows the deep things of Satan. Verse24

I'd be leery of applying any other characteristics to a Jezebel spirit, that exists outside of the template that is revealed to John from the Holy Spirit.

 

[Donkeyfish07]

There are people that have what you could call a "Jezebel Spirit".....They hate being told no, they are highly manipulative, and they engage in things like stillwaters suggested.....it's a good thing to be able to understand and identify it when you observe it. People under the influence of that particular spirit are very crafty and dangerous....especially for young men.

 

[GreenNnice]

And I would like to know how one "prophesies imperfectly" .... immature or otherwise ? Annnyways .....

By what is said not coming true, that is how one "prophesies incorrectly" as stephenspeaks put those two words in quotes, and, so, do I, but not I and my words but His, and, from Deuteronomy 18: 20-22

Also, what is prophesied will be for , I believe, just as 1 Corinthians 14 says, for believers' improvement, confident understanding of Christ's presence in their life, for edification, for future course action of the church in following His ways for success. And, yes, whatever one prophesies NOT only will come true, but it will be from Scripture and from things relating of His will for churches, good things, like stronger fellowship during services (shaking hands, etc.) doing so that the church can increase in number, for example. And, this prophesying by an individual(s) in a church is being done by God's voice to the prophet BECAUSE that church is not showing 'Love' to each other in services, just checking in and checking out, so to speak. Church is MUCH more than just a two-hour or so time a week to listen to a pastor, listen to a Sunday school teacher and go home. That's NOT how God intended it, do NOT forsake the gathering of the assembly is how Scripture puts it, brother Paul speaking.

________________________________________________ As I relate, Jezebel is a spirit of a demon, one who knows God but will NEVER worship God, of course. For to worship God is to having known Him, born of Him and His ways, which, yes, this requires faith, so, that one knows God. A 'jezebel' is someone who is pursuing someone(s) who is a man/men (or woman/women) of God, who is doing great, obedient things in following Him per his/her/their faith God gave them so measured, just as Elijah was doing, having told the people (prophets) of Baal and Asheroth (of Jezebel's prophets) to do their thing with the altar becoming ablaze by their gods calling as did Elijah then called on God AFTER having had four jugs of water poured on the altar and the ALTAR went ablaze

This all said, how powerful is a Jezebel spirit. Hmmm, these followers of Baal, prophets that worshipped Satan because IF you don't call on God to start your 'fires' in your life, guess what? YOU are calling on Satan

So, these Baal prophets, who worshipped Baal, and, interesting to note, Jezebel, whom was married to Ahab, had a father named, Ethbaal. So, that lady LEARNED he wicked ways from who? Her dear ole dad

And, these Baal worshippers and followers of Jezebel Asheroth prophets then SAW the fires of the Lord consume that altar and they did NOT begin to worship God still. THAT is hard to fathom, but even when those who are not believing through faith that an altar can be lit up when it would not light up by their God's are STILL going to hold onto their unbelief. Make sense? Kind of makes you think of Lazarus and the rich man, doesn't it? Even when the rich man wanted to warn his sons that the 'hot' side of sheoul was horrible, Abraham told him, 'Your sons wouldn't believe even IF you went back and told them of this awful place you are in torment being." So to speak. I don't quote it perfectly, but I am 99
% positive I report it to you correctly, and, so, if not believing, please, read Luke 16 and starting in verse 19, this parable of Truth
----------

At the hour of the afternoon sacrifice the prophet Elijah approached the altar and prayed, "O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove now that you are the God of Israel. and that I am your servant and have done all this at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so that this people will know that you, the LORD, are God and that you are bringing them back to yourself."

The LORD sent fire down, and it burned up the sacrifice, the wood, and the stones, scorched the earth and dried up the water in the trench.​

When the people saw this, they threw themselves on the ground and exclaimed. "The LORD is God; the LORD alone is God!"
Elijah ordered, "Seize the prophets of Baal; don't let any of them get away!" The people seized them all, and Elijah led them down to Kishon Brook and killed them.​

​

Here is the truth of Scripture for the astonishing reality that these Baal worshippers (with the Jezebel spirit) would NOT believe this miraculous altar becoming ablaze even as it happened, even as MANY who were followers of God standing behind Elijah at the time, fell on their knees and worshipped God all the more, perhaps, some, even 'fell' for Him for the first time. God's glory was made true, by Elijah being in the Spirit of God, I guess, that makes sense, doesn't it, since right before Elijah's mentor, Elisha, went up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah asked for one thing from Elisha: "I want a DOUBLE PORTION of your spirit." In this case, correct me if I'm wrong, but this means a double portion of the Holy Spirit's power in leading Elijah's life

 

[danschance]

This thread is called The Jezebel Spirit because there's really no other name it's called by. There is no effort to be super spiritual by using this phrase, we're just using it as a point of reference.
In this thread, will be looking at traits and attitudes of the Jezebel spirit. We will be using writings from the Internet on this topic, and giving their addresses so that you can read them yourself.

*Note to readers: This is not a debate thread. Anyone wishing to speak against it can start their own thread. This is for those who are interested in the Jezebel spirit that either want to learn or add their knowledge to it. It is for educational purposes only. This thread is not meant to speak to/against any particular person/group/denomination.

Unmasking the Jezebel Spirit
John Paul Jackson http://ruachministries.org/teaching/JezebelSpiritbookreview.pdf
*This thread does not promote this book nor the person evaluating it. It is for educational purposes only.

When a friend sent me this book, I must confess to approaching it with some considerable reservations. I have heard the term ‘Jezebel spirit’ being bandied around too often for comfort, and have seen all too many people chasing ‘shadows’. I found this book a revelation, however. It not only made sense of a number of situations we have been involved in ourselves, but explained what was going on with far more insight than we could possibly have done. It also alerts the Body of Christ to see just how widespread this problem really is. So far from being a case of ‘crying wolf,’ Jackson’s teaching unmasks some of the really serious ways by which churches and organisations are being undermined.
Jackson’s primary observation is that ‘Jezebel’ spirits most frequently infiltrate ministries that have a prophetic- intercessory edge. In all too many cases, the net result has been either to slow the movement right down or to cause it to grind to a complete halt. (emphasis mine)

Given the controversial nature of this subject, Jackson avoids falling into some gaping traps. For
example, it is often assumed that someone with a Jezebel spirit is invariably a woman, but he
takes great care to stress that this is by no means automatically the case. The longing to exercise
power and control is every bit as much a masculine trait as a feminine one. Jackson is equally
concerned to stress the difference between an immature person who prophesies imperfectly and a
genuine Jezebel spirit. It will not be his fault if people fall into the mistake of falsely accusing
one another of this phenomenon!

I read that book by John Paul Jackson on Jezebel. For some this might be a controversial topic for others it might be heresy. For me, it is an important deliverance topic for individuals and clergy as this spirit is fairly common.

 

[1still_waters]

I read that book by John Paul Jackson on Jezebel. For some this might be a controversial topic for others it might be heresy. For me, it is an important deliverance topic for individuals and clergy as this spirit is fairly common.

Do you come across a lot of people who claim to literally hear from God and speak for him, who are leading people into sexual immorality, and instructing them to eat food sacrificed to idols?

 

[unclefester]

And I would like to know how one "prophesies imperfectly" .... immature or otherwise ? Annnyways .....

By what is said not coming true, that is how one "prophesies incorrectly" as stephenspeaks put those two words in quotes, and, so, do I, but not I and my words but His, and, from Deuteronomy 18: 20-22

Also, what is prophesied will be for , I believe, just as 1 Corinthians 14 says, for believers' improvement, confident understanding of Christ's presence in their life, for edification, for future course action of the church in following His ways for success. And, yes, whatever one prophesies NOT only will come true, but it will be from Scripture and from things relating of His will for churches, good things, like stronger fellowship during services (shaking hands, etc.) doing so that the church can increase in number, for example. And, this prophesying by an individual(s) in a church is being done by God's voice to the prophet BECAUSE that church is not showing 'Love' to each other in services, just checking in and checking out, so to speak. Church is MUCH more than just a two-hour or so time a week to listen to a pastor, listen to a Sunday school teacher and go home. That's NOT how God intended it, do NOT forsake the gathering of the assembly is how Scripture puts it, brother Paul speaking.

Greenie .... I know you mean well so I'm leaving this one alone.

 

[1still_waters]

Here's a somewhat modern day person who fits the template.

1. Claims to be hearing from, and speaking for God, under the office of prophetess. Verse 20
2. Teaches and deceives people to commit sexual immorality. Verse Verse 20
3. Teaches and deceives people into eating meat sacrificed to idols. Verse 20
4. Commits adultery. Verse 22
5. Knows the deep things of Satan. Verse24

Bob Jones of the charismatic Vineyard fellowship. He claimed to be a prophet, ie, heard from God spoke for him. He admitted to leading women into sexual immorality.
Link--> Minister removed after confession of sexual misconduct

 

[1still_waters]

Here's another that mostly fits this template

1. Claims to be hearing from, and speaking for God, under the office of prophetess. Verse 20
2. Teaches and deceives people to commit sexual immorality. Verse Verse 20
3. Teaches and deceives people into eating meat sacrificed to idols. Verse 20
4. Commits adultery. Verse 22
5. Knows the deep things of Satan. Verse24

Pastor Douglas Goodman of Victory 2 Victory Church, a church that believes God is still speaking to others for him today.
Statement of beliefs--> http://www.v2vchurch.com/about-v2v/statement-of-faith

He was convicted of two indecent assaults against a woman. He later apologized
Link--> Charismatic Pastor Faces Jail for Sex Assaults

 

[Bluecomet]

The Curse From The Seduction Of Jezebel. Notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols (Revelation 2:20). Belial works with the spirit of Jezebel to seduce the servants of the Lord into fornication and idolatry. Jezebel can manifest through false teachings and is a seducing spirit. Again, the intent is to draw people away from the truth and cause them to go into error, causing bondage and curses and bringing upon them the judgment of God.