Bondage by Association

 A Deeper Dive

Memorise: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”¹ – Psalm 1:1

Read: Numbers 16:1-3, 28-35 (KJV)

The story of Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16 serves as a stark warning about the dangers of wrong association. Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and On, and 250 prominent men, challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron. They questioned their leadership, claiming that all the congregation was holy and that Moses and Aaron had elevated themselves unnecessarily. This rebellion wasn’t just about leadership; it was a challenge to God’s ordained order and a descent into the company of those who questioned and defied divine authority. Moses’ plea to the people to separate themselves from the tents of these wicked men highlights the contagious nature of sin and the importance of distancing oneself from those who are in rebellion against God. The earth’s dramatic swallowing of Korah, his followers, and their possessions, followed by the fire that consumed the 250 men offering incense, underscores the severe consequences of aligning oneself with the ungodly. This passage is a powerful illustration of the principle of “bondage by association.”

 The Contagious Nature of Sin (Numbers 16:26):

Moses’ instruction to the Israelites to “depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of their’s, lest ye be consumed in all their sins”² emphasizes the contagious nature of sin. Sin isn’t isolated; it spreads and infects those who are in close proximity to it. Like a disease, it can contaminate those who aren’t careful.

[bctt tweet=”Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.- 1 Corinthians 15:33″ username=”X me”]

The Importance of Separation (2 Corinthians 6:14-18):

This passage in 2 Corinthians calls believers to separate themselves from unbelievers and anything that is impure. It asks, “What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” Just as oil and water don’t mix, believers should not entangle themselves in close relationships with those who do not share their faith and values. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will³ receive you.” – 2 Corinthians⁴ 6:17

 Discerning the Spiritual Atmosphere (Ephesians 5:11):

We are called to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” This means being discerning about the spiritual atmosphere of the places we go and the people we associate with. We shouldn’t participate in activities that are contrary to God’s Word or associate with people who promote ungodliness.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect,⁵ will of God.” – Romans 12:2

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The aroma of food clinging to your clothes after visiting a kitchen is a simple analogy for a profound spiritual truth. Just as physical proximity leaves a trace, so does spiritual proximity. When we spend time in environments where demonic activity thrives, or associate with individuals who are steeped in sin, we risk absorbing their influence. It’s not just about being in the same physical location; it’s about the spiritual atmosphere we expose ourselves to. Proverbs 21:16 warns that “the man who wanders from the way of understanding will remain in the congregation of the dead.” This isn’t just about physical death; it speaks to spiritual death, a state of being disconnected from God, devoid of His life-giving presence.

 Guarding the Heart and Mind (Proverbs 4:23):

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” This verse highlights the importance of protecting our hearts and minds from negative influences. What we allow into our hearts and minds will ultimately shape our character and our destiny.

 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;⁶ if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”⁷ – Philippians 4:8

The blog post rightly cautions against unwinding in nightclubs or places where devil-inspired music and immoral activities are prevalent. These environments are often breeding grounds for demonic influence. The music, the atmosphere, the conversations, and the actions can all contribute to opening doors for demonic entry. It’s not enough to simply be physically present; our hearts and minds must be guarded. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”⁸ We must be alert and aware of the spiritual dangers surrounding us.

The Power of the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:12):

The anecdote about the young man afflicted by demons after visiting a questionable place powerfully illustrates the reality of demonic possession. The fact that he couldn’t kneel, stand, or walk until commanded in the name of Jesus demonstrates the power of that name and the authority we have as believers to resist and overcome demonic influence. This story isn’t meant to scare us but to make us aware of the very real spiritual battles being waged around us. It emphasizes the importance of seeking deliverance and healing when we’ve been exposed to demonic forces.

[bctt tweet=”Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12″ username=”X me”]

The blog post’s assertion that many people are demon-possessed today because of wrong associations is a serious one. It underscores the need for discernment in our relationships. While we are called to love everyone, we are not called to befriend everyone. Psalm 1:1, our memorise scripture, provides clear guidance: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”¹⁰ This verse isn’t suggesting we isolate ourselves from the world but that we carefully choose our close companions and avoid those who consistently reject God’s ways.

 Walking with the Wise (Proverbs 13:20):

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” This proverb emphasizes the importance of choosing our companions wisely. Surrounding ourselves with wise and godly individuals will influence us positively, while associating with fools will lead to destruction.

[bctt tweet=”Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” – Proverbs 27:17″ username=”X me”]

The contrast between walking with godly people and associating with the ungodly is crucial. When we surround ourselves with individuals who love God, who are striving to live according to His Word, we are creating an environment conducive to spiritual growth. Their faith can encourage us, their prayers can uplift us, and their godly example can inspire us. Conversely, associating with those who mock God, who indulge in sin, and who reject His authority can have a corrosive effect on our own spiritual lives. It can lead to temptation, compromise, and ultimately, bondage.

Resisting the Devil (James 4:7):

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This verse gives us the key to overcoming demonic influence: submission to God and resistance to the devil. We must first submit to God’s authority and then, empowered by His grace, resist the devil’s temptations and attacks.

[bctt tweet=”Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11″ username=”X me”]

The blog post correctly points out that the devil is not a gentleman. He is a ruthless enemy whose aim is to “steal, kill, and destroy” (John 10:10). He will exploit any opening we give him, whether through wrong associations, sinful habits, or ungodly environments. He doesn’t play fair, and he won’t leave just because we want him to. This is why vigilance and resistance are so important.

Fleeing from Temptation (1 Corinthians 6:18):

“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”¹¹ This verse instructs us to flee from sexual immorality, but the principle applies to all forms of temptation. When faced with temptation, our first instinct should be to flee, not to try and resist it in our own strength.

 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able¹² to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13

 Key Point:

The key point, “Check your association; avoid places and people that can lead you into bondage,” is paramount. It’s not enough to simply avoid the obvious places of sin. We must also be discerning about the seemingly harmless relationships and environments that can subtly influence us. Here are some practical steps we can take:

Self-Examination: Regularly examine your relationships. Who are your closest friends? Who do you spend the most time with? What kind of influence do they have on your life? Do they encourage you in your walk with God, or do they pull you away?

Prayer and Discernment: Pray for guidance and discernment in your relationships. Ask God to show you any relationships that are unhealthy or that could lead you into bondage.

Setting Boundaries: It’s okay to set boundaries with people, even those you care about. If their lifestyle or behavior is detrimental to your spiritual health, you may need to limit your interaction with them. This doesn’t mean you have to be unkind or judgmental, but it does mean prioritizing your relationship with God.

Seeking Godly Counsel: Talk to your pastor, a trusted spiritual mentor, or a mature Christian friend about your relationships. They can offer valuable insights and support. Proverbs 11:14 states, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Don’t hesitate to seek wise counsel from those who are grounded in God’s Word and have experience in navigating life’s challenges.