Jessie Penn-Lewis

The Peril of Ignorance and Deception

Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes that ignorance is a primary condition for deception by evil spirits. She states, 'Man's ignorance is a primary and essential condition for deception by evil spirits.' The lack of knowledge among believers about the powers of darkness makes it easier for Satan to deceive them. For instance, Eve's ignorance in the Garden of Eden made her susceptible to the serpent's deception. This idea is further reinforced by the assertion that the Church, by remaining ignorant of Satan's ways, inadvertently sides with him. Modern-day acceptance of supernatural experiences without discernment often leads many believers astray.

The Reality and Influence of Satanic Powers

Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the real and active presence of Satanic powers in the world, particularly within the Church. She argues, 'The Church of Christ must lay hold of the equipment of the apostolic period, for dealing with the influx of the evil spirit hosts among her members.' This idea is illustrated through historical examples, such as the early Christians who recognized and dealt with evil spirits, and contemporary instances like the Revival in Wales, which revealed both the power of the Holy Spirit and the active opposition of Satanic forces.

The key to all these, and other Satanic workings in the human frame, is the need of the suspension of the mental activity; whereas in all Divine revelations, the mental faculties and powers are unchecked, and in full operation.

The children of God need to know that to be true in motive, and faithful up to light, is not sufficient safeguard against deception.

The Holy Spirit, Who proceeds from the Father through the Son to His people, is now among them, waiting to give Himself unceasingly to all who will appropriate, and receive Him.

The primary cause of deception and possession in surrendered believers may be condensed into one word, passivity.

Obsession means an evil spirit, or spirits, hovering around, and influencing a man with the object of obtaining a footing in him, and gaining possession, in however small a degree.

Passivity as a Gateway to Possession

Penn-Lewis identifies passivity, or the cessation of active use of one's faculties, as a primary cause of deception and possession by evil spirits. She writes, 'The primary cause of deception and possession in surrendered believers may be condensed into one word, passivity.' This passivity can lead to a loss of self-control and free will, making believers susceptible to demonic influence. True surrender to God involves active cooperation with God's will, not passivity.

The Danger of Counterfeit Spiritual Experiences

The book warns against the deception of counterfeit spiritual experiences orchestrated by evil spirits. Penn-Lewis explains, 'Evil spirits then seek to create a counterfeit of the spirit, and they do this by getting a footing in the person so as to produce other feelings than those of the spirit.' For example, believers might mistake physical sensations or emotional highs for genuine spiritual experiences, thereby neglecting the true inner spiritual life.

The Role of Knowledge and Discernment

Knowledge and discernment are critical in spiritual warfare. Penn-Lewis argues, 'How can a man stand against a wile if he does not know what the wile is?' Understanding the workings of evil spirits enables believers to recognize and counteract the enemy's schemes. For instance, knowing that evil spirits can cause feelings of blame or failure helps believers refuse these accusations and use them as weapons against the enemy.

The Importance of Spiritual Warfare

Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the necessity for believers to engage in spiritual warfare to maintain their spiritual freedom and victory. She explains, 'The believer must at once act in spirit, and (1) stand (Eph. 6:14); (2) withstand (Eph. 6:13); and resist (Jas. 4:7) the powers of darkness.' This proactive stance is crucial for repelling the enemy's advances and maintaining spiritual clarity.

Revival as a Double-Edged Sword

Revival is depicted as a critical juncture that can lead to both spiritual awakening and potential deception. Penn-Lewis emphasizes, 'The hour of Revival is a time of crisis and possible catastrophe.' During revival, believers are susceptible to deception by evil spirits, which can lead to spiritual downfall if not recognized and resisted. This underscores the importance of discernment and vigilance during periods of spiritual renewal.

Stay Informed and Vigilant

Regularly study the Scriptures and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to understand the nature and tactics of Satanic deception. This will help you recognize and resist false teachings and supernatural experiences that are not from God.

Maintain Active Mental Engagement

Engage in activities that require active mental participation, such as puzzles, reading, or learning new skills. This helps prevent the mind from becoming passive and susceptible to external manipulation.

Pray for Discernment

Regularly ask for the ability to discern between the workings of the Holy Spirit and the deceptions of evil spirits. This can help maintain spiritual clarity and avoid falling into deception during times of revival.

Use Specific and Persistent Prayer

When engaging in spiritual warfare, direct your prayers specifically against the works of the devil. Simple, targeted prayers like 'Lord, destroy that work of the devil!' can be highly effective.

Examine Supernatural Experiences

Maintain a neutral stance towards supernatural experiences until their divine origin is confirmed. This involves testing and proving all spiritual experiences against biblical truth.

The Church of Christ must lay hold of the equipment of the apostolic period, for dealing with the influx of the evil spirit hosts among her members.

Man's ignorance is a primary and essential condition for deception by evil spirits.

The distinction between the workings of Satan as prince of demons, and his evil spirits, should specially be noted, so as to understand their methods at the present day.

He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to preach the gospel.

The awakened part of the Church of to-day, has now no doubt of the real existence of the spirit beings of evil, and that there is an organized monarchy of supernatural powers, set up in opposition to Christ, and His kingdom.

One prevailing idea, which such believers have deeply embedded in their minds, is that 'honest seekers after God' will not be allowed to be deceived.

Deceiving spirits are obliged to get the consent of the man's will ere they can enter, and as to how far they enter. This they do by counterfeit and deception.

The very first step to freedom is the knowledge of the truth as to the source and nature of experiences the believer may have had since his entrance into the spiritual life.

Since there is POSSESSION BECAUSE OF GROUND GIVEN, there must be DIS-POSSESSION BECAUSE OF GROUND REFUSED to the enemy.

The actual liberation of the believer demands his ACTIVE COOPERATION WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The Church of God now needs 'leaders' trained in the knowledge of the world-campaigns of the enemy; believers able to foresee his 'wiles,' and to guide the rank and file of the Church into the aggressive war against him.

Satan's war on the saints can be summed up in the one word 'Wiles of the devil.

The hour of Revival is a time of crisis and possible catastrophe.

Few go through the crisis without deception by the enemy in more or less degree.

All 'truth' is in harmony with the only channel of revealed truth in the world—the written Word of God.

The key to all these, and other Satanic workings in the human frame, is the need of the suspension of the mental activity; whereas in all Divine revelations, the mental faculties and powers are unchecked, and in full operation.

The children of God need to know that to be true in motive, and faithful up to light, is not sufficient safeguard against deception.

The Holy Spirit, Who proceeds from the Father through the Son to His people, is now among them, waiting to give Himself unceasingly to all who will appropriate, and receive Him.

The primary cause of deception and possession in surrendered believers may be condensed into one word, passivity.

Obsession means an evil spirit, or spirits, hovering around, and influencing a man with the object of obtaining a footing in him, and gaining possession, in however small a degree.

The Church of Christ must lay hold of the equipment of the apostolic period, for dealing with the influx of the evil spirit hosts among her members.

Man's ignorance is a primary and essential condition for deception by evil spirits.

The distinction between the workings of Satan as prince of demons, and his evil spirits, should specially be noted, so as to understand their methods at the present day.

He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to preach the gospel.

The awakened part of the Church of to-day, has now no doubt of the real existence of the spirit beings of evil, and that there is an organized monarchy of supernatural powers, set up in opposition to Christ, and His kingdom.

One prevailing idea, which such believers have deeply embedded in their minds, is that 'honest seekers after God' will not be allowed to be deceived.

Deceiving spirits are obliged to get the consent of the man's will ere they can enter, and as to how far they enter. This they do by counterfeit and deception.

The very first step to freedom is the knowledge of the truth as to the source and nature of experiences the believer may have had since his entrance into the spiritual life.

Since there is POSSESSION BECAUSE OF GROUND GIVEN, there must be DIS-POSSESSION BECAUSE OF GROUND REFUSED to the enemy.

The actual liberation of the believer demands his ACTIVE COOPERATION WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The Church of God now needs 'leaders' trained in the knowledge of the world-campaigns of the enemy; believers able to foresee his 'wiles,' and to guide the rank and file of the Church into the aggressive war against him.

Satan's war on the saints can be summed up in the one word 'Wiles of the devil.

The hour of Revival is a time of crisis and possible catastrophe.

Few go through the crisis without deception by the enemy in more or less degree.

All 'truth' is in harmony with the only channel of revealed truth in the world—the written Word of God.