One of the
frequently asked questions when dealing with the Jezebel spirit has been
whether men also can have the Jezebel spirit. To answer this burning question,
we have to understand what Jesus was really saying to the Thyatira Church when
He was rebuking them for allowing Jezebel to rule over them.
But I have
this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman—that
Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. Revelations
2:20 NLT
Here is Jesus specifically
emphasizing the word that; you are permitting that woman -
that Jezebel, that is because Jesus was referring to the infamous wicked
woman Queen Jezebel from the Old Testament days, who was known for undermining
the authority of her husband King Ahab, by controlling and manipulating him and
taking over his leadership. (See 1. Kings 21)
The reason we
believe the Jezebel spirit only pertains to women is because of the fact that
men have been given natural authority from God, it’s not something they would
need to fight to get, they already have it! Women, on the other hand, have not
been given that same authority, and they would need tools to try to take that
position of leadership that the man has. This is where the Jezebel spirit comes
in. A demon will come to a woman presenting different tools she can use to
regain power over the man. These tools are, among many others: manipulation,
control, domination and seduction. For a wounded or scorned woman, these tools
come as a temptation she cannot resist, and she grabs them, and starts using
them. This is the moment she opens the door to become possessed by the demonic
spirit that promises to provide her with everything she needs to accomplish her
goal. She may or may not even be aware of what a devastating spirit she has
just welcomed into her life.
But there is
one thing I want you to know: The head of every man is Christ, the head of
woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 1. Corinthians 11:3 NLT
At the other
hand, when a man seems to be using some of the same tools as the Jezebel woman
does, it is usually not a Jezebel spirit, but a power hungry spirit that comes
from being an extremely wounded individual who has most likely been abused in
one way or another, and need to control and manipulate his circumstances out of
fear of being hurt again.
The spirit of
Jezebel itself is just a demon. It doesn’t have a gender in the way humans do.
It’s a spirit! So, by calling it a Jezebel spirit, it is not to say it’s a
female spirit, so in that sense, those who believe men can also be possessed by
the Jezebel spirit is not entirely wrong, it’s just a matter of understanding
that men would not have the need to draw upon this particular spirit’s “gifts”
since he doesn’t technically need them. He would be more prone to attract other
types of demons.
Here is a
checklist when dealing with women who possess the Spirit of Jezebel, taken from
one of our teachings on the website called “Knowing Jezebel”:
A Jezebel
Spirit in a woman…
- Believes to
be right. Wants to win. Will argue till you drop.
- Has a
blame/guilt mindset: Everything comes down to who is right and who is wrong.
- Is unwilling
to compromise on priorities: Everything has to go the way they have planned it.
- Is strongly
defensive when approached for criticism and correction, even guidance. Will
retaliate by spreading rumors and lies and try to discredit and destroy the
reputation of those who confront them for their wrongdoings.
- Rejects good-willed
help or empathy because of pride: “Don’t feel sorry for me. I can take care of
myself.”
-
Self-rejects: “You hate me”, “I am not good enough for you”, “What do you want
with a fat cow like me?”, “Why don’t you marry somebody else?”
- Feels unappreciated:
Is constantly fishing for approval, confirmation, understanding, and more
interest in them. “You never …. anymore!”
- Uses
attention seeking crocodile tears: “You don’t love me”, “Just leave me alone.”
- Is unable to
receive: Is too proud to receive love and things from God. Feels humiliated in
receiving, but likes to give gifts to others to boost their own self-esteem, as
if saying: “I can afford expensive gifts”, or “Look what I am able to do with
the success I have worked so hard for.” Doesn’t believe when they are told that
they are loved. Has “It’s never enough”-mentality.
- Has own
agenda: Forces their own life-vision and personal dreams of achievement onto
the marriage without regards to the spouse.
- Distorts
communication: Twists and turns matters into the obscure, and refuses to “kiss
and make up,” leaving issues in an ongoing dispute.
- Uses control
in relationships and ex-relationships: Doesn’t give closure to ex. Leaves
matters unsettled. Uses children against spouse or ex. Holds back ex’s personal
items, refusing to give them back. Ignores, or uses the “silent treatment” to
instill guilt. Claims to be perfect and without fault – nothing to regret or
repent from.
- Holds on to
old experiences and people from the past. Insists on bringing family members
and family traditions into the marriage.
- Justifies
everything: Always has an excuse for their activities. Doesn’t ask other
peoples opinions. Doesn’t seek Godly wisdom or exercise self-control. Talks too
much. Is inappropriate. Is always busy persuading people and spouse of their
standpoint and their good intentions and how wonderful they are. Accuses others
of doing what they themselves are doing. Gets easily offended and has a “How
dare you speak to me” –attitude.
- Thrives in
rebellion and disobedience: Always does “extra” – cannot do with the simple.
Doesn’t take advice, but is headstrong on their own ideas. Doesn’t take
correction, but continues justifying their cause. Doesn’t heed to the authority
they are under, whether God Himself, spouse, pastor, parent, or other but
always chooses to be defiant and rebellious against it. Doesn’t like to admit
fault or failure because their entire identity is built on “never failing.”
Resists every flow of peace and order.
- Doesn’t have
peace. Causes problems instead of avoiding problems. Is confrontational. Is
conflict-oriented. Is moody and unpredictable. Often has compulsive control
disorders. Is negative and disapproving. Spreads confusion and
misunderstandings. Cause division and isolation.
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