Religious Superstitious Awe (φαρμακεία)

Written on 01/18/2025
Luther Walker

φαρμακεία (pharmakeía) is an intriguing word, often translated as “sorcery.” It is derived from φάρμακον (phármakon), meaning “drug” or “medicine.” Sorcery involves the practice of attempting to manipulate spiritual forces or supernatural powers, typically through rituals, spells, incantations, or the use of objects such as potions or charms. The purpose of these practices is to create a sense of religious awe. Today, similar approaches can be observed in religious services and buildings designed to evoke awe. These settings are designed to teach people that proximity to such places, or adherence to those who lead them, brings one closer to God. Therefore, the concept of “sorcery” conveys a sense of religious superstitious awe.

Religious superstitious awe is a work of the flesh. The flesh is inherently religious. “Sorcery” or “witchcraft” refers to the practice of religious superstitious awe induced by a place, experience, or person through which someone feels closer to the gods. Consequently, “sorcery” often manifests in places that claim to be religious, such as Orthodox assemblies. All world religions utilize this type of work of the flesh to manipulate their followers—including churches led by false teachers.

This manipulation may occur through spectacular buildings, the separation of clergy from the people, worship services designed to provoke an emotional response, individuals who claim to have the ability to heal, prophecy, or speak in tongues, or teachings that equate financial gain with godliness. Ultimately, these practices aim to impose awe on individuals, persuading them that they are closer to God—whether by being in a specific building, following a person, or accepting particular teachings.

Christianity is not a religion; it is Christ. A Christian is a disciple of Christ—one who is Christlike (Acts 11:26). Christendom, on the other hand, is the false religious system established by Satan to mimic the Church. Satan implants his sons into assemblies to manipulate believers, leading them to prioritize religious superstitious awe over sound doctrine (2 Corinthians 11:15; Matthew 13:38).

Religious superstitious awe comes from the flesh, not from God. Through the manifestation of the fleshly work of religious superstitious awe, places, buildings, idols, denominations, and people are set up to satisfy the conscience, leading individuals to serve a supposed higher power that pleases their fleshly desires rather than the one true God (Revelation 18:23).

True believers worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Worship is giving God credit for what He has done. Spirit is our rational part, and truth is seeing things as they really are. Therefore, superstition has no place in Christianity, as it relies on ignorance. Instead, we are to come to a full experiential knowledge of Christ (Ephesians 4:13), while overcoming the desires of the flesh by applying the truth (John 8:32 – Romans 6:4-6,11,13). In this way, we avoid being influenced by religious superstitious awe.

And the works of the flesh are manifested, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanliness, licentiousness, idolatry, religious superstitious awe, hatred, strife, jealousy, inner burning anger, selfish ambitions, dissension, heresies, envy, drunkenness, revelry and such like these … Galatians 5:19-21.

The Church does not have a temple; it is the Holy of Holies of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). A pastor has no right to be called the priest of an assembly, or be placed in a position to pray on behalf of the congregation, or absolve anyone from their sins. All Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:9).

Religious superstition has no place in the Church. Yet today, many predominant assemblies focus on “worship services” rather than proper doctrine. They build large buildings and use lighting and displays to instill a sense of awe. Their emphasis is on creating an atmosphere and delivering sermons that make their followers feel good about themselves, rather than encouraging spiritual growth and teaching them to cast off the works of the flesh and the ways of darkness.

If we want to be closer to God, we must apply the truth—doctrine to overcome the sin nature—and put on the new man, seeking and following the desires of the Holy Spirit, Who indwells us (Ephesians 4:24; Galatians 5:16). By doing so, we can then walk in the light and have fellowship with other saints (1 John 1:7). Those in the Church are seated at the right hand of God in Christ (Colossians 3:1). Therefore, no place or person should ever manipulate us into a sense of religious superstitious awe.

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