Release of the spirits:

At the point of disobedience evil spirits are released.  We see the spirit of deception, when Eve was approached by the snake [satan].  However, Eve would not have been deceived, had she not disobeyed, God.  From this it is clear that when we are disobedient to God's instructions, we open the door to the devil, giving him authority over our lives. 

The spirit of fear was then displayed, when Adam hid from God [Gen 3:10] saying:

"I heard you in the garden; I was afraid and hid from you, because I was naked."

This still happens today.  We know when we are wrong and so we hide.  We hide from church for fear of the Pastor or any of the church members recognising our faults or pulling us up on it.  Or if we see a church member on the street or in the supermarket we try to avoid eye contact.  But we have to remember that we cannot hide from God.

We then discover the spirit of jealousy as it was displayed by Cain when God accepted his brother's offering and rejected his:

"Cain became furious, and he scowled in anger." (Genesis 4:5)

Cain's anger resulted in him committing murder.  And this is why, as believers, we have to be mindful of our thoughts and attitude towards one another.  Everything we do must be done out of love and unto God, not unto man.  For if we do to please man and are not appreciated for our efforts, we become like Cain when we see others being blessed. 

If you find that jealousy is springing from within, check yourself.  Go to God seeking a cleansing; He'll make you over.  Then with a new attitude, you can see clearly in making adjustments to your behaviour.  You will no longer see your brother or sister as the enemy, for the simple fact that they choose to walk right with God and receive His blessings.  If God is pleased with your brother or sister, be pleased for them.  Extend yourself for that believer and help them along the way.  We are all working towards the same goal. 

When Cain became furious God asked:

"Why are you angry? Why that scowl on your face? If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling; but because you have done evil, sin is crouching at your door.  It wants to rule you, but you must overcome it." (Genesis 4:6 & 7)

Cain held such contempt in his heart for his brother that he wasn't interested in overcoming. He didn't recognise the spirit of jealousy at work in him.  He wanted to satisfy his anger for not receiving a blessing for his offering.  And so he killed his brother, though his brother (Abel) had done him no wrong. 

God continues to bless us for our obedience and the same spirit that possessed Cain is in our churches today.  For this reason, ministries are dying in the same manner.  The same spirit is in our workplaces and careers are dying as individuals give up on their dreams.  We find this spirit in our schools, in the community and within the government system.  It's everywhere.  You cannot escape it but you can follow God's instructions and avoid being contaminated.  For the sake of the kingdom, 'you must over come it.'

Continue reading next section of this article>>>What Happens When we Disobey?