Understand the Dark World: Sorcery: Satanic or Sinful Fleshly? Interpreting Galatians 5:19

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, ... (Galatians 5:19)

The flesh truly indulges in sorcery, if it can. Galatians 5:19-20 powerfully describes how the flesh (the old heart) attempts to satisfy its desires even at the expense of others. For example, someone might turn to voodoo through its evil practices of spells or curses to harm someone they despise. The flesh uses sorcery but also sensuality, hatred, immorality, and other vices to get its way.

Some believe that because the scripture states that sorcery is of the flesh, it is not linked to evil powers at all. This is a mistaken conclusion.

Sorcery is an Evil Work of the Flesh

The flesh is that self-focused desire that explores all means to manipulate things for personal gain. The flesh’s desire might be lust, jealousy, or simple pride. We can identify the flesh through its motives and selfish desires. Galatians 5:19 doesn’t indicate that the evil one is absent from sex, gambling, and occult industries. Rather, it emphasizes how the flesh is involved in these activities. In some cases, a person seeks greater power to further control situations for personal gain. The evil one repeatedly takes advantage of such narrow-sightedness.

Simon the sorcerer, for example, desired greater powers. We can see his ‘flesh’ or ‘old nature’ at work. He was a highly sought-after sorcerer. Because of his powers, he impressed people and claimed to be someone great. “And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts” (Acts 8:11). The people were so amazed by his magical arts that they actually called him ‘The Great Power of God’ (Acts 8:10).

When he came to know the Lord, he abandoned his magical practices. However, he still craved the powers coming through the laying on of hands. Simon desired them, not to serve God but himself.

It is safe to say that where there is sorcery, the flesh is also involved. These individuals seek power and control for personal gain. The desire for power to manipulate others comes from the flesh. The flesh will use sorcery to get what it wants. This is the opposite of God's Spirit, which only does God's will by helping others.

Though the flesh is involved, we still need to ask if there is any black magic behind sorcery, or, more directly, is Satan involved?

Sorcery is an Evil Work of Satan

Although we now understand the personal reasons why people indulge in magic, we also need to recognize that this does not exclude the use of the devil's powers. Fleshly desires may get us involved in witchcraft, and even keep us there, but that does not mean the devil has no involvement or that man is not entwining himself with those powers. From my experience, the evil one, with his many associates (i.e., demons), entices us through our desires and confuses us in our thoughts.

Satan, however, is after our hearts; he seeks to enslave us. He will bring a host of seductive thoughts into our minds to foster a greater desire to lust after women. Similarly, the evil one can tempt man with certain magical powers, convincing himself that he can exploit others in one or more devilish purposes. Galatians 5:19 does not say that evil spirits do not exist, but rather that the flesh often stoops to such actions for its own selfish purposes! This is what draws many people into areas of deep magic and the occult.

Escaping Sorcery's Clutches

To defeat this act of sorcery, we must address both the sins of the flesh and any effects from evil spirits.

We must not only cut off any connection with evil spirits but also repent from any desire to take advantage of others. We must identify the sin and repent from its evil goal and motivation. When we see it as a work of the flesh, we can better confess and repent from it, much preferring the Spirit's work.

A person might get rid of his magic books, but if his heart still desires such powers to gain control over the minds or pockets of others, then he will drift right back into the familiar patterns of sorcery. Listen to Simon's evil words.

Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.

But Peter said to him, 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Therefore, repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity. (Acts 8:14-25)

When the heart is properly focused on the Lord, evil spirits struggle to perform their evil acts. They may attempt to, but they are met with resistance. "Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Their authority is broken because they can't manipulate people through fleshly thoughts and actions anymore. Think about Eve's or Jesus' temptations and how Satan used human sight and desires to sway them.

Restoring a Right Heart

To overcome sorcery's influence, develop a right heart by shifting your attitude back to the Lord.

1. Identify and note the fleshly, evil motivations, then write their opposites. The Spirit works in opposition to the flesh.
2. Commit to thinking and acting in ways that align with God's principles, opposite to the fleshly tendencies. For example, if you tend to want control over others, practice humility by serving their needs without expecting anything in return. This can involve giving financially, treating others with kindness, or secretly serving them.
3. Anticipate others' needs—like offering to move a chair or help with other tasks—always asking for permission first.

Summary

When confronting sorcery, occult practices, or other forms of 'black' magic, we must acknowledge both the fleshly sin and the devil's lure of power. To effectively address these issues, we need to repent of our heart's tendency to do evil and our willingness to use 'dark' powers to accomplish things that displease the Lord.