This past Sunday we began a bold and eye-opening series called “Exposing Religious Spirits,” starting with our first message: The Spirit of Religion. This teaching is vital for the health of the Church because religious spirits are subtle. They don’t always show up as blatant sin or open rebellion. They often hide behind tradition, ritual, or even what looks like spirituality, but their goal is always the same—to divide, manipulate, and draw people away from the freedom and power of Christ.
1. What Is the Spirit of Religion?
The spirit of religion is a counterfeit to true relationship with Jesus. It emphasizes outward appearance over inward transformation. It prioritizes rules over relationship and performance over intimacy with God.
Jesus confronted this spirit repeatedly during His earthly ministry. In Matthew 23:27–28, He said to the Pharisees,
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”
Religion seeks to control and confine; relationship seeks to transform and free.
2. The Danger of Religious Spirits in the Church
Religious spirits create division and pride. They:
Promote self-righteousness and comparison.
Foster gossip, judgment, and a critical spirit.
Resist the move of the Holy Spirit and spiritual freedom.
Distract believers from the simplicity of the Gospel.
2 Corinthians 11:13–15 warns us of false apostles and deceitful workers, disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness. This is why discernment is crucial—we cannot afford to be unaware of the enemy’s tactics (2 Corinthians 2:11).
3. Signs You’re Dealing With a Religious Spirit
We highlighted several signs from Scripture that reveal this spirit at work:
Legalism – placing man-made rules over God’s Word.
Performance-based faith – feeling loved by God only when you “do enough.”
False humility or pride – drawing attention to your spirituality instead of Christ’s grace.
Division and manipulation – sowing confusion or private “words” that bypass spiritual authority.
When these behaviors creep into a church or a believer’s life, they choke out the life of the Spirit and replace it with empty ritual.
4. Freedom Comes Through Relationship With Jesus
The antidote to the spirit of religion is simple but powerful: a vibrant, authentic relationship with Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:1 declares, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
When we’re rooted in Christ’s love and led by the Holy Spirit:
We value grace over legalism.
We walk in humility instead of pride.
We discern truth instead of falling for manipulation.
We extend forgiveness and unity rather than sowing division.
True revival and transformation happen not through religion but through a personal encounter with Jesus.
5. Our Call as a Church
As a church family, we’re called to guard our hearts and our house against religious spirits. That means:
We weigh every “word” or teaching against Scripture.
We embrace accountability and healthy spiritual leadership.
We pursue unity, humility, and grace above all.
We must be a place where the Spirit of God is welcomed and Jesus is exalted—where people encounter freedom, not bondage; relationship, not religion.
Closing Thoughts: Keep Your Heart Free
This week, I encourage you to examine your own heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any traces of religion that may have crept in—pride, self-righteousness, comparison, or judgment. Invite Him to fill you with His presence and renew your focus on Jesus.
We’re not called to a lifeless ritual; we’re called to an abundant relationship. Let’s be a church that walks in freedom, discernment, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
With truth and grace,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"