Contrary Spirit

[And Such Were Some Of You]

In another thread, the term "contrary spirit" came up. I am not sure what that is so I decided to place it here to see if someone can enlighten me or point me to the scritpures that I should read.

Accoring to Merriam-Webster, the word Contrary means:

: a fact or condition incompatible with another : opposite —usually used with the

2: one of a pair of opposites

3 a: a proposition so related to another that though both may be false they cannot both be true — compare subcontrary b: either of two terms (as good and evil) that cannot both be affirmed of the same subject

— by contraries obsolete : in a manner opposite to what is logical or expected

— on the contrary : just the opposite

— to the contrary

1: on the contrary

2: notwithstanding
© 2007-2008 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated

So in all sincerety I am not seeing how that is a spirit. Is it indeed a spirit but used by another name in the bible?

[And Such Were Some Of You]

Sis keita, are you around anywhere? Can you help me out?

[Beulah5]

I have personally found that when folks tend to use this term that it always seem to be about the fact that they feel that someone is after them or their ministry-it always comes down to a personal level and to me when i have heard it from pulpits and individuals i cannot help the feeling that some of what people feel is a contrary spirit are sometimes genuine misunderstandings or difference in personalities and management.

The most common one being from what i hear: I feel God calling me to something. I share with my pastor or friend etc and they give me what they believe to be genuine advice. I dont agree with the answer or dont feel that is what God told me then all of a sudden i decide they are 'walking in a contrary spirit'.

This has recently been happening in a ministry whose leaders i associate with. It is a great ministry and has a vision to bring in all kinds of christian leaders together to effect change. These christians are genuinely born again but come from different strands of denominations some are charismatic and some evangelical.

Now the apostle heading it is from africa. The administrator is very effective but more of a conservative logical christian who when he says 2:pm he means 2 pm. He has actively been frustrated because for a lot of africans when we say 2pm folks start showing up at 4pm. This is a small example but this man is not african and even if he was he just happens to be one of those logical, pragmatic christians.

Now a prophetic summit was being organised and he worked his socks off. Then a prophecy came forth from Bill Hamond with which he disagreed in terms of dates. Now Bill is the one who mentored the spiritual father of the apostle and so they are all linked and tied in.

Instead of bearing in mind that this administrator was from an evangelical background but not conversant with modern day prophecy and how it works and how logical his mind is he was accused of trying to sabotage the prophetic summit (even though he is the one who has been organising it all and working night and day to put it together). He was accused of walking in a contrary spirit and he has resigned -a whole painful scenario which could have been dealt with gently in love.

There are some denominations that any questioning of a leader's decision is seen as someone 'walking in a contrary spirit'. To me i have never heard it being used of an unbeliever to whom the term ppropriately applies or to an apostate christian like Pearson which is someone who is against Christ not our own little vision or interpretation of events in our life.

[Jasmine]

Absolutely, and here is scripture to back it up.

Ro 16:17 - Show Context
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

(which would apply to a teaching of Pearson's or something to the sort)

[keita]

Sis ASWSOY, imho, "contrary spirit" is yet another one of those "churchspeak" terms I hear used a lot but have not actually found identified by name in the scriptures.

Unfortunately, and like most terms of that same nature, it sounds real spiritual, particularly when used to rebuke or in an attempt to control another person or situation. And that's especially true when it comes from the mouth of those perceived to be in authority and/or spiritually deep.

I would also caution that, interestingly, these same terms are very often used against others by those to whom they are actually the most applicable.

I agree with sister bee that the only time(s) scripture even alludes to anything which could even remotely be named a "contrary spirit", it refers to unbelievers, carnal Christians, and/or the apostate.

Sis Jas cited one such scripture:

Ro 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

and here's another:

Galatians 5:17

"For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit,
and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.
They are in conflict with each other, so that
you do not do what you want."

[stillfocused]

Keita wrote:

I would also caution that, interestingly, these same terms are very often used against others by those to whom they are actually the most applicable.

Can you please clarify this please ?

[Jasmine]

Applicable is the word of the day on my webpage.

it means: capable of or suitable for being applied.

So in retrospect, Keita (who is capable of speaking of herself) is saying that when this term (contrary, as it is the topic of discussion) is used by people against others, they (themselves) are actually who the term is most applicable or "suitable" to.

[And Such Were Some Of You]

Apr 29, 2008 4:19:55 GMT -5 Beulah5 said:

I have personally found that when folks tend to use this term that it always seem to be about the fact that they feel that someone is after them or their ministry-it always comes down to a personal level and to me when i have heard it from pulpits and individuals i cannot help the feeling that some of what people feel is a contrary spirit are sometimes genuine misunderstandings or difference in personalities and management.

True.

The most common one being from what i hear: I feel God calling me to something. I share with my pastor or friend etc and they give me what they believe to be genuine advice. I dont agree with the answer or dont feel that is what God told me then all of a sudden i decide they are 'walking in a contrary spirit'.

I understand. If used in that context, then it really has no substance.

This has recently been happening in a ministry whose leaders i associate with. It is a great ministry and has a vision to bring in all kinds of christian leaders together to effect change. These christians are genuinely born again but come from different strands of denominations some are charismatic and some evangelical.

Now the apostle heading it is from africa. The administrator is very effective but more of a conservative logical christian who when he says 2:pm he means 2 pm. He has actively been frustrated because for a lot of africans when we say 2pm folks start showing up at 4pm. This is a small example but this man is not african and even if he was he just happens to be one of those logical, pragmatic christians.

Now a prophetic summit was being organised and he worked his socks off. Then a prophecy came forth from Bill Hamond with which he disagreed in terms of dates. Now Bill is the one who mentored the spiritual father of the apostle and so they are all linked and tied in.

Instead of bearing in mind that this administrator was from an evangelical background but not conversant with modern day prophecy and how it works and how logical his mind is he was accused of trying to sabotage the prophetic summit (even though he is the one who has been organising it all and working night and day to put it together). He was accused of walking in a contrary spirit and he has resigned -a whole painful scenario which could have been dealt with gently in love.

Wow!

There are some denominations that any questioning of a leader's decision is seen as someone 'walking in a contrary spirit'. To me i have never heard it being used of an unbeliever to whom the term ppropriately applies or to an apostate christian like Pearson which is someone who is against Christ not our own little vision or interpretation of events in our life.

Amen.

[And Such Were Some Of You]

Apr 29, 2008 11:37:45 GMT -5 Jasmine said:

Absolutely, and here is scripture to back it up.

Ro 16:17 - Show Context
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

(which would apply to a teaching of Pearson's or something to the sort)

Amen, that is my understanding also.

[And Such Were Some Of You]

Apr 29, 2008 12:10:23 GMT -5 keita said:

Sis ASWSOY, imho, "contrary spirit" is yet another one of those "churchspeak" terms I hear used a lot but have not actually found identified by name in the scriptures.

Oh I understand, Christianese...lol

Unfortunately, and like most terms of that same nature, it sounds real spiritual, particularly when used to rebuke or in an attempt to control another person or situation. And that's especially true when it comes from the mouth of those perceived to be in authority and/or spiritually deep.

Amen, seems you and Bee have that same understanding.

I would also caution that, interestingly, these same terms are very often used against others by those to whom they are actually the most applicable.

I agree with sister bee that the only time(s) scripture even alludes to anything which could even remotely be named a "contrary spirit", it refers to unbelievers, carnal Christians, and/or the apostate.

Sis Jas cited one such scripture:

Ro 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

and here's another:

Galatians 5:17

"For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit,
and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.
They are in conflict with each other, so that
you do not do what you want."

Amen, amen and amen.

Okay, so I am really understanding. People name it a spirit but may not necessarily be so. From what I am reading, most times it is being used out of context and doesn't really apply to the situation or people in which it is used against.

I wasn't trying to wear and/or receive it, thank goodness - because I know who I am. I just really didn't understand how it was being used.

Thanks for taking the time to explain it to me.

[kitty]

I think most of those scriptures could apply to many people at one time or another...

especially when it comes to causing divisions and offense on the board...

Kitty

[And Such Were Some Of You]

Apr 30, 2008 8:41:19 GMT -5 kitty said:

I think most of those scriptures could apply to many people at one time or another...

especially when it comes to causing divisions and offense on the board...

Kitty

If I am not mistaken, that scripture was talking about division as it concerns another doctrine. I can only remember one time where a "different" doctrine was believed and it really did cause some discord.

[vindicated]

Y'all are too funny.

[kitty]

Yes... it really did...

and it was sad to see many people not stand up for the word of God... many people left the board after that... and it was one of the reasons that Mo' deleted the board

[kitty]

It was also sad for me to know that people knew who the strange "character" was that kept on picking on myself and GAP because we stated we did want to be wives of many...

Yet none of the moderators at that time stopped the mess...

So now... If I see things that just plainly don't add up... I call it out in the open to be questioned... i don't like lies that are made up for the sake or arguements shielded as "discussions"