Jehovah’s people are engaged in a battle! Our enemy is powerful, cunning, and experienced. He has at his disposal a weapon so effective that it has been used to conquer the majority of humankind. However, we are not powerless, nor are we doomed to defeat. We have a mighty defense that is unbeatable when we avail ourselves of it.

The war we are fighting is not physical; it is spiritual. Our enemy is Satan the Devil, and one of the weapons he uses is “the spirit of the world.” (1 Cor. 2:12) The key to defending ourselves against his attacks is God’s holy spirit. We must seize every opportunity to avail ourselves of God’s spirit and display its fruitage in our lives.—Gal. 5:22, 23.

What is the spirit of the world, and how did it become so pervasive? How can we determine whether the spirit of the world is influencing us? What steps can we take to receive God’s spirit and thereby resist the spirit of the world?

What contrasting use of the word “spirit” is found at 1 Corinthians 2:12?

Read Ephesians 2:2, 3.

How would you describe the spirit of the world? (lv p. 54 par. 8)

How does it exercise “authority”?

How is that spirit “now at work” in some people? (John 8:44; Acts 13:10; 1 John 3:8, 10; lv p. 54 par. 8)

In what ways can the spirit of the world take root in a person’s mind and heart? How does this happen? (Prov. 4:23)

Questions to Ponder

Read Psalm 26:4; 119:37; 1 Corinthians 15:33.

How do those we associate with have an effect on our attitude and actions?

Why should we avoid close contact with anyone or anything that is infected by the spirit of the world?

How could social networking or the use of Internet forums affect the way you carry out your privileges in the congregation? (Prov. 22:1; Eccl. 10:1; Eph. 5:15, 16)

Read James 3:14-18.

What does our choice of entertainment reveal about us?

How can Satan use literature, movies, music, and electronic games to ensnare pioneers? (Ps. 97:10; w13 1/15 pp. 14-15 pars. 11-15)

Why would viewing or listening to unclean entertainment prove to be hypocritical? (Isa. 52:11)

Read 1 Timothy 6:8-10.

What does our attitude toward material things reveal about us?

When it comes to material things, why do pioneers need to be constantly alert in order to maintain balance?

How could the desire for many material things affect the life of a pioneer?

Read 1 Timothy 2:9, 10.

How might our dress, grooming, and hygiene reflect the spirit that exercises authority over us?

How could a pioneer’s choice of dress and grooming affect others?

How might a person indicate that he views his “rights” in these areas to be more important than qualifying for service privileges in the congregation? (Ps. 68:6; Phil. 4:5; 1 Pet. 5:6)

Your Part in Keeping the Congregation Clean

Wrongdoing is increasingly prevalent and depraved. Such can infiltrate the Christian congregation. (2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13; Jude 3, 4, 11-13)

What confidence can we have, as indicated at Revelation 2:1?

What is Jehovah’s view of the following things?

If you have seen or come to know of serious wrongdoing among Jehovah’s people, why should you not close your eyes to it? (Lev. 5:1 and ftn.; 1 Cor. 5:1, 2)

Why would it be a kindness to encourage a wrongdoer to approach the elders about the matter? (Jas. 5:14)

If he does not, how would bringing serious matters to the attention of the elders show love for Jehovah, the congregation, as well as for the person who committed the wrong? (1 Cor. 1:11; 5:6; 1 Tim. 5:22)

If you are disturbed in your mind and heart because of some past serious wrongdoing, why should you approach the elders? (Jas. 5:14-16)

How can you show that you take God’s warnings seriously? (Gal. 5:16, 17, 19-21)

Why should you keep up the fight to resist the spirit of the world? (John 16:33; Jude 3)