Marvel Television’s Agatha All Along | Bible Study: Suffer Not A Witch To Live

Bible Study Lesson: The True Power: Distinguishing God's Will from Deception

Objective:

To explore the biblical theme of avoiding witchcraft and deception, understanding God's perspective on such practices, and applying these lessons to modern storytelling like the new series featuring Agatha Harkness.

Introduction:

• Agatha Harkness is freed from a distorted spell by a mysterious goth teen.

• The teen seeks Agatha's help to travel the legendary Witches' Road, a path filled with trials.

• If they survive, they gain what they are missing, and they gather a desperate coven to start the journey.

Discuss how this storyline can be a starting point to explore the biblical injunctions against witchcraft and the importance of seeking God's will.

Agatha Harkness

Scripture Readings:

1. Exodus 22:18 (KJV) "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."

2. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV) "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you."

3. Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV) "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Lesson Outline:

1. Introduction to Biblical View on Witchcraft:

• Discuss the serious stance the Bible takes on witchcraft and sorcery.

• Relate this to the journey on the Witches' Road where Agatha and the teen seek power through magical trials.

1. Biblical Warnings Against Witchcraft:

• Exodus 22:18: Discuss the clear commandment against allowing witchcraft to exist within the community.

• Deuteronomy 18:10-12: Talk about the various forms of occult practices and why they are detestable to God.

• Galatians 5:19-21: Reflect on the inclusion of witchcraft in the list of sinful behaviors that prevent inheriting the kingdom of God.

1. Discussion:

• How do the trials and the pursuit of power in the series compare to the biblical warnings against seeking power through forbidden means?

• What dangers do we face today that are similar to the deceptive practices of witchcraft?

1. Application:

• Encourage participants to reflect on modern forms of deception and where they might be tempted to seek power or control outside of God's will.

• Discuss practical ways to avoid such temptations and to rely on God's guidance and power.

1. Conclusion and Prayer:

• Summarize the key points: God commands us to avoid witchcraft and deception, emphasizing reliance on Him alone.

• Close with a prayer asking for discernment, strength to resist temptation, and a heart that seeks after God’s will.

Moral:

The pursuit of power through forbidden means leads to deception and destruction. The Bible warns us to avoid witchcraft and to rely on God's guidance, emphasizing the importance of seeking His will above all else.

Bishop D.D. Lattimore (Pastor)