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RESIST THE DEVIL!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Acts 16:16-18

1 Peter 5:8-9

 

“…the devil,
as a roaring lion, walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour.”

 

RESIST THE DEVIL!
 
As we have repeatedly mentioned, Satan and his cohorts are doubling their efforts to keep people from believing in Christ. They have many tactics to find the Achilles’ heel of the Christian. If it is not in opposition and persecution, they flatter to seduce you with adoration and promotion. If we are not careful, we may find ourselves falling into a trap which is difficult to get out of. Thus, this passage reveals to us the nature of praise from the devil.
 
A spirit of divination: A woman who was a fortune-teller was possessed by the spirit of divination. The word translated “divination” (Acts 16:16) is used only in this verse throughout the Bible and refers to a python or a giant snake. Satan used her to do what the modern churches today are practising: self-esteem or the positive mental attitude. What she said apparently was true, but it was exaggerated to fuel pride and arrogance in the hearts of the missionaries that they might sin and receive God’s chastisement.
 
A spirit of grief: This evil-inspired lady kept repeating the “praise” for many days which grieved Paul. The Apostle was greatly disturbed and annoyed. Certainly, this is not the kind of praise that is from above. When the Apostle could not take it, he commanded the evil spirit to come out of her in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. The devil left and the grievous words stopped. There is no need for us to be praised especially if it is from the devil. This will not give us comfort or joy, but grief!
 
Satan uses every opportunity to tempt the people of God to sin and be chastised by Him. This spirit of divination is particularly of the same wavelength as those who are in the “word faith movement.” They do not just flatter others, but most of all they flatter themselves. They claim to have the powerful words of God at Creation which is nothing more than faith in their own faith. This is foolish and ridiculous yet many so-called Christians today are caught in this deception. Do not be fooled by Satan.
 
THOUGHT: Am I living in a Christian’s battleground? Or a playground?

PRAYER: Father, shield me from all the attacks of the enemy.

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