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WILES OF THE DEVIL
TUESDAY, MARCH 23
Acts 24:22-27

Matthew 13:37-40

 

“…but the tares are the children of
the wicked one; The enemy that

sowed them is the devil…”

 

WILES OF THE DEVIL
 
The enemy will do his best to make believers fall away from their faith. In his time of imprisonment, Paul surely wanted to be released. It would be a great temptation for him to use whatever means available to get himself freed from incarceration, and to justify that it was for the sake of God’s work. However, if the means of deliverance is sinful, the believer must immediately disqualify such a means. Jesus warned us in Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
 
Bribe: Paul was delivered from the wicked intention of the governor. Felix was influenced by greed and sought a bribe. The governor hoped to receive money from Paul in exchange for Paul’s release. But Paul did not give in to the temptation for he knew he was innocent. He knew what justice was and he would not be found guilty of attempting to purchase what was his due. The Lord promised him that he would go to Rome to testify for the Lord there.
 
Benefit: Paul remained for two years in Caesarea. Felix was determined to show favour to the Jews, and let Paul be in custody until the new governor, Porcius Festus, took over. Felix wanted to gain the favour of the Jews for his own benefit, “to secure their favour, and to prevent them, if possible, from accusing him for the evils of his administration before the emperor” (Barnes).
 
Satan, who is the god of this world, will use people from all strata of society to deceive the believers. From paupers to princes, the technique of temptation is the same – lies and vanities. Paul was steadfast in the good and righteous ways of the Lord and did not engage in sinful ways that would forfeit him from the commission God had given him.
 
Are we willing to suffer for righteousness sake? Read Ephesians 6:10-13.
 
THOUGHT: Am I aware of the many temptations of the devil?

PRAYER: Father, please help me not to sin against Thee.

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