SATURDAY June 24, 2023

Perverting the Ways of the Lord

Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.”
Acts 13:9-11 NIV

Interestingly, at this moment in time, we can take notice of Saul’s name change. He decided to change his name from the Hebrew, Saul, to Paul, his Roman name, so that he could reach the Gentiles. Paul, faced with opposition, rebuked Elymas. He was guilty of perverting and distorting the right ways of the Lord––the way of truth––which leads people to eternal life. What happened next? This man’s demonic power was disarmed; he became blind for a season. The tremendous power of God overcame him.

How do we deal with Satan’s attacks? We find a blueprint to follow from Paul’s strategy. First, he himself was filled with the Holy Spirit. Second, Paul used the authority and power of the Holy Spirit to rebuke Elymas. He looked straight into his face and, with boldness, spoke words to strongly rebuke him. Paul was not afraid of the sorcerer.

As a Spirit-filled Christian, expect spiritual warfare. The life of a believer is not easy. I guarantee that you will face opposition from those who are trying to pervert the Lord’s ways. Understand that when you are engaging in spiritual warfare, you will also need spiritual discernment––to be able to make a distinction between the Spirit of God and of Satan. Spiritual discernment will help you be wise to his methods.

He will cause great distractions and try to dissuade people from going to church to hear the Gospel. He will try to get them involved with other activities. The devil does not want to see anyone saved. There is an ongoing, unseen battle that exists over souls.

Yes, Satan is real, but so is Christ, and someday Satan will be defeated and Christ will rule forever. Don’t be deceived, but open your heart and mind to Jesus Christ, and put your life into His hands.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!