Seeking to Turn Away from the Faith

- Acts 13:4-12

INTRODUCTION

Satan is always at odds with God because Satan refuses to place himself in submission to the Almighty. Likewise, there are always two spirits at work: the Holy Ghost and a satanic or false spirit. While the Lord seeks to give life, and joy, and peace, the forces of evil seek to turn men away from the truth. Barnabas and Saul, while on their missionary journey, had the opportunity to declare the word of God to Sergius Paulus, the deputy of the country. As the Holy Ghost worked in the deputy’s heart, another spirit began to work. Elymas the sorcerer withstood them, seeking to turn the deputy from the faith (Acts 13:8
). What does this reveal to us? Sorcerers and all other forms of witchcraft are the enemies of all righteousness (Acts 13:10
).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Jannes and Jambres were magicians who sought to defeat the effect Moses had upon Pharaoh (2 Timothy 3:8
  ; Exodus 7:10-12 , 20-22; Exodus 8:7
  ). Satan is behind all such opposition, deceit, and trickery (John 8:44
  ; Luke 8:11-12 ). God is against such acts (Deuteronomy 13:1-5 ).
• (For everyone): What did Saul, also known as Paul, call Elymas the sorcerer (see Acts 13:10
  )? What does this suggest about those who practice various forms of witchcraft?
• God judged Elymas by blinding him for a season. How did this physical judgment match Elymas’ spiritual condition? Which is worse: to remain physically blind or to remain spiritually blind?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to open your eyes to the wickedness of witchcraft.
• Thank the Lord for giving you the truth.