What practical steps can we take to counteract spiritual opposition like Elymas? Setting the Scene: Elymas Opposes the Gospel “Elymas the sorcerer (for that is how his name is translated) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.” (Acts 13:8) Opposition was open, aggressive, and spiritually charged. The same dynamics show up today: deception, distraction, and resistance whenever the gospel advances. Remember Who the Real Adversary Is • Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood,” so people are not the ultimate enemy—spiritual forces are. • Recognizing this keeps us from personal resentment and moves us to spiritual solutions. Stay Filled With the Holy Spirit • Acts 13:9 says, “Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him.” • Continual filling (Ephesians 5:18) sharpens discernment, strengthens courage, and releases God’s power. • Practical habits: daily Scripture intake, worship, and yielded obedience keep the Spirit’s influence fresh. Stand on the Authority of God’s Word • Paul confronted Elymas by declaring God’s verdict (Acts 13:10–11). • Hebrews 4:12 calls the Word “living and active,” able to expose lies. • Regular memorization and verbal declaration of Scripture dismantle deception (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Clothe Yourself in Spiritual Armor Ephesians 6:13-17 outlines defensive and offensive gear: – Belt of truth: refuse half-truths, cling to revealed doctrine. – Breastplate of righteousness: live clean; sin dulls spiritual edge. – Gospel shoes: stay mission-minded; the best defense is a bold offense. – Shield of faith: trust God’s character when circumstances roar. – Helmet of salvation: guard thought life with assurance in Christ. – Sword of the Spirit: speak Scripture into the conflict. Exercise Prayerful Resistance • James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” • Prayer both submits us to God’s will and actively pushes back darkness (Acts 4:29-31). • Include fasting when led (Matthew 17:21) for intensified focus. Discern and Expose Counterfeit Spirituality • 1 John 4:1: “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • Ask: Does the teaching align with Scripture? Does it glorify Christ? • Publicly exposing error, as Paul did, safeguards seekers and the church. Maintain Gospel Clarity and Boldness • Paul didn’t get sidetracked by Elymas; he kept preaching to Sergius Paulus (Acts 13:12). • Keeping Christ crucified and risen at the center neutralizes many distractions (1 Corinthians 2:2). Stand Together in Community • Paul and Barnabas ministered as a team (Ecclesiastes 4:12). • Share burdens, pray for one another, and provide accountability (Galatians 6:2). Anticipate God’s Vindication • Elymas was struck with temporary blindness—God handled the outcome (Acts 13:11). • Trust the Lord to vindicate truth; focus on obedience rather than results (Psalm 37:5-6). Live Alert, Not Afraid • 1 Peter 5:8-9 calls us to be “sober-minded and alert,” resisting firm in the faith. • Confidence flows from knowing Christ has already secured victory (Colossians 2:15). Put these steps into consistent practice, and spiritual opposition—no matter how intimidating—will yield to the supremacy of Jesus and the unstoppable advance of His gospel. |
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