How can we recognize modern-day "Elymas" opposing our faith journey? Setting the Scene: Acts 13:8-12 “But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, ‘You son of the devil, an enemy of all righteousness, full of every deceit and trickery—will you never stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? Now behold, the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.’ Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.” Traits of Elymas Then—And Now • Counterfeit spirituality: operates in the supernatural, but not by God’s power • Direct opposition: actively seeks to block others from believing in Christ • Deception and trickery: uses persuasive words, “signs,” or arguments that distort truth • Self-interest: motivated by loss of influence or income if the gospel advances • Influence on gateways of culture: targets leaders, decision makers, or trendsetters Identifying Modern Elymas in Daily Life • Media voices that glamorize alternative spiritualities while dismissing the gospel • Professors or authors who subtly redefine core doctrines (2 Timothy 3:8) • Friends who pressure you to compromise biblical convictions for acceptance • “Christian” movements that downplay sin, repentance, or the uniqueness of Christ • Spiritual influencers offering mystical experiences for a fee, diverting hearts from Scripture Testing the Spirits: Scriptural Safeguards • Measure every message against the apostolic gospel (Galatians 1:8) • Examine the speaker’s fruit—does it align with the Spirit’s character? (Matthew 7:16-17; Galatians 5:22-23) • Confirm that Jesus is confessed as the incarnate Lord and only Savior (1 John 4:1-3) • Stay devoted to the public reading of Scripture so counterfeit ideas stand out (1 Timothy 4:13) Responding with Courage and Clarity • Stay filled with the Holy Spirit through prayer and obedience (Ephesians 5:18) • Address error directly yet graciously, using the Word as your plumb line • Guard the vulnerable—help seekers distinguish truth from hype • Maintain confidence that God backs His gospel; you are not alone (Acts 18:9-10) Encouragement from Paul’s Victory • God’s authority overpowers every counterfeit power • Clear proclamation of truth often wins more convincingly than signs and wonders • Temporary setbacks (opposition) can become platforms for greater witness Takeaway for Today Modern Elymas figures still surface, but they are recognizable: they distort Scripture, divert attention from Christ, and deter faith decisions. Stay anchored in the Word, walk in the Spirit, and you’ll see through their disguises—just as surely as Paul did on Cyprus. |
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