Persecution in Philippi
Acts 16:16–24
As followers of Christ, we face opposition from Satan, our own sinful flesh, and the world. We are called to know the truth, stand firm in our faith, resist the devil, and faithfully live and proclaim the message of Christ.
The Enemy Can Use Truth to Create Confusion
Acts 16:16–18
The slave girl followed Paul and his companions, repeatedly shouting: “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation!”
What she said was true, but the spirit leading her was not from God.
Not everything that sounds spiritual or even contains truth is truly pointing people to Christ.
Satan can disguise himself and use partial truth to bring confusion and distract from the Gospel.
Why is it important to know the difference between something that is true and something that is truthful?
Can you think of ways the Gospel can be distorted by adding or leaving out important truth?
What are some of the “noises” or distractions in your life that make it harder to focus on Christ?
Dive into Scripture:
Look up Colossians 3:1–2
Resist the Devil—Do Not Fear Him
Paul was greatly annoyed by the slave girl's constant shouting, but he was not afraid. As Christians, we do not have to live in fear of Satan or the demonic because the Spirit of God is greater.
We resist Satan by standing firm in our faith and submitting ourselves to God.
Dive into Scripture:
1 John 4:4
James 4:7
1 Peter 5:8–9
Questions to consider:
What is the difference between being aware of Satan's schemes and being afraid of him?
According to these passages, how are Christians called to resist the devil?
What does it look like to be “firm in your faith”?
Are there areas of your life where fear, confusion, or temptation has pulled your focus away from Christ?
What would it look like to submit that area to God?
Freedom Can Cost Something
Acts 16:18
Paul commanded the spirit to leave the slave girl, and she was set free. But her owners were not happy about her freedom because they had been making money from her suffering.
The world does not always celebrate what Christ celebrates. Sometimes doing what is right threatens someone's comfort, power, money, or way of life.
Think About It
Why were the slave owners angry?
What does their response reveal about what they valued?
Have you ever seen someone oppose something good because it cost them something?
The World Often Misrepresents the Message of Christ
Read: Acts 16:19–24
Paul and Silas were dragged before the authorities. Instead of telling the truth about what had happened, the slave owners twisted the situation and falsely accused them.
The world may oppose, misrepresent, or reject Christians because of the message of Christ. The more faithfully our lives and words reflect Christ, the more we should expect that not everyone will welcome that message.
Know Your Enemy—But Also Know Yourself
We are reminded that Christians face three enemies:
Satan
Our own sinful flesh
The world
But we are not left defenseless.
Ask Yourself
Do I know the truth of the Gospel well enough to recognize false teaching?
Am I allowing the noise and distractions of the world to take my focus off Christ?
Am I firm in my faith?
Do I trust that the Spirit of God in me is greater than the enemy?
Does my life reflect the message that I believe?
Am I willing to faithfully follow Christ even when it brings opposition?
Know your enemy—but also know yourself.
The Christian is called to be watchful, firm in faith, and focused on Christ. We do not need to live in fear or confusion. We can resist the enemy by submitting ourselves to God, standing firmly in the truth, and faithfully living out the Gospel.
This Week's Challenge
Take time each day to step away from some of the noise and distractions around you. Spend that time focusing on Christ through prayer and Scripture.
Set your mind on Christ. Know Him. Trust Him. And do not be afraid.