The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

A Devious Trap

Paula K. Graves

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November 8, 2026

Satan loves the chance to set a devious trap. Paul warned us to be aware of his schemes. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. [1] Satan has strategies to lead us away from God because he hates us.

Jesus also warned His disciples that there would be temptations. Luke 17:1One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting![2] The Greek word translated “temptation” here is skandalon. This refers to the movable stick or trigger of a trap. It is any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall.[3]

Sin separates us from God, and so anytime we sin, until we repent, we are separated from our Lord. If you are a hunter, you know a trap must look innocent and enticing. That is what draws the animal to it, and the animal doesn’t know it’s a trap until it is sprung. Sin acts the same way. It looks good, perhaps even advantageous. But then we are surprised when sin entangles us.

The Trap of Offense

It is interesting that the word skandalon can also be translated as offense. Of the 15 occurrences in the New Testament, it is translated as ‘offense’ 9 times. This is how the New King James Version translates Luke 17:1: Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come![4]

Miriam-Webster defines offense as this: something that outrages the moral or physical senses or the act of displeasing or affronting.[5] You may be offended when someone blatantly sins against you. An offense can simply come because another person did not meet your expectations. Being offended results in strong emotions such as outrage, resentment, jealousy, and bitterness.

Hurt people want to hurt people in response. Our sinful nature takes hold, and we lash out against those we believe wronged us. We don’t take time to stop and respond lovingly; instead, we want to retaliate against the wrongdoer and hold a grudge.

Unaware of the Trap

The most insidious thing about being in offense is that we don’t even realize we are caught in a trap of sin. Often, our pride causes us to feel justified in being offended. We think we are right and the offender is wrong, which may or may not be the truth. Often our pride blinds us to the truth of the situation, and our anger energizes our grudge.

Pride and anger can get us into more trouble. Ephesians 4: 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. [6] Proverbs 16: 18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. [7]

Because we feel justified in our offense, we often hold back forgiveness. But this is dangerous territory, as we must forgive for God to forgive us. Matthew 6:14 If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.[8] So we can see that offense is a devious trap that destroys our relationships with others and our Lord. No wonder Jesus warns us against it. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03battle-11-8-26

[1,2,6-8] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

[3] Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

[4] The New King James Version (Lk 17:1). (1982). Thomas Nelson.

[5] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/offense

The Power of Prayer

Tom Graves

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November 7, 2026

The power of prayer provides the energy to equip the Christian soldier with armor and to wield the sword. James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. [1] We cannot win battles using only our own strength, regardless of our talent or power.

When Amalek attacked Israel, Moses climbed the mountain to pray while Joshua fought with the sword in the valley (Exodus 17:8-16). Both were necessary to defeat Amalek: Moses’ intercession from above and Joshua’s sword below. Prayer provides the power for victory, but it must be the right kind. If you are struggling today, the answer may be simply to start with prayer.

Pray in the Spirit at All Times

Ephesians 6:18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. [2] Praying in the Spirit means that the Spirit helps us when we pray. Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.[3]

The Spirit inspires and guides us in prayer, helping us communicate with God and receive His responses. While Paul elsewhere mentions praying with the Spirit as a gift of tongues, here it generally refers to all persistent, attentive prayer and intercession for believers.

We should not underestimate satan’s power; he attacks people in different ways, so we must pray in various ways and be open to all types of requests. Satan will strike unexpectedly, making it essential to remain alert to prayer needs. Since satan rarely gives up when he believes he can win, children of God must persist in prayer, regardless of how long it takes.

Asking for Intercessory Prayer

In Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul emphasizes the importance of putting what he has just taught into action. Although Paul is a great man of God, he is still human and needs prayer. Paul knew the power of prayer, as God sent a man named Ananias to pray for him after the Lord blinded him on the road to Damascus. Ananias found Saul, laid hands on him, and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared on the road, sent me to restore your sight and fill you with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight.

Now, many years later, Paul is requesting prayer because he has received a divine assignment that requires God’s strength to fulfill. Ephesians 6: 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.[4]

Our Prayers

Like Paul, we can trust that God has a purpose for our lives, even in the most difficult circumstances. When we pray for courage, wisdom, and the right words, God can use us wherever we are to share the hope of Jesus and boldly proclaim His Good News to a world that desperately needs to hear it. Don’t forget about the power of prayer. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Jas 5:16). (1984). Zondervan.

[2-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Tools for the Battle

Paula K. Graves

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November 6, 2026

Paul gives us valuable tools for the battle against satan. Ephesians 6: 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [1]

Shield of Faith

Roman soldiers carried a large shield made of wood, covered with leather. These could be interlocked with other soldiers’ shields to form a wall. When a soldier soaked the shield in water, the wet leather would extinguish the enemy’s flaming arrows.

Faith is our shield. We are not alone in the battle. We can join together with others in the faith to form a protective wall against satan’s attacks. Satan loves to shoot fiery arrows of temptation, doubt, anger, lust, and despair to destroy us. Our shield of faith in God can quench those attacks.

Salvation as Your Helmet

A helmet guards your mind. We must always remember who and whose we are. Through faith we become the children of God, and He loves us. Jesus loved us so much that He willingly paid the price for our sin on the cross. When we accept His gift of salvation, He delivers us from the power of sin and the devil.

As we turn our lives over to God, study the Bible, and pray, He begins to control our minds. When this happens, our salvation acts as a helmet, and satan’s attacks on our minds bounce off.

Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God

This is the only offensive tool in God’s armor. All the other weapons are defensive so that we can stand our ground. Jesus gives us a model of using God’s Word when the devil tempted Him. Each time, Jesus responded with “it is written” to counter the devil’s lies.

The Roman soldiers used their double-edged short swords in close combat. Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.[2]

A Roman short sword pierces the body, but the Word of God pierces the heart. Soldiers used their swords to kill, but the sword of the Spirit wounds to give life and heal. The Holy Spirit inspired Scripture. When we use the Word of God in faith, it is as if the Spirit wields a sword against our foe.

Attacked for Being God’s

All believers find themselves under attack from satan because we have left his kingdom and become part of God’s Kingdom. Satan hates losing people to God and so attacks believers. We must use all of God’s tools in the battle to resist satan’s attacks and stand true to God. May you daily put on God’s armor to stand for His Kingdom. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Power of the Gospel

Tom Graves

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November 5, 2026

The power of the Gospel is so great that it takes people out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of Light. The Gospel, also known as the Good News, is the very foundation of Jesus’ message. As the Lord draws us to faith and deepens our understanding of the Good News, He calls us to put on the armor of God to protect us in the spiritual battle of this lifetime. This protective armor enables us to resist the enemy and stand firm in the battle. Perhaps the Lord is awakening you today to recognize that this battle is real and to understand the importance of putting on His armor.

Put on Every Piece of God’s Armor

To remain steadfast in the fight, equip yourself with all of God’s armor. Paul describes each piece as a soldier would put them on, starting with the leather belt, which he calls the belt of truth. The soldier is prepared for battle when the belt is securely fastened. Similarly, as believers, we should start each day with our belt fastened, ready to engage in the spiritual battle as needed. The belt is the foundation of the soldier’s armor, and truth is the foundation of the believer in Jesus.

When we put on the belt of truth, Paul tells us something significant happens. Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. [1]

The truth of God’s Word anchors every other piece of spiritual armor. The more securely you wrap yourself with it, such as memorizing it, understanding it, and applying it to your life, the more skilled you will be in the spiritual battle. And the more dangerous you will be to your spiritual enemy.

Additional pieces of armor

After believers put on the belt of truth, they are ready to add more armor. Ephesians 6: 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. The breastplate protects the soldier’s torso, covering from the neck to the thighs. Righteousness offers strong protection because it demonstrates that we are justified before God, a righteousness granted to us by the Holy Spirit.

Believers have been made righteous through Christ’s blood. Through this transformation, believers aspire to live with uprightness and integrity, seeking to please the One who saved them.

In addition, a soldier wore special sandals or military shoes that protected his feet without slowing him down. Ephesians 6:15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.[2]

The Word of God is the Gospel, offering peace and equipping believers for spiritual battles. Additionally, the shoes symbolize the need to prepare daily to share the Gospel of peace with a lost world. In Romans 10:15, Paul highlights the beauty of feet that bring good news. May God bless you with feet that proclaim His word!

To learn more about the power of the Gospel, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Resisting the Enemy

Paula K. Graves

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November 4, 2026

In his section about the armor of God, Paul speaks about resisting the enemy. Ephesians 6: 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.[1]

In the Bible, to resist means to stand firm against, to oppose, or to strive against an external force, temptation, or authority. The primary biblical Greek and Hebrew words translated as “resist” (anthistēmi and antitassomai) literally mean to “set oneself against” or “range in battle against.”[2]

In history, we see people setting up resistance groups in Europe during WWII. These groups sought to harass and undermine Nazi control in any way they could. They used non-cooperation, propaganda, sabotage, espionage, and armed combat to oppose Nazi rule. We must apply the same concept as we fight against spiritual evil.

Therefore

Ephesians 6:13 begins with the word “therefore.” This means that Paul is connecting a cause to its effect. In verse 12, Paul had just described the enemy Satan and his helpers. Our real enemy isn’t people but spiritual powers. We don’t want to waste our time fighting humans when we should be fighting the devil. As a consequence, Paul repeats what he said in verse 11 and adds to it.

From this we can understand that the spiritual battle is real. Paul doesn’t say there might be a battle; he speaks of when there is a battle. Basically, this will happen, so you must be ready to resist. Forewarned is forearmed. One of satan’s strategies is to get us to think he doesn’t exist. That allows him to act without us resisting. But if we are ready for the battle, our resistance hinders him.

Take Off to Put On

Earlier in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul had used a clothing image. Ephesians 4: 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. [3]

Now in chapter 6, in addition to the new nature, we are to put on God’s armor. Some translations say, “take up.” In that day, “take up” was a technical military term describing preparation for battle.[4] We must be ready for the battle. While Christ wins the war against satan, we can lose individual battles if we are not prepared.

Paul isn’t the only one to speak about resisting the devil; James and Peter agree. James 4: 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.[5] 1 Peter 5: 9 Resist him (the devil), firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.[6] Be prepared to keep resisting the enemy on your faith journey. To learn more, listen here:

[1,3,5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[2]https://av1611.com/kjbp/kjv-dictionary/resist.html

[4] Barton, B. B., & Comfort, P. W. (1996). Ephesians (p. 131). Tyndale House Publishers.

[6] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (1 Pe 5:8–9). (2025). Crossway Bibles.

Knowing Your Enemy

Tom Graves

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November 3, 2026

Knowing your enemy is key to the spiritual battle we are engaged in, but for many people, including many Christians, the real enemy remains unknown. In our world, we can examine evil individuals from both the past and the present, but Paul reveals in Ephesians who the true enemy behind these people is.

Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. [1] The evil we battle in this world is demons whom our enemy, satan, controls. The devil has strategies against us and knows our weaknesses, seeking to lead us into sin and away from God. Like a hunter setting a trap or a snare, the enemy does the same to us.

Who are demons? They are fallen angels who joined satan’s rebellion against God and are the enemy of every believer. The terms ‘rulers,’ ‘authorities,’ ‘cosmic powers,’ and ‘spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places’ describe these enemies’ characteristics and their realm of activity. Although these beings are powerful, the good news is that God limits their power.

Gaining Perspective in the Battle

With an understanding of who our enemy is, we can prepare for the battle we are engaged in. In Ephesians 6:11, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God because the enemy does not sit idle but continually attacks us to weaken our walk with the Lord. In essence, our armor is directly tied to our relationship with God. The enemy can easily conquer a starving soldier on the battlefield. Similarly, as believers, if we don’t feed our relationship with God through His word, worship, and prayer, we become spiritually weakened.

Our enemy is not fictitious but is a powerful being. The Ephesians practiced magic and witchcraft and were aware of the power of the kingdom of darkness. Acts 19:19 A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars.[2] Because our enemy is spiritual in nature, we must fight this battle in the spiritual realm. Although our enemy is powerful, he is no match for God, and Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross defeated sin, death, and the devil.

Moving Forward in the Battle

As believers in Jesus, we are enemies of satan and his minions. Although we are assured of victory, we must engage in the struggle until Christ returns. In many ways, this pushes us to depend more on God and on our relationship with Him. We then begin to see our lives in the bigger picture of what God is accomplishing in and through us.

The enemy will try to convince us that we are alone and that God won’t help us in our time of need, but that is just a lie. The Lord is aware of the spiritual battle you are in and draws us into His word, prayer, and worship to strengthen us. In addition, the spiritual trials we go through refine us, which is another victory for God, not the enemy!

To learn more about knowing your enemy, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Stand Firm in the Battle

Paula K. Graves

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November 2, 2026

Paul tells us how we can stand firm in the battle against the devil. This is not a routine army battle; it is a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[1]

The concept of standing firm is so important that Paul emphasizes it in verses 11, 13, and 14. The Greek word for stand, histemi, is used in verses 11 & 14. It means to stand immovable, stand firm, continue safe and sound, and to stand ready or prepared.[2] A derivative of this word, anthistemi is translated “withstand” in verse 13. It means to set oneself against, to withstand, resist, and oppose.[3]

This is a defensive position. Paul doesn’t tell us to advance, nor are we to retreat. We can stand firm on the spiritual ground Jesus has already won for us on the cross. In Paul’s time, those left standing after the battle were the victors. We can remain standing firm by the power of God and the resources that He supplies.

Our Part

While it is true that we must rely on the mighty strength of God to stand, we have a part to play. We also must use the equipment He supplies. Ephesians 6:11 is a command. “Put on” is an imperative, meaning that believers themselves are responsible for putting on the armor.[4] The Greek grammar requires that we do this action.

We can understand the need for physical armor during war. But how do we put on the armor of God when it is not physical, but spiritual? You put on the whole armor of God by reading the Bible, praying every day, and choosing to live by God’s truth, faith, and love. It is a daily choice to rely on God’s strength and not our own.

God wisely provides the gifts of truth, righteousness, and faith, but we must choose to use them. Each piece of armor has a unique purpose, which protects us from spiritual warfare, the attacks we cannot see with our own eyes. With the armor on, we can stand strong against the enemy and get closer to God as we trust in Him.

Strategies of the Devil

Christ has defeated the devil on the cross, but the victory won’t be complete until He returns. Until then, our struggle in the spiritual realm will continue. As a result, the devil has strategies. Jesus called him a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). He will lie, cheat, and use subtle tricks in his attempts to turn us away from our Savior.

Satan uses the things outside of ourselves, the things of the world, and our internal sinful nature to tempt us to sin and to lead us astray. When we are aware of this battle, rely on God’s strength, and put on God’s armor, we will be able to stand firm. Our ability to stand in spiritual battles depends on us trusting God and using His provisions.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1-] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 6:10–11). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Strong, J. (1995). G2476, In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

[3] Strong, J. (1995). G436, In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

[4] Hoehner, H. W., Comfort, P. W., & Davids, P. H. (2008). Cornerstone biblical commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. (Vol. 16, p. 127). Tyndale House Publishers.

Be Strong in the Lord

Tom Graves

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November 1, 2026

As Paul signals the beginning of his conclusion to his letter, he writes, Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.[1] As he writes this, it reminds me of a relationship between a father and a small child. A child cannot accomplish the task before them, but with their father’s strength, it becomes possible. The Scriptures call us children of God, revealing much about our relationship with our loving Father.

As we grow in trust in our earthly father, we become comfortable with his guidance and assistance. As we grow in our relationship with our heavenly Father, our faith and trust also grow. When this happens, we are not offended by God’s help but are thankful because we know our limitations.   

2 Corinthians 12:9My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. [2] Paul tells us in these verses that weaknesses are not all bad, because it is in that moment we are moldable and teachable. 

God’s Strength is Available to all

God’s strength and mighty power are part of the kingdom blessing accessible to His people, and Paul prays for believers to understand this. Ephesians 1:19 I (Paul) also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.[3]

How much of my life did I spend without understanding the power of God? Perhaps that is where you are now, and the Lord is making you aware of it so you don’t have to fight spiritual battles alone. The resurrection power that brought Jesus back to life strengthens God’s followers as they prepare for the spiritual struggles ahead in this life. Knowing we don’t have to fight our battles alone changes everything because we know the Lord is with us every step of the way.

Training

To compete on the Cross-Country team, you need to run many miles to prepare your body. Similarly, learning a foreign language requires dedicating many hours to mastering something new. In Luke 9:23, the Lord invites us to take up our cross and follow Him. This involves spending time in God’s word, prayer, and worship to nurture our spiritual growth.

Being a follower of Jesus means cultivating a living relationship; to go deeper, we must move beyond the surface. When I did this personally, God revealed a deeper understanding of His Kingdom. That moment made me realize I must rely on God’s strength in this spiritual battle. Is the Lord calling you to strengthen your relationship with Him?

To learn how to be strong in the Lord, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/02battle-11-01-26

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Nothing Can Separate Us

Paula K. Graves

no comments

October 31, 2026

Some people become fearful when they realize there is a supernatural realm. But we can be assured that nothing can separate us from God’s love. In Scripture, we see several examples of meetings in the supernatural realm overwhelming the human body.

When an angel brought a message to Daniel, he fainted. Daniel 10:9 Then I heard the man (the angel) speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. 10 Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees.[1]

John was exiled on the island of Patmos when God gave him a vision of worship in heaven. Revelation 1: 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last.[2]

Insight into the Spiritual Realm

God created angels as His servants and gives them assignments to help believers. They may bring messages or protection. But then there are also fallen angels and satan who work against us. Paul warns us that they have schemes to deceive and lead us astray. There are battles in the spiritual realm. This information isn’t to frighten us but to make us aware of its existence. Forewarned is forearmed.

Fortunately, God has given us spiritual armor and the weapon of His Word to battle the evil realm (Ephesians 6:10-20). He also provides a great love which keeps us in Jesus. Romans 8:38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.[3]

No Reason to Worry

Even though we have the promise that nothing can separate us from God’s love, we may doubt in times of suffering. Paul also addresses this. Romans 8: 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?… 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. [4]

There are times we need to remember the great love Jesus showed us as He suffered on the cross to pay the price for our sin. Romans 8: 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?[5]

God often uses the difficulties of life to strengthen our faith. He knows that these are the times we must depend on Him even more. The enemy’s battle plans backfire. Our hard times can build our faith and trust in Him rather than driving us away from our Savior. There is nothing in the universe that has the power to separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/01battle-10-25-26

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Demonic Disguise

Paula K. Graves

no comments

October 30, 2026

Paul had to defend his authority as a teacher to the church at Corinth. False teachers had come in a demonic disguise, fooling the people and leading them astray. They had preached an attractive “new Gospel” which wasn’t the true Gospel.

2 Corinthians 11: 13 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. [1]

As Paul wrote this, he may have been thinking of the fall into sin from Genesis 3. Here satan disguised himself as a snake who tried to enlighten Eve. But he deceived her, and we still feel the consequences of sin today. Satan has schemes, and Paul was trying to warn the people because he cared for their spiritual well-being.

Satan’s Masquerade

Earlier in 2 Corinthians, Paul had urged the church to be familiar with satan’s evil schemes so he wouldn’t outsmart them (2 Corinthians 2:11). One of satan’s favorite schemes is to disguise himself as a “good guy.” His devious plan is to look attractive, good, and moral so he can lead you away from Jesus. Many unsuspecting people have listened to smooth-talking, Bible-quoting leaders only to find themselves in a cult.

Jesus also taught on the deception of evil leaders. Matthew 7: 15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.[2]

Spotting Spiritual Deception

Not all who claim to follow Christ are genuine. True discernment is necessary to differentiate between authentic faith and deceitful appearances. This points out the importance of knowing Scripture and asking God for His insight. Believers should not accept teachings unquestioningly but should critically evaluate them against Biblical truth.

Paul concludes with a warning that these false teachers will ultimately face judgment for their deceptive ways. This cautions us to remain diligent and discerning in our faith walk. We must commit to living in the light of Jesus’ teaching and to discarding falsehoods that appear attractive but lack spiritual substance.

Jesus Christ, as the ultimate truth-bearer, provides discernment through the Holy Spirit to His followers. This enables us to recognize demonic disguise. What is the fruit of leaders and teachers? Do their teachings line up with Scripture? Are they building their own kingdoms or God’s? Is their lifestyle consistent with Biblical morality?

May the Lord guide you in truth along your faith journey. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/01battle-10-25-26

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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