Read Acts 20:28-31.

Today the forces of evil operate out in the open; they work to sow confusion—to upend and usurp God’s design and purposes. Tragically, undiscerning and well-meaning people receive their evil and distorted messages as good and right. The wolves no longer need sheep’s clothing; they’ve convinced the masses that they aren’t dangerous at all.

These forces of evil are the foot soldiers of Satan, “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Since the Garden of Eden, the devil has used deception as his primary tool to carry out his nefarious agenda: to manipulate, kill, and destroy. But his devices aren’t difficult to detect. Today, Satan uses the same tired tricks he deployed to deceive Adam and Eve. He knows just how to trip up those who are unaware of his schemes, so we must be alert to the same old lie he keeps peddling, the lie that says we don’t need God, that says we can be God—and all its variations that would undermine the glory and authority of the one true King.

The apostle Paul knew that the devil was still on the prowl in his day, hoping to pull people away from the Truth. He warned the elders of Ephesus to pay full attention—to care for Christ’s Church diligently, for He bought His bride with His precious blood (see Acts 20:28-31). You see, Satan is cunning—a master of subterfuge. He knows how to seduce even those in the church to distort the Truth and promote his lies. He's absolutely ruthless in his campaign to destroy the Church Jesus has built.

We don’t want to believe that the devil can infiltrate our churches. But it’s true. Throughout history—and still today—Satan has sabotaged ministries and churches, breaking hearts and destroying lives in his wake.

But—and thank God there’s a but—we do not need to live in fear. Satan cannot hurt the Church of Jesus Christ—the elect of God from every tongue, tribe, and nation. Yes, he can attack individual churches and ministries and target those who are ignorant of his ploys, but he cannot do anything to stop the advance of the Gospel and the growth of the Church throughout the world. Jesus Himself said the gates of hell would not prevail against the Church He founded (see Matthew 16:18).

Even so, as believers, we must learn Satan’s tactics. We must equip ourselves with the Truth, anchor ourselves in God’s Word so that we will not be deceived by the father of lies.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word to lead and guide me. Thank You for Your Spirit who opens my eyes to spiritual matters and renews my mind with Truth. May I be alert to the schemes of Satan and resist Him by clinging to Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).

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