The Enemy's Relentless, Unfair and Unscrupulous Attack
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | March 18 2025 | Acts 6:8-15
KEY VERSE: ¹¹ Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”. . . ¹³ They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.” Acts 6:11;13 (NIV)
MESSAGE: In Acts 6:11-14, Stephen, a man of faith and the Holy Spirit faced relentless opposition from those who rejected the Gospel. Like Jesus, he was falsely accused by adversaries driven by hate and jealousy. When unable to refute the truth, they resorted to lies and distortions, falsely claiming he sought to destroy the Temple. Stephen’s experience highlights that standing for Christ invites persecution, but God strengthens His servants to endure.
The religious leaders, unable to counter Stephen’s wisdom (Acts 6:10), resorted to deception, twisting his words and using false witnesses to destroy his credibility. This calculated attack reflects a timeless tactic of Satan, the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Even today, believers may face false accusations and injustice for their faith.
True Christians should remain steadfast, following Christ’s example with integrity despite relentless opposition. Unfair treatment should not weaken our faith but strengthen our commitment to God’s truth. When faced with attacks, we must trust God as our defender, knowing that no matter how relentless, unfair, or unscrupulous the enemy’s attacks may be, God will sustain His faithful servants.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
How do you respond when you face unfair opposition? Are you prepared to stand firm when the enemy relentlessly attacks your faith? Seek God’s grace to maintain your integrity even when others act unscrupulously against you.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, strengthen me to stand firm in the face of relentless, unfair, and unscrupulous attacks. Help me to remain faithful to Your truth and respond with grace, knowing that You are my defender. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may reflect Your wisdom and love even in trials. In Jesus' name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 77: Numbers 17-18 — Aaron’s Staff Buds and Duties of Priests
DAILY word study: SECRETLY The Greek word ὑποβάλλω (hypoballō) means to instigate, bribe, or plant secretly. It implies a covert and deceitful action taken to manipulate or trap someone. In Acts 6:11, the religious leaders secretly persuaded men to spread false accusations against Stephen. Their tactics mirrored those used against Jesus (Matthew 26:59-60), revealing how deceit is a common tool against God’s servants.
Throughout Scripture, covert opposition is often linked to schemes of the enemy:
Psalm 64:2-4—The wicked plot in secret to strike the righteous.
Luke 20:20—Spies were secretly sent to trap Jesus with His words.
The enemy often works behind the scenes, manipulating people and circumstances. However, God sees all things, and His truth always prevails.
Reflection: Are we discerning of hidden attacks against God’s truth? Do we trust God to sustain us in the face of opposition? The enemy may work in secrecy, but God’s justice is never hidden.
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