The Fine Print: The Devil Doesn’t Deserve the Credit
- May 12
- 5 min read
Part Two: Discerning the Schemes of the Enemy
Welcome back, friend.
How did it go last week—discerning between spiritual warfare and choosing obedience? By faith, I’m believing it went well. I’ve been praying that your faith is being strengthened as you walk through the Word of God and discover His truth.
I recently read a quote that stuck with me: "The best way to spot a counterfeit is to become intimately familiar with the real thing."
That’s what The Fine Print is all about—exposure.
When you're consistently exposed to the truth—the Word of God—you begin to recognize a lie from a distance. Your discernment sharpens, your spiritual senses are heightened, and you move with more clarity and confidence in your kingdom assignment.
Let’s goooo, friend. I see you growing!
Quick Recap:
Last week, we unpacked the story of Achan, a man who brought trouble on himself through disobedience (Joshua 7). His downfall wasn’t caused by the devil—it was a result of his own decision to ignore God’s command. A sobering reminder that not every hardship is a spiritual attack. Sometimes, it’s us.
But what about when it is the enemy? What does it look like when we’re not just battling our flesh—but facing a scheme from the pits of hell?
That’s when discernment becomes not just helpful, but essential. Because friend—the enemy is a liar. And one of his favorite strategies isn’t brute force—it’s deception disguised as truth.
To explore that, we turn to Paul, and a powerful moment in Philippi that teaches us how to see beyond what’s being said—and discern what’s really going on.
Paul Discerns the Spirit Behind the Slave Girl
📖 Acts 16:16–18
Let’s set the scene.
Paul and Silas were in Philippi, faithfully preaching the gospel. They were right in the center of God’s will and walking in obedience. But being in alignment with God doesn’t mean you won’t encounter opposition. In fact, spiritual resistance often confirms spiritual progress.
As they moved through the city, they were met by a slave girl—not just socially oppressed, but spiritually bound. She was possessed by a spirit of divination, and her masters were profiting from her demonic affliction.
What Does It Mean to Be Possessed?
To be possessed means to be under the full control of an evil spirit. The will, voice, and actions of the person are overtaken by demonic influence. This is not symbolic or emotional—it is real, spiritual domination.
"When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!’" —Luke 8:28
This is possession—full occupation. The demon took over both physical and verbal actions.
What Is Oppression?
While possession means the enemy has taken residence inside a person, oppression is more like relentless harassment from the outside.
It’s the enemy applying pressure, weighing a person down emotionally, mentally, spiritually—or even physically. The person still has their will and mind, but they’re under attack, often in a way that feels like they just can’t break through.
"God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." —Acts 10:38
"A woman was there who had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all." —Luke 13:11
This woman was physically oppressed—bound by Satan for 18 years, but not possessed. She still had her identity, her faith, her mind.
Oppression can manifest through:
Mental torment
Sickness
Depression
Confusion
Fear
Cycles of defeat
It’s not possession—but it’s real warfare.
What Is Divination?
Divination is the attempt to gain spiritual insight through forbidden, demonic means: fortune-telling, tarot cards, astrology, crystals, ancestral communication, and more.
God is clear:
"There shall not be found among you anyone who…practices divination, or tells fortunes, or interprets omens..." —Deuteronomy 18:10
"Then Saul said to his servants, ‘Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.’" —1 Samuel 28:7
Divination is not innocent curiosity. It’s demonic access.
Why Was She Following Paul and Silas?
This possessed girl followed them for days,
crying out:
"These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation!"
At first glance, it sounds true. But here’s the key:
Truth spoken by a demonic spirit is still manipulation.
The goal wasn’t to glorify God—it was to attach deception to the message, confuse the listeners, and present a mixture of truth and witchcraft—making it seem like both powers were compatible.
🔹 Life Example: When False Opportunity Sounds Spiritual
Let’s say someone invites you to speak, collaborate, or minister. They say all the right things:
"We love your anointing."
"God told me we’re supposed to connect."
"You carry something this generation needs."
But something doesn’t sit right. Your spirit is stirred. Their language is spiritual, but the fruit is mixed. Their motives are off.
You pray. You pause. You wait. And then you see it clearly:
They’re not here to build the Kingdom—they’re trying to attach to your oil.
That’s what Paul experienced. The slave girl’s words were technically correct—but they were powered by the wrong spirit.
Paul didn’t act in carnal irritation. He moved in righteous discernment. He waited, watched, prayed—and then acted.
"I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." —Acts 16:18
Not for performance. But for purity.
What’s the Lesson Here?
Everything that looks spiritual isn’t from the Holy Spirit.
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God..." —1 John 4:1"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." —John 10:27
Discernment is not suspicion. It’s protection.
The devil doesn’t always show up with rage. Sometimes he shows up with agreement, familiarity, even truth—twisted just enough to deceive.
And that’s why you stay rooted. Exposed to the Word. Anchored in prayer. Familiar with His voice.
Conclusion: Stay Sharp. Stay Rooted. Stay Ready.
Friend, the enemy doesn’t always come with chaos. Sometimes he comes cloaked in charisma.
But the Holy Spirit gives discernment—to help you see past what’s being said, and recognize what’s really being sent.
Stay close to the real thing:
The Word.
The Presence.
The Shepherd’s Voice.
When you know what’s from God, you’ll stop entertaining what’s not.
Let’s Pray
Father, Thank You for being the God of truth. Thank You for Your Word that exposes darkness and brings clarity. I thank You for sharpening my spirit and giving me discernment—not just to recognize evil, but to recognize Your voice in a noisy world.
Forgive me for the times I entertained what sounded good but wasn’t sent by You. Forgive me for choosing comfort over conviction. Today, I recommit to knowing You more deeply so I can follow You more clearly.
Open my eyes to every spiritual scheme. Let no flattery, falsehood, or counterfeit distract me from Your will. Holy Spirit, teach me to test the spirits, to walk in truth, and to call out what doesn’t belong in my life. Give me the courage to sever ties with anything that looks spiritual but is fueled by darkness.
I trust You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
