Be Vigilant, the Enemy will Strike Back

Baptist Daily Devotional
Oct 1
2 min read

Rev. Tse Amable | October 1 2025 | Acts 17:1-5

KEY VERSE:

“But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.” Acts 17:5 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Just when the missionaries of the Holy Spirit were having a thriving ministry in Thessalonica, which had seen some of the Jews, a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women joining them, the enemy struck again just as he did earlier in Phillip. This time, the willing vessels the enemy found to use were Jews who had jealousy in their hearts. It was out of the same envy and jealousy that the leaders of the Jews plotted and had Jesus Christ crucified. They have not learnt any lesson from the triumphant resurrection of the Lord.

Our enemy, Satan, never gives up, no matter how many times he has been beaten and defeated. He will always come back and strike. He does this when our eyes are off the battlefield – when we are not vigilant. That is why Apostle Peter admonished us to be self-controlled and alert because our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We are to resist Satan, standing firm in the faith (see 1 Peter 5:8-9). The hymn writer captured the call for vigilance in these lyrics:

Principalities and powers,

Mustering their unseen array,

Wait for thy unguarded hours;

“WATCH AND PRAY! “

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Jealousy is a very deadly disease. Unfortunately, it manifests itself among believers who are envious and jealous of the successes their fellow believers are achieving in life, career, and even ministry within the church, denomination, or congregation. Examine your heart and see if there are traces of envy and jealousy in you. If you find a trace, ask the Holy Spirit to get rid of it from your heart.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for reminding me that the enemy of Jesus Christ and the gospel never gives up, but is always looking for an opportunity to strike. Help me through the Holy Spirit to remain constantly alert and vigilant, so that I can thwart the devil's attempts. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 274: Isaiah 59–61 Matthew 1–2

DAILY word study: JEALOUS The word jealous in Acts 17:5 is translated from the Greek zēloō, which means “to be filled with zeal or envy.” It can describe a strong positive desire, but in this verse, it points to negative envy that turns destructive.

The Jews in Thessalonica were not only envious of Paul’s success but also allowed jealousy to control them. Their envy blinded them to the truth and pushed them to stir up a mob against God’s servants.

Reflect on this:

Jealousy, if unchecked, can lead to harmful actions. God calls us instead to rejoice when His work prospers, even if it happens through others.