Let’s get it down pat. The determination of the enemy to ensnare us may continue long. We learn from a certain word Paul used in Ephesians 6:12 that the contest with spiritual forces opposing us may continue long. It’s in the word wrestle, which comes from the Greek word pále, pronounced (pah-ley). It means, an actual athletic contest, though in the way Paul used it in this verse, it is a contest with spiritual forces as they are overcome by Jesus in us. But, they will try to rise back up against us. First was the overthrow, then came the hold.

We must learn to keep a hold on the principalities and powers that rise up with the intention of defeating us in our walk with the Lord as they use circumstances and people in their deception. See the following from Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians. They were under subtle attack from the principalities.

Colossians 2:15-18—And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it (in Himself). Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind…

From this, we learn there will be those who try to impose laws and ceremonies on us that belong to the Old Covenant, but were fulfilled in the Work of the Lord Jesus. If these deceivers can get us back under the Law, they can succeed in removing us from our place of triumph in the Lord Jesus. What was used against the Colossians was a combination of Old Covenant Truth mixed with the mysticism of the Gnostic heresy. It was subtle and deadly and is still here today. It’s evident in many forms of religious circles today.

Take note of the word beguile in verse 18 above. It’s from an ancient word from the athletic field, referring to an umpire who hands down a wrong ruling in a contest. As Paul used it here, he refers to someone trying to get you to “play the game” by submitting to the rules of another game. As you grow in your relationship with the Lord, just be aware there may be those who, with subtlety and deceit, will attempt to divert you from the prize, which can only be yours in Christ.

FATHER, I am not spiritually wise enough to always know when I’m being deceived. Therefore, I submit my heart and my spirit to Your Holy Spirit. I beg of You, keep me and these I hold before You, in the Truth of Your Word and Your Kingdom.