We always go to the scriptures to rightly divide the word. In the mouth of two or three witnesses we have it established. Remember a simple truth question to ask yourself is who is doing the talking? Who is the writer talking to? And what is he talking about?
It seemed the Apostle Paul had a select group of followers who continually wanted to stir up trouble. Many even hated him and wanted to kill him. God spared him many times and will do the same for us.
Paul loved the church and saw to it to do his part, in Corinth he wrote in chapter 10:1 his often repeated words – “ I would not that you should be ignorant” he wants you to know something very important.
At Ephesus he warned them of a very important fact –
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Act 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Act 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
If you think about that it is 2,190 times, with tears. He must have known by the Holy Ghost it would happen. He had many that turned against him.
Others sitting among his preaching must have though “is he talking to me” ?
Wolves among the flock and men speaking wrong things, with one purpose to draw them away. Most likely into erroneous teaching and evil.
We see it even today, that’s very sad. When you think about it there are usually two ditches on every road you travel, one on one side and one on the other.
You cannot get far traveling down in the ditches, its rough. No one wants to be off the road and in the ditch. You must beware that there is an enemy out there to see to it you don’t follow your God given plan to fulfill.
Jesus located the devil and his works, and you should also.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Anything in this category that steals your peace, direction, freedom, finances and health is of the enemy.
I remember many years ago a friend and I were walking in a area of North Park Colorado, near Walden. He had his little sheltie dog with us and we were watching the sunset. We suddenly heard the wild coyotes starting to howl as they do at sunset, packs of them all around us and hidden from our sight.
He said something to me I will never forget, he said, if his dog got loose, usually a single lone coyote will come and befriend his dog to lure it away from the safety and protection of his home and master. Then after they are far enough away from safety, the pack of wolf like coyotes surround and kill the innocent and unprotected house pet.
I am reminded why Paul warned his flock about the dangers surrounding them and even among them. 2,190 times, we cannot let this happen if we watch and remember. It is our God given alarm to watch and pray.
You even see in some churches certain individuals who are this way. You want to believe the best of every person, but you must beware and on your toes. Ask the holy ghost to give you a wisdom and understanding to see and know these deceivers.
I noticed that wolves hate sheep dogs, why? They warn the flock and fend off the attackers. Then the shepherd is alerted to action with his sling and staff.
Every believer needs to stay close to a faithful shepherd. John 10:1-27
A shepherds job is oversight, to lead and feed his sheep.
Once you pray and ask God to show you the best church to be a part of and fellowship. Stay there and stay involved continually and faithfully giving or your time and talents and gifts. Especially your tithes and offerings.
If it is a God ordained shepherd you will know it, he will be connected and directed by God. And also be a part of the church being accountable to a higher authority above him. A God ordained bible based organization, built upon the word of God.
Eph 4:11-16 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
You will see a steady track record over time of continued success, growth and integrity.
If you are not in a location near a good bible believing and bible teaching church, you may need to consider moving. Your spiritual well being for you and your family is more important than your physical needs. A internet church service is occasionally okay. But does the pastor really see you? And see your face continually? Can you receive a God given reward from serving the church on-line?
Pray and seek the Lord’s direction, through the word and by and with the help of the holy Ghost, you will have peace and be excited.
As we near the return of the Lord we need to stay together and be encouraging one another, regularly.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
You can see the day the writer is referring to all around us, so stay involved helping in your local church and encouraging one another. Loving one another and ever alert and always praying.