S.Scripture | Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:14–15
O.Observation | In the early days of the Church imposters came from among God’s people. Undetected these friends within the church arose. Paul spends a ton of his time writing against their teaching and calling for their discipline and removal. Is it not a sign of these last days that the church now calls for tolerance and accepting differences? How can the result be anything different then satan’s ministers finding a welcoming and comfortable environment to sow their teaching of “another Jesus (2 Cor 11:4)?” Note, that the message is still all about Jesus. That makes it very easy to swallow, and difficult to detect. Yet it is still a “different” Jesus and gospel then the whole counsel of God reveals. Enough truth is included to keep the message like Christ, like Christianity, like the bible, but it is not faithful to the truth of Jesus and His message in Holy Scripture.
A.Application | Any refining work to present the church as a “pure virgin” to Christ, must begin with me. What truths do I hold, hopes of solutions do I follow, and teachings do I agree with that come from a source other than God’s all sufficient Word? Who do I listen to and encourage by support or friendship that is not proclaiming truth from the authority, sufficiency and effectual Word of God?
P.Prayer | Father, I confess that I have not been careful to discern teachers and there teaching against your Word. I repent of my carelessness. Open my eyes to the wisdom of men I have accepted, believed and ingrained into my thinking. By your Spirits power with the discipline to study your Word, turn me from the paths of man to Your ancient paths. To your will and Your ways, found in Your Word alone. All for Your glory alone. Amen.
More on false teachers within the church: Deut 18:20; Ezekiel 13:9; Jer 14:14; 23:16; Luke 6:26; Matt 7:15-20; Matt 24:24; Acts 20:28-30; 1 Cor 5:6; 2 Tim 4:3-4; 2 Pt 2; 2 Pet 3:14-18; 1 John 4:1-6
