Read the Word:
Acts 20:25-31
Meditate on the Word:
This passage is an excerpt from Paul’s goodbye speech to the elders from the church at Ephesus. Paul knows that he must go to Jerusalem and has already been warned that he will face imprisonment. He had been warned of these things by the Holy Spirit, not to deter him from going, but to allow him to prepare for very difficult times ahead. By the same Holy Spirit, Paul is led to warn the leaders in Ephesus of difficult times ahead in their ministry.
He warns that “Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.” (v. 30). This warning is not peculiar to Ephesus nor to the first-century church. This is a warning for today as well. In many ways, it is much easier for the preacher of a false gospel to gain traction today than ever before. The internet gives these wolves easier access to a large number of people. So how do we know if someone is a “wolf” or a false teacher? The best way is to see what this teacher is pointing you toward.
Do this teacher’s words draw you closer to Christ? Do their words point to Christ’s kingdom or earthly kingdoms? Are this person’s teachings designed to bring you “a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11), or are they designed to cause you fear? Do their words point to love of Christ and love of others, or do they tend to cause hatred, despair, or feelings of doom? Quite simply, do the words of the teacher bring you closer to Christ or farther away from Him? Evaluate all teachers of the word in this light.
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord to help you to remain on guard against false teachers.
Leave a Reply