Wolves by Paul Chappell

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RTTBROS
Watch Out for the Wolves
by Dr. Paul Chappell

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. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Acts 20:28-30

The devil hates the local church. He knows that even the doors of his fortress cannot stand against God's church operating in God's power. Jesus said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Through the centuries, Satan has tried many ways to derail the church. One of the oldest and most effective is by introducing wolves—false teachers who appear for a time to be godly men and women, but whose aim is to destroy the truth by presenting a substitute.

Paul warned the elders of the church at Ephesus about the coming of these people. The Ephesian church was one of the strongest and most effective churches of the New Testament age, yet despite the warnings they had been given, over time, they let down their guard. When John recorded God's words to this church in Revelation, this was the message: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:4-5).

No church is exempt from this danger. The truth must be cherished and defended. False teaching must be exposed. The wolves must be unmasked. If we do not remain vigilant and on guard, over time, we will turn away from the truth, often without even realizing it has happened.

Today's Growth Principle:
If truth is not zealously defended, it will be lost over time to the false teachers Satan sends into the church.