Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
This Scripture is not talking about the obvious enemies among us, but alerting us to take heed to discernment.
It is not blatant disregard for Christ these particular people or groups will show, those we clearly know we should avoid; instead, it is the polished, soft-spoken, seemingly well-read, studied and gentle ones who approach us on our own level so as not to come across as judgmental or intimidating.
But wait, that sounds good, right? Isn’t that what we are suppose to be and are to migrate toward? Listen to the WORDS they speak, watch their lifestyle, do they produce godly fruit?
Remember, a doer of good things does not equate with godliness! We must watch out not only who we listen to, but who THEY study and associate themselves with as well. Even though we practice sound doctrine and sit under the teaching of those who do likewise, they are not immune to falling into traps the enemy sets.
Sometimes even the strongest Believers hears, reads or studies something from a source with either outright false doctrine or lies mixed with the Truth of God’s Word (which makes it “false”), so we must be vigilant to guard every potential point of entry where the enemy might threaten to invade.
If we do not know the Word for ourselves, we make ourselves vulnerable. As far as those who lead us, they should be held accountable for what they are teaching, preaching, who their sources are and their affiliations.
If a friend offers a slice of cake they made, there would not be any reason to question it. Now let’s say your friend told you there was a miniscule amount of poison added, would you still ingest it? What if they claim there’s not much, and it probably isn’t toxic?
Just as your reason guards against engaging in what you know to be bad and possibly lethal, you should be all the more vigilant in protecting your spiritual condition.
The Lord is our Great Protector, yet He does expect us to stay aware and alert. Unless we know the Truth, we will not recognize a lie!
Prayer
Most High God
Thank You for being the Great I AM
We pray that we will listen to the convictions of the Holy Spirit
And that we will use discernment in who and what our resources are
Just because someone seems as though they are firm in Your Word
Father we know in these last days, many will present themselves as Your followers, yet will lead others astray
Praise You, Lord for discernment
Please give us courage and willingness to listen and obey
We give You glory for that abrasiveness between Your Spirit and the enemy
Let us not refuse to change if necessary
We pray that we will be aware if we need to abandon what is comfortable just because it is familiar, should the teaching fall away from Truth
Keep us safe in the Truth of Your Word
Let us recognize the scent of wolves
So we can be pre-emptive and flee from that which causes harm
We know our human eyes cannot always detect danger, Father, so we depend on You for discernment!
Protect us, O God, from our own desires to have our ears tickled or tugging of our hearts to remain in a spiritually unhealthy situation
They heart is wicked and deceitful among all things, so we may not want to leave where we are out of a sense of attachment, but Father, our loyalty is to You
We know that these are times when remnants are pulled away
Sadly, many will go astray, Lord
They will fall victim to those they thought they could trust
Thank You for provision, Lord
Please teach us, Father, what You
Will have us to learn
Draw our hearts toward You
Stir our hearts
That those things not of You
We can no longer tolerate
In the Name of Jesus,
AMEN
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