Romans 15:14-16:27;
Acts 20:3b-21:16
I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another.
Romans 15:14
That’s what Paul writes to the first-century church in Rome. Would he write the same thing to us today? Why? Or why not? Or look at the way Paul speaks of various individuals to whom he sends greetings in Romans 16:1-15. If he were to send personal greetings to you, what might he say? Food for thought…
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.
Romans 16:17-18
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Acts 20:29-30
Again, that’s Paul speaking, first to the church in Rome, then (in Acts) to the leaders of the church in Ephesus. Here’s Jesus:
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:15
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Matthew 10:16
Some seem to think that false teachers and those who water down or “update” the Gospel are no big deal. Jesus and His Apostle say otherwise. Maybe we should pay attention to these warnings. Maybe we should be on guard. To whom do you listen?
See also: