“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
Pastors are the overseers of the flock. They are the ones who feed the Gospel to the church of God. However, all Christians must remain sober and vigilant against the Devil (1 Peter 5:8) and prepare to wrestle against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6) – including our churches.
Satan is constantly sending his wolves into local churches. This can be a new pastor who teaches a perverted gospel or a new member who has unbiblical views that cause weaker church members to stumble or even completely fall from their faith.
There are many Christians out there who might be loyal church members who, because they come to some sort of disagreement with a pastor, make a big deal out of their differences and cause a church split.
If the member is the one with the perverse believe behind the split, then they are drawing disciples away from Christ.
1 Timothy 4:1 says, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”
We are in those “latter times” right now. The wolves in our churches are giving heed to seducing spirits, rather than taking heed against them, and many overseers are teaching the doctrines of devils. This will happen more often these days, not less.
That is why finding a good, Biblical church to be a part of is so important right now. The Devil and his minions are infiltrating churches and are attacking the faith of believers, which, in turn, affects the ability of the true Church to properly teach and spread the Gospel.
It is a manipulative, wicked, sly, and crafty tactic – like the way a serpent might slither into a hole and wait for their prey.
The only antidote for their venom is to stay in God’s word, pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17) and surround yourself with other Christians who live a Godly lifestyle and are producing the fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5.
If you, your pastor, or your friends are not producing love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (notice that spiritual gifts, healing, prophecy, wealth, and prosperity are not mentioned here) – beware.
Because it is by their fruits, ye shall know them (Matthew 7:20).
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