“Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]."- Matthew 7:15-16 (Amplified)
During the Second World War, there was a group of German soldiers who dressed themselves in the uniforms of the Allies. These German soldiers used American military vehicles and went through the German countryside changing the road signs. When the American troops came to the various crossroads, they were often fooled and lead off in the wrong direction. This deception by the Germans almost gave them the victory in that very decisive battle of the second world war.
There are many "German soldiers" in the uniforms of the Allies in this generation. The Bible actually called them "ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing". They appear gentle, innocent and harmless but they are as dangerous as wolves. They use intellectual abilities to cover up their cosmetic sincerity. They also display charisma but lack character. Like those smart German soldiers, they have succeeded in luring many people away from the narrow path by changing the road signs of faith. They bring destructive teachings and tell people only what they want to hear. By providing layers of truth mixed with errors, they have stylishly removed the ancient landmark and many careless believers are following them blindly to hell.
"In the past there were false prophets among God’s people. It is the same now. You will have some false teachers in your group. They will teach things that are wrong—ideas that will cause people to be lost. And they will teach in a way that will be hard for you to see that they are wrong. They will even refuse to follow the Master who bought their freedom. And so they will quickly destroy themselves. Many people will follow them in the morally wrong things they do. And because of them, others will say bad things about the way of truth we follow. These false teachers only want your money. So they will use you by telling you things that are not true. But the judgment against these false teachers has been ready for a long time. And they will not escape God who will destroy them."2 Peter 2:1-3 (ERV)
Beloved, there is no doubt that we are living in the mist of modern day wolves - (the smart German soldiers) in this generation. Like the German soliders, these wolves don't attack wolves, but they do go after sheep, deceive them and rip them off completely. Their primary agenda is to make the sheep miss the narrow path and head for the pit of shame. So, I hope you have not been fooled/deceived by those modern day German soldiers/wolves friends, confidants and leaders of yours. If you have, It's never too late to make a "U" turn and part ways with these ravenous wolves so that you will not end your journey on earth with deep sorrow and regret.
"They went across the whole island to the city of Paphos. There they met a Jewish man named Barjesus who did magic. He was a false prophet. and said, “You son of the devil, full of lies and all kinds of evil tricks! You are an enemy of everything that is right. Will you never stop trying to change the Lord’s truths into lies? Now the Lord will touch you and you will be blind. For a time you will not be able to see anything—not even the light from the sun.” Then everything became dark for Elymas. He walked around lost. He was trying to find someone to lead him by the hand" Acts 13:6, 10-11 (ERV)
In case you are one of those modern day wolves who are dressed in sheep's clothing, please hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying to you: "..the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?" (Job 20:5). If you don't repent, a terrible mist and deep darkness shall descend upon you and you shall be blind like Elymas (Acts 13:11). The blood of those sheep of God that you have polluted and misled is crying against you this morning. There is an invisible handwriting on the wall that your days are numbered and swift destruction is coming your way soon if don't repent (2 Peter 2:1-3).
May God's spirit within us blow the divine alarm whenever the ravenous wolves approaches. May we be able to discern the secret snare set to capture us. May God keep us safe in his divine canopy when men and devil joins hands together to lead us astray. May you and I finish well and strong in Jesus name. The lyrics of the wonderful hymn below which was composed by Charles Wesley in 1884 should be our prayer point and watchword this week and forever.
BID ME OF MEN BEWARE
BID me of men beware,
And to my ways take heed,
Discern their every secret snare,
And circumspectly tread;
O may I calmly wait
Thy succours from above;
And stand against their open hate,
And well-dissembled love!
My spirit, Lord, alarm
When men and devils join;
'Gainst all of the powers of Satan arm
In panoply divine;
O may I set my face
His onsets to repel;
Quench all his fiery darts, and chase
The fiend to his own hell!
But, above all, afraid
Of my own bosom-foe,
Still let me seek for thee for aid,
To thee my weakness show;
Hang on thy arm alone,
With self-destructing care,
And deeply in the spirit groan
The never-ceasing prayer.
Give me a sober mind,
A quick-discerning eye,
The first approach of sin to find,
And all occasions fly.
Still may I cleave to thee,
And never more depart,
But watch with godly jealousy
Over my evil heart.
Good morning and do have a blessed week in Jesus name. Amen
Maranatha!
Bro. Okanlawon Taiwo.
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