Reading: Acts 14-16
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen(Rom. 16:17-20).
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matt. 7:15). The particular version of false prophets Paul warns about in today’s reading are those who seek to destroy from within. These individuals nominally teach the Gospel but put their own personal spin on it. By cherry-picking the points that suit them, adding what they need to get their message across, and downplaying the rest, they attempt to put Jesus to work for them. The thing that makes them so insidious and hard to spot is their sincerity. Many have deceived themselves to the point that they believe what they are preaching. They insist that they have unlocked the ‘secret’ of salvation and promote it above all else.
When confronted with such an individual, it is tempting to argue with them in defense of God and His Word. We feel we must “set the record straight” no matter what we must do or how long we must fight. Paul suggests a different approach. Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Instead of unintentionally validating their opinion by arguing with it, utterly ignore it. Continue living for God and sharing the Gospel with all who will receive it, and avoid those who are intentionally altering it. By ignoring and avoiding them, you take away their opportunity for public debate. You demonstrate the insignificance of their message by continuing to live strong in Christ according to His Word as He gave it—no reinterpretations, addendums, or retractions. Be wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
God does not need us to defend Him. He does not need us to validate the truth of His Word. He asks us to share that truth in word and deed, but it is up to the hearer to choose whether or not to receive it. Even if our words are true, we lessen our witness for God by confronting others with anger or contempt. Those who are determined not to hear the truth will not be convinced of their error by angry words or extended debate. But by quietly and confidently living in Christ, we stand against their falsehoods without uttering a word against them. In His time, God will bruise Satan under our feet. All we have to do is trust in Him and allow that trust to shine forth in our daily lives. He will do the rest.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ(I Pet. 15:16).
Thought For TodayAn unshakable faith in God does not need to defend His Word against those who speak ill of it; we know He will prevail.
Word Studies14:1 not to doubtful disputations = not for passing judgment on his questionable opinions; 16:2 succourer = helper, defender.
Cross Reference:For Rom. 14:11: See Is. 45:23. Rom. 15:3: See Ps. 69:9. Rom. 15:9: See Ps. 18:49. Rom. 15:10: See Deut. 32:43. Rom. 15:11: See Ps. 117:1. Rom. 15:12: See Is. 11:1,10. Rom. 15:21: See Is. 52:15.
Pray For Staff:Ryan McCrary • Government Officials: Rep: Sean Casten (IL), Rep. Wendy Nickel (NC), Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI), Sen. Charles Schumer (NY) • Country: Iraq (32,585,692) Mid East • Major Languages: Arabic, Kurdish, Turkmen, Assyrian, Armenian • Persecution of Christians, Yezidis, Others • 97% Muslim (Official-60-65% Shi'a, 32-37% Sunni); 3% Christian/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Diligently seek the guidance of the Lord (Prov. 8:17).