Daily devotion – Wolves!
Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Paul in this beautiful emotional meeting with the elders on the beach from the Church at Ephesus warned them that wolves would come for the sheep. They needed to be alert to protect and lead the Church.
You and I must never underestimate the great importance of the Church. The Church is important to God the Father because His name is on it – “the Church of God.”
It is important to the Son because He shed His blood for it; and it is important to the Holy Spirit because He is calling and equipping people to minister to the Church.
It is a serious thing to be a leader in the Church of the living God. We as pastors and elders here at Calvary Chapel Secret Harbour are forever on the alert for wolves which we know slide in to the Church – Jde 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, Be on the watch for people who would seek to draw you away from the Church of Jesus Christ to have you join their ‘special select group’, that seeks to break away from the body of Christ.
There are dangers around us, “wolves” that want to ravage the flock – Acts 20:29.
Wolves always have the appearance of sheep, of angels of light, but they are false teachers and counterfeits which Paul is referring to here, who only seek to exploit the Church for their own special gain.
Over the years we have seen such wolves come and go, and there will always be more. They prey on Churches where God is moving, where sheep are gathering, and then they set out to divide the flock and steer off certain folk to themselves and to their ‘pet’ little gathering where they and they alone, supposedly have the ‘new truth’.
That is why we as believers need to sense such ‘wolves, such people’ who will befriend you, cajole you and manipulate you away from the rest of the flock to their special gathering.
We need to know the Word of God and be able to detect and defeat these religious racketeers.
Paul’s warning emphasizes the importance of vigilance and discernment within the church community. Just as a shepherd must diligently guard the flock from predators, leaders and members of the church must be watchful for individuals who may enter with ulterior motives, seeking to exploit and deceive.
The church holds great significance in the eyes of God. It is not merely a gathering of individuals; it is the body of Christ, with Jesus as the head. The unity and health of the church are crucial, as it is the vehicle through which God’s purposes and message are carried out in the world. The wolves that Paul warns about are those who seek to disrupt this unity, sow discord, and distort the truth for their own gain.
Paul’s caution is a reminder that false teachings, divisive spirits, and self-serving agendas can subtly infiltrate the church.
It’s a call for believers to be grounded in sound doctrine, well-versed in the Scriptures, and led by the Holy Spirit’s guidance. As the body of Christ, we are responsible for guarding the purity and integrity of the church.
Identifying these “wolves” requires spiritual discernment and wisdom. It involves a deep understanding of God’s Word, a commitment to prayer, and a willingness to confront false teachings and divisive actions. The unity and health of the church depend on the collective effort of its members to uphold the truth and maintain a Christ-centered focus.
Therefore, it remains essential for believers to remain vigilant, to support their leaders, and to stand firm in the faith, rooted in Christ and equipped to recognize and address any potential threats to the flock.