Acts 20:17-31
For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves  will come in among you, not sparing the flock … speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves (Acts 20:29-30).

Tarry knew that he was taking an unreasonable risk when he joined the vigilante group in his community. His parents warned him but he would not listen. One night, just as he left his house at 11 pm, he was attacked by hoodlums who knew he was a vigilante. Three months after the attack, Tarry is yet to fully recover from the injury he sustained.

Tarry’s case reminds me of the proverb, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed”. He was warned but he did not listen. The Apostles have warned us about the impending danger of wrong doctrines within the church. Paul, Peter and Jude warned the church. The Lord Jesus warned us too.

From today’s passage, Paul was clear about it. He knew it would happen. He told the Ephesian elders, “I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:29-30).

If we have been warned then we need to pay attention. We need to stand on our guard and be willing to fight these evil men. Those who have gone before us did their part; we must do our part too. May the Lord help you to understand these things more clearly.

Shalom.  

Your Turn

• Read the further reading passage. Apply the principle of divine warning into your personal situation. · Ask God to lead you.

Hymn:  Sing them over again to me (Beautiful words, wonderful  words).

Further Reading: Joshua 9.