READ ACTS 20:17,25–32
One of the mistakes new drivers make is to limit their field of vision. They may neglect to scan the road several hundred feet ahead. It’s important to know if another driver is pulling onto the road you are taking so you may slow down or switch lanes in time. However, it’s also dangerous to spend all your time looking ahead and miss the dangers close at hand—such as an animal darting in front of you, leaving you with little time to brake.
“Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:30).
The Ephesian elders were warned that false teachers would come in after the apostle Paul left them. Some would come, not from outside the church, but from within their own assembly. Christians must test the teaching they receive, looking for any indication that the message has been altered for someone’s personal benefit. No matter how appealing a message sounds, committed believers will continue to follow Christ and to warn others of the “savage wolves” (verse 29) attempting to tear them apart.
Prayer Suggestion: Father, help me to recognize and to avoid false teachers.
Quicklook: Acts 20:29–31
