Savage Wolves
Introduction
- Looking at our last study in Acts 20
- The title of the message is Savage Wolves
- Reading Acts 20:29-30
- Acts 20 is full of wonderful truths
- Warnings are often accompanied by glorious promises and wonderful truths
- v28 - Particular redemption
- v29 - Truth of Warning
- Paul is concerned about those from without
- Paul is also concerned about those from within
- We should not be surprised when there are problems in church life
- Wolves in sheep's clothing
- Two character attributes of false teachers
- Moral compromise - e.g. lust for sex (sensual), lust for power, (fraudulent, deceptive), lust for money
- Their beliefs - e.g. contrary messages, speak what people want to hear, hard-line/separatist
- Acts 20:29-30
- This has happened in Tabor
- It happens in other churches
- Sadly splits arise
- Overview:
- The signs to look out
- The task in hand
The signs to look out
- Concern for self and little love for God's people
- When people are concerned only for themselves, not for others or for the sheep
- John 10:10-11 - Example of the hireling vs the Shepherd
- Jesus is the Good Shepherd and gave His life for the sheep
- But the false shepherd departs
- Taking advantage of vulnerable situations
- After Paul had left
- Paul was strong, mature, godly - he would oppose false teachers
- The church would be vulnerable when Paul was far away
- Speak perverse things - because they want to draw disciples to themselves
- Running down the present eldership and twisting what has been preached
- Think they can do better
- Parade their own achievements
- Want others to follow them
- Watch out for those who want 'position' in the church
- Bringing in new ideas that unsettle the church
- Example of Steve Chalke
The task in hand
What do we do?
- Not overact
- Example of US vote
- Be balanced in our thinking
- People must be free to disagree
- With each other and the pastor
- But do not run down biblical ministry
- Watch
- Have our eyes open
- Listen to what people are saying
- Have a well taught church
- Paul went from house to house teaching
- Paul taught the whole counsel of God (v27)
- Read the bible daily
- The elders
- Look after your own lives - 1 Tim 4:12
- Be men of God
- Shepherd the church of God (v28)
- Hold fast to sound doctrine and correct error - Titus 1:9-10
- Shepherd the flock - 1 Pet 5:2-3
What happened after Paul left Ephesus?
- Timothy became a pastor in Ephesus
- Certain false teachers arose from without and within
- However, in time the Church had become cold