Always Be On Guard

When Paul “called the elders of the church” (v. 17), in Ephesus, he gave them a stern warning about men from within who would arise to try and destroy the Lord’s church. When the enemy is unsuccessful in mounting an attack from without (v. 29), he would look for someone from within the church to “bring in damnable heresies” (2 Pet 2:1)! Sadly, conflicts and infightings have been a common occurrence in many churches today. They allow themselves to be divided over some petty issues (Prov 20:3). But we are commanded to “love the brethren” (1 Jn 3:14), and to do everything with “charity” (1 Cor 13:2).

 We need to have a forgiving spirit (Eph 4:32), even if the brethren that offended us never bothered to make it right with us (Gal 6:1). Our goal is to show grace (Col 4:6), and mercy (Lk 6:36); by “having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous” (1 Pet 3:8). We must never “give place to the devil” (Eph 4:27). Instead, we are to place the needs of others ahead of our own needs (Php 2:4). We ought not to be like “Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence” (3 Jn1:9). If any of our brethren have fallen into sin (1 Jn 5:16), we are to deal with them gently and “bear the infirmities of the weak” (Rom 15:1).

However, if they are causing “divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which we have learned” (Rom 16:17), then we are to avoid them! At the same time, we are to continue praying for them that would one day get right with God and be restored. Folks, our battle is not with one another but with the devil, whom we must “resist” (Jms 4:7). We must all unite “with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Php 1:27). Because a church that is divided “shall not stand” (Mt 12:25). Therefore, let us always be on guard (v. 28)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera