Beware of false brethren

But it was because of the false brethren who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage (Gal. 2:4 NASB).

The believer in Christ is usually quite tenderhearted toward the Lord, and the enemy has turned this beautiful thing into a vulnerable spot for deception. Some believers only need to hear the name “Jesus” mentioned by someone or in something for them to believe God is within it. Beware of false brethren who have sneaked into the church.

The local church building is a place where you will find a “mixed multitude.” Exodus 12:28 (NASB) says “And a mixed multitude also went up with them.” In the local church, you will find people who are not saved, but who are looking to understand the faith. This is completely OK, because the local church is a local gathering of saints, usually in a building, and everyone is welcome to join—including the broken, sinful, hurt, bitter, and oppressed. These are not the “false brethren” mentioned in the text above. These are people who will tell you that they are not yet committed to Christ, but still like coming to church. False brethren are those who come in and make you believe they are Christians when they are not. They have a hidden agenda. They are time bombs among Christians. Not everyone within the church walls is a Christian, and although it is not our place to judge who is who, neither should we be so naïve as to be ignorant of this reality.

MEDITATE

Please read the main verse above again. Ponder carefully on each phrase and really “see” what God is saying. Are you conscious that this is going on right now?

PRAY

Ask the Spirit of the Lord to help you with discernment to avoid falling into the hands of false brethren.

ACT ON THE WORD!

Deception is one of Satan’s master end-time weapons. He wants to weaken and destroy the church by attempting to corrupt it from within. Beware of false brethren. Beware of false prophets, teachers, and pastors. Beware of false teachings. Satan has taught the world to use the name “Jesus” in what they do as bait to catch Christians. Be discerning. Do not swallow every pill with the words “Christian” or “Jesus” on it. We are not in heaven yet!

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