To ensure that Satan and his wolves in sheep’s clothing do not take advantage of us, we cannot be ignorant of their devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
Using these two simple statements of Jesus, consider these frequently employed devices of false teachers:
They minimize what Jesus declares mandatory.
The word “enter” is a command. It is imperative, not suggestive. It is true that the New Testament does not have a compact list of “Thou shall”s and “Thou shall not”s like the Ten Commandments. It is equally true that the New Testament has commands which must be obeyed.
Salvation from sin has “must”s (Acts 4:12, 16:30, 9:6, 10:6, 22:16).
Acceptable worship of God has “must”s (John 4:24).
Godly living has “must”s (Luke 18:1).
Wolves in sheep’s clothing have no qualms with minimizing divine mandates.
They increase what Jesus declares singular.
“The narrow gate” and “the way which leads to life” are singular, not plural.
Prior to His crucifixion, Jesus promised to build only one church (Matthew 16:18). After His ascension, He established only one church (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:22).
In Matthew 19:9, Jesus gave only one exception to God’s eternally purposed law for marriage. When fornication has occurred, the faithful mate has permission to divorce his/her adulterous mate and marry again.
Ignorance of the frequent devices of false teachers in NOT bliss!
