Scripture
Acts 20:28-31-“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears."
Observation
Paul is so passionate about people and he is committed to the people of Ephesians. Knowing he only had a little time with them, he gave the best half-time speech a coach would give at a football game. He encouraged them as shepherds and trained them to be stealthy. He warned them to be watchful as there are many who will rise up in their own group who will distort the truth and steer people to an easier message in the ears but miss the whole truth.
Application
As a Pastor, I am informed of different religions, cults, and fascination about many things. If there is anything our human mind-frame desires to have is peace, purpose, and happiness. Therefore people will find what it takes to achieve that. Paul gave such an eloquent speech that ignited a flame in the shepherd's heart to protect and guard their sheep because within every group there is an Imposter who dwells among the pack. This Is what Jesus warns his disciples in Matthew 10:16, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
I work with young people and I know that we are going to deal with things where truth is distorted rapidly because of the effortless access we have to the internet. Education systems also teach misshaped ideas. Even within ministry leaders will seek different things to indoctrinate weird propositions. But I must keep God's word at the forefront of the gate. Investigate foreign intruders that have made their way in to taint the saints.
Be on guard
Be watchful
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I am so thankful to stand in your truth and to be embraced by your love. Lord, thank you for the responsibility you have given me to shepherd your people. Give me the eyes to see what Is not of you and fill me with your Holy Spirit to discern between good and evil. Lord, I pray all the days of my life the charge Paul gives to the people of Ephesus, is the charge I walk in till I see you. Amen
