False Brothers

 I Samuel 11-12; 1 Chronicles 1; 2 Corinthians 11 

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve….in danger from false brothers.”

2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 26

Satan’s scheme was to divide and discredit the early Church by sending false apostles and false brothers into the Church disguised as genuine believers.

Has Satan changed his tactics?

Jesus said that we would know people by their fruit. The desire for power and influence, the unwillingness to humble ourselves in relationships, and the misuse of sign gifts for personal gain rather than the fruit of the Spirit, can all be indicators of either  immaturity or at worst, deception. Paul warns Timothy not to be hasty in laying hands on people and calling new believers into leadership. Our character and fruit of the Spirit must be tested, rather than judged by the size of our donations or our status in society. We cannot be unaware of Satan’s schemes!

“Lord Jesus, deliver me from Satan’s schemes; protect your Church from false brothers so your true light can shine in the world, for your glory.”