Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. Paul gave a sobering warning
to the Ephesian elders that grievous wolves, that is false teachers
and prophets, would enter the church and would wreak havoc
among them without regard to the well-being of the flock.
He had spoken on other occasions of these teachers of false doctrine,
even calling them enemies of the cross. The ages since that
time have proven the prophecy of Paul to be true in this regard. Many cults and religious organizations
of every ilk masquerade themselves as the true Church of God. So
many false teachers have arisen in the course of time that it
is very difficult to find the purity of sound doctrine which
is not mixed with the error of man's tradition and ideas. Deception abounds. Discernment
of spiritual truth is seemingly non-existent among multitudes
claiming to be the followers of Jesus Christ. While the prediction
which Paul spoke concerning the grievous wolves has obviously
come to pass, it is the second part of this prophecy which we
see as an even more insidious and dangerous reality. He said
that of your own selves, that is, the Ephesian elders, would
come some who spoke perverse, that is, wicked and twisted doctrines
designed to attract followers. The Lord taught His disciples
to go forth preaching the gospel and teaching men to follow the
way of Christ. Yet nowhere did He teach them
to try to attract followers by any other method than the simple
lifting of Him up in that gospel message. To say that we are inundated
by those who seek to draw away disciples would be to understate
what we see happening around us. Many eloquent and forceful
preachers have arisen who are convinced that their mission
in life is to gain a following. We do not criticize their zeal
nor their earnestness in this endeavor. Many of them are tireless
in their efforts, bright and educated in the ways of psychology
and entertainment. They ply their trade tirelessly
and effectively. The more shameless of them resort
to manipulation and miracle working to impress the masses. Their
measure of success in these endeavors is always seen in the great numbers
of disciples that are generated. One of the identifying marks
of all of these so-called ministries is that they are always asking
for and concerned about money. Their books and seminars all
come at a price. Somehow I cannot envision the
Apostle Paul charging a fee for his services. In fact, he went
to great lengths to avoid being chargeable to any man. Somewhere
along the line, the preaching of the gospel has become a career
opportunity. Many go about shamelessly becoming
wealthy in this world's goods. Some even flaunt the wealth they
gain in milking the sheep. They show off their affluence
under the guise of demonstrating what can be expected if one is
faithful. There will be great judgment
on those who preach the gospel for gain, whether it be for filthy
lucre or for followers. True preaching is done simply
for the glory of Christ. Another identifying mark of such
ministries is that they place a great deal of importance on
making their message and program appealing to the masses. When
I am exposed to most so-called contemporary worship, entertainment
is the first thing that comes to mind. Everything is geared
to making men, women, and children comfortable, from elegant and
auspicious buildings to family activities and sports programs.
They want to ensure that people will want to come and keep coming
based on an appeal to the flesh. The only people to whom the gospel
will ever appeal are those who have been convinced and convicted
by the Holy Spirit of the fact that they are unworthy sinners
who deserve destruction. The church is not a place for
the masses to gather and be amused and comforted, but it is a place
where God's people meet to worship Him as a body of believers in
spirit and truth and to be built up in the most holy faith. The
Lord Jesus said that if he was lifted up, he would draw men
to himself. He has called some and given
them the privilege of proclaiming the gospel of the glory of God
in the earth. They seek no followers nor disciples,
yet delight to see men and women embrace the truth of that gospel.
The success of their endeavors is not measured by the number
of converts that may or may not be produced in the preaching
of it. Rather, their success is measured
by the faithful declaration of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Their joy is full when they see
Christ exalted and men worshiping Him in adoring wonder. Do you
desire to be found numbered among those who have no hope but Christ?
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