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The First Red Flag

 Paul warned the Ephesian elders that after his departure savage wolves would come into their midst. These wolves would draw men after themselves. Then he stated to them, “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31)

Paul desired the church to remain faithful to God. The enemy is the wolves that would come in and deceive them. Therefore, he stated to them to be watchful. This message still carries with it great weight for you and me today. We must be no less watchful when it comes to false doctrine.

To be watchful, we must be aware of the red flags of false teaching. False doctrine often begins with the same strategy of the devil. The first red flag is seen when the word of God is either discredited or undermined.

Note a very familiar passage of Scripture. “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’” (Genesis 2:16-17)

Later, the serpent came before Eve and asked, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1) She responded correctly by saying regarding the tree of knowledge of good and evil, “You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die”. (Genesis 3:3) Watch very closely to how the devil responded. He said to Eve, “You will not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4)

The goal the devil had was to deceive and tempt Eve to sin against God. Step one was to undermine the word God had spoken. God said that you would die, the devil said that you would NOT die.” (emphasis added)

The devil has not changed his strategy. Read about any counterfeit religion in the world today and you will not make it too far before they begin undermining the authenticity and accuracy of God’s word. This is where the devil gains a foothold and inattentive souls begin to drift away.

The Bible is not an ordinary book, but rather it is The Book. Paul stated, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The word inspired means, “God-Breathed”. That is, the bible has been given from the very breath of God. The bible contains the words of life. For this reason, we must recognize the authenticity and accuracy of the word of God. When we hold fast to God’s word without compromise, then we will avoid the deception of the devil.

God Bless each of you,

Eric Hicks

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