MONDAY, MARCH 13
Acts 20:17-31
1 Timothy 4:1-2

"… in the latter times
…giving heed to seducing spirits…"

TAKING CARE OF THE FLOCK

In Acts 20, the Apostle Paul was seen in two different but important lights. In Troas, he was publicly leading the worship of the church. Then in Miletus, he was in a private meeting with the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17). This private meeting was Paul’s farewell discourse with the elders of Ephesus.

The Apostle declared that he was pure from the blood of all men. To "take you to record" (Acts 20:26) makes an emphatic affirmation or a serious declaration and assertion to invite the people to confirm his testimony. He did not shun to declare the whole counsel of God to them. He did not hesitate or shrink from proclaiming to them the Word of God. The whole counsel of God is the entirety of the doctrines in the Scriptures.

The elders were charged that they must take care of the flock given to them by God. They were warned that grievous wolves would enter among them. These are grievous, which means "burdensome" creatures, giving a picture of violent, cruel and unsparing animals. They will devour whatever they can. In other words, these represent the false teachers who will destroy the faith of many people in the congregation.

Paul reiterated this warning in his letter to young Timothy: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron" (1 Tim 4:1-2). Let us take heed of the alarms set off by the Apostle Paul! This is evident today in many Christian churches. Very few preachers are expounding the Word of God in the pulpit. Many are instead preaching their own opinions and suggestions.

THOUGHT: Am I well taken care of by the leaders of my church?
PRAYER: "Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak" (Ps 12:1-2).