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Re: Smooth tongues (Mt13:31-33)

When we speak of "pervasive evil" and how it infiltrates quietly like
"leaven", we often exhort and hear exhortation regarding adherence to
"Doctrine." Paul's exhortation to "all speak the same thing...that you
be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment
[doctrine]." (1Cor1:10) That if Christians find themselves in
fellowship with unbelievers, to "come out from among them and be
separated..and do not touch the unclean thing..." (2Cor6:17) And, as a
final understanding of the plumbline against which to discern spiritual
matters, we understand that the unregenerate are "making divisions and
offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned" and we are to
"avoid them." (Rom16:17)

But we often stop at vs17. However, they are described in more detail
in vs18. "For they who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but
their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches they deceive the
hearts of the simple." (vs18)

Often at VW here, I am attacked for labelling certain Catagories of
people as being "Unregenerate." These catagories many Christians have 
considered for years to be, merely, of "slightly different
persuasions...tending to 'lean' in certain directions...but being
'Christian' nonetheless." In fact, I used to be similarly deceived for
many years. You know, no harm done. So, they "believe a little
differently" but that's OK. After all, Scripture has so many "gray
areas."

But there [IS] "Correct Godly Doctrine"!!

Notice that those who "cause the divisions" by "not adhering" to that
Doctrine, are first of all, "NOT CHRISTIANS." This passage said it
quite plainly, "such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ." If they do
not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, whom do they serve? Jesus said, "The
one who is not with Me is against Me, and the one who does not gather
with Me scatters." (Mt12:30) "Scatters" being another way of saying
"making divisions." And if they are "against" Jesus, there is only one
other master!

Furthermore, notice their methods. "good words and fair speeches." They
speak of "luuuuuuv" and "graaeeeesssss." They are the first to come up
to shake your hand, and pat you on the shoulder warmly. And they are
Oh, soooo concerned about you. And they "accept you just as you are"
along with your sin, and will encourage you to continue in it, because
they have "crept in secretly...perverting the grace of God for
unbridled lust, and [deny] the [ONLY] Master, God, even our Lord Jesus
Christ." (Jude4) They whisper "graaeeeessss" in your ear, and teach
"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes.." as they reject "but the
Lord ponders the hearts."(Pr21:2)

They deceive the "simple." Paul exhorts, "Therefore do not be unwise, 
but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Eph5:17) How is this 
accomplished? "Awake, sleeping ones! ..walk circumspectly, not as 
fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
(vs14-16)

And finally...

"..be filled with the Spirit." (vs18) And we must define terms, because
the enemy has distorted this most precious concept.  This is not being
"spirit-filled" as the charismatic leaven has permeated. But rather,
having the [HOLY] Spirit indwelling, with full control of our lives.
(Rom8:9-10) and teaching. (Jn16:13)

Amen!

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