Warning concerning 10 characteristics of grievous wolves
Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
If you want to get involved in spiritual warfare, if you want to be a pillar of the church, then you need to know how to stand against the wolves. The church is a big flock of sheep, to wolves it is fine dining.
18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
1. There is a manner that is common to all genuine servants of the Lord and there is also a manner that is common to all wolves. Do not listen to what they say, they are actors which have learned their lines, first pay attention to their manner.
19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
2. This is the biggest difference, humility of mind compared to arrogant mind.
3. Also real servants will have many tears and temptations from those who are attacking them, while the false ones seem to have been born with a silver spoon in their mouth.
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
4. Then there are others who are open, transparent, and speak words of warning regardless of how much trouble it causes them to be the lightning rod. But then there are many others who are far more discreet. They would describe this as "wisdom". These are the "go along to get along" leaders who try to avoid any confrontation or issue.
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
5. Every church has preachers and teachers. But some teach the Bible like it is theory whereas the genuine servants their teaching is a testimony of God's work in their lives.
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
He has been attacked by Jews in every city. They have stirred up government officials, they have tried him in the courts, gotten him arrested, beaten, etc. Now he is headed to the belly of the beast.
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
6. This is the attitude that you will see in the genuine servants. They are running a race. They are stripped down so that they have no concerns other than to finish the course. None of these things move them, they are like a ship sailing in heavy seas. They are cutting straight through the waves into the wind, slicing right through. One of the threats the enemy will use is your life, so if you are not moved by his threats then that also includes threats to your life.
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
This certainly sounds like this is a left behind letter from the raptured saints. What many Christians don't understand is that the restrainer has kept the wolves at bay. The Holy Spirit restrains the wolves through those who are absolute for the Lord, filled with the Spirit and have this attitude that Paul has. Many Christians think that these Christians are a big part of the problem, that once Paul leaves they'll simply go along to get along with everyone. Instead what is going to happen is they will become overrun with wolves. The raptured saints are not the ones causing trouble, they are the ones defending the saints from the wolves.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
7. This is the ultimate difference. The wolves desire the blood of these saints. They will rape, pillage and spoil the church.
27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
This is also the truth, those who are left behind, they will be the ones who up till now shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. According to the Bible, if you don't tell people all the counsel of God then you will be accountable for their sins.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
We have an obligation to speak the word of God.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
This word cannot be more clear. Christians need to be trained to defend against wolves. This whole idea that there is a simple misunderstanding is ridiculous.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
This is also what we have seen during the church age. All the various denominations are caused by men drawing away disciples after themselves. It is not so easy to see that Calvinism is "perverse things". But it gets easier when you see the LGBTQ+ flag outside and no doubt they are preaching "Once Saved Always Saved" as a fig leaf for living in sin.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
8. This is another sign, the real servants speak night and day without ceasing for three years straight.
32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
We are in a dark forest with a narrow trail to follow. But you have the word of God and if you immerse yourself into the word of His grace (not the word of self righteousness) you will have light for your path.
33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
9. Once again, a very common characteristic of a false teacher.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
The Bible does not forbid Pastors and teachers being paid by the congregation, but even if you do get some support we have a pattern given to us of the leaders of the flock also working with their own hands to support their needs.
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
10. This is the final characteristic. Genuine servants of the Lord understand it is more blessed to give than to receive, the false ones will absolutely not understand this. To them it is more blessed for the congregation to give to their ministry than to give to the poor.
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. 37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, 38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.