Guilt by Association: False brethren among the flock.
Matthew 13:30 states
"Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
In this example it appears that certain false brethren remain unknown until the time of the actual judgment of God. This is very depressing to think about but we can attribute it to one of the mysteries of God. As to those we know are not living according to what they profess; or alternatively are twisting scriptures around to justify their behaviors we cannot simply stand by. There are also those who do believe and are trapped in sin for a time; and others who don't believe but are attending. This subject is focused on those more involved; and certainly those who are part of the church membership.
Error can start from the bottom and work its way up; or start with a Pastor gradually veering away from the truth. I would say the first bulwark against such things is vigilant prayer which no doubt prevents many things we are unaware of from occuring much more often.
The first thing that causes error is men's hearts; where they want to find an excuse to accommodate sin; whether it is that of themselves or that of their friends. Error by itself is like poison; it is much more readily consumed in an already toxic prepared environment. Once the leadership has bought into a lie it is often too late to do anything about it because if God takes one person out another is likely to take over with an even worse heresy. Error usually starts out with a small number of individuals who no doubt are socially accepted in the congregation. Let's face it someone with a wild countenance and bad hygiene isn't likely to sway others toward their error; it is the well groomed; well mannered and involved church member who has the most influence. Weaknesses inside the camp start the process
Matthew 13:30 states
"Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."
In this example it appears that certain false brethren remain unknown until the time of the actual judgment of God. This is very depressing to think about but we can attribute it to one of the mysteries of God. As to those we know are not living according to what they profess; or alternatively are twisting scriptures around to justify their behaviors we cannot simply stand by. There are also those who do believe and are trapped in sin for a time; and others who don't believe but are attending. This subject is focused on those more involved; and certainly those who are part of the church membership.
Error can start from the bottom and work its way up; or start with a Pastor gradually veering away from the truth. I would say the first bulwark against such things is vigilant prayer which no doubt prevents many things we are unaware of from occuring much more often.
The first thing that causes error is men's hearts; where they want to find an excuse to accommodate sin; whether it is that of themselves or that of their friends. Error by itself is like poison; it is much more readily consumed in an already toxic prepared environment. Once the leadership has bought into a lie it is often too late to do anything about it because if God takes one person out another is likely to take over with an even worse heresy. Error usually starts out with a small number of individuals who no doubt are socially accepted in the congregation. Let's face it someone with a wild countenance and bad hygiene isn't likely to sway others toward their error; it is the well groomed; well mannered and involved church member who has the most influence. Weaknesses inside the camp start the process
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