THE VIGILANCE THAT SUSTAINS VICTORY
REV. EKOW ESHUN.
SCRIPTURE: PHILLIPIANS 3:2 (NKJV)
”Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation.”
In today’s verse, Apostle Paul is cautioning the Phillipian believers to beware of evil workers that will come against them. He uses the symbolic picture of ”dogs” to describe these evil workers. ”Dogs” symbolize the flesh, carnality or ”the works and workers of the flesh.” The truth here is that Satan will find carnal people to use to scheme against the people of God and the business of God.
The scripture is clear about Satan’s intent against God’s people and the ministry of the gospel. His motive is to steal, kill and destroy anyone or anything that exists and functions in God’s name. Ist Peter 5, verse 8 reveals how Satan is particularly personal about this; ”Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (NKJV)
The interesting thing about this matter is that Satan uses people to get his work done for him. He endeavours to copy God’s methods. Whilst God uses anointed men and women to bless, Satan uses men and women to destroy good people and good things.
Today’s verse reminds you to beware of such evil workers. Often, they infiltrate your ranks, fellowship with us and appear to be practising what we do. However, they privately scheme against us through deception and division. It is very important for us all that we mark those who don’t comply with the instructions of leadership and try to promote lies, slander amongst us and divide us against each other. Consider Romans 16, verse 19; ”Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” (NKJV)
You need to be wise and pay attention to anything said or done by anyone that sets you up to disobey your leaders and also to divide you and fellow church members. This is not from the Spirit of God. It’s very beneficial to stay obedient to leadership and also to remain united with your brethren. Beware of evil workers.
PRAYER
I thank you, Father, that I am not ignorant of Satan’s devices. By the knowledge of the Word and the power of the Spirit, I take a stand against all deception and divisive tricks of the enemy in Jesus’s name. I refuse to side with all disobedience against leadership and resolve to stay united with members of my local church in Jesus’s name, Amen.
FURTHER READING (NKJV)
ROMANS 16:17-20
[17]Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
[18]For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
[19]For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.
[20]And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.