Watchout For WOLVES: Keys To Discerning Authentic Ministries & Evaluating Doctrinal Trends

Chapter 9 The Challenge of Discerning the Winds …that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine , by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ… Ephesians 4:14-15 The above passage speaks of winds of doctrine. When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, his concern was that believers grow up in their faith to the point that they were not vulnerable to every “wind of doctrine” especially those brought forth by “the trickery of men.” The word “winds” in this context deserves a closer look.

The New International Reader’s Version renders verse 14 as follows,

We will no longer be babies in the faith. We won't be like ships tossed around by the waves. We won't be blown here and there by every new teaching. We won't be blown around by the cleverness and tricks of people who try to hide their evil plans.

Observations about Winds

Paul used the natural concept of the “ wind ” to talk about doctrines or teachings that blow through the Body of Christ.

13 3