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

he meant, just as they do the other parts of Scripture-- and the result is disaster for them . 2 Peter 3:14 16, NLT Thirdly , false ministries prey on the gullible and the needy or desperate (Rom. 16:18; 2 Tim. 3:6-7). Paul made reference to this in his letter to the Romans (16:18). 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 they deceive the hearts of the simple . Romans 16:17-18 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people . NIV The word in this passage translated “simple” or “naïve” literally means those who are without guile, who are overly trusting with strangers and who never think ill of anyone. The New Living Translation refers to these people as “innocent.” Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people . – NLT

Paul adds a bit more to this category in his second letter to Timothy.

For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down

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