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Temptations in Disguise, February 21
I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in
among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men
arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Acts 20:29, 30
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God has not passed His people by and chosen one solitary man here
and another there as the only ones worthy to be entrusted with His truth.
He does not give one man new light contrary to the established faith of the
body. In every reform men have arisen making this claim....
One accepts some new and original idea which does not seem to conflict
with the truth. He ... dwells upon it until it seems to him to be clothed with
beauty and importance, for Satan has power to give this false appearance.
At last it becomes the all-absorbing theme, the one great point around which
everything centers; and the truth is uprooted from the heart....
I warn you to beware of these side issues, whose tendency is to divert
the mind from the truth. Error is never harmless. It never sanctifies, but
always brings confusion and dissension....
There are a thousand temptations in disguise prepared for those who
have the light of truth; and the only safety for any of us is in receiving no new
doctrine, no new interpretation of the Scriptures, without first submitting it
to brethren of experience. Lay it before them in a humble, teachable spirit,
with earnest prayer; and if they see no light in it, yield to their judgment....
Satan is constantly at work; but few have any idea of his activity and
subtlety. The people of God must be prepared to withstand the wily foe. It
is this resistance that Satan dreads. He knows better than we do the limit
of his power and how easily he can be overcome if we resist and face him.
Through divine strength the weakest saint is more than a match for him
and all his angels, and if brought to the test he would be able to prove his
superior power. Therefore Satan’s step is noiseless, his movements stealthy,
and his batteries masked. He does not venture to show himself openly, lest
he arouse the Christian’s dormant energies and send him to God in prayer.
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