Devotionals Book Two

February 22

Temptations in Disguise

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.

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.