Title:- Caveat Emptor
2 John 10,11 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
The British Parliament today in 1735 passed an act forbidding its North American colonies to trade with anyone other than Britain and we all know the end of that little plan was a tea party in Boston harbour! Interestingly enough though, throughout the Cold War and even today, the United States keeps its own list of unacceptable trading partners that not only will it not deal with, but also that it requires its partners not to deal with either! Superpowers eh, past or present it makes no difference! They’re all trying to rule the world. Don’t you just love ‘em?
In the early days of the New Testament, when bed and breakfast accommodation was provided by the church for every itinerant preacher; teacher and evangelist that passed through town, it became easy to accidentally sustain purveyors of false teaching. Indeed, out of love and honour no doubt, many a good night of free board and lodging was gained by these ‘Wandering Stars.’
The great 'Apostle of Love', the kind and caring landlord and adopted son of Mary the mother of Jesus, never the less takes an inhospitable view regarding these same travelling teachers of false doctrine. Now, we must be very careful of how and to whom we apply these particular verses today, lest sheep from His flock go cold and hungry, and lest the honest hospitality of holy hosts, by fear of transgression, is totally terminated! So, note that these particular verses then, speak against teachers who are against orthodoxy, being hosted by Christians with itching ears, and maybe divisive motives. “Be careful now” says John, “You may lose your reward. Be careful now, you may even partake of their sins.”
The succoring of these wandering stars is not honest intellectual soul searching and discovery, neither is it a journey into God, but rather, it is sin! Yes, John calls it sin! John even calls it, anti-Christ!
Maybe some of us should take a leaf out of the ‘Super Power’ trading manual and begin to cut our own wandering star enabling ways? Let us beware whom we truly trade with. “Caveat Emptor! Caveat Emptor!” I cry to you today! “BUYER BEWARE!”
Listen: - For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. 2 John 8:7a
Pray: - Lord, help me to do right, and to hold on to my reward. Help me not to shipwreck my own faith, or the faith of others. Lord, don’t allow me to enable Your enemies in any shape or form, amen.
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