BEWARE OUTLINE
Beware of Traps
Jer 5:26 For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.
Psa 38:12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
Psa 119:110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
Psa 140:5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside . . .
Psa 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Beware of Imaginations
Psa 38:12 . . . they that seek my hurtspeak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
Luke 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
Act 4:25 . . . Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
2Cor10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Beware of the Word Catchers
Isa 29:21 That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.
Mar 12:13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.
Luke11:54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
Beware of Brotherly Contempt
Did I FEAR a great multitude, or did the CONTEMPT of families terrify me, that keep silence, and went not out the door? -- Job 31:34
Should denominational type brethren, who scorn Christian activism, who hold their peace be feared, who will not cross the street for any cause that might bring reproach or loss upon them? Why not ask, "Should a bowl full of Jell-O be feared? Should the menopausal hot-flashes and toothless gums of an old worn out denominational or fellowship machine be feared?" NO! NEVER!
Beware of Wicked's Accomplices
When the wicked cometh, then cometh also CONTEMPT . . . -- Pro. 18:3
When the wicked come, they are not alone; lace drawered, brotherly CONTEMPTalways accompanies them. SCORN, CONTEMPT, and CRITICISMtoward those, who may take a stronger stand for their Lord, attracts the attention off jellyfish who fear the reproach and loss, which accompanies taking a stand.
Proud Contemptuous Lying
Let the LYINGlips be put to silence; which speak GRIEVIOUS things PROUDLY and CONTEMPUOUSLY against the righteous. -- Psa. 31:18
The usually more prestigious and influential scorners not only exhibit contempt toward anyone with a cause, but also, they often take upLYING and SLANDER against him whose cause gives them so much discomfort. They will go out of their way to publish some fault or weakness of these brethren, venting their scorn in order toEXCUSEthemselves from such causes. The apostle Paul had similar experiences with this type of brethren (2 Cor. 10:10). If they cannot find some weakness, they will make things up, taking up lying and slander. Some are even willing to side with the wicked and testify, in court, or in the media, against them.
Beware of Mid-Life Crisis
Why do brethren go through change of life? How can they give birth to worthy causes one day and have "hot flashes" and scorn that later? Brethren, who once joined with the Holy Spirit, in rebuking the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment now scoff contemptuously at the efforts of lesser known brethren.Perhaps, the brethren have grown older, weaker, and lost their hormonal courage. Not even a little strength? Fighting was all right when all they had was a storefront church, forty dollar offerings, and a mobile home. They have forgotten that the journey, which they have already taken, started with "one step." Tired? Lazy? "Sour grapes?" Who knows? Whatever the problems are, be sure that the brethren have become adept at concealment of their fear. Covering one's self, by heaping scorn and contempt on other brethren with stronger convictions, will not fool the Lord nor will it cover one's guilt.
– by Herb Evans