It is interesting and enlightening to see that the Word of God is full of warnings, especially in reference to false religions and teachers. The most pointed and descriptive words that Jesus spoke, while here on earth, were directed to the religious leaders of His time, namely the Pharisees and Sadducees. However, what He said of those people at that time is still appropriate in principle today.

In Matthew 16:6, Jesus said of His disciples,

“Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”

The reasoning of the disciples concerning this statement was typically human. Because He used the word “leaven” they said, “It is because we have taken no bread!” After explanation and illustration they understood that He was warning them to beware of the “doctrine (teachings) of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Not only should Scripture be interpreted in light of Scripture, but the false teachings of man must also be understood in light of Scripture. If we are mildly amused at the ignorance or material-mindedness of the disciples, we could excuse them by thinking that maybe they were hungry. If so, they naturally and normally thought of physical bread. However, we are all too prone to make excuses for our lack of spiritual understanding and, therefore, are easily led astray by “every wind of doctrine (teaching), by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Eph. 4:14).

The apostle Paul in Philippians 3:2 warned those joyous believers to

“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.”

In the same manner that the disciples thought Jesus was talking about literal bread, some could reason that Paul was talking about the animal that is called “man’s best friend.” This human error becomes extremely serious in view of Psalms 22 and 59, and in the real meaning as used by Paul.

In Psalm 22, we have that most providentially prophetic account of our Lord Jesus in His rejection and death. In the 22nd Psalm are the words, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Later, it is recorded, “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and feet ” (Psalm 22:16). When David, the king of Israel, wanted to describe his enemies that were chasing him around the country, he said, “They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city” (Psalm 59:6).

Paul in his reference to dogs, was speaking of the Judaizers of his day who were preaching that Jesus was the Saviour of the Jews only, and all converts must be circumcised in order to enter the kingdom. His reference to “evil workers” went beyond just sinners caught up in the world system, but workers of the evil one.

Second Corinthians 11:13 gives us a true picture of whom Paul was speaking and warning against.

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel, for Satan, himself, is transformed into an angel of light.”

Paul also warned against “the concision.” This was not a reference to any medical operation, but to those who would “mutilate” the truth of God’s Word as to salvation and sanctification. The teaching, that a person must go through some religious rite or ceremony in order to be saved and serve God is contrary to the teaching of the Word and must be warned against.

“Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not.” —I John 3:1

Behold means for all of us to open our eyes and really see, not only that God loves us, but “what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” He wants us to see and understand the quality of that great love wherewith He loved us. This expression refers to both the Person and the love shown by God. Is there a person to compare with the Person of the Lord Jesus? Is there a love to compare with God’s love to us and for us? It was Paul that prayed,

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” —Ephesians 4:17-19

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” —John 3:16

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” —Jeremiah 15:16