The Perfecting of the "Sheep Suit" - Pt. 2

Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

In part 2 of THE PERFECTING OF THE SHEEP SUIT let’s examine these “wolves” in a little more detail. You get the first clue about these people (wolves) in the admonition given by Jesus; “so (or therefore) be shrewd as serpents”. This word shrewd has got a very deep meaning to it and was one chosen by the writers of the New Testament to imply the severity of the situations He was sending His disciples into.

G5429 φρόνιμος phronimos fron'-ee-mos
From G5424; thoughtful, that is, sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while G4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and G4908 indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative): - wise (-r).

As you can see from the Greek definition above there are many parts to this word, each with its own distinct purpose when dealing with people who have the attributes and heart motives of wolves. Wolves in their very nature have learned to capitalize on the weaknesses of the sheep. So it was in Jesus’ time and carries on through this very day. Sheep tend to very non-observant and focused on usually one task at a time. That is why there are numerous admonitions throughout the N.T. for disciples to “be on the alert”, and “See to it”………..

Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. (emphasis added)

By using the different meanings of the word “shrewd” let’s be people who are not easily fallen prey to the “wolves” that are out to eat us alive.
Let’s be people that are of “cautious character”, not just taking the word of someone because they have an “Osteen smile” plastered all over their face as they woo the sheep into their web of half truths.
Let’s be people of “intelligence or mental acquirement” when the “Warren wolf” comes up with a “better idea” than Jesus had……….let’s just take some time and “think” as brother Ravi suggests.
Above all, let’s be people who are “wise” in the Truth and the truth of God's Word, ever on guard when the enemy comes in like a flood with his “lying wolves” that are “lying in wait” for non-observant sheep.