Titus 1:9
Cunning is defined as devious, slick; tricky; sly.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?' Our Lord Jesus warned about those who would come as “sheep in wolves’ clothing.” His words apply to those of whom Paul speaks ; “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles. Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. You will know them by their fruits” In order to identify those whom the saints at Rome are to “keep an eye on” Paul indicates three “fruits of falsehood” which characterize those who pose a threat to the saints; (1) Strife, Paul says we are to “keep an eye on those who cause dissensions.” The old adage, “divide and conquer,” seems to be one of the fundamental tenants of those aligned with falsehood. In Romans and elsewhere in Paul’s teaching, strife is condemned, and Christian unity is upheld. (2) Deceive like Satan, their master, they are cunning, skilled in the art of deception. (3) Seduce with their speech.
I come by this evening to let you know when you’re walk along where snakes might be found, you should always carefully watch where you are walking. You are “suspecting.” You keep your eyes open to catch the presence of any snake. Once you spot a snake, you keep your eyes on it. You see where it is going and you turn away from it, immediately. Beware of cunning spirits. Be bless and I love you!!! JE
Amen 🙏🏽
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