Rattlesnakes in the House!

I can't get released from continuing to address the end time scourge of false prophets and false teachers.  Those who know me know that I am a reasonably positive person.  I don't enjoy going on this long on what might be considered a negative topic.  Yet, I still feel a need to address this critical topic.  In the event that you may think I'm putting too much emphasis on it, let's take a look at the following instructions about false teachers:

2 Peter 2:12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, 13and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. 15They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet.17These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. 18For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. 19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. 

Notice the last sentence.  "for by whom a person is overcome."  False teachers have power.  Their lofty words and enticing promises are alluring.  The Word says people will be "overcome and brought into bondage."  These people are confessed believers.  Many of them will be church members.  I see these last days false prophets and teachers as demonic raiding parties attacking those on the borders of the church, the outskirts.  They are distant church members who have withdrawn from the safety of the inner sanctuary of the Church family because of disillusionment, disappointment or wounds.  They haven't dealt with their offenses as Jesus has told us.  They are distant, festering and vulnerable, easy pickings for the devil.  Don't set yourself up for deception.  

Go to those with whom you are at odds.  Discuss your concerns with your leaders.  And when you see and discern false prophets and teachers working their way into the life of the church, treat them like a "rattlesnake in the house!"