TERMITE TROUBLE

Sometimes we think that problems in the church are a twenty-first century phenomenon. In reality, there have been issues since the first century. The church was flourishing, but not without fighting. The Devil will always oppose the forward march of the church. His way is not only to attack, but to infiltrate. Jesus warned of this. “Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.’” (Matt.‬ ‭13‬:‭24‬-‭25‬‬). 

Old Vance Havner said it in his inimitable way: “The church has never been in so much danger from woodpeckers on the outside, as termites on the inside!”  We have termite protection at our home. Our pest control company sprays to create a chemical barrier to prevent the destructive pests from invading, and carries out regular inspections to make sure they have not found entry. Church elders, you are charged with pest control. There is the truth treatment. You must faithfully spray Scripture  around the house of God. You must also be watchful, lest destructive invaders slip in.  The longer these are tolerated, the greater will be their damage.

Recognize them by their DIVISIVE DISPUTATION. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses…” (v. 17a). “Divide and conquer,” is an effective military strategy. Satan employs it effectively. The Devil knows that if he can get us fighting one another, then he will have no fear of us being an effective force. 

Many churches form circular firing squads! Note those who are ever causing division. Do a regular termite inspection! Confront them and exercise church discipline when needed. 

Be aware of their DOCTRINAL DEVIATION—“contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them,” (v. 17b). Termites are insidious insects. They eat away at the fiber of the wood. The wood may appear solid, but is getting weaker by the day—until it collapses. We must, “Avoid truth decay!”  

It would seem that the doctrinal deviation Paul was speaking of led to divisive disputation. We must hold to fundamental principles, without theological hair-splitting. One cannot sacrifice sound doctrine for maintaining unity. Yet, we should be cautious about making mountains out of molehills. Satan is a deceiver and will sow tares among the wheat. The peril is that the tares appear so much like wheat. Rampaging through the field, indiscriminately yanking up weeds, will also cause us to pull up young wheat. Discernment is demanded. 

The invasive insects are identified by their DECEPTIVE DECLARATION.“For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” (v.18‬‬). These claim to serve Jesus, while their motive is self-interest. It is not about Him, but them. Their communication is contradictory to their claim to be His servants. They are smooth talkers and flattering speakers. They hold up a Bible in front of a packed auditorium and with a sparkling smile promise, “Your Best Life Now.”  

Those mature in faith will detect them, but the immature will be deceived by them. Pastors, be mindful of who your members are listening to and what they are reading. The solid saints in the congregation are likely to spot such and spurn these teachers, but the young in faith will be seduced by them. Keep all the truth termites away by faithful exposition of Scripture, but do a regular inspection to see if some termites have slipped in. The earlier such is confronted, the less damage they will do!