In these passages Paul closes his letter to the Romans. In his closing words he warns his fellow believers as follows: “Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissension’s and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you have learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves not of our Lord Christ, but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.”
The Bible says that unbelievers will enter the churches and try to distort the Bible’s message to their own advantage. I think we see this in some mega churches today which are very prosperous. Their leaders are likely motivated by power and money. Unfortunately, the members may be susceptible to deceptive teaching because they are not firmly anchored in the Word of God. These deceptive leaders use the people’s ignorance of the Bible to get power over the people. They then use this power to get wealthy from donations they coerce from the people.
I believe that if a believer find themself in such a church, they should leave. Many times these deceptive leaders will hold her congregation in bondage, saying that they will be condemned to Hell if they leave their church. The Bible does not give this message.
Knowledge of the Bible is essential to avoid such deception. Knowing the Bible and following its precepts sets a person free from the bondage of sin. It also sets person free from bondage to religion.
