3 People to Beware of If You Work in Ministry

“Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” – Philippians 3:2–3 KJV

Apostle Paul gives a serious warning to anyone serving God. Not everyone who comes around the work of God is necessarily helping the work of God.

1. Beware of the dogs: People who attack what you are building

Dogs in this context point to people who oppose, criticize, and attack the work of God.¹

They may not attack you physically. They may attack your vision, leadership, doctrine, reputation, or credibility.

Don’t give everyone access to your heart simply because they have access to your ministry.

2. Beware of evil workers: People who work, but work against the work

These are dangerous because they may appear productive while their motives are destructive. These are those who undermine the work of God with their counterproductive behaviour.

They create division, compete with leadership, spread suspicion, manipulate people, or quietly undermine the vision.

Not everyone working in church is necessarily working for the church. Beware!

3. Beware of the concision: People who put confidence in the flesh

Apostle Paul was confronting those who emphasized outward religious credentials and physical circumcision while missing the true work of the Spirit.²

There are people serving today who put too much emphasis on outward appearance and public image to the neglect of the real spiritual values of what we do. There are those who care more about how loud the prayer sounds rather than our connection to God.

In ministry today, beware of people who make position, titles, pedigree, education, connections, numbers, money, or achievements the measure of spiritual worth.

Apostle Paul’s answer is powerful: “We worship God in the spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”³

Note!

In ministry, don’t only watch what people do; watch what spirit, motive, and values are driving what they do.

1. Beware of the attackers.
2. Beware of the underminers.
3. Beware of the flesh-driven.

Ministry requires love for people, but also discernment about people.

1. Philippians 3:2 KJV — Paul warns believers to “beware of dogs” and “evil workers.” ↩︎
2. Philippians 3:2–3 KJV — Paul contrasts physical circumcision with those who truly worship God in the Spirit. ↩︎
3. Philippians 3:3 KJV — Paul says believers “worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” ↩︎