Be Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves — Part 4

August 28, 2023

In this episode, Nate and Gabe share stories from the Bible of ones who exemplified this command being “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” From Gideon to Moses to Stephen to Paul, the Bible has countless illustrations of how this command can be applied, how it should impact our lives and the lives of those around us.

Throughout scripture, Jesus made it clear that He would send His followers into hostile environments — “as sheep among wolves.” The purpose of this is to further His Kingdom. But how is it possible for sheep to make a positive impact among wolves?! First we must walk in complete dependence on our Shepherd, Jesus Christ. The Shepherd is able to impart to us His wisdom and peace just like it is demonstrated through the serpent and dove. Possessing these vital qualities is paramount to our effectiveness in displaying the love and tenderness of Jesus not only to the lost, but even to our persecutors!

Learn more about Be Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves

Gabe Cleator, Host

Gabe Cleator loves Jesus and desires to help others cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ as the All-Sufficient One. Gabe holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Ministries, is author of the book Always and in Everything, and currently serves as the director of the Home Discipleship Network under the ministry of IBLP. His passion is to see God’s people turn back to a vibrant, living Christianity that has Christ at the center and the Word as the foundation. Gabe and his wife, Sara, live in East Texas where they enjoy serving the Lord together and spending time in the great outdoors, taking fishing trips or visiting National Parks.
Nate Paine, Host

Nate Paine enjoys encouraging people in God’s Word. When he was eleven years old, Nate gave his life to the Lord, and about that same time, felt God’s call on his life to preach the Word. In pursuing this call, Nate earned his BA in Biblical Ministry and was licensed and ordained. In his teens and his twenties, he began to mentor young men through the Journey to the Heart as well as pour himself into prison ministry discipling inmates in multiple correctional facilities. Nate, his wife and six children live in East Texas where he serves on staff with IBLP and the Home Discipleship Network.