Wolves are Coming

Book on Elders Page 92

Acts 20:29 LSB

29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;

Paul’s charge to guard the church is based on sound knowledge of false teachers.

For three years Paul thourughly taught the gospel, but upon his departure he knew that false teachers would attack the flock and that false teachers would even rise from within its ranks.

When Paul was with them, he was a formidable force against false doctrine. He fought against false teachers more aggressvely than any of his contemporaries; his whole life was spent in defense of the gospel.

Philippians 1:7 LSB

7 For it is only right for me to think this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers with me in this grace.

Paul was unmoveable of the gospel’s truth

Galatians 2:5 LSB

5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

His most scathing rebuke fell on anyone who attempted to distort Christ’s gospel

Galatians 1:7–9 LSB

7 which is really not another, only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to the gospel we have proclaimed to you, let him be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is proclaiming to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be accursed!

The Threat

Power of false doctrine

Paul knew the power that false doctrine has over the mind and soul

2 Corinthians 11:3 LSB

3 But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be corrupted from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.

2 Timothy 3:8 LSB

8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, disqualified in regard to the faith.

Source of false doctrine

Paul knew the source of false doctrine was Satan.

2 Corinthians 11:14–15 LSB

14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

In his letters, Paul warned the churches of false doctrine’s destructive power. Because Paul knew the enemy so well he could say, “I know… savage wolves will come.” There was no question about it. It was going to happen… and it still does today.

The local church is called a flock, it follows that its enemies are “wolves” the proverbial predator of the sheep. False teachers are called “savage wolves” because they will not spare the sheep from destruction. As enemies of the flock and enemies of Christ, wolves have no part in God’s church because the have not been purchased with His precious blood and do not know Him. Their presence can only bring death, confusion and destruction.

Paul predicts something even more subtle and frightening - that false teachers “will arise” from within the congregation! These are professing Christians emerging as false teachers right out of the community fellowship. They will not out rightly deny the truth of God’s Word, that would be too obvious. As masters of subtly and novelty, they will mix truth with error, reinterpret the truth, and change the meaning of words to give the illusion of truth.

How to defend the sheep in your care

Personal prayer and study of God’s Word

Our fight is spiritual, therefore we must be full of the Spirit

Jude 17–20 LSB

17 But you, beloved, must remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, not having the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,

b. You cannot defend against what you don’t know

2 Timothy 2:15 LSB

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Ezra 7:6 LSB

6 This Ezra went up from Babylon, and he was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel had given; and the king granted him all he requested because the hand of Yahweh his God was upon him.

Ezra 7:10 LSB

10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of Yahweh and to practice it, and to teach His statute and judgment in Israel.

Ezra is a man we should strive to be like when it comes to knowing God’s Word and how to teach and apply its truths.

Be willing to confront boldly those who rise up and teach false doctrine.

False teachers are often times nice people. They may even be good-intentioned in what they speak on. But, they must be confronted head-on without partiality.

Don’t be too quick to crush someone in error. In love with patience you must deal with them. But, you cannot be so gentle that you don’t unsettle them. That is what you are to do, unsettle them.

If they are aggressively opposing you, you must meet force with force.

Deal with them:

a. Privately if possible

b. Publicly if necessary

If false teaching has taken root in your congregation, take all the time necessary to provide Biblical teaching on the subject. Do not be pressured to get off the topic until the Lord give you the go-ahead.

Illustration: The young man who was visited by the deceased boy while in a coma.

You are a watchman on the wall. So be watchful!

It is not always easy to be watchful. It takes time, thinking, energy, and work. It is not always easy to answer questions, speak to changing issues, answer criticism, stand against other people, and confront false teachers. At times it can and will be wearisome. BUT IT MUST BE DONE.

Some points to help spot false teachers

False teachers usually attach to someone else’s work.

False teachers usually talk more than they practice.

False teachers usually target the most vulnerable in the congregation. (New believers, zeal without knowledge group)

False teachers usually push back against authority. (I will do what God says, not what you say pastor!)

False teachers usually love attention and being in front of people.

False teachers usually have something “new” they want to bring to God’s people. (Knowing doctrine and history will prove valuable for this one.)

So, Elders (pastor’s) must watch. Elders must be wide awake to the possibility of what can happen to the flock. Elders must pray. Elders must be in constant contact with the people. Elders must continually educate themselves in Scriptures.

Elders must be alert, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of rightousness.

Elders must pray that God will give them keenness, strength, and above all - courage, so that like David, they will be steadfast against the lion and bear that come to ravish God’s flock.

Closing Prayer: Lord God, King of kings and Lord of lords, I come before you now, lifting these precious men and women who you called to be the shepherds of your flock. Give them all that is needed to protect your precious body from attack. Wisdom to know, knowledge to support, and courage to act in the boundaries you established for them as shepherds. Give them favor with the people of God in their congregations, a group of mighty saints who will stand with them in the truth of your Word. Bless them mightily to do the wonderful work of being an elder in your glorious Church. All for your glory wonderful Savior. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.