Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 7:15–20 NKJV

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

MESSAGE

Beware

Jesus warned us to beware of certain kinds of people who are undercover agents for the devil.

They are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

They are deceptive, dangerous, and destructive.

Sheep | Goats | Wolves

Sheep

Are happy as long as they have green grass and still waters.

They are loyal to their shepherd.

They might stray away, but they will return to their shepherd.

Goats

Will eat anything and everything.

They are rebellious and stubborn.

They are difficult to get back because they are not loyal to the shepherd.

A shepherd’s job is to feed sheep, not chase goats!

Wolves

Wolves are predators - they are out for blood.

Wolves are territorial.

Wolves are pack animals.

There are Wolves in the Pulpit and there are Wolves in the Pews

False Prophets

Say “thus saith the Lord” when the Lord hasn’t spoken to them.

Change God’s laws and commandments.

Tickle ears.

They are like ravenous wolves that are out to destroy the flock.

False Teachers

Teach false doctrine.

Promote another gospel.

Present another Jesus.

Intentionally lead people astray for monetary gain.

2 Peter 2:1–3 NKJV

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

False Disciples

They are not saved, but they want everyone to think they are.

They want to control things in the church for their own personal gain at the expense of others

Beware of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

A wolf in sheep’s clothing is someone who appears harmless and kind, but this attitude only hides their devious and malicious intent.

The nature of a wolf in sheep’s clothing:

In the Pulpit:

They can know the Word of God.

They can seem proficient in spiritual gifts.

99% of the message can be right, but even if just 1% is heresy it is still dangerous.

Remember, they are not teaching false doctrine ignorantly, they are doing it intentionally in order to deceive people for their own personal gain.

In the Pews:

They are nice to your face, but they will quickly stab you in the back.

They run in packs. If you see a lone wolf, rest assured that they are actively trying to recruit pack members.

Initially they will attack you from behind when you least expect it. You’ve got to watch your back.

When they attack, they are out for blood.

Once they’ve shown their claws and their teeth and they have a pack following them, they will attack you openly.

They are intent on destroying you.

You Will Know Them by Their Fruit

Are they producing the Fruit of the Spirit, or the Works of the Flesh?

Sheep don’t have fangs or claws!

How to Defend Against Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

Beware - Watch Out - Be on Alert

Pray for Discernment - Know the real Holy Spirit from the fake - Try the Spirits - See Whether They be of God

Know God’s Word - Know When it is Being Twisted and Distorted

Surround Yourself with People You can Trust

Stay Close to the Shepherd

CLOSING