Wolves in Sheep's Clothing: The Danger of Religious Cosmetics
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Central Idea
False teachers disguise themselves with the outward appearance of godliness, but the discerning Christian will recognize them by examining both their doctrine and their fruit.
INTRODUCTION
Jesus warning
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
The danger does not come from wolves dressed as wolves. The danger comes from wolves dressed as sheep
Today we will examine the disguise, the test, and the destruction of those who wear religious cosmetics.
I. The Disguise — The Clothing of the Wolf
I. The Disguise — The Clothing of the Wolf
In Matt 7:15 the clothing is religious
The wolf's greatest weapon is not his teeth but his costume
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.
A false teacher will rarely deny the truth outright; he will merely distract you from it long enough to devour you.
Practical Action Item
Do not evaluate a teacher by appearance, charm, or credentials alone. Resolve to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1), asking whether the message matches the doctrine of Christ.
II. The Test — The Fruit of the Tree
II. The Test — The Fruit of the Tree
Jesus did not leave us defenseless; He gave us a reliable test
You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Fruit cannot be faked forever. A thornbush may be decorated, but it cannot produce grapes
So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
Fruit has two layers for the Christian examiner
Doctrinal fruit
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
True Fruit corresponds with God’s Word
True Fruit corresponds with God’s Word
Moral fruit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Practical Action Items
Commit yourself to the Berean habit of searching the Scriptures daily to confirm what you are being taught
Look for the fruit of the Spirit
III. The Destruction — The Nature of the Wolf
III. The Destruction — The Nature of the Wolf
Jesus does not call these men annoying or misguided; He calls them "ravenous wolves"
The disguise exists because the appetite is deadly.
False teachers are not merely wrong — they devour.
I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted;
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Practical Action Item
Anchor yourself under shepherds who feed the flock rather than themselves. Seek out faithful teachers who serve, sacrifice, and preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; Jude 12), and distance yourself from those who make merchandise of the sheep.
Conclusion
Conclusion
The Lord Jesus loves His church too much to leave us unwarned.
The wolves are already in the field, and they are wearing the flock's clothing.
But the Shepherd has not left us blind — He has given us His word as the test and His Spirit as the guide.
Religious cosmetics cannot stand against the patient examination of fruit.
Examine the fruit. Test the spirits. Cling to the truth. And the God of peace will keep your soul safe in the fold of His Son.
