A Wolf in sheep's clothing refers to anyone who does not present themselves in truth. This phrase has referred to many people but my topic today is anyone teaching the word of God in an untruthful way. In Mathew 7:15, Jesus Christ states, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (NIV).
These days you cannot turn on your television without someone giving his or her opinion about what is right or wrong. Many of these people are preachers who are supposed to lead people to the truth about Jesus Christ and His free gift of salvation. 2 Peter 2:1 explains this, “But there were false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord” (NIV). This verse goes on to explain that many will follow these false teachers and the “Truth” will be disrupted. These false teachers will exploit people and make up stories, but they will face destruction (2 Peter 2, NIV). These verses are not talking about other religions or cults, it is talking about the Church then and now. There was in the beginning and still today many who claim to be true Holy Spirit filled preachers of the word of God who are wolves in sheep's clothing. With that, I must remind you there is not a perfect church on this earth, But the truth of God will stand firm.
Jesus taught that the wheat (true believers) and the tares (unbelievers) are being grown together so there will always be opposition. In Mathew 13:30 Jesus stated, “Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn” (NIV). So as you can see true believers may be surrounded by unbelievers. Jesus goes on to explain in Mathew 13:38, which states, “The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the Kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one” (NIV). So how do we know what is real and what is false? I found an article by Colin Smith who is with The Gospel Coalition (TGC) that has helped me spot false teachers.
The first question to ask is about the teacher's source of information he or she is sharing? Is the source the word of God or is the source from somewhere else (Smith, C. 2013).
The next thing to look for is a “Different Message”. Is Jesus Christ the center of the message? If not beware! (Smith, C. 2013).
Number three would be the position you take as a result of the message. The true believer will make solid efforts to change if the message is true. If the message is from a false teacher the message may leave you questioning your motives to change (Smith, C. 2013).
The fourth trait to look for is the character of the people the preaching is producing? Are the people pursuing the fruits of the Holy Spirit like goodness and self-control or are they marked by gossip and backbiting (Smith, 2013)?
Number five would be, does the message have a different request or appeal. The true believer will appeal to the Holy Bible for his or her message. The false teacher will appeal to the human nature (Smith, 2013).
The sixth concerns the fruits of the spirit that are being produced. Is the message resulting in a life lived for Jesus Christ? The results of false teaching is a lack of change where people still seek after earthly desires instead of the desire to be near to the Father (Smith, 2013).
Lastly, does the message lead you to a life with Jesus and a love for others? Does the message explain the only way to life everlasting is through the Lord Jesus Christ (Smith, 2013)? In Mathew 7:21, Jesus explains, “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the ones who do the will of my Father who is in heaven” (NIV).
So as you can see true believers need to be careful of who they trust to guide them. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to protect you from the lies of these false teachers and you will learn to spot that wolf before he or she causes damage.
I'll leave you this week with 2 Timothy 2:19, which states, “Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn from wickedness” (NIV). It may take some time, but the desire is there and The Holy Spirit is always trying to guide you in the right direction.
Have a Wonderful week making sure you are nowhere near that “Wolf in Sheep's Clothing”!!
Your Sister in Christ,
Jacque Barnes
