THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE – 23 False Teachers Are Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matthew 7:15). KJV
Loved ones, in this passage, we find Jesus cautioning His followers against false teachers. In this Spiritual Battle He warns us against being deceived by supposedly godly ministers who are inwardly nothing but servants of Satan.
Unfortunately, these false teachers will not always appear to be teaching falsehood. On the outside they appear as good, kind, loving teachers, but inwardly they are like wolves.
We would like to think that all teachers would be honest enough to let everyone know of their intentions, but such is not the case.
Paul made a similar statement to the Ephesian elders when he met with them as recorded in Acts 20. In verses 29-30 of that chapter, we find these words of warning. "29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."
From where would these false teachers come? They would sometimes come from among us, the flock. False teachers do not always come from the outside, but often they arise from within the church.
This makes them especially dangerous because we often trust these men until it is too late. They have already poisoned many with their false teaching and drawn many away from the truth before we realize what is being done.
Even after realizing their teaching to be wrong, many still seek to somehow justify their actions or give them the benefit of the doubt rather than brand them as false teachers. Their lack of action is rationalized by stating that they do not want to be judges of other brethren.
However, Jesus said, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). We must not be hasty in our judgments; on the other hand, neither do we want to be too late.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Romans 16:17). We must actively fight against these wolves in sheep's clothing.
People often seem surprised that a person could be a false teacher. He appears to be so kind and loving. He gives the impression that he is so sincere in trying to save the lost. His teaching is soft and pleasing. Morally speaking, he seems to be so pure and harmless. Surely a person like this is not a servant of Satan. After all, Satan is mean, a liar and is seeking to destroy us, so we think.
Nonetheless, Paul said that we should not be surprised at this. "13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
In other words, even while Satan is a liar and a murderer (John 8:44), he does not appear to be. Similarly, his servants appear to be harmless but inwardly they are ravening wolves. They are wolves in sheep's clothing.
What are some characteristics of these wolves in sheep’s clothing? They often appeal to Scripture. As some have said, they have just enough Scripture to make it appear that their teaching is true; however, they misuse, misapply or overlook other key Scriptures. Satan appealed to Scripture to tempt Jesus to throw Himself off the pinnacle of the Temple (Matthew 4:5-7).
False teachers often seek to fellowship with denominational preachers, claiming that we are all seeking to serve the same God. However, John encouraged us to have no fellowship with any who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ, because if we greet him or receive him into our houses we, “partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).
Just as Satan denied God's Word to Eve in the Garden of Eden, false teachers sometimes deny God's Word. Most religious teachers boldly declare we are saved by faith alone, even though the Bible clearly affirms that people are not justified by faith alone (James 2:24).
Satan pretended to be wise to Eve and lured her with the promise of wisdom like God (Genesis 3:4-5). Likewise, many false teachers masquerade as the wise and educated ones, yet they deny the authority of God's Word.
They praise God for His love and kindness and confidently sees, declare that due to His love, God will not actually punish anyone in hell. Yet, the Bible plainly warns us against the fires of hell (e.g., Matthew 15:46; Luke 12:5).
Numerous teachers appear to deeply love the souls of men, speaking good pleasing things, but in actuality, they are seeking riches (Titus 1:11; 2 Peter 2:3).
Do not be misled or deceived by abundant false teachers. Seldom do they appear evil. Like Satan, they give the impression of being true servants of GOD, yet they are really wolves in sheep's clothing.
Remember the words of Jesus. "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16).
Shared with you by Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA. The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. He is in control, so trust Him. We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35).