How do you Identify Wolves in Sheep's Clothing?

[AlexDofTX]

Jesus warned us to watch out for wolves in sheep's clothing.  Clearly this means identifying people who claim to be Christians but inwardly are ravening wolves. So are there any New Testament examples of people who were exposed as wolves in sheep's clothing? Some come to my mind, but I don't know if they fit the description.

Paul warns us, too.  He says that in the last days perilous times shall come.   Do we all agree that we are in the last days?  Isn't this important to recognize.

2Ti 3:2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

They have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God... ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Paul said,

1Ti 1:19  Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1Ti 1:20  Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. 

Would you consider them wolves in sheep's clothing or just backsliders?

Paul said that Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world and departed for Thessalonica (2 Tim. 4:10).  Would that be a wolf, or simply a backslider?

What about the people that joined in the agape feasts that Jude refers to?

Jud 1:4  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jud 1:8  Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

Jud 1:10  But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Jud 1:12  These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jud 1:13  Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

Those are harsh words regarding people who are calling themselves Christians to be in their fellowship.

This is spiritual discernment and I  believe every serious follower of Christ should have it. So help understand what clues will demonstrate a wolf in sheep's clothing. Your feed back is greatly appreciated.

 

[Zemke]

One of the clear signs, or most obvious, is a wolf will get you thinking temporal. The simplest example I can give is, "Give me money for this cloth I've soaked in a blessing and your financial troubles will be healed or your marriage or your family relations or your career advancement or your vehicle situation.............

Jesus was always eternally minded and a true shepherd of the Lord will be also, overall anyway, concerned about your eternal state. Good popular leaders of the past, even if we may disagree on some theological points, always pointed to our eternal future while most leaders of popularity today point to our temporal existence, lording over Gods people and making a great comfort of living in the here and now while the majority of those who give them money have little in the way of comfort and is why they can extort them because of the hope of a better temporal outcome.

Jesus taught us if we are poor consider ourselves rich and if rich consider ourselves poor. We have an eternal future beyond our imagination. As we grow in Jesus we all get smarter and if we are in a land that a person can improve their condition believers will, if we focus on Jesus and not some swindler making promises and speaking things that do not come true.

So there are many answers you will get to this question and it's a good question.

It's the subtle snakes that are difficult. But Jesus said to be as wise as serpents but harmless as doves. Understanding the wiles of the devil is something we are called to do. Jesus warned of deception in Matth 24 more than all other warnings concerning His coming and the end of the age.

[frienduff thaylorde]

Its real easy to spot a out right false prophet versus one who is in error .

the key is this...................you Go to and correct the erring member.............if they flat out wont hear and repent .........THEY FALSE AS ALL GET OUT

but any in a error....................that one will HEAR , and repent.  

As far as teachers goes.    That one who is leading the flock.  SHOULD have been long tested and tried and should never have been a novice..WHO just FELT LED.

HE needs to be well engrained in HOLY SCRIPS ALONE.  WELL learned , WELL learned and a good example in Christ .  

those men leading these pulpits today,   we got serious issues folks.   most the entire lot of them is false now and worse not only can the people not discern them

they actually LOVE and ADORE what these men of belial and women of belial teach.   they flat out LOVE it.

 

[frienduff thaylorde]

Lets put that to the test.   IF I were to give a list of false prophets, and believe me I don't falsely accuse none .  I make DARN SURE they false.

now if I bring this list.................I don't want no one attacking me as a hater , but rather just listen .

Go ahead and turn tbn OFF...................

Brian McLaren ....................VERY FALSE AS FALSE CAN BE

RICK warren , very false as false can be

TD jakes, joel olstein , those main leaders around TRUMP NOW . like paula white , and others

ANYONE who cannot discern the all inclusive movment , YET HAS supposedly in a TEACHING position...........IS FALSE , cause They BY NOW should know better.

Rob bell , false as all get out.

this might sting for about one billion , BUT so is the POPE.

now I don't mean this to be mean.  But goodness that should be so obvious , THE MAN teaches this interfaith.

Now anyone here can call me false if you so desire.  And no hard feelings.  SO let us armour up and not get offended about this.

IF any thinks otherwise.................let us at least debate it FREINDLY and in a calm manner......

ps.........the list is so much larger than that.  Like Copeland binny hinn ,todd bently, but as I said TURN TBN OFF.....that should tell us how large the list is

and its not just tbn.....................most churches I have personally visisted and seen the leaders and tried to even KINDLY correct

are false as all get out.

IF any leader is going under a style of preaching that is LOVE THEM TO JESUS , but don't correct , just love

if any LEADER is going under an all inclusive mindset...........YA BETTER FLEE and NEVAH LOOK BACK.

I just summed up probably over ninety percent of all denominations now...........YEAH we got major problems a HEAVEY DELUSOIN is being poured down

and most are UNDER IT............

[missmuffet]

1. Watch out.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Matt. 7:15

 

God reminds us in His Word to “watch out,” “beware,” to stay awake. He knows and understands how difficult it can be to fight this spiritual battle. Some days we get weary, or we get so busy and distracted, we’re not watching anymore for ways we might get tripped up. But he tells us, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Cor. 16:13 

He desires the best for us and knows how important it is for us to live aware. He freely gives us his strength and protection to stand strong each day, he will never leave us defenseless on our own.

 

2. Know the real and you’ll know the fake too.

“You will recognize them by their fruits…” Matt. 7:16

 

God’s Word is clear, it says they’ll be known by their fruits. Not by how much money they have. Not by how many followers they have. Not by how many books they have written or the great things they have done. They’ll be known by what fruit exists in their lives. Is there love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control? Are they sharing the gospel of Christ, and pointing others to the forgiveness and freedom that He alone can bring? What do they say about who Jesus is? What do they believe about the authority of God’s Word?

We may have to look more closely than what is on the outside. The world often views “success” and popularity differently than how God sees. What’s at the heart? Eventually, the truth of who they are will be brought into the light. “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.” 1 Cor. 4:5 

 We can trust His word to be true and rely on Him for guiding us.

 

3. Know God’s word and you’ll know when it’s being twisted and manipulated.

“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.” 2 Cor. 11:14-15

 

Sometimes deception may be hidden well, manipulated and cunning, for the Bible makes clear that even Satan disguises himself as light. 

If we don’t know His truth, we will never know when we’re being deceived. Study it. Meditate on His words. Guard them in your heart.  “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Ps. 119:11

Press in close to God. Spend time in His presence. Pray, talk with Him, listen to His voice through His word. Staying close to His side, living under the protection of His armor and covering, helps us to know when we’re staring straight into falsehood.

 

4. Trust the discernment and wisdom of God’s Spirit living through your life.

 “…false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time.” Matt. 24:23-25

 

God gives us His Spirit to guide us in discernment and wisdom. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” John 16:13 

He wants more than anyone, for us to be guided in Truth. He tells us “I have told you ahead of time,” so that we will be prepared and watching. Walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh. We don’t have to wander through life blindly, unsure of what’s true and what’s not. When we’re daily asking for his leadership and direction, submitting to his authority over our lives, we can trust the leadership of His Spirit. When feeling unsettled or sensing something is just not “quite right,” we can press in close to Him, knowing He’s faithful to guide us.

 

5. Surround yourself with other believers you know and trust. 

“Knowing this…scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.” 2 Pet. 3:3

 

Use caution in who you listen to and choose to take guidance from. Sometimes when we’re in a place where it’s hard to see clearly, maybe because of our own pressing worries or cares, we need a trusted friend who can speak truth in places we need to hear.  This is often true in marriage. Learning to listen to one another and take into consideration what the other might be sensing or discerning can often have great power in saving us from a heap of trouble up ahead, if we’ll only heed the warnings that someone we love may speak our way.  

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Prov. 11:14

Recognize that sometimes believers may simply disagree. It doesn’t necessarily mean that one is a “false teacher,” but only that both might be doing their best to follow God’s Word and what He’s leading, they just may not agree on everything. We see this in Scripture and we see it all around us today. 

Let’s not waste time fighting against ourselves, but recognize who the real enemy is.

We can choose to give each other grace and kindness. 

We can hold on to what matters most, and pursue unity in the body of Christ. 

Standing strong together, on Christ the Solid Rock.

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/5-ways-to-recognize-a-wolf-in-sheep-s-clothing.html

[missmuffet]

[Acadia]

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. - Matthew 7:15:20

Although many believe that the "fruits" spoken of here must be "good works", I believe that the verses immediately following these ones make it clear that this cannot be the case.

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." - Matthew 7:21-22

The people who are told to "depart" by Jesus, brought Him their "many wonderful works" which they had done in His name. The reason He told them He never knew them is because "wonderful works" are not what gets us into Heaven. Only faith in the finished work of Christ, the Gospel, can do so. (As only those who do "the will of the Father, which is to believe in the Son, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven).

So, if the "good fruits" spoken of are not "good works", what are they? I believe that the "fruits" spoken of are teachings, or doctrine. After all, what are prophets known for? They are known for speaking truth from God, either warning or encouraging those who listen in the ways of the Lord, by communicating messages from Him. (The most important being the Gospel of our salvation).

So, the "false prophets" or "wolves in sheep's clothing" are prophets who are speaking/teaching deception and error, often subtlety, to lead the true "sheep" astray. Their words, though they claim to speak the truth from God, are in fact lies, meant to deceive. Paul warns of this also:

"Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him." - 2 Corinthians 11:1-4

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 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

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." - Galatians 1:6-9

I believe that the "False prophets" or "wolves in sheep's clothing", are those who are speaking lies in the names of God, claiming to speak the truth, and leading many astray. This is why we need the "full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18) and we need to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1), because we are in a very real spiritual battle. (Ephesians 6:12)

Edited August 20, 2017 by Acadia

[frienduff thaylorde]

7 hours ago, missmuffet said:

Its got so bad now............they can just show up as wolves and the people say........look a lamb , I mean it has fur right..........

[Neighbor]

18 hours ago, AlexDofTX said:

Jesus warned us to watch out for wolves in sheep's clothing.  Clearly this means identifying people who claim to be Christians but inwardly are ravening wolves. So are there any New Testament examples of people who were exposed as wolves in sheep's clothing? Some come to my mind, but I don't know if they fit the description.

Paul warns us, too.  He says that in the last days perilous times shall come.   Do we all agree that we are in the last days?  Isn't this important to recognize.

2Ti 3:2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

They have a form of godliness, but deny the power of God... ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Paul said,

1Ti 1:19  Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1Ti 1:20  Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. 

Would you consider them wolves in sheep's clothing or just backsliders?

Paul said that Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world and departed for Thessalonica (2 Tim. 4:10).  Would that be a wolf, or simply a backslider?

What about the people that joined in the agape feasts that Jude refers to?

Jud 1:4  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jud 1:8  Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

Jud 1:10  But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Jud 1:12  These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Jud 1:13  Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

Those are harsh words regarding people who are calling themselves Christians to be in their fellowship.

This is spiritual discernment and I  believe every serious follower of Christ should have it. So help understand what clues will demonstrate a wolf in sheep's clothing. Your feed back is greatly appreciated.

 

Hi,

Sheep follow the shepherd whose voice they learn to trust.

Wolves appearing to be sheep are not so much local leaders within the flock of the good Shepherd Jesus, they are not even shepherds so much as they are the carpers, the complainers, the ones always finding fault in the shepherds, always seeking an ear of a sheep to tickle with dissension and distraction,  so that the sheep will fail to hear the comfort they seek in  the voice of the shepherd, especially the Good Shepherd.

Those complainers are the wolves in sheep's clothing. Look for the chronic complainer, the one that seems to find joy in the task, projecting much self righteousness, and proclaiming self to have the ear of God above all others, the one that thinks they alone have special insight that needs sharing as a distraction to the local body of Christ Jesus, and there is the wolf

The wolf is the man or woman that always finds fault with the local body of Christ even while sitting with the local body, whispering their discension to anyone that does not  quickly point them out as whisperer's of distraction, but instead passes on the wolf's dissension also, as a little cub of the wolf might do.  Never become  the agent of a wolf, always call out the wolves using the principles found within Matthew 18

Edited August 21, 2017 by Neighbor

[AlexDofTX]

1 hour ago, Neighbor said:

Hi,

Sheep follow the shepherd whose voice they learn to trust.

Wolves appearing to be sheep are not so much local leaders within the flock of the good Shepherd Jesus, they are not even shepherds so much as they are the carpers, the complainers, the ones always finding fault in the shepherds, always seeking an ear of a sheep to tickle with dissension and distraction,  so that the sheep will fail to hear the comfort they seek in  the voice of the shepherd, especially the Good Shepherd.

Those complainers are the wolves in sheep's clothing. Look for the chronic complainer, the one that seems to find joy in the task, projecting much self righteousness, and proclaiming self to have the ear of God above all others, the one that thinks they alone have special insight that needs sharing as a distraction to the local body of Christ Jesus, and there is the wolf

The wolf is the man or woman that always finds fault with the local body of Christ even while sitting with the local body, whispering their discension to anyone that does not  quickly point them out as whisperer's of distraction, but instead passes on the wolf's dissension also, as a little cub of the wolf might do.  Never become  the agent of a wolf, always call out the wolves using the principles found within Matthew 18

Thank you Good Neighbor for your thoughts.   However, people who complain are not wolves, in my opinion.  They are immature believers. Wolves are people with an agenda, and it is true that complaining and criticizing could be part of the agenda of a wolf, that does not mean all are wolves.  During the New Testament era, the biggest problem were the Judaizers.  They were both Jews who had accepted Christ but believed all gentiles should also obey the Mosaic law, as well as Jews who rejected Christ who were concerned that Jews were forsaking the Mosaic law.  They had an agenda.  The Jews agenda was persecution of the Christians (wolves without sheep's clothing) and the Messianic Jews who were Judaizers (not all messianic Jews were Judaizers) tried to force legalism upon the grace of God.

 

We are in agreement that complaining, criticizing, whispering, gossiping , etc is destructive and should not be done.