WOLVES IN SHEEP\'S CLOTHING By Major. Frank Materu
Introduction
In today’s world, many individuals claim to be servants of God, but their actions reveal otherwise.
They masquerade as shepherds, yet inwardly, they are wolves in sheep's clothing, sent to deceive and destroy the flock. As believers, we are called to be discerning and vigilant.
This teaching examines the traits of false teachers, the dangers they pose, and how we can safeguard ourselves through God's Word and Spirit.
Key Scripture:
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15, NKJV)
1. Characteristics of False Servants
False servants often appear genuine, but their motives and actions contradict God’s truth. Their lives bear bad fruit, and they exploit others for personal gain.
Scriptural Reference:
"By their fruits, you will know them. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." (Matthew 7:1617, NKJV)
Key Points:
Deceptive Appearance: They present themselves as godly but have hidden agendas.
Destructive Motives: Their goal is to mislead and destroy the innocent, especially those who are spiritually weak or unprepared.
Lust for Worldly Gains: They prioritize wealth, power, and recognition over serving God.
2. Why Do Wolves Thrive Among Us?
False servants thrive because many believers have grown spiritually lazy and complacent.
Instead of seeking God's presence, they follow worldly desires and human traditions.
Scriptural Warning:
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers." (2 Timothy 4:3, NKJV)
Key Points:
Lack of Discernment: Many fail to test spirits and teachings against God's Word.
Spiritual Apathy: When we neglect prayer, study, and fellowship with God, we become easy prey for deception.
Desire for Comfort: Believers often prefer messages that please their flesh rather than challenge their spirit.
3. The Call to Repentance
God, in His mercy, calls us to repentance.
He invites us to turn away from false teachers and align ourselves with His truth.
Scriptural Assurance:
"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
(2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV)
Steps to Take:
1. Examine Your Life: Reflect on your relationship with God and identify areas of compromise.
2. Confess and Forsake Sin: Acknowledge your sins, including following deceptive leaders, and seek God's forgiveness.
3. Return to God’s Word: Anchor yourself in the Bible as the ultimate standard of truth.
4. Pray for Discernment: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and protect you from deception.
5. Safeguarding Against False Teachers
We are not left defenseless. God provides tools to help us discern and resist false teachers.
Scriptural Guidance:
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1, NKJV)
Practical Actions:
Stay Rooted in the Bible: Make daily Scripture reading a priority to know God’s truth.
Cultivate a Prayerful Life: Prayer keeps us connected to God and sensitive to His voice.
Seek Godly Fellowship: Surround yourself with mature believers who can provide guidance and accountability.
Discern by the Spirit: Learn to recognize the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:2223) and test teachings accordingly.
Conclusion
False servants are a reality in today’s world, but we are not without hope.
Through God’s Word, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and a life of prayerful obedience, we can discern truth from lies.
Let us heed the warning of Jesus, stay vigilant, and remain faithful to the One who called us into His marvelous light.
Final Encouragement:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith." (1 Peter 5:89, NKJV)
Let us rise as a discerning, steadfast people, bearing fruit that glorifies God and resisting every form of deception. In Christ, we are victorious!
