THE FALSE SHEPHERDS: A CALL TO REPENTANCE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Ezekiel 34:10 - "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them."
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Introduction
The world today is filled with deception in many areas, but none is as dangerous as the deception that has infiltrated the church. Many so-called shepherds, entrusted with the care of God’s flock, have instead turned into self-serving, profit-driven individuals who manipulate and exploit the sheep under their care. These are not true shepherds; they are "lazy dogs, lying and lolling around in slumber," oblivious to the spiritual condition of God’s people. They do not care for the lost, nor do they protect the flock from the wolves of worldliness and sin.
Instead of leading people to righteousness, they are more concerned with their personal gain, wealth, and status. They build their own empires, not the Kingdom of God. This article seeks to expose these false shepherds and call for true repentance among those who claim to lead God’s people.
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False Shepherds and Their Greedy Motives
Jeremiah 23:1 - "Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!" declares the Lord.
False shepherds are driven by greed and self-interest. Their ministries are no longer about serving God but about accumulating wealth, influence, and fame. They manipulate their congregations, promising material blessings while robbing them in the name of faith. These leaders have become nothing more than religious profiteers, preying on the vulnerable and weak.
They preach a prosperity gospel that elevates wealth over holiness, success over sacrifice, and comfort over the cross. Instead of teaching repentance, they promote a message that caters to human desires, leading many astray.
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The Hypocrisy of False Shepherds
Matthew 23:27-28 - "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."
False shepherds live in pretense, putting on a righteous front while living in sin and corruption. They teach one thing but practice another. Their lives are marked by double standards: they demand holiness from others but excuse their own unrighteousness. Their focus is not on God’s Kingdom but on how much they can extract from the people they claim to serve.
Their hypocrisy is evident in their lifestyles—extravagant spending, luxurious living, and an obsession with status. Yet, they turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people they should be helping.
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The Consequences of False Leadership
Hosea 4:6 - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priests to Me."
When the shepherds are corrupt, the sheep suffer. The church becomes a breeding ground for deception, sin, and confusion. Instead of being a place of healing and transformation, it turns into a marketplace where everything is for sale.
This corruption is not only spiritual but societal. When church leaders are driven by greed and compromise, nations suffer moral decline. Governments become corrupt, families break down, and chaos prevails. A nation that turns from God will ultimately face destruction.
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The Judgment of God Against False Shepherds
Ezekiel 34:2-4 - "Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the fattened animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally."
God will not remain silent. He will expose and judge those who have abused their positions of leadership. Many pastors, prophets, and religious leaders who have been deceiving the people will be publicly shamed and brought down. Their hidden sins will be revealed, and they will face the consequences of their actions.
Those who continue in their hypocrisy will be removed, and God Himself will rescue His flock from their corruption.
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A Call to True Repentance
Acts 3:19 - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
The only solution to this spiritual crisis is true repentance. False shepherds must acknowledge their wrongdoing, turn from their wicked ways, and seek the Lord in humility. They must abandon their self-serving agendas and return to the calling of true shepherds who lead with integrity and love.
Those who have been deceived must also open their eyes and seek the truth. They must study God’s Word for themselves and discern between true and false teachings.
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Conclusion
God is calling His people to wake up and reject the deception of false shepherds. The time has come for the church to stand for truth, purity, and righteousness. Those who persist in their wickedness will face divine judgment, but those who repent will find mercy.
May we all turn our hearts back to God and seek His will above all else. Let us reject the empty promises of greedy leaders and embrace the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Call to Action
If you have been deceived by false teachings, turn back to God today. Read His Word, seek His truth, and do not be led astray by those who prioritize wealth over worship. Stand firm in the faith and live a life that glorifies God.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God is faithful. Even in times of corruption and deception, He is raising up true shepherds who will lead His people with integrity. Do not lose hope. Seek Him, and He will guide you into all truth.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come before You in humility, acknowledging my sins. I repent and turn away from all unrighteousness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again for my salvation. I surrender my life to You and ask You to be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to walk in Your truth. Thank You for Your mercy and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
