Introduction: We have studied the relationship between the Shepherd and his Sheep, the dangers that await the flock from predators and diseases. The last lesson we saw the role that Goats play in every flock. David gives us a picture of the loving and peaceful relationship that should exist in every Church between the Shepherd and his Sheep. However, we know Satan has planned that he always has a presence among God's flock. We are forewarned that even minister of Satan will come as transformed "angels of light." False prophets and teachers will arise leading God's people astray.
Today: We will look at "Wolves", one of the most dangerous predators to the Sheep and Shepherd. The Bible is clear that False Prophets (Wolves) will increase in the church in the "last days". They will lead many away from the safety of the flock with one thing in mind, "destruction." Therefore, it is extremely important that every congregation (flock) understand character and be able to identify when a wolf comes in their midst.
* Acts 20:28 - 30 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
* Matt. 7: 15 - 20 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.
* Matt. 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
(1) These Verses Describe The Nature And Intentions of Wolves Among The Flock
(A) Paul said: After his (Shepherd) departing, that "grievous" (Burdensome) Wolves would enter, not "sparing" (Compassionate and Loving) the flock.
(B) Also, from your own selves men would arise, (from the flock) clothed as a sheep, they would speak "perverse things" ( distorting and misinterpreting the truth)
(C) What is their purpose? To draw away followers to themselves.
(D) Jesus said: Beware of the False Prophets (Preachers) for they would come clothed as sheep, but on the inside they were hungry wolves who come for one purpose, destroy the flock. ( This does not necessarily mean they will scatter teh flock and close the church doors. They may distort the true Word, dilute the message of Holy living, and grow mega churches with their charisma but they have destroyed and damned the flock to be eternally lost. This is the reason Jesus said; Matthew 7:21-23 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.
(E) There is only one way to recognize Wolves, by their Fruit !
(2) The Deceptive Ways In Which Wolves Enter The Flock
(A) A true Shepherd often hears and see's the "tracks" of a wolf while the flock will graze on unaware.
(B) They are often seen by the flock as a "brother or sister. Sometimes seen as a great Spiritual leader.
(C) Often very talented and Charismatic, mistaken for the real "anointing" of God. But they have one goal in mind, to deceive, divide, devour.
(D) Wolves usually run in "packs." They are very dominating, territorial, protecting "their" turf. A "lone wolf" may gain an entrance to the flock but there is a "pack" hidden behind the bushes.
(3) Jesus Said You Were To Detect Them By Their Fruits. (Character)
(A) They may be hard to distinguish at first, they "look, act, talk, sing, like sheep. But they are only "dressed" like sheep.
(B) The problem with detection? "Fruit is Seasonal" Fruit takes time! A tree first buds, then blossoms, and then the Fruit appears. It takes time for the real character of a wolf clothed as a sheep to appear.
(C) A Wolf will try to immitate the "Fruit of the Spirit" Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(D) People of the world have seen more wolves in the Church than Sheep.
(E) Why? Because they have looked for the "fruit" that suppose to be there, but have not seen it.
(F) I know of some so called churches that resemble a "wolf pack" more than they do a "sheep fold." Always fighting, growling, killing their own !
(4) Wolf Detection is Difficult Because of Their Religious Language, Displays of Power, And Seemingly Spiritual Gifts.
(A) 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 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.
(B) Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Wolves Will Come Imitating The Power Of Spiritual Gifts (C) 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
(D) These 9 Spirit Gifts can be divided into 3 Categories; (1) Gifts of Power or Ability: (Faith, Miracles, Healings) (2) Gifts of Insight of the Mind: (Knowledge, Wisdom, Discernment) (3) Gifts of Speech: (Prophecying, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues)
Notice What Jesus Said That False Prophets Would Come Saying To Him (E) Matthew 7:22-23 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. ( All 3 Categories of Gifts are claimed here) (Wolves will move in simulated "power" of a Prophet.
Here Is Where We As Pentecostals Often Make Mistakes In Our Judgement (1) Manifestation of Power - Means one is accepted of God. (Wrong!)
(2) A tendency to embrace anyone who seems to manifest power.
Jesus Warns That We Can Be Deceived Into Following Wolves That Way (F) Look for "Fruit"! Wolves can duplicate "power" but not "Fruit" (Character
(5) Jesus Said; "I Never Knew You." ( Jesus "knows" everyone)
**Knew: Gr.(To know in an intimate way, that produces life)
(A) Jesus was saying; "I know who you are, and what you did, but we were never really intimate. I tried to work through you, but you wanted to work "Iniquity" (Gr. Violation of law, unrighteousness.)
Let Me Finish Blowing Your Theology ! **Just Because God Uses You ToTouch Somebody, Is NOT An Endorsement of YOUR Character, But of GOD'S Character !
Question: If a man was dying of thirst, he had to have water now, and the only thing available was a cup that was less than clean and spotless. Would you give him a drink or wait until a spotless vessel came along? You would use it of course! Maybe you rather not, but you would!
(B) In 23 years of ministry, I've seen God use less than "worthy" vessels. NOT to endorse their character, but to meet a need of someone dying.
(C) Anyone who has ever preached, taught, sang, knows there are times God blesses someone through you and you know you are not worthy, you have failed God in so many ways.
(D) Why would God do that? There is a need present and you are the messenger he has present!
All Of Us Know Of Well Known Men That God Has Uses That Had Less Than Clean, Holy Lives. Does God "Approve"? Will God "Accept" Them? NO! This Is So Confusing To Young Christians. They Look At The "Power", The "Charisma", And See Someone Dividing, Causing Confusion, For What Seems Like A Righteous Cause. Often It Has Been Wolves Clothed As Sheep ! (6) Who Did Jesus Say Was The Greatest Man Born Of Woman To Enter The Kingdom Of God ? (John The Baptist)
(A) How many miracles did John do ? (None)
(B) Yet the Bible says that John came in the "Spirit" and "Power" of Elijah !
In All Honesty, We have Elevated The Emphasis Of Power Over Character! (C) Many will leave a church filled with Godly people, a loving Pastor of whom they have known his character (Fruit) and go after the "manifestation of power" of someone they know nothing about.
Nothing Is More Important In These Last Days Than "Knowing Jesus"! Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
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