Why would anyone want to be a wolf in Christian clothing when Christians were being thrown to the lions? Yet that is exactly what happened in the first century. Paul said it would keep happening.
“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:10-13).
Paul was right. In times of great attacks on the church, “evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” Today, we have great persecution and a herd of wolves.
At the worst possible time, we have more false teachers and false teaching than ever. We have the most arrogant and heartless wolves the church has ever seen. We also have some of the most gullible Christians ever.
Paul was angry with the Corinthians for being gullible. “For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” (2 Corinthians 11:4).
And just look at what we are putting up with! Preachers claiming that they can visit heaven whenever they want. Claiming that there they saw T-Rexes that the kids can ride. False prophets charging money for daily prophetic words—like a daily horoscope. Christians dumping the wife of their youth because they found their “soul mate.”
How can Christians be so gullible now? With the evil that is being thrown at us every day—wouldn’t you think that believers would be on red alert to spot deception? Wouldn’t you imagine they would be digging into the Word of God, instead of chasing questionable emotional experiences? Wouldn’t you assume that believers would be cautious about the voices they heed and the preachers they give money to?
On the other hand, it actually makes sense, on one level. Satan has sent this herd of wolves, just at the right time, to devour and derail the Body of Christ from saving America.
How dangerous?
The wolves are far more dangerous than you know. Transgenderism is dangerous but wolves in the church are even more dangerous. That is why I say the chief threat to American Christianity is not men who identify as women, but wolves who identify as sheep.
-Matthew Henry, in his commentary, said that one false minister inside the church is worse than a thousand enemies outside the church.
-Jesus, when asked about the end of the world, put it quite succinctly: “Take heed that you are not deceived!”
-Wolves are so dangerous that Paul warned about them with tears for three years! “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after themselves. Therefore, watch and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20: 29-31).
Protect yourself and those you love! Learn 5 ways to recognize a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
- They make inappropriate demands about money, pry into relationships, and invade your privacy.
- They tell you God will punish you for leaving their church or for coming out from under their control.
- They will constantly talk about mystical experiences and messages they have received from God. But will discourage you from judging their words by the Bible.
- They will cut you off from your wife, your husband, and other important relationships in your life.
- You begin to feel you cannot make any decisions about your life without their consent and approval.
There is only one way to treat a wolf—run and do not look back. Do not even bother to explain why. Then find a church that operates in the freedom of the Holy Spirit and that is based solidly on the Bible. One that builds up its members, rather than tearing them down.
And to all you wolves out there, here is a stern warning. God hates your works. When you dare to touch the sheep of God, you make yourself His enemy.
Here are the words of Jesus in Luke 17:1-2, “He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.”
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Mario Murillo
Featured Image by Sarah Richter from Pixabay
