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WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING?
Dedicated to the memory of John Barr. The only man whom I
heard teach much of what I have learned regarding truth versus error.
by Jacques More
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How do you discern a wolf in sheep's clothing?
How can you tell someone who is leading others astray?
What are the signs?
This article arises out of many years of experience and study of the Word.
The most significant experience arose out of 9 years up to 1982 in a fellowship
which eventually stopped gathering. The characteristics of a cult and the
understanding of a real work of deception were the result of this time. So, what
are the signs?
Possible Answer:
The miracles testify to the validity of the Man of God?
There are clear examples of miracles being a sign to vouch for the person as
agent of these being someone the Lord is sending. Moses is a classic case in
point:
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. . . the LORD said to him, ''What is that in your
hand?'' And he said, ''A rod.'' And He said, ''Cast it on the ground.'' So he
cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Then the
LORD said to Moses, ''Reach out your hand and take it by the tail'' (and he
reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), ''that
they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God
of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.'' |
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Exodus 4:2-5 |
| Then there was the sign of his hand becoming leprous and being healed just
by the act of placing it in and out of his cloak.
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Then it will be, if they do not believe you, nor heed
the message of the first sign, that they may believe the message of the latter
sign. |
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Exodus 4:8 |
| And thirdly there was the turning of water into blood (Exodus 4:6-9). Jesus
and the apostles are also recorded as being recognised by the miracles. After
Jesus had healed a man who had been infirm for 38 years He says of the Father
(John 5:1-19):
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. . . the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all
things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that
you may marvel . . . |
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John 5:20 |
| This identifies the healing of the infirm as a 'work'
in Jesus' language. Such that when He says:
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If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe
Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may
know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him. |
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John 10:37-38 |
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Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in
Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. Most assuredly, I
say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and
greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. |
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John 14:11-12 |
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And these signs will follow those who believe: . . .
they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. |
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Mark 16:17-18 |
| Certainly, the working of miracles was a great encourager and a boost to the
confidence of those who witnessed as shown by this prayer of the Church in
Jerusalem:
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. . . grant to Your servants that with all boldness
they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs
and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus. |
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Acts 4:29-30 |
| Are miracles a fool proof method of Recognition?
No. We are clearly told that miracles can happen but that what is taught by
the agent of those miracles is not always to be trusted.
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If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of
dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to
pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ''Let us go after other gods which you
have not known, and let us serve them,'' you shall not listen to the words of
that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to
know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your
soul. |
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Deuteronomy 13:1-3 |
| Also we are told that Jesus Himself could not do many miracles on certain
occasions and as such they could not be used as a means of testifying to His
validity on those occasions. Jesus is ''. . . the truth .
. .'' (John 14:6) and as such what He says is always valid. But the
miracles or lack of them did not always represent His validity.
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. . . He did not do many mighty works there because
of their unbelief. |
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Matthew 13:58 |
| Indeed miracles are shown by the Lord as not a full pointer to the validity
of the person when He says the following about Judgment Day:
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Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall
enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your
name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And
then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practise
lawlessness!' |
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Matthew 7:21-23 |
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Jesus did not deny the miracles; He denied the person who practised
lawlessness. This He spoke immediately after talking about wolves in sheep's
clothing (Verses 15-20). But, before I delve there let's stick with the miracles
a bit longer.
The lack of miracles as shown is not a clear sign of a wolf in sheep's
clothing per se. Neither is the abundance of them a sign that what is taught is
to be fully trusted. They will point to a full gospel being preached, but not to
any inroads the enemy may have in the lives of the individuals concerned. Jesus
commanded His disciples to make more followers and to teach these new believers
to observe everything He had commanded them (Matthew 28:19-20). In the same
gospel we read Jesus' command to:
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Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,
cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. |
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Matthew 10:8 |
| So the Word shows us that while there are followers of Jesus there will be
miracles. But these miracles are a sign of God's faithfulness, not of the
person's trustworthiness. God is a free giver and answers faith.
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. . . though I have all faith, so that I could remove
mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. |
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1 Corinthians 13:2 |
| A good example of this in many individual believers' lives is speaking in
tongues.
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Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. |
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1 Corinthians 13:1 |
| You can speak in tongues and have hate or resentment towards a brother. You
can tell a lie one moment and speak in tongues the next. Because it is a free
gift. An ability God does not take back.
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For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. |
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Romans 11:29 |
| Whether you go on to fulfil that calling or make wise use of these gifts
will depend on your desire for righteousness, not on the gifts and the calling
themselves. A good example of this in scripture is Balaam of whom we are warned
as Christians not to be like (see also Jude 11).
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They have forsaken the right way and gone astray,
following the way of Balaam . . .
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2 Peter 2:15 |
| Balaam was a man who could hear God and who prophesied accurately about
Israel. But, his love for money meant that he taught the enemies of Israel what
to do to cause God to resist the people of Israel by their idolatry and
whoredom.
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. . . Balaam . . . taught . . . to put a stumbling
block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to
commit sexual immorality. |
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Revelation 2:14 |
| And yet he prophesied effectively, and spoke truth of God's nature.
Undisputed scripture came from his lips:
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. . . he took up his oracle and said ' . . . God is
not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should repent. Has He
said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?' |
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Numbers 23:18-19 |
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How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! Your dwellings, O
Israel! Like valleys that stretch out, like gardens by the riverside, like aloes
planted by the LORD . . . |
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Numbers 24:5-6 |
| All good stuff. From a man whose wickedness went on to be a byeword for a
wolf in sheep's clothing in the early church. He could prophesy, but his love
was not in the right place.
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. . . though I have the gift of prophecy, and
understand all mysteries and all knowledge . . . but have not love, I am
nothing. |
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1 Corinthians 13:2 |
| There is a balance to be gained here in that miracles are indicative of
God's activity and can point to the agent as true. Nicodemus said to Jesus:
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Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God;
for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him. |
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John 3:2 |
| They were a cause for people to believe Philip's words and turn to Jesus,
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. . . they believed Philip as he preached the things
concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ . . . and was amazed,
seeing the miracles and signs which were done. |
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Acts 8:12-13 |
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But, since they are not given us as clear signs in scripture to identify
wolves they need to be understood primarily as gifts of God and acts of faith
without necessary reference to what is taught at all times. They are indicative
that faith is present and active, but not that the person or the teaching from
that person are necessarily wholesome in themselves. They are no foolproof
testimony to the person or teachings who is the agent involved with the
miracles.
What does the Bible say is a sign of a wolf?
Jesus said: |
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits . . .
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Matthew 7:15-16 |
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This could be understood to mean that these are people who come from
outside, but Paul makes clear that the very elders of New Testament churches are
included. In his farewell speech to the elders of the church at Ephesus he said:
. . . 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 the disciples after
themselves. |
Acts 20:29-30 |
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From amongst them there would be those who would end up being as wolves in
sheep's clothing. Those in leadership are not excluded. Anyone is in a position
to allow the enemy to affect their life and through this become a wolf within
the church. The only method of recognising these Jesus said is by their fruits.
As explained above it is not the miracles which will help identify them. It is
the fruits. It is not the sound or lack of sound teaching per se. It is the
fruits. Although one such fruit as I will explain is often linked with doctrine.
What fruits?
Possible Answer:
Charitable giving testifies to the validity of the Man of God?
Was Jesus talking about good deeds? Like giving to the poor? No. Since this
is something that can be done without the right heart. It can all be done for
show like the hypocrites Jesus mentioned: |
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. . . do not do your charitable deeds before men, to
be seen by them . . . when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet,
before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they
may have glory from men . . . |
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Matthew 6:1-2 |
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These can be seen as a fruit when you realise the attitude in which they are
done. The deed itself is no proof. But, the desire to give to and help others is
a good fruit when honestly in a self-effacing manner and without show. God loves
a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). But, the regular open declaration that one
does give to the poor is a fruit of an evil heart. It seeks the praise and
recognition of men. |
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. . . the pride of life - is not of the Father but is
of the world. |
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1 John 2:16 |
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This can therefore be seen as a fruit to look out for. For without genuine
love charitable or allegedly generous giving is a sham. |
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. . . though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor .
. . but have not love, it profits me nothing. |
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1 Corinthians 13:3 |
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A good example of this 'show' in giving is Judas Iscariot of whom John wrote
about after Mary had poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet. Just as it was a
problem with Balaam, so it was with Judas Iscariot: |
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. . . Judas Iscariot . . . said, 'Why was this
fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?' This he
said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the
money box; and he used to take what was put in it. |
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John 12:4-6 |
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The handling of money is helpful to identify a fruit of a wolf. The attitude
held and reaction to the gift of others a good indicator of the heart. In fact
the reaction to good news unconnected with your actions is a good indicator of
pride. A faculty always existent in an evil heart. |
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I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall
continuously be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the
humble shall hear of it and be glad. |
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Psalm 34:1-2 |
| The proud shall hear of it and not be glad. This is talking of gladness of
heart. It involves genuine love of the recipient exercising it's joy. The proud
instead will want to add to the story or, qualify it in some way. I have often
found this particular fruit useful to identify and recognise where I am at in
relation to pride. A prayer and a genuine desire to listen and take heed to the
other person the way through. If, on the other hand the fruit is prevalent then
the door is open for the enemy to the heart of the individual concerned.
This tells us that outward show is also not a good indicator of a false
person or teaching. Miracles are not on their own nor is a 'good image' in terms
of being an abundant giver.
THE FRUITS
The fruits that show the wolf in the sheep are those against God's nature. |
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. . . the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality and without hypocrisy. |
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James 3:17 |
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This wisdom displayed in the individual's attitude to life and interaction
with others shows them to be a Son of God. But, what are the visible signs, the
fruits of those who have not this heart?
Isolation
If an individual in your flock, in your care is isolated from others in the
same group because they are treated differently then, this is a clear fruit of a
wolf in sheep's clothing. The wisdom from above quoted above involves being 'without partiality and without hypocrisy'. The acts of
isolating individuals is an act of division of the church and is a work of the
flesh: |
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. . . the works of the flesh are evident . . .
dissensions, heresies . . .
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Galatians 5:19-20 |
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Disagreements are not the same things as dissension. You can disagree and be
in accord with the person. But, any acts of rebellion to cause discord by either
party is a dissension. The leader who isolates for this reason is equally at
fault as the individual who sows his disagreements amongst others. Love has
regard for the other in being a family irrespective of the differences. The
moment either party causes isolation of the other then this fruit is evil if
nothing more than temporary. It is proper to allow for a time of searching or
evaluation, but this needs communicating clearly. Any extensive isolation beyond
a reasonable period reveals the lack of desire for true fellowship on behalf of
the one isolating. A period of say, more than 6 months to realise whether an
individual is to be treated other than you yourself would be treated is not just
unhealthy but wrong. If a spreading of accusation has not occurred then the
individual is for you not against you and to be treated a full member of the
family.
Accusation
This can take the form of accusation of individuals who are being isolated
or other groups unlike your own. This is another classic fruit.
This accusation takes various forms. Mockery is one. Amongst your inner
group the mocking of the individual isolated or, the group other than yours in
sharing with your group are forms of accusation. One denomination or known
grouping of Christians mocking or making fun of another group are effectively
exhibiting a work of the Evil one. |
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. . . that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan
. . . the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night
. . . |
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Revelation 12:9-10 |
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This mocking is a form of slander where self-control (i.e. of the tongue) is
not present.
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. . . unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without
self-control . . . |
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2 Timothy 3:3 |
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This fruit is very apparent when the individual above who has been isolated
or, when the other group is seen to have made a mistake or stumbled in some way.
Due to the feelings within a joke or making fun at the expense of the other
occurs. |
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. . . For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth
speaks. |
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Luke 6:45 |
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If we sought peace with all men then no such mockery would come from our
lips. |
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Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without
which no one will see the Lord. |
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Hebrews 12:14 |
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Exclusivity
This is the fruit of superiority. Pride in believing something you have
makes you fitter than someone else. This may be because of a teaching you
identify with or a practise. This is what idols and heresy do. Not only are
these works of the flesh, but they are directly inspired and encouraged by the
activity of the enemy. Anyone not submitting to this teaching or practise are
isolated. Anyone championing the teaching or practise are praised and given
credence. It is not that they are a fellow believer or family member that they
are treated this way. It is in direct regard to the attitude towards the
activity or belief in question. The moment someone says or declares a doubt
regarding the 'idol' then this person begins to be isolated and this fruit comes
to the fore. With groups this causes a ghetto mentality to subtly develop. A
clique amongst the inner faithful becomes evident. You often end up with a 'high
priest' of this which is being followed. Whereas, |
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Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy;
love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not
seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but
rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things . . .
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1 Corinthians 13:4-7 |
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Although love rejoices in the truth it also believes all things. This is no
reference to believing error or deceit, but to the way others are treated who
themselves do no believe as you do. That is the test. How do you treat those who
are in the Lord's family, but do not believe or practise as you do? Are you
thereby exclusive in your practises?
Control
Control or domination are the fruit of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Jesus
leads His sheep, He does not drive them. He does not order people about, He
invites them to follow. He guides and instructs. And always leaves you with a
choice because He has self-control. He works with you as a partner and a friend.
The leader who leaves no room for partnership, but requires obedience without
mutual understanding practises control. If in isolating someone others connected
with this person are told accusations or directions to not associate with the
individual then, control is occurring. It must not be forgotten that Jesus was
known as a friend of sinners and publicans. |
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The Son of Man . . . a friend of tax collectors and
sinners . . . |
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Matthew 11:19 |
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Such that even if a church were to properly put someone out of their
fellowship they are to play their part in remaining friends. |
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. . . if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the
church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a
heathen and a tax collector. |
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Matthew 18:17 |
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Not forgetting that if in the past some genuine sin had been done, when the
person has truly repented then they are to be reaffirmed. |
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This punishment which was inflicted by the
majority
is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought
rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed
up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to
him. |
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2 Corinthians 2:6-8 (cf. 1 Cor. 5:1-5) |
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Control and exclusivity, let alone isolation prevent such a merciful act.
Due to the room the enemy has in the sheep's clothing through which he manifests
his fruits.
Who are wolves in sheep's clothing?
Well you and me actually. Whenever we open the door to the enemy we are in
practise enabling the production of the fruits mentioned. Regular practise of
these things causes us to become thoroughly deceived and unable to tell the
truth in these areas of our lives. Wolves in sheep's clothing are not wolves who
know they are wolves. They are sheep who do not realise the wolf they have
become. Like the recognition of pride's existence mentioned earlier. These
fruits recognised in any way needs bringing before the Lord to clarify His mind
upon. Does He not say, |
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'Come now, and let us reason together,' Says the
LORD, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow . . . |
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Isaiah 1:18 |
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And John tells us, |
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If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. |
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1 John 1:9 |
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But, before we can really see we need to have our eyes able to see. Talking
with the Lord about all of this is a top priority. |
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I counsel you to . . . anoint your eyes with eye
salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten, Therefore be
zealous and repent. |
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Revelation 3:18-19 |
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I recommend two other articles which are linked to this topic: THE CHARACTERISTICS OF
DECEPTION: Various thoughts which help identify the work of deceiving
spirits in Believers; MAKING AN
IDOL How can you tell if you have an idol?
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Ref. M.013 |
Unless otherwise stated Bible quotes are from the New King James Version |
© copyright Thomas Nelson Inc. 1979,1980,1982. |
© copyright Jacques More 2001. All Rights Reserved. |
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