Wolves in the church are not a new thing and it will never become an old thing either. We’ve had some brave ones who wield the staff to chase the wolves. One of the Bible teachers even taught to love the sheep and shoot the wolf.
I agree with the idea that we need to guard ourselves from the schemes of the enemy but at the same time, we need to really need to identify who the real wolves are and handle it in the right way.
The last three years in the body of Christ has been more difficult a time in the body of Christ than ever in regards with many new wrong doctrines and schemes that have developed that deceive the innocent.
Before we plan to shoot the wolf, we need to make sure that it is the wolf in the sheep clothing. The problem is that we have too many wrong doctrines that we are exposed to and too many people that take just one aspect of the Bible into extremes. Therefore, making it hard to find a well-balanced doctrine.
But this does not yet make them a wolf in sheep clothing. Just because someone does not do things the way you are familiar with, does not make them a bad person. This has led so many of us into the false spirit of self-righteousness and pride. There are some genuine brothers who are misinformed. All of us can make mistakes and we need to treat each other with love and test the spirit with the Spirit of Christ. Otherwise we would simply pave way to divisions and disunity.
However, sadly, we are in a time such as this that the enemy sows weeds in the body of Christ therefore we must guard ourselves. 1 Timothy 4:1 says, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will depart from the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
The inward motives may not be readily known therefore Jesus did say, “ye shall know them by their fruits.”
Begin by asking yourself these questions:
1. Is the person leading you to or away from Christ?
That is a good place to start wit but the enemy always manipulates the truth therefore claims many ways to the truth and thereby tries to distort them on the way. So we need to know more than just that. Are you encouraged to read the Bible and seek God more?
2. Is the person about himself or Christ?
This does not mean we can find perfect pastors or leaders. We are all in the process of dying and become Christ like but there are times when the focus turns completely from Christ to the person, that is just one step away from the fall.
3. Is the person based on the Word?
God has certainly not given any of us the monopoly of the Word. There are diverse revelations and exposures. But the enemy always tries to manipulate the same. Find out if the teachings are well-founded in the scripture and not just fantasy. Does the teaching line up with the Word of God?
4. What does it produce in the congregation?
Are the fruits of the ministry peace or chaos? Rebellion? Arrogance? Unhealthy spirit of independence? Resisting authority? What we need to see instead is love, patience, long suffering, etc.
5. Does this ministry compliment the work of the local church?
There is a spirit that is not from God that tries to take one from fellowship into isolation. Are you encouraged to flee evil and to pursue love, righteousness and joy with those with a pure heart? (2 Tim 2:22)
In all this please remember, do not let your passion for God and His word let you act in bitterness or self-righteousness. Act with prayer, wisdom and love.
Have you come across any instances of wolves? If yes, how did you identify and handle? Share with us.
