I have heard so many times Christians make this statement: “it is just too hard to recognize false teachers when they are cunning and sly”. We are warned that they will give "fair speeches" and that they are out to deceive (Romans 16:18). I believe one way that we can identify a wolf is by the smell of sheep on his breath. ALL, wolves have consumed sheep in the sense that they have made followers of Christ become followers of Satan. Christ warns us of the wolves that are among us. (Matthew 7:15) "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Christ goes on to tell us in verses sixteen and twenty that we can recognize these "wolves" by their fruits. How true it is!

Wolves will not spare the flock. Paul warns the elders of Ephesus to protect the Church that has been purchased by the blood of Christ. (Acts 20:28-29) "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."  In verse thirty Paul warns that some wolves will rise from among them.

I do wish that the present day leaders of the church would heed to Paul’s warning, to be ready to protect Christ’s church. Christians need to take these matters seriously if we want the Lord’s church to continue to exist in it’s true to the Bible form. The church is where Satan has formed his work, for he already has claimed the world. In First Peter chapter five and the eighth verse we are warned that Satan is as a roaring lion. The words here ought to be words that every member of the Church has in their minds continually. (I Peter 5:8) "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

You may be asking yourself about all this mentioning of wolves and lions. These are terms used to show how Satan and his workers are predators. We need to treat them the same way that we would treat a predator in the wild. We would keep our distance, as we should in Christianity, and warn others about the dangers that may await them in the presence of these dangerous creatures. (Romans 16:17) "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." We would be prepared to defend ourselves with a weapon, as we should in Christianity. (Ephesians 6:11-17) "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Also, as we would in this situation in the wild, we must be ready to withdraw ourselves from dangerous situations. (I Timothy 6:5) "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself."

In Conclusion, I must share in fear the sentiments of our Lord. (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." Please, before you trust a man try him to see if he is of God (I John 4:1). Perform the ever-valuable "Breathalyzer Test" on those that seem to be wolves!

(Reprinted from “Restoring Bible Truths” May 2001 Issue)