If you have seen or been following my posts over the last few weeks you know that I lead the Bible Study at Christ Church Los Angeles, and that we are studying the book of 2 Peter. In this letter Christians in Asia Minor, which is believed to have been written sometime in 67 AD, Peter warns them against the deceitfulness of false teachers (including those who scoff at the idea of the Lord returning).
II Peter 2:1-3 NKJV [1] But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. [2] And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. [3] By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. (emphasis mine)
2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV [8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (emphasis mine)
II Peter 3:17-18 NKJV [17] You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; [18] but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (emphasis mine)
We have learned that these people are arrogant, they are driven by sinful desires, they are corrupt. They show contempt for authority, both human and divine. They disrespect heavenly beings, including angels and possibly even Christ himself.
Jesus also warned us to watch out for false prophets or religious teachers who will attempt to infiltrate the church and lead believers astray through bad doctrine, greedy living, or a spirit contrary to God’s.
Matthew 7:15-20 NKJV [15] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. [16] You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? [17] Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (emphasis mine)
The church today must heed these warnings because as Peter wrote;
II Peter 2:1 NKJV But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
Here are five tell-tale signs of what Jesus called “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” as shared in an article written by Cindi McMillian a contributing writer for Crosswalk.com
II Peter 2:1-3 NKJV [1] But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. [2] And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. [3] By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. (emphasis mine)
2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV [8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (emphasis mine)
II Peter 3:17-18 NKJV [17] You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; [18] but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. (emphasis mine)
We have learned that these people are arrogant, they are driven by sinful desires, they are corrupt. They show contempt for authority, both human and divine. They disrespect heavenly beings, including angels and possibly even Christ himself.
Jesus also warned us to watch out for false prophets or religious teachers who will attempt to infiltrate the church and lead believers astray through bad doctrine, greedy living, or a spirit contrary to God’s.
Matthew 7:15-20 NKJV [15] “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. [16] You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? [17] Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (emphasis mine)
The church today must heed these warnings because as Peter wrote;
II Peter 2:1 NKJV But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
Here are five tell-tale signs of what Jesus called “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” as shared in an article written by Cindi McMillian a contributing writer for Crosswalk.com
5 Tell-Tale Signs of a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
1. Their lives don’t exhibit the fruits of the Spirit.
When Jesus warned us to be on the lookout for false teachers, he said:
Matthew 7:16-20 NASB2020 [16] You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? [17] So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] So then, you will know them by their fruits.
Every believer, especially those who lead should have characteristics of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Those characteristics are identified as the Fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-24 NASB2020 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [24] Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If this fruit is lacking, there is no evidence of the Holy Spirit in that person’s life, and they are a wolf in sheep's clothing
2. They are unwilling to submit to leadership or accountability.
Do you have a pastor or teacher in your church (or on your preferred televangelist or favorite YouTube channel) who insists on their way or the highway? Scripture describes false teachers as those who “despise authority”
2 Peter 2:10 AMPC And particularly those who walk after the flesh and indulge in the lust of polluting passion and scorn and despise authority. Presumptuous [and] daring [self-willed and self-loving creatures]! They scoff at and revile dignitaries (glorious ones) without trembling,
Jesus said to be a leader, we must first be a servant.
Matthew 20:25-28 NASB2020 [25] But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. [26] It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, [27] and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Even senior pastors, top evangelists, and popular preachers are called to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21 NIV) and remain under the umbrella of leadership by church elders, denomination leaders, and ultimately Christ Himself.
Ephesians 5:15-21 NASB2020 [15] So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, [16] making the most of your time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. [18] And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; [20] always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; [21] and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ. (emphasis mine)
The leader or teacher who is not open to accountability and fine-tuning from others does not possess the servant's heart that a shepherd and representative of Christ should have. If your teacher or pastor is all about his or her authority and rule and doesn’t understand servant leadership, it’s possible they are a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
1. Their lives don’t exhibit the fruits of the Spirit.
When Jesus warned us to be on the lookout for false teachers, he said:
Matthew 7:16-20 NASB2020 [16] You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? [17] So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] So then, you will know them by their fruits.
Every believer, especially those who lead should have characteristics of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Those characteristics are identified as the Fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-24 NASB2020 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [24] Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If this fruit is lacking, there is no evidence of the Holy Spirit in that person’s life, and they are a wolf in sheep's clothing
2. They are unwilling to submit to leadership or accountability.
Do you have a pastor or teacher in your church (or on your preferred televangelist or favorite YouTube channel) who insists on their way or the highway? Scripture describes false teachers as those who “despise authority”
2 Peter 2:10 AMPC And particularly those who walk after the flesh and indulge in the lust of polluting passion and scorn and despise authority. Presumptuous [and] daring [self-willed and self-loving creatures]! They scoff at and revile dignitaries (glorious ones) without trembling,
Jesus said to be a leader, we must first be a servant.
Matthew 20:25-28 NASB2020 [25] But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. [26] It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, [27] and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; [28] just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Even senior pastors, top evangelists, and popular preachers are called to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21 NIV) and remain under the umbrella of leadership by church elders, denomination leaders, and ultimately Christ Himself.
Ephesians 5:15-21 NASB2020 [15] So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, [16] making the most of your time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. [18] And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; [20] always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father; [21] and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ. (emphasis mine)
The leader or teacher who is not open to accountability and fine-tuning from others does not possess the servant's heart that a shepherd and representative of Christ should have. If your teacher or pastor is all about his or her authority and rule and doesn’t understand servant leadership, it’s possible they are a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
3. They lack humility.
False teachers seek to elevate their own name and position over that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Is your leader or favorite online preacher in a competition with the next pastor or evangelist or podcaster? Or is his attitude that Jesus must become greater, and they must become less?
When John the Baptist’s followers were concerned that more people were beginning to follow Jesus than him, John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease”.
John 3:25-30 NASB2020 [25] Then a matter of dispute developed on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. [26] And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.” [27] John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven. [28] You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ [29] He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease. (emphasis mine)
Is the elevation of Christ and their gospel more of a priority than the increase of their own platform or level of influence and authority?
If they are true, the Lord will exalt them.
James 4:10 NASB2020] Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Self-exaltation is not God’s way. Here’s what Jesus said;
Luke 9:23-25 NASB2020 [23] And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. [24] For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, this is the one who will save it. [25] For what good does it do a person if he gains the whole world, but loses or forfeits himself? (emphasis mine)
Paul adds.
Galatians 2:20 NASB2020 ] I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (emphasis mine)
If anyone has more of a power-hungry ego than a servant’s heart, it is a tell-tale sign that he or she is not a true representative of Christ, and a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
4. They don’t adhere to godliness.
Scripture holds an extremely high standard for leaders in the church.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 NASB2020 [1] It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. [2] An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, [3] not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. [4] He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [5] (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), [6] and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil. [7] And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.
According to that list of qualifications, every leader in the church must live above the level of reproach and if that means there is an ungodly level of materialism, financial mismanagement, immodest living, recklessness, or not managing one’s own household well, it’s possible that leader isn’t qualified to teach or be in a place of influence, or they are a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
5. They lack a spirit of love.
Would God’s command for teachers and leaders be less of a standard than He gives to you and me? I don’t think so. Here’s the standard for all believers.
Ephesians 5:1-5 NASB2020 [1] Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; [2] and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. [3] But sexual immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints; [4] and there must be no filthiness or foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. [5] For this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, which amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
An idolater is anyone who loves and worships anything more than God. And a false teacher is anyone who loves anything more than God and the people he’s been entrusted to shepherd. If an influential teacher or leader loves himself more than God or people, his ministry more than God or people, his money, possessions, secrets, or lifestyle more than integrity before God and people, he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
It is vitally important that we remain steadfast in the true knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and avoiding the allure of false doctrines and sinful indulgence, through the study of God’s word, the Bible, and we can be confident in His word because of the divine inspiration and certainty of Scripture. Scripture is God’s Word it is not human speculation.
2 Peter 1:19-21 NIV [19] We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. [20] Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
False teachers seek to elevate their own name and position over that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Is your leader or favorite online preacher in a competition with the next pastor or evangelist or podcaster? Or is his attitude that Jesus must become greater, and they must become less?
When John the Baptist’s followers were concerned that more people were beginning to follow Jesus than him, John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease”.
John 3:25-30 NASB2020 [25] Then a matter of dispute developed on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. [26] And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.” [27] John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven. [28] You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ [29] He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease. (emphasis mine)
Is the elevation of Christ and their gospel more of a priority than the increase of their own platform or level of influence and authority?
If they are true, the Lord will exalt them.
James 4:10 NASB2020] Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Self-exaltation is not God’s way. Here’s what Jesus said;
Luke 9:23-25 NASB2020 [23] And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. [24] For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, this is the one who will save it. [25] For what good does it do a person if he gains the whole world, but loses or forfeits himself? (emphasis mine)
Paul adds.
Galatians 2:20 NASB2020 ] I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (emphasis mine)
If anyone has more of a power-hungry ego than a servant’s heart, it is a tell-tale sign that he or she is not a true representative of Christ, and a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
4. They don’t adhere to godliness.
Scripture holds an extremely high standard for leaders in the church.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 NASB2020 [1] It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. [2] An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, [3] not overindulging in wine, not a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. [4] He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [5] (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), [6] and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil. [7] And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.
According to that list of qualifications, every leader in the church must live above the level of reproach and if that means there is an ungodly level of materialism, financial mismanagement, immodest living, recklessness, or not managing one’s own household well, it’s possible that leader isn’t qualified to teach or be in a place of influence, or they are a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
5. They lack a spirit of love.
Would God’s command for teachers and leaders be less of a standard than He gives to you and me? I don’t think so. Here’s the standard for all believers.
Ephesians 5:1-5 NASB2020 [1] Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; [2] and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. [3] But sexual immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints; [4] and there must be no filthiness or foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. [5] For this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, which amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
An idolater is anyone who loves and worships anything more than God. And a false teacher is anyone who loves anything more than God and the people he’s been entrusted to shepherd. If an influential teacher or leader loves himself more than God or people, his ministry more than God or people, his money, possessions, secrets, or lifestyle more than integrity before God and people, he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
It is vitally important that we remain steadfast in the true knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and avoiding the allure of false doctrines and sinful indulgence, through the study of God’s word, the Bible, and we can be confident in His word because of the divine inspiration and certainty of Scripture. Scripture is God’s Word it is not human speculation.
2 Peter 1:19-21 NIV [19] We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. [20] Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
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