Wolves in sheep's Clothing
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If only the above were true, then there would be far fewer wolves.
We know those who teach false doctrine are wolves, regardless of what their suit costs.
Those who tell half-truths - wolves.
What about those telling the truth with a vengeful spirit?
What about those telling the truth with an angry spirit?
What about those telling the truth with pride and arrogance?
Those who tell the truth with a wrong attitude can also be a wolf.
Remember when Satan tempted Jesus to turn the stones to bread? Couldn't Jesus actually do that?
Remember when he told Jesus to cast himself down, citing the verses that said the angels have charge of Him to keep Him from casting His feet against a stone?
The verses quoted were true, but the attitude behind them was wrong.
Those who tell the truth in order to start a fight can be a wolf.
Those who tell the truth in order to verbally bash someone can be a wolf.
Those who tell the truth with arrogance and pride to be right can a wolf.
Adding the wrong attitude to the Word of God makes it of none effect.
If we do such things, we're no different than Peter when he tried to protect Jesus by cutting off the high priest's servant's ear.
We know those who teach false doctrine are wolves, regardless of what their suit costs.
Those who tell half-truths - wolves.
What about those telling the truth with a vengeful spirit?
What about those telling the truth with an angry spirit?
What about those telling the truth with pride and arrogance?
Those who tell the truth with a wrong attitude can also be a wolf.
Remember when Satan tempted Jesus to turn the stones to bread? Couldn't Jesus actually do that?
Remember when he told Jesus to cast himself down, citing the verses that said the angels have charge of Him to keep Him from casting His feet against a stone?
The verses quoted were true, but the attitude behind them was wrong.
Those who tell the truth in order to start a fight can be a wolf.
Those who tell the truth in order to verbally bash someone can be a wolf.
Those who tell the truth with arrogance and pride to be right can a wolf.
Adding the wrong attitude to the Word of God makes it of none effect.
If we do such things, we're no different than Peter when he tried to protect Jesus by cutting off the high priest's servant's ear.
Bill, these are the ones I thought of....
2 Cor 11:13-15: ".....For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works"
Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places"
Galatians 1:8-10: "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ"
1 John 4:1: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world"
1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour"
The book of Jude
Acts 20:29-31: "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 the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears"
Wolves that have the appearance of sheep. Since believers are referred to as sheep, it points to the reality that there are a mix of wheat and tares in the congregations. We can't go by appearances, but rather what does the person teach? Paul included himself in the example, because too often people see a leader and assume they can be trusted, but all of them must be tested against the scriptures.
Just like Satan, they like to twist the word of God to support a false gospel!! Don't we see it a lot... for example, the false gospel of faith + works/obedience for salvation.
2 Cor 11:13-15: ".....For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works"
Ephesians 6:12: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places"
Galatians 1:8-10: "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ"
1 John 4:1: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world"
1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour"
The book of Jude
Acts 20:29-31: "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 the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears"
Wolves that have the appearance of sheep. Since believers are referred to as sheep, it points to the reality that there are a mix of wheat and tares in the congregations. We can't go by appearances, but rather what does the person teach? Paul included himself in the example, because too often people see a leader and assume they can be trusted, but all of them must be tested against the scriptures.
Just like Satan, they like to twist the word of God to support a false gospel!! Don't we see it a lot... for example, the false gospel of faith + works/obedience for salvation.
Maybe Jesus had this written so we would do a study on wolf behavior. But given the context of Matt. 7, that doesn't seem to fit.
Isn't the reference to "wolf in Sheep's clothing" about deception? If the wolf had a disguise, we wouldn't know it's a wolf would we?
Jesus just got through saying;
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
So why would people be inclined to follow a path that leads to destruction? Do you think the leaders of this "path" declare "Come follow us on this path to destruction"?
I think not. The leaders of this path are declaring "come follow us on this path to eternal life". They are deceivers. Why would a wolf put on sheep's clothing? To deceive.
The "MANY" who came in Christ's name, taught in Christ's name, gave Jesus the credit for everything they did, were they not deceived?
No, I don't think Jesus made the mention of a wolf in sheep's clothing to teach us about wolves. I think He made the comment to teach us about deceivers.
Isn't the reference to "wolf in Sheep's clothing" about deception? If the wolf had a disguise, we wouldn't know it's a wolf would we?
Jesus just got through saying;
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
So why would people be inclined to follow a path that leads to destruction? Do you think the leaders of this "path" declare "Come follow us on this path to destruction"?
I think not. The leaders of this path are declaring "come follow us on this path to eternal life". They are deceivers. Why would a wolf put on sheep's clothing? To deceive.
The "MANY" who came in Christ's name, taught in Christ's name, gave Jesus the credit for everything they did, were they not deceived?
No, I don't think Jesus made the mention of a wolf in sheep's clothing to teach us about wolves. I think He made the comment to teach us about deceivers.
Those that "bite and devour" others in the body of Christ are acting like wolves. Some may be wolves amongst us or they just may be spiritual babies walking after the flesh caught up in bitterness and biting at others that have a different view of some scriptures than they and their group does.
Sometimes we can think that we are "just defending the little ones" but in reality we are just defending our own and our own group's religious views on a subject and if you are in disagreement - it gives me license to bite and devour you. It gives me license to slander others in the body of Christ. It's the way of the flesh and we are walking like "mere men" Paul says.
Galatians 5:15-16 (NASB)
15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.
[SUP]16 [/SUP] But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
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we Jesus as the narrow gate...just ONE way but He tells us over and over that the broad path that leads to destruction is DECEPTION
and may God have mercy on the deceived because they do not know they are...however, itching ears need to be scratched and if you do not love the truth? enter that well rounded personality known as deceiver...you will be deceived if you love not the truth...that's in the scriptures
Acts 7:48 God's spirit does not dwell in houses made with hands.: So who are these stranger that we know nothing about,, some have come out lamed, broken, hurt, and emotionally tramatized. Full of bite holes, How do we know what spirit other's have, when Jesus said, "YOU shall know them by their fruit, which is the main fruit of Love, gentleness kindness, etc. building one anothe up, not tearing into. So there now you know. YOu shall know them by their fruit. Putting parents down in front of their children, is violence and abuse.
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No we don't need to study the wolf, we need to study the word.
But just saying to know thin things in understanding.
Just as the verse says, "those who wait upon the Lord shall mount up as
eagles they shall run and not be weary.
There's a lot to know about the eagles, since it was used as a bird of strength,
But the real thing here is the aggressive wolf, salvitaiting waiting for the weak one to attack, or the one that looks vulnerable, I wouldn't touch those because God said
Touch not my anointed, For the spirit of the Living God dwells with in us all
to those who believed upon the Son.
Galations 4:6 We cry abba father, and he hears us and deliivers us.
So Wolf be aware, the tables are going to be turned on you by
the Almighty just as they were in the temple as Jesus said,
"My house shall be called a house of prayer."
Not a devouring destructive place for it will turn upon you in much revenge and fury from an angry God, as those tables were turned over by the Son of God.
WEre to encourage one another, not discourage, to bring other's out of the past, and not to keep them there, bringing it up .
But just saying to know thin things in understanding.
Just as the verse says, "those who wait upon the Lord shall mount up as
eagles they shall run and not be weary.
There's a lot to know about the eagles, since it was used as a bird of strength,
But the real thing here is the aggressive wolf, salvitaiting waiting for the weak one to attack, or the one that looks vulnerable, I wouldn't touch those because God said
Touch not my anointed, For the spirit of the Living God dwells with in us all
to those who believed upon the Son.
Galations 4:6 We cry abba father, and he hears us and deliivers us.
So Wolf be aware, the tables are going to be turned on you by
the Almighty just as they were in the temple as Jesus said,
"My house shall be called a house of prayer."
Not a devouring destructive place for it will turn upon you in much revenge and fury from an angry God, as those tables were turned over by the Son of God.
WEre to encourage one another, not discourage, to bring other's out of the past, and not to keep them there, bringing it up .
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I did a study once on the word "deceived" as it is used in scriptures. It helped in my understanding of why Jesus and the Prophets, and His Apostles spent so much time warning about it.
We all have been deceived at one point or another. The problem is not "being" deceived, as much as it is "staying deceived".
Jesus gives us the key on how to receive the truth so as to expose the deceit in our own minds.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
But here comes the deceiver.
Matt. 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
To Deceive means to convince someone of something that isn't true. Like those who are on the broad path, and those who called Jesus "Lord, Lord, in Matt. 7.. Or the Mainstream Preachers in Christ's time who said God their father.
I think this should be one of the most discussed scriptures in the Bible, but I seldom see any reference to it at all. There is only one "many" who come in Christ's Name, who preach that Jesus is truly the Christ and that is "Christianity". Not the Jews, Islam, Buddha, or Atheists. He is specifically speaking about Christianity here? While this is certainly true, not many people are interested in discussing this or even considering it. Jesus also tells us why this is in John 3., but that is a discussion for another time.
Think about this for a minute. We are told that satan disguises itself as "Apostles of Christ", "Ministers of Righteousness", "angels of light". The only God of Abraham Preachers on the planet in Christ's time were satan,s children. Men who had been deceived into "Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men". They were blind, and those who followed them were blind as well. Jesus gave them the Light, but they refused it, believing they already had the light.
Is this not the perfect disguise for the wolf? A massive world wide religion made up of hundreds of sects and different doctrines whose only thing in common is the preaching that we don't have to obey God anymore for salvation. These religions cloth and feed the poor all around the world. Who raise billions of dollars to help the needy. Who can say these religions don't look peaceful, humble, like a sheep.
Yet, Jesus is specifically warning to take heed we are not deceived by them.
Fascinating thread Billy G.
We all have been deceived at one point or another. The problem is not "being" deceived, as much as it is "staying deceived".
Jesus gives us the key on how to receive the truth so as to expose the deceit in our own minds.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
21
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
But here comes the deceiver.
Matt. 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
To Deceive means to convince someone of something that isn't true. Like those who are on the broad path, and those who called Jesus "Lord, Lord, in Matt. 7.. Or the Mainstream Preachers in Christ's time who said God their father.
I think this should be one of the most discussed scriptures in the Bible, but I seldom see any reference to it at all. There is only one "many" who come in Christ's Name, who preach that Jesus is truly the Christ and that is "Christianity". Not the Jews, Islam, Buddha, or Atheists. He is specifically speaking about Christianity here? While this is certainly true, not many people are interested in discussing this or even considering it. Jesus also tells us why this is in John 3., but that is a discussion for another time.
Think about this for a minute. We are told that satan disguises itself as "Apostles of Christ", "Ministers of Righteousness", "angels of light". The only God of Abraham Preachers on the planet in Christ's time were satan,s children. Men who had been deceived into "Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men". They were blind, and those who followed them were blind as well. Jesus gave them the Light, but they refused it, believing they already had the light.
Is this not the perfect disguise for the wolf? A massive world wide religion made up of hundreds of sects and different doctrines whose only thing in common is the preaching that we don't have to obey God anymore for salvation. These religions cloth and feed the poor all around the world. Who raise billions of dollars to help the needy. Who can say these religions don't look peaceful, humble, like a sheep.
Yet, Jesus is specifically warning to take heed we are not deceived by them.
Fascinating thread Billy G.
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absolutely
the fact so many ignore the warnings about deception is also a big concern for me
and you are right about deception
absolutely! and that is what happened to me quite a few years ago...terribly difficult to cut loose from it but God is merciful
the entire time I would waffle between 'this just cannot be God' and 'this has to be God. God would not let me be deceived'
people just do not want to believe it could apply to them
I think they who you will know by their fruits in Matthew 7:15-16, are they in Matthew 7:22-23, to whom the Lord will respond that He who is love, never knew them.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
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I'm sure you mean well, and no doubt believe what you are saying. But Jesus was captured, tortured and murdered brutally by the only God of Abraham preaching people on the planet. Stephen was brutally stoned to death for merely speaking the truth by the same people.
Rev.13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Jesus loved me by warning me of a pernicious power on this earth. A great danger which if not heeded, will cost my life. He warns that this great evil power will look like a sheep in gentleness and meekness. It will look like a minister of righteousness, and it comes in His Name, preaching that Jesus is truly the Christ.
This warning He gave to me got Him killed. I don't take it lightly and wish to pass this warning on to the Brethren. Some will consider, most will not. It is what it is.
Rev.13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Jesus loved me by warning me of a pernicious power on this earth. A great danger which if not heeded, will cost my life. He warns that this great evil power will look like a sheep in gentleness and meekness. It will look like a minister of righteousness, and it comes in His Name, preaching that Jesus is truly the Christ.
This warning He gave to me got Him killed. I don't take it lightly and wish to pass this warning on to the Brethren. Some will consider, most will not. It is what it is.
Good for you 7. I remember the struggle, well over 25 years ago now. Thank God for His Mercy.
It is so simple if people would just trust Him and His Instructions. We won't understand everything, but if we follow what we do understand, Jesus is faithful help us with the rest. As it is written "I believe, help me in my unbelief"
1 Cor. 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
1 Cor. 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
It is certainly a fascinating study this condition called "Deceived". The one who is most deceived is the one who is most convinced they are not.
Good for you 7.
It is so simple if people would just trust Him and His Instructions. We won't understand everything, but if we follow what we do understand, Jesus is faithful help us with the rest. As it is written "I believe, help me in my unbelief"
1 Cor. 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
1 Cor. 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
It is certainly a fascinating study this condition called "Deceived". The one who is most deceived is the one who is most convinced they are not.
Good for you 7.
7
I had not read the post the above quote is from (post 72) but I will comment on the above
touch not mine anointed, is the fear mantra quoted by false prophets and those who do not WANT to believe the onus is on THEM to know the truth
this is deception in and of itself...if God has anointed them, you will answer for your attack...if He has not anointed them, people will be set free from the lies and God will expose what is really going on...false prophets know this
first of all, the verse is only partly quoted, out of context and the writer of the post has added her own thoughts to it which is NOT truth...but adding to the word...that's another danger zone so take note
here is the verse, ripped out of context, to use as a shield to defend the practice of being in awe of those some call anointed
Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm I Chronicles 16:22
an OT verse contained in the story of David ministering before the ark of God...nothing to do with NT instructions or how we are supposed to be Bereans and PROVE what is true and what is truly of God
here is another OT verse that some should pay more attention to:
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD” Proverbs 17:15
God, it would seem, calls those who justify the wicked as an abomination
so you need to decipher which is true and what is not true...you need to study...all of the Bible because that is what it takes to understand the Bible
the end to what the poster wrote...for the spirit of the living God dwells within all of us...is not in the Bible as a reason to just ignore what is false...we are to expose the false...not create additions to scripture...the Holy Spirit would never do that
Hebrews does not really say what you are saying...here is the verse from Hebrews 3:13 with the ending in the Bible ...not the ending that you gave it which again, is making things up the Bible does not say
But encourage one another every day, while it is called today, so that not one of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin
encourage one another in the truth...never in deceit or in forgetfulness or in fake warnings like do not ever say anyone has a false doctrine
there is no excuse and ignorance is the devil's sandbox
and before the above is falsely labelled a personal attack, do we simply ignore additions to scripture and personal interpretations and quoting half a verse so that it sounds like what you personally happen to like while leaving out the part that actually changes what you are saying?
no personal attack...just the complete verses to show how they have been skewed
touch not mine anointed, is the fear mantra quoted by false prophets and those who do not WANT to believe the onus is on THEM to know the truth
this is deception in and of itself...if God has anointed them, you will answer for your attack...if He has not anointed them, people will be set free from the lies and God will expose what is really going on...false prophets know this
first of all, the verse is only partly quoted, out of context and the writer of the post has added her own thoughts to it which is NOT truth...but adding to the word...that's another danger zone so take note
here is the verse, ripped out of context, to use as a shield to defend the practice of being in awe of those some call anointed
Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm I Chronicles 16:22
an OT verse contained in the story of David ministering before the ark of God...nothing to do with NT instructions or how we are supposed to be Bereans and PROVE what is true and what is truly of God
here is another OT verse that some should pay more attention to:
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD” Proverbs 17:15
God, it would seem, calls those who justify the wicked as an abomination
so you need to decipher which is true and what is not true...you need to study...all of the Bible because that is what it takes to understand the Bible
the end to what the poster wrote...for the spirit of the living God dwells within all of us...is not in the Bible as a reason to just ignore what is false...we are to expose the false...not create additions to scripture...the Holy Spirit would never do that
Hebrews does not really say what you are saying...here is the verse from Hebrews 3:13 with the ending in the Bible ...not the ending that you gave it which again, is making things up the Bible does not say
But encourage one another every day, while it is called today, so that not one of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin
encourage one another in the truth...never in deceit or in forgetfulness or in fake warnings like do not ever say anyone has a false doctrine
there is no excuse and ignorance is the devil's sandbox
and before the above is falsely labelled a personal attack, do we simply ignore additions to scripture and personal interpretations and quoting half a verse so that it sounds like what you personally happen to like while leaving out the part that actually changes what you are saying?
no personal attack...just the complete verses to show how they have been skewed
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How would I describe an attempt at being eaten by a wolf?
Jesus loves us all. "You hypocrite, liar"
Jesus spoke to my heart. "It was not Jesus talking to you"
Jesus changed my life and brought forgiveness into my soul. "You liar and deceiver who
is doomed to hell and leading others there."
The intention of the wolf is to destroy the faith of another, to undermine their
confidence and foundations, to suggest what they call a blessing is actually the
enemy speaking to them.
But with such small statements how can anyone actually discern the truth other
than the phrases are bringing glory to Jesus.
But the wolf has desired to destroy the speaker no matter what they say, their
intention is destruction founded on hurt, anger, frustration, revenge and maybe
hatred. They have no love for the target, and encouraging them in the Lord
and discovering more of the word of God is not what comes to their minds.
Jesus loves us all. "You hypocrite, liar"
Jesus spoke to my heart. "It was not Jesus talking to you"
Jesus changed my life and brought forgiveness into my soul. "You liar and deceiver who
is doomed to hell and leading others there."
The intention of the wolf is to destroy the faith of another, to undermine their
confidence and foundations, to suggest what they call a blessing is actually the
enemy speaking to them.
But with such small statements how can anyone actually discern the truth other
than the phrases are bringing glory to Jesus.
But the wolf has desired to destroy the speaker no matter what they say, their
intention is destruction founded on hurt, anger, frustration, revenge and maybe
hatred. They have no love for the target, and encouraging them in the Lord
and discovering more of the word of God is not what comes to their minds.