Watch Out For Wolves

“They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” 
Matthew 7:15 (NIV) 

Would you be able to spot a counterfeit $100 bill? The secret isn't studying fakes–it's knowing the real thing inside and out. 

In today’s verse, Jesus warns you to watch out for false teachers. He also cautions you by comparing these false teachers to wolves. But why? 

 A large wolf runs 45 miles without stopping and exerts 1500 pounds of pressure with one bite. They also prey on the vulnerable. Similarly, false teachers relentlessly promote their message and seek out those who will follow without questioning.  

He warns you to be alert and prepared and not to judge based on appearances. How can you recognize these people? 

Jesus tells you in the next verse: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16, NIV) No matter how someone appears, the fruit of a person’s life eventually surfaces in their belief and behavior.  

 Maybe they avoid parts of Scripture they disagree with or consistently manipulate others to get more money and power. Do they reject accountability to any other spiritual leaders? Pay attention to their beliefs and actions, says Jesus, and you can identify them.  

 How do you do this?   

 When the prophet Isaiah warned the children of Israel about false prophets, he counseled them to, “Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” (Isaiah 8:20, NIV) 

Treasury agents are trained to spot counterfeits, not by studying counterfeits; but by studying authentic dollar bills. As you get into God’s Word every day and grow in His Truth, you can learn to identify counterfeit teaching easily.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for the light of Your Word. Help me study and receive Your revelation and truth each day. Then I’ll be able to recognize any false teaching. And give me the grace and wisdom to heed Your warning, Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.