Wolves In The Church

Two kinds of wolves

EXTERIOR

Acts 20:29 "For I know this that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock."

Notice that they usually wait until the missionary is absent to enter in because they know that the missionary is likely to have discernment to spot them. The phrase "enter in" shows that they are from outside the fellowship. These are usually false cults and can be dealt with by warning the people in advance about what are the current false cults: J.W.S, Mormons, Jesus Only, Church of Christ, etc. These wolves are usually recognizable by name and are therefore not as dangerous as the other kind. Simple instruction to the converts about what groups to watch out for is usually sufficient. Note that Paul spoke about wolves as being a certainty.

INTERIOR

"Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them" Acts 20:30.

These are the most dangerous kind, because they are good christians gone bad, and are already in the church. This kind is therefore the most difficult to detect and deal with.

These are often believers who have pride and ambition in their hearts (James 3:14-16) or are dissatisfied for some reason and then the devil begins to use them to draw away a following after them, rather than after Christ.

Note: Both classes of wolves are usually people who are self-deceived and therefore do not realize that they are wolves.

Why does God allow wolves to come into the church?

"For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you" 1Cor. 11:19.

At no time will you learn more about the people under your charge than when wolves come in. Their loyalties and stabilities will be put to the test. People that you thought were key people, may turn out not to be so. Others that you thought were weak will turn out to be stronger than you thought.

How to recognize wolves

1. They always operate behind the backs of the leaders. Jn. 10:1-2

They will often visit the people in their homes without the permission of the church leaders. They will try to obtain authority or position in the church without going through the leaders. Jesus taught that they come disguised as God's sheep. Mt. 7:15-17.

A simple key basic way to detect them is when they start to steal sheep.

Sheep don't steal sheep. Only wolves do.

2. They are critical of the leaders. 2Jn. 9-10

Everyone has weaknesses in his ministry, buy this does not give people the right to go cutting them down with criticisms. The difficult lies at times in the fact that some of the things that a wolf may say may be true. But this is not justification for undermining the ministry of a person by criticisms, especially to weaker members in the church. Note some things that wolves said about Paul. 2Cor. 10:10

3. They boast of their own spirituality. 2Cor. 10:12.

Note here how Paul sarcastically mocks the spiritual pride of the wolves. They are often comparing themselves with others and the comparisons always seem to turn out in their favor. They frequently claim to have more light on some things than the missionary and may imply that they have more to teach than the missionary. 2Thess. 3:6

4. They tend to provoke divisions. Ro. 16:18 5.

They invariably seek out the weaker believers. Ro. 16:18 Wolves seem to have a kind of internal radar by which they seem to detect the believer. It may be a satanic form of discernment. They will invariably do directly to the weak believer and try to get in their favor.

How to deal with wolves

A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject. Titus 3:10

Rebuking and Rejecting: With nearly any other kind of problem with people, you normally demonstrate patience, compassion and mercy, but not so with wolves. You must show no patience, compassion, or mercy.

Paul's instructions are clear: a wolf does not deserve more than two rebukes before throwing them out. Be very firm with them. Example: A Jesus only comes into your church. He sits quietly and makes no disturbance but after the meeting sidles over to some weak believers. You discover he is getting addresses. You take him apart and warn him. He comes back again another time and does the same. Again you warn him and make it clear that one more offense and you will have to close the door to him. Again he ignores you.

You then tell him to leave and not come back. A warning from the pulpit to the people may be necessary.

Running Interference: The whole church, especially the mature believers should be trained in how to run interference when a wolf enters.

This means simply intercepting the wolf before he or she has an opportunity to get to the weaker ones after the meeting, and engage them in conversation so that they will not have opportunity to do damage. All mature believers in the church should understand that they can be called upon to do interception duty if necessary.

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