Jesus said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-17) When divisions come, which fruit is sour and which is sweet can be determined (18). The Holy Spirit says through Paul, “No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you has God’s approval.” (19)
The selfish problem of these wolves in sheep’s clothing was exposed during the Lord’s Supper in the Corinthian congregation, which, in the early church, was a full meal, as it was at the Last Supper. The wolves did not allow the poor in the congregation, whom they were responsible for, to have food and they themselves got drunk (21). The rich wolves humiliated and isolated the poor, thus exposing their hypocrisy (Ezekiel 34:7-10). Jude wrote, “These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm–shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted–twice dead.” (Jude 1:12) They promise relief, but do not deliver.
The Spirit through Apostle Peter promises, “They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.” (2 Peter 2:13) Jesus warns us, “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many… and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:11-13) Consider also the warnings of Acts 20:29-30, Galatians 1:6-9, Philippians 3:2, Colosians 2:4, 8, 18, 20-23; 2 John 7-11; Jude 3-4. These wolves are from within, not without. Be alert.
