The importance of biblical discernment – April 17, 2016

Matthew 7:15–16a “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.”

From the beginning of the gospel ministry of Jesus, He warns His followers about the threatening influence of false teachers. As false prophets they communicate and minister in ways that are dangerous and destructive. As those disguised to look like sheep, they pretend to be followers of Jesus, but their desires are far from holy and helpful.

There seems to be a good number of people today vying for a voice and for recognition among followers of Jesus, but their motives and intentions are not consistent with the gospel of Jesus. They have a selection of biblical passages arranged to support the views they espouse. They use Christian terminology and speak dogmatically. Yet only occasionally do their steely eyes and glistening fangs appear through the wool of their carefully crafted exterior.

Over time those who are biblically discerning and cautious will start to see the wolf’s display of his or her passion for control and self-centeredness. These well-disguised creatures begin to reveal more and more of their arrogance and desire for power through deception and manipulation. The image and ego of the beast of prey starts to come through the wool of pretense with growing regularity. Those who refuse to fall in line are attacked, some sheep are hurt and a few are separated from the flock and destroyed. This is some of the evidence of a wolf and we should recognize it.

The light of truth needs to be utilized to expose dangerous masqueraders. All accurate teaching will endure the light of consistency and context. It will be born out through lives that are regularly humble and dependent on the gospel of Jesus and flow from hearts that truly care about seeing others find hope, satisfaction and joy in Jesus. Self should be minimized and the grace of Jesus should be maximized.

God can enable us, as followers of Jesus, to be more like the Jews in Berea. When Paul taught them biblical truth, “…they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Acts 17:11

Just because someone sounds impressive, speaks boldly, stands behind a pulpit or lectern, and uses lots of Scripture does not mean what they say should be trusted. You may be a seeing and hearing a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We all need to learn the importance of developing biblical discernment for the glory of God and the good of others!