Marie and I were talking about problems in the local church and discussing the events of the day between catching up with emails and Facebook messages when we came across an interesting blog site.

The writer, discussing false teachers and "wolves" within the church, made the point that because "Satan is continually trying to undo what God is doing... we know that Satan is also at work in the church.  Jesus warned us about such people when He said, 'Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves'” (Matthew 7:15, NIV)."

He went on to ask:  "So what do these wolves look like?

1. Wolves gossip. They go around talking about people they are offended with and don'’t actually talk to the person they are offended by. This may involve lies and slander. Always beware of those who gossip. They are bad news.  (2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 2:3; i John 4:20)

2. Wolves are easily offended. (Proverbs 18:19; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)

3. Wolves misuse the scriptures. (2 Timothy 4:3; 2 Peter 2:1-2, 12)

4. Wolves speak against the spiritual authority God has placed over the church. ... (2 Peter 2:10)

5. Wolves are always right. They have the attitude: “it is my way or the highway.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 2:14)

6. Wolves are argumentative.  It is as if they look for fights. (Proverbs 18:19)

7. Wolves do not seek all the information needed to make a decision.  They will only listen to what supports their opinion. (2 Timothy 4:3)

8. Wolves vie for power. (2 Peter 2:14, 19)

9. Wolves undermine the work of the church as commanded by Jesus, to make disciples through discipleship and evangelism. (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Peter 2:1-2, 12)

10. Wolves are unwilling to admit when they are wrong and never apologize or ask for forgiveness. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

11. Wolves are proud. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)"

As Christians, we need to be constantly on the look out for false teachers and for those who would destroy the Lord's Church from within.

May God help us grow and thrive as His people.