“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” — Matthew 7:15 (NKJV)
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 11:13 (NKJV)
Not everyone who appears to belong to God truly represents Him. Some people can speak convincingly about the Bible, use Christian language, and appear godly while leading others away from the truth.
Think about counterfeit money. Bank tellers and shopkeepers learn to recognise genuine banknotes so they can identify counterfeits. In the same way, we need to know God’s Word and understand the character of Jesus so we can recognise when something does not reflect Him.
The Bible warns us that people can have “a form of godliness” while denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). As we grow in our understanding of Scripture, we develop discernment and learn to distinguish between what is genuine and what only appears to be genuine (Hebrews 5:14).
Some people may say that identifying false teachers or harmful spiritual leaders is judgmental. However, Jesus Himself warned us to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing. We are not called to judge someone’s heart as though we know everything about them, but we are called to recognise the fruit of their lives and teachings. 2 Timothy 3:2–5 describes people who are selfish, proud, unloving, and deceptive, yet may still appear religious. Look at the Pharisees, whom Jesus rebuked as a ‘brood of vipers’ (Matthew 23:33 NKJV).
In our midst, we have ferocious wolves, not sparing the sheep! They haven’t come to play games. As agents of the enemy, sometimes unwittingly, they are used by Satan to work through deception. False teachers who infiltrate the church can become instruments of deception, seeking to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).
We must not assume that someone is a committed Christian simply because they claim to believe, speak Christian language, or know biblical principles. What matters is whether their faith is reflected in their character and conduct. The Bible also tells us that Satan can transform himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Evil does not always look evil; sometimes it disguises itself as goodness and righteousness.
Let us not naively close our eyes to the reality that wolves can be found within our churches. We must not assume that everyone who claims to represent God truly does so. Jesus warned us about deception because He wants us to remain watchful, grounded in His Word, and able to recognise the difference between genuine godly character and a convincing outward appearance—a shiny veneer with rotten fruit hidden inside, just like some fruit at the supermarket. As Jesus warned us in Matthew 7:20, we will know them by their fruits.
So, what should we look out for? Here are 3 ways to recognise a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
1. When Those in Spiritual Authority Lead Others to Stumble
Those who teach God’s Word carry a serious responsibility. A pulpit should be used to explain Scripture faithfully and point people towards Jesus, not to manipulate others, build a personal following, or promote someone’s own interests or agenda.
A person can quote Scripture and still twist its meaning. They may use Bible verses to justify their behaviour, pressure people into doing what they want, or discourage questions that might expose their wrongdoing.
They may also present their own opinions, beliefs, or agenda as though they are in line with God’s Word, using the language of love, compassion, or acceptance to make their teaching sound right. But something does not become biblical simply because it is presented as loving or spoken with sincerity.
A preacher who wants to please everyone but consistently avoids addressing repentance, sin, forgiveness and the need for salvation is neglecting something central to the biblical message. Jesus Himself preached, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’ (Matthew 4:17, NKJV). He commanded His disciples to preach repentance, and they did so (Mark 6:12). The Gospel was never meant to be watered down to win people’s approval. The Church has a responsibility to proclaim God’s truth faithfully and point people to Jesus Christ, because people’s souls matter.
We must be willing to examine what is being taught against Scripture, even when the person teaching it is respected, persuasive, or widely admired. We must not allow a spiritual leader’s interpretation to take the place of God’s Word, or follow a teaching simply because we are made to feel that questioning it is unloving.
When we need clarity or discernment concerning a situation or a person, we should seek the Lord through prayer and fasting. Our focus must be on God, not on people. As we draw near to Him and seek His wisdom, we can ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding and help us discern truth from error. We must remain grounded in God’s Word, testing what we believe we have discerned against Scripture. Jesus said, ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:33, NKJV). The Holy Spirit will give us revelation, and lead us into all truth ( John 16:13 NKJV). This reminds us that our priority must be to seek God and His righteousness above all else, trusting Him for guidance as we remain faithful to His Word, and this will build us up in the spirit.
Jesus said, ‘Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven’ (Matthew 7:21, NKJV). He also asked, ‘But why do you call Me “Lord, Lord,” and not do the things which I say?’ (Luke 6:46, NKJV). Calling Jesus Lord means little if our lives and teachings contradict His Word. An outward appearance of spirituality is no guarantee of genuine obedience to Christ.
Paul warned that some people deceive others with smooth words and flattering speech: ‘For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple’ (Romans 16:18, NKJV).
Jesus also gave a serious warning about causing others to stumble (Matthew 18:6). James 3:1 reminds us that teachers will face stricter judgment, while the Bereans in Acts 17:11 were commended for examining the Scriptures to check whether what they were being taught was true.
No spiritual leader is above God’s Word. We should respect genuine leadership, but we must never allow a person’s position, reputation, or confidence to replace the authority of Scripture.
2. Wolves Live for the Love of Power Rather Than the Power of Love
Jesus taught His disciples that leadership in His kingdom should look very different from the way worldly authority is often used.
“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” — Matthew 20:26 (NKJV)
A godly leader understands that authority is a responsibility to serve others, not an opportunity to control them. Their aim should be to help people grow in faith, not to make people dependent on them or afraid to question them.
Wolves, however, may use their position to intimidate, silence, or control others. They may use guilt, spiritual threats, or fear to get their way. They may discourage people from asking questions, raising concerns, or seeking accountability.
As their power grows, some may begin to act as though their position places them beyond question. They may expect blind obedience, treat their own opinions as the final authority, and behave as though nobody has the right to challenge them. Because people may fear the consequences of speaking up, these leaders can become increasingly confident that they can say or do whatever they please without being held accountable.
They may lord it over those under their authority rather than serve them in love. Instead of recognising that leadership carries a serious responsibility before God, they may treat people as subjects who must obey them and accept their agenda without question, even when it conflicts with Scripture. Those who agree with them may be praised as loving and accepting, while those who stand by God’s Word may be ostracised, labelled unloving, or accused of lacking compassion. In this way, their position becomes a source of personal power rather than an opportunity to serve, and obedience to the leader’s views can take precedence over faithfulness to God’s Word.
Yet the true character of a person is often revealed when that power is questioned. Someone who appears gentle and caring while others agree with them may react very differently when challenged, corrected, or told no. They may respond with anger, humiliation, intimidation, manipulation, or retaliation. What once looked like confidence may reveal itself as a refusal to accept correction.
A sweet tongue can hide sharp teeth. Wolves in sheep’s clothing may appear kind, generous, sincere, and trustworthy. They may know exactly what to say to gain people’s confidence, while their actions reveal a desire to dominate. They may appear loving in public but treat people very differently behind closed doors.
Pay attention to how someone responds when things do not go their way. Can they listen to another point of view? Can they admit when they are wrong? Are they willing to apologise and make things right when they have hurt someone? Or do they repeatedly use their authority, charm, or spiritual standing to silence others and avoid responsibility?
Healthy spiritual leadership welcomes appropriate questions and accountability. A leader who genuinely wants to honour God should be willing to have their teaching and conduct examined in the light of Scripture.
This does not mean that every disagreement with a leader is evidence of wrongdoing. We all have different personalities and may sometimes misunderstand one another. Everyone can fail, and genuine Christians need correction too. The concern is a persistent pattern of behaviour, especially when a person refuses to take responsibility or continues to hurt others despite being made aware of the harm.
Jesus said we would recognise people by their fruit (Matthew 7:20). Fruit takes time to grow, so it is important to look at a person’s conduct over time rather than relying on first impressions. Religious language cannot excuse harmful behaviour. Neither can a person’s knowledge of Scripture, public image, or apparent sincerity.
We should pay particular attention to how people in positions of authority treat those who have less power, those who disagree with them, and those who can offer them nothing in return.
The important question is not simply whether someone holds a leadership position, but how they use that authority and whether their conduct reflects the character of Christ. True spiritual authority does not make a person untouchable. It calls them to greater humility, greater accountability, and greater love.
3. Wolves Can Look More Like Sheep Than the Sheep Themselves
Sometimes those who deceive are so convincing that they appear more like genuine sheep than the sheep themselves. They may be charming, generous, helpful, respectable, and trusted by the very people they intend to deceive. Their outward appearance may give no obvious indication of the harm they are capable of causing.
This is precisely why discernment is so important. Deception does not always arrive looking dangerous. Sometimes it comes through someone who appears exceptionally kind, caring, and trustworthy.
Jesus warned: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” — John 10:10 (NKJV) In the context of this passage, Jesus contrasts the thief with Himself as the Good Shepherd, who gives abundant life and lays down His life for the sheep. His warning reminds us of the destructive intentions of those who prey upon God’s people.
To gain access to those they intend to exploit, deceptive individuals may first seek to establish trust, build relationships, and create a favourable reputation. They may cultivate the confidence of those around them so successfully that, when concerns eventually emerge, others struggle to believe that anything could be wrong.
We see a particularly serious illustration of this in the grooming tactics used by some child abusers. An abuser may deliberately build trust with a child while also cultivating relationships with parents, caregivers, and the wider community. By appearing kind, helpful, and respectable, they may establish a reputation that makes it harder for others to recognise warning signs or take a child’s disclosure seriously.
When a child finally speaks about what has happened, those around them may respond with disbelief: “But they are such a nice person!” or “How dare you say such a thing about them?” The adult’s reputation may be defended while the child’s disclosure is dismissed or questioned. The case of Jimmy Savile is a sobering example. For years, his public image as a popular entertainer and charity fundraiser helped him gain the trust of others, while some victims who spoke about their experiences were not believed or taken seriously. His case is a sobering reminder that a person’s public image can conceal serious wrongdoing, and that those who speak up must not be dismissed simply because the person they accuse is popular, respected, or influential.
A person can be well-liked, trusted, and outwardly respectable while behaving very differently in private. Concerns must be heard and assessed carefully, and those who disclose abuse must not be dismissed simply because the accused person appears charming or respectable.
Although child abuse and spiritual deception are different forms of wrongdoing, this example illustrates an important principle: the ability to gain people’s trust is not, in itself, proof of good character, and a favourable reputation must never be allowed to replace careful examination of the evidence.
The same principle applies in church settings. A leader may be charismatic, generous, persuasive, hospitable and admired by the congregation. Yet none of these qualities, on their own, proves that their teaching is sound or their conduct beyond question. A respected leader’s position, popularity, or years of service should not automatically outweigh concerns raised by someone who says they have been harmed.
This does not mean that every accusation should automatically be accepted as true. Concerns should be handled fairly, responsibly, and with care for everyone involved. But neither should concerns be dismissed simply because the person being questioned is admired or influential.
Church leaders have a responsibility to protect vulnerable people, take concerns seriously, and ensure that appropriate accountability is in place. Protecting a reputation must never become more important than seeking truth and addressing wrongdoing.
People who speak up deserve to be listened to fairly, without being automatically labelled bitter, rebellious, or divisive. Sometimes the person raising the concern is the very person who needs protection and support.
Paul warned that false apostles could disguise themselves as apostles of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). The danger lies precisely in the disguise: outward appearances can persuade people to trust someone without adequately examining what that person teaches or does.
We must therefore avoid two errors. We must not assume that someone is guilty simply because a concern has been raised, but neither must we assume that someone is innocent simply because they appear kind, respectable, or godly, and are of high standing. We must listen carefully, examine the evidence, and take credible concerns seriously.
A convincing disguise can deceive those who judge by appearances alone. Spiritual discernment requires us to look beyond reputation and examine the truth, the conduct, and the fruit.
When It Is Time to Walk Away
There may come a time when we need to leave a church or congregation because harmful teaching, serious wrongdoing, or destructive behaviour is being tolerated rather than addressed.
Our first allegiance must be to Jesus Christ, not to a denomination, priest or pastor, or ministry. No institution or leader should be placed above the authority of God’s Word.
Psalm 1 warns us about the company we keep and the counsel we follow. We should be careful about remaining in an environment where deceit, slander, intimidation, or ungodly teaching is repeatedly encouraged or excused.
This does not mean that every disagreement is heresy or that every mistake means we should leave a church. No congregation is perfect, and all Christians need grace, correction, and growth.
However, if serious concerns become a pattern and those responsible show no willingness to address them, we may need to seek fellowship elsewhere. Remaining in a harmful environment simply because we have been there for years, respect a particular leader, or fear what others might think is not always the right choice.
Leaving an unhealthy church does not mean leaving God. We can seek a fellowship where Scripture is respected, leaders are accountable, and people are encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ.
We can also pray for those who remain, asking God to protect them, open their eyes to the truth, and lead those responsible for wrongdoing to genuine repentance.
Leave Vengeance to God and Keep Your Heart Right Before Him
When we have been deceived, mistreated, or hurt by people who claim to represent God, it is natural to feel angry or upset. We may want others to know what happened, or we may long to see those responsible face consequences.
The Bible does not ask us to pretend that wrongdoing does not matter. It does, however, warn us against taking personal vengeance. “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” — Romans 12:19 (NKJV)
We can seek truth, report wrongdoing, protect others, and pursue appropriate accountability without allowing bitterness or revenge to take control of our hearts. Justice and accountability are not the same as personal vengeance.
We should also pray that those who have deceived, manipulated, or harmed others will recognise their wrongdoing, genuinely repent, and come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus said: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32 (NKJV)
God’s truth can expose deception and bring freedom to those who have been misled. It can also correct us when we need to change. James reminds us: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” — James 1:22 (NKJV)
It is not enough to know what the Bible says. We must allow God’s Word to shape how we live, how we treat others, and how we respond when we are wrong. We should regularly ask the Holy Spirit to examine our own motives, thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It is easy to focus on the faults of others while overlooking areas in our own lives that need correction.
David prayed: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10 (NKJV) That is a prayer we can all make our own.
In Matthew 13:24–30 and 36–43, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the tares. The parable reminds us that not everyone who appears to belong among God’s people is necessarily genuine, and that the final judgment belongs to Him.
We must therefore remain discerning without becoming proud, suspicious of everyone, or eager to condemn. We are called to recognise harmful fruit, hold fast to truth, and leave the final judgment of hearts to God.
Forgiveness does not mean excusing wrongdoing, denying what happened, or allowing someone to continue harming us. We can forgive while maintaining boundaries, seeking accountability, and protecting ourselves and others from further harm. Our aim should be to walk in truth, seek what is right, and keep our hearts free from hatred and vengeance.
May God give us the wisdom to recognise deception, the courage to stand for truth, and the humility to allow His Word to correct us. May He comfort those who have been hurt, protect those who are vulnerable, and lead those who have been misled back to the truth. And may those who have caused harm come to genuine repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Look Beyond the Disguise
Jesus warned us about wolves in sheep’s clothing not to make us suspicious of everyone, but to help us understand that deception is real and discernment matters.
Let us remain grounded in God’s Word, humble enough to examine our own hearts, and willing to seek God’s wisdom and correction.
May we have the courage to stand for truth, the compassion to care for those who have been hurt, and the wisdom to recognise when something is wrong.
Above all, may we protect the vulnerable, support those who speak up about wrongdoing, and remember that our loyalty belongs first to Jesus Christ and His truth.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, please give us wisdom and discernment to recognise what is true and what is false. Help us to see beyond outward appearances and to judge teaching and behaviour according to Your Word.
Protect those who are vulnerable and comfort those who have been hurt or misled. Give them courage, support, and the opportunity to find healing. Lead those who have been harmed away from unhealthy environments and into fellowship where Your Word is faithfully taught and people are treated with love and respect.
Help us to forgive without excusing wrongdoing, to seek accountability without pursuing vengeance, and to trust You as the righteous Judge. Search our own hearts, correct whatever is not pleasing to You, and help us to become doers of Your Word rather than hearers only.
Please lead those who have deceived or harmed others to genuine repentance. Open their eyes to the truth and draw them to salvation through Jesus Christ.
Keep us faithful to You, grounded in Your Word, and guided by Your Holy Spirit. May our lives reflect the character of Jesus, and may we always stand for truth with humility, courage, and love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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This is the revised article By Leslie Vernick at Christian Counselling
