Walking With Christ

Subtitle:  How False Teachers Hide in Familiar Clothing

⚓ Floatie:  Entry Point

Matthew 7:15  Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.(ESV)

Wolves don’t growl at the door.  They blend into the flock.  They look like leaders.  They sound like friends.  They quote Scripture, raise their hands, and preach in Jesus’ name.  They don’t deny truth—they disguise it.  And that’s what makes them dangerous.  Because the threat isn’t outside the church.  It’s already on stage.

---

✒️ Forge:  Theological Framework

The Marks of a Wolf

Matthew 24:11  And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.(ESV)

Jesus didn’t say “a few.”

He said many.

False teachers are not fringe—they are mainstream.  And their danger lies not in what they say clearly, but in what they imply, manipulate, or omit.

Three signs of a wolf in wool:

1. Unaccountable — no one can correct them.
2. Untouchable — their platform matters more than their integrity.
3. Unrepentant — even when exposed, they pivot, deflect, or double down.

Paul didn’t just warn about wolves—he named them.  He called them out because souls were at stake.

2 Corinthians 11:13  For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.(ESV)

Sheep Who Defend the Wolves

Sometimes the greatest damage isn’t done by the wolves, but by the sheep who protect them.

• “But look how many people are getting saved.”
• “He’s done so much good!”
• “Nobody’s perfect.”

These are the excuses that let wolves stay hidden and fed.  Jesus didn’t say to pet them.  He said to watch for them.  Discernment is not division.  Accountability is not gossip.  Truth is not toxic.

---

⚒️ Anvil:  Application and Challenge

Check the Fruit, Not the Follower Count

We live in an age where influence is confused with anointing.  If they’re famous, we trust them.  If they’re articulate, we assume they’re wise.  If they’re productive, we believe they’re godly.  But Jesus said:  “You will recognize them by their fruits.” — Matthew 7:16a(ESV)

Not their stage presence.  Not their production value.  Not their partnerships.

Their fruit.

Do they love truth?  Do they confront sin?  Do they make disciples?  Do they live with integrity when no one’s watching?

If the fruit is fake, the root is poisoned.

Are We Following the Shepherd or the Show?

This is the hard part:  Sometimes we follow wolves because we like what they feed us.  Do we want truth?  Or do we want inspiration?  Do we follow because we’re convicted?  Or because we’re entertained?  Wolves thrive when we stop caring where the voice leads, and only care that it sounds good along the way.

---

🔥 Ember:  My Witness

The Moment I Stopped Making Excuses

I once defended a leader I knew had crossed lines.  Not moral collapse—but drift.  Drift in doctrine.  Drift in accountability.  Drift in humility.

I explained it away:  “He’s under pressure.” “He’s just being bold.” “This is just his unique style.”

But deep down, I knew.  I saw the shift.  I felt the control.  And still, I excused it.

Until one day the damage reached someone I loved.  And then I couldn’t lie to myself anymore.  That was the day I stopped defending wolves—even well-dressed ones.

---

The Series Continues

Wolves will always wear wool.  But God gives us eyes to see.  Not to destroy—but to protect.  Not to divide—but to purify.  And in a church culture more impressed with gifts than fruit, it might be time to stop asking, “Does he preach well?” and start asking, “Is this voice leading me to Jesus or to the system?”

1 Thessalonians 5:21–22  (21) but test everything; hold fast what is good.  (22)Abstain from every form of evil.”(ESV)

---

[⚓ Floatie] [✒️ Forge] [⚒️ Anvil] [🔥 Ember] [🌿 Covenant Triumph]
This post follows the Forge Baseline Rule—layered truth for the discerning remnant.