January 29, 2025
Adrian Rogers
Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:15-23
Wolves are the most dreaded and hated enemy of the shepherd because of their danger and deception.
Matthew 7:15-16a says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits…”
It is wise to heed to the Lord’s warning about false prophets and to beware of wolves that come to us in sheep’s clothing.
Wolves come disguised in sheep’s clothing, appearing to be part of the flock. Jude 11 mentions three wolves found in Scripture: Cain, Balaam and Korah.
Cain represents those who pervert the Gospel.
In Genesis 4, Cain murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy. Abel, who understood the things of God, pleased Him with a blood sacrifice. Cain did not understand the things of God, and instead, brought the fruit of the ground (his own efforts).
Balaam represents those who prostitute the Gospel.
In Numbers 22-25, the very gifted prophet Balaam exploited the message of God for his personal advantage. This story isn’t about paying vocational ministers; rather it is a warning to those who will do anything for personal gain.
Korah represents those who protest the Gospel.
In Numbers 1, Korah did not respect the authority of God’s appointed prophet and priest. He rallied others to defy the prophetic message and priestly mediator. False prophets seek to replace the truth with false religion, but like Korah, they stand on shaky ground; God is not pleased and will not be replaced.
No matter how beautiful the tree is, there is no hiding bad fruit. Likewise, a false prophet can only deceive for so long before the fruits of his life reveal what’s inside.
Adrian Rogers says, “It is the root that determines the fruit, but it’s the fruit that reveals the root.”
Miraculous performances and good works do not replace scriptural truth. If a teacher does not teach from Scripture, he is teaching in vain. We must get in God’s Word and stand on it, so we will not be deceived.
Adrian Rogers gives us five things to remember, to make ourselves aware of wolves:
