Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing – Then vs Now

Introduction

Jesus gave us a clear and urgent warning, one that still echoes with truth today:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves."— Matthew 7:15 NKJV

This phrase is more than just a metaphor. It was a serious alert to the early church, and it’s even more critical today. Let's break down what it meant then, and how it's showing up now in modern church culture.

Then (Biblical Context)

In the early church, wolves in sheep’s clothing were false teachers and prophets who looked holy on the outside but were corrupt at the core.

They:

• Used persuasive words, but twisted doctrine.

• Desired followers, not to serve them, but to devour them.

• Promised freedom, yet led people back into bondage.

Paul warned the church continually:

“From among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.”— Acts 20:30 AMP

These wolves infiltrated the flock with flattery, manipulation, and a religious façade, but they lacked the Holy Spirit, truth, and love.

They didn’t just deceive people, they disarmed them spiritually by dressing their lies in the sheep’s wool of godly language, false humility, and staged righteousness.

Now (Modern Church Culture)

In today’s church, wolves in sheep’s clothing have simply evolved in style, not substance.

They still:

• Preach a half-truth, which is still a whole lie.

• Appear anointed, but chase influence, platforms, and personal gain.

• Avoid repentance, conviction, and holiness because it won’t "sell."

These modern wolves might:

• Wear designer suits or trending sneakers instead of sandals.

• Have massive social media followings and stage lights.

• Share a gospel that tickles ears but doesn’t transform hearts.

But underneath it all, they are ravenous, consuming people’s loyalty, finances, and spiritual discernment. They sound holy, but they hollow out the faith of those who follow them.

🚨 The Fruit Test

Jesus didn’t say, "You’ll know them by their style or speech." He said:

“You will know them by their fruits.”— Matthew 7:16 NKJV

What is the fruit of their life and message?

Ask yourself:

• Does it lead to repentance?

• Does it produce disciples or dependents?

• Does it glorify Christ or elevate man?

Here’s the truth:

• Wolves can preach well but won’t walk well.

• They can gather crowds, but they won’t build the Kingdom.

• They use God’s name—but deny His power.

Their platform is polished, but their message is powerless. And it leads people into deception, not deliverance.

✊🏽 The Call for the Church Today

This isn’t about attacking people, it’s about protecting the sheep.

Now more than ever, the Church must:

• Discern, not just admire.

• Test, not just trust.

• Study, not just stream.

Discernment is not optional, it’s survival. Don’t judge by charisma, judge by character and consistency.Stay rooted in the Word, not just in a ministry.Submit to the Holy Spirit, not to hype.

Summary Table: Then vs Now

	Then	Now
Appearance	Looked like a prophet	Looks like a pastor/influencer
Goal	Control, deceive, scatter	Brand, influence, manipulate
Message	Twisted scripture, false visions	Self-help gospel, motivational fluff
Fruit	Division, confusion, idolatry	Carnal Christianity, spiritual blindness

Final Words

🔥 Discern the season. Test the fruit. Expose the wolves. Follow the Shepherd. We don’t need more smooth talkers. We need truth walkers.We need bold shepherds who will lay down their lives for the flock, not wolves who feed on it.

Let the Word be your mirror, the Spirit be your guide, and truth be your anchor