Imagine if you will, the following scenario:
A shepherd guarding his sheep observes a wolf among the flock cloaked in sheepskin. He stands up and yells “Wolf! Wolf! Run! Run!” And immediately the sheep begin to scatter, but not all. A small group turn to the sheep dog and, with an arrogant smirk plastered across their faces, respond, “But did you pray for the wolf?”
Bewildered as to why these sheep were ignoring his warning, the shepherd reiterates the danger of the wolf’s presence with an even more impassioned plea for the sheep to escape the impending doom that’s about to befall them. However, they stand firm and go back to their grazing on the plush green grass beneath their feet.
Mumblings of,”Who is he to judge?” and, “As for me I’ll be praying for the wolf” can be heard among them as they reassure themselves of their peace and safety while the wolf takes them out one by one until there are none left.
There are many one-liners regurgitated by ‘wolf defenders’ designed to silence those who would try to warn the flock. If you’ve ever exercised your discernment regarding a false prophet, there’s no doubt you’ve encountered the all famous “judge not” defense ripped and twisted from its context.
However, there’s another less popular but equally insidious argument used by wolf defenders that’s designed to put shepherds, sheep dogs, and watchmen on the defense. The diversionary tactic I speak of is “Are you praying for _________?”
This trite platitude is usually employed in the context that we’re not supposed to expose the wolves but only pray for them, and if we have not prayed for them then we are somehow committing a greater wickedness than the wolves themselves if we dare criticize them (woe to those who call evil good and good evil).
This often-used excuse to avoid defending truth and to–conversely–help further the advance of those devouring the flock got me wondering; are we supposed to pray for the wolves?
First of all I want to say up front that I do not believe praying for a wolf is wrong, a sin, nor am I saying that you shouldn’t do it. Furthermore, this post is not intended to discourage you from doing so, but only to raise the question are we supposed to pray for the wolves?
I would also like to preface this thesis by clarifying that when I speak of wolves in this post, I am not referring to the rank and file who have fallen under the spell of their leaders, but the leaders themselves (Think: Helen Ukbato, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Gloria Copeland, Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, Doug Pagitt, et al).
With that said, allow me to present some thoughts on this matter.
Although false teachers and their false teachings are addressed in almost every book of the New Testament, strangely absent is any command or even example in which we are to pray for them. There seems to be no precedent for or allusion to God’s love and grace in the writings of holy writ being applied to false prophets. I am not saying that God’s love and grace is not capable of reaching any and all whom He chooses to bestow it upon, but what I am saying is that there seems to be a vast chasm between His love/grace and the false teachers–a chasm commonly traversed by God in His dealings with the common sinner, but never seen traversed for the wolves.
We see in the New Testament time and time again where the sinner has repented unto life, but we don’t ever see where a wolf (one who is actively shipwrecking the faith of believers) has repented unto life. Additionally, wolves are spoken of by Jesus and the Apostles in some of the harshest, condemning tones found in all of the Bible (and rightly so because the damage they cause is eternal).
I have found nowhere in Scripture that we are directly or expressly commanded to pray for those who seek to shipwreck our faith and damn our souls to Hell for eternity. The argument in favor of praying for the wolves is commonly couched in our command to love and pray for our enemies, but are false teachers what Jesus was referring to when He said this? Do they fit in the context of His use of the word “enemies” in that text?
I submit that when one looks at the context of “your enemies,” He is speaking of those persecuting you, and not false teachers or prophets.
Compare the references to “your enemies” in Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-28, Luke 6:34-35, and Romans 12:20 (in which all are referring to those who persecute you and in which we are instructed to feed them, lend to them, love them, and pray for them) with the admonition about deceivers in 2 John verses 9-11. Here we are instructed to not even to permit them into our homes or even greet them. You will notice a stark contrast between how we are to treat those who persecute us (who can only kill our bodies) and those who bring a false gospel (who can drag our souls to eternal torment in the Lake of Fire).
There is a blazing distinction between those who persecute us and who spitefully use us, and that of the wolves. Nowhere does Jesus nor any Apostle precede, interrupt, or conclude the teaching against a wolf in order to pray for them; nor are we instructed to. When Jesus warns us to beware of the wolves He doesn’t conclude by telling us to pray for them.
Unlike the anonymity of the elect who we do not know–and so we proclaim the Gospel to all as we are instructed to do—the wolves we can know because they are said to be easily identified by their fruit (Matthew 7:15).
So why is the Bible silent on whether or not we’re supposed to pray for false teachers? Perhaps the reason can be found elsewhere in Scripture.
Jude 13 and 2 Peter 2:17 tells us that they’ve been “reserved” for darkness and Paul tells us in Galatians 1:6-9 that they’re “accursed.” This does not sound like there’s any hope for them, but that their fate is already sealed, thus rendering any prayers for them–although commendable–of the utmost futility.
We can no more pray into Heaven an “accursed” false prophet who’s “reserved” for destruction any more then we can stop God through prayer from burning up this present earth that He’s “reserved” for fire (2 Peter 3:7).
We also see that there’s an imperishable inheritance “reserved” for those born again (1 Peter 1:3-4). I would as soon expect man to be capable of altering this “reserved” blessing as much as he would be able to derail the “reserved” judgment of a wolf, in addition to being able to derail the hope that believers are “destined” not for wrath but for salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
The surety of something being “reserved” by God cannot simply be glossed over. We see this again in 2 Peter 2:1-4 in which God’s judgment of the wolves is from “long ago” and is “reserved” for them just like it is for the angels who sinned.
If both Jude and Peter tell us that these men are “reserved” for Hell, and Paul tells us they’re “accursed,” then I can conclude and fully understand why we are never commanded or shown by example to “Love false teachers and pray for them.” Anyone, including our enemies, can be granted repentance unto life (Acts 11:18), but it seems to me that Scripture reveals those “reserved” for darkness cannot.
We’ve all heard stories of Christian persecutors coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ, but can anyone recall a wolf who ever turned from their ways to embrace the Truth? Is there any record of these men or women repenting of their spreading of “another gospel” and turning to the True Gospel?
How about Joseph Smith? Brigham Young? Gordon B. Hinckley? Charles Taze Russell? Judge Rutherford? Mary Baker Eddy? Ellen G. White? David Koresh? Marshall Applewhite? L. Ron Hubbard? Herbert Armstrong?
As far as history shows, all of the above men and women died rejecting the true Christ and His Gospel and dragged countless souls to an eternal fiery damnation with them. And their false doctrines of demons continue to seduce and deceive millions today.
I know that my thesis of not praying for a false teacher may be atrocious to some of you. “After all” you say, “God would never not have us pray for someone. But is the idea really inconceivable?
I submit the following precedents for your consideration:
As for you, do not pray for this people, and do not lift up cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with Me; for I do not hear you. Jeremiah 7:16
Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not listen when they call to Me because of their disaster. Jeremiah 11:14
So the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the welfare of this people. When they fast, I am not going to listen to their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I am not going to accept them. Rather I am going to make an end of them by the sword, famine and pestilence.” Jeremiah 14:11-12
Although I don’t believe it is wrong nor a sin if you pray for a wolf, I do believe, however, that the argument that unless you’ve prayed for a false prophet then you can’t speak out against a false prophet is nothing more than a straw man. It’s a weak attempt by those protecting the wolves to divert the attention away from the wolf and his wicked ways, and putting the one exposing him on the defense . . . a clever tactic I would expect Satan to employ.
I’m also not saying that I’ve never prayed for a wolf, nor am I saying that I never will pray for a wolf, but if you have not prayed for a wolf I see nothing that would exempt you from exposing and resisting one.
At the end of the day, which shepherd will have more sheep: The one who actively guards his flock with stern warnings about who the wolves are and how to spot them, or the one who sits under the tree praying for the wolves while they are preying on his flock?
Christ Alone Wyoming 
This was a very good post and a reminder as Titus 3:10-11 says, “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” May we always be watchful and careful to see and point out the wolves in sheep’s clothing!
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Hi Pilgrim,
I agree with your statements about those who say silly things like ( I have yet to encounter it – only in America perhaps ? 😉 ) “unless you’ve prayed for a false prophet then you can’t speak out against a false prophet”.
I have a different opinion in regards to the prayer aspect.
I’ll offer that, this is simply my opionion on the issue brother;
I agree with the lack of mention in Scripture about the issue, though I do believe we see certain things that warrant prayer for the lost. And a false teacher is lost.
In Romans 10:1 Paul praying for the lost.
I do think when Jesus spoke of praying for enemies, that does incorporate false teachers. I mean they are enemies of the cross of Christ right?
Obviously you would be aware of the hyper-Calvinist tendencies that incorporate much of not praying for the lost (and even not evangelisng) due to thier hyper views on God’s soveriegnty and the means by which He uses to save etc.
I like that you qualified much on your thoughts about it not being sinful to pray for a wolf etc, yet I dont think we should be even hinting at the thought of not praying for the false teacher of our day.
In saying all of that have I bent the knee in prayer to the LORD about various false teachers? Yes but very rarely.
I believe I need to do that more. Especailly those in my realm and shere as well as those ‘big wig’ wolves…..
in Him,
Matthew
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Concerning wolves, here is what the apostle Paul did in 1 Timothy 1v20, Alexander and Hymenaeus were delivered to satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Again, in 2 Timothy 14 it says, “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works”.
The fact is, we can pray for some people until the day they or we die, and they still will not get saved.
We know that, even if we find it anathema to admit it.
Look in the book of Revelation. That person who is refered to as the beast.
Will he ever get saved? No. So were you to realise who it is, would you then pray for his salvation? Futile.
Neither will the false prophet, for both he, the beast and the dragon will be cast into the lake of fire and they will be there forever, Revelation 20v10.
May God grant us the wisdom to use discernment in every area of our lives.
If wolves need prayer, they have their own people to pray for them don’t they?
God bless.
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How often we pray for people to be delivered FROM the bondage of Satan, the evil one! However, there is at least one occasion in the Bible where the Lord commanded that a Christian be delivered TO the devil. “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (I Corinthians 5:4-5)
This was an extreme measure spurred by one of the Corinthian believers’ extreme sin: He was openly committing incest. “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.” (I Corinthians 5:1)
There are times when God may allow Satan to have power over Christians in order to cause them financial devastation, severe trials, and physical illness.
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We ought pray for them…then rid ourselves of them.
I do believe we are to hate evil.
There are many working against the Church, and many of those are IN the church.
They are poison.
If they would repent, that is different. Jesus called Peter the devil.
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Shout out the warning first. Then pray.
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I had to take my 4 month old little boy to the cardiologist yesterday for a checkup. Thank the Lord he is okay. As we were walking through the halls of UAB hospital and sitting in the pediatric cardiology unit, I was thinking about how can these “faith healers” claim to have a gift of healing???
If they do, then this would be the type of place they need to be.
There are many hurting individuals and families in that hospital. What a great place that would be to take such a gift. Instead though, if you want your healing, you have to go where the wolf/healer is. You have to take your money and your “faith” over to the nearest fleecing ground. Then you have to get worked up into a frenzy with your endorphins flowing and get to feeling better. While having some guy blow on you or hit you with his jacket while screaming “fire”, “sick’em Lord”, etc…..
The more I think about these guys, the more I want to vomit. They take advantage of the sick and suffering that are looking for some hope and some comfort. And when the sick don’t get their healing, the blame is passed back to them for their “lack of faith”.
Maybe these guys will have their own special place reserved just for them.
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shane:
First of all, I’m very glad to hear your little boy is OK.
I would agree that most of what we see today that is being passed off as the “gift of healing” is but an old sham. These guys make their career preying on those in need, promising them healing, working them up into an endorphic euphoria, then take their money and run to the next town to do it all over again. It’s fraud, and it’s criminal. Then, as you say, when it turns out they’re not healed after all, the blame is shifted back to the victim as if it were all his/her fault for not being healed (“you simply didn’t have enough faith”, “you must have hidden sin in your life”, etc.).
The tragedy is, these impostors claim to be Christians, claim to represent Christ and His word. So when they come trusting God to heal them through this “man of God”, with God’s “gift”, and it doesn’t happen, so many turn against God because of it. They are harmed physically if they ignore available medical treatment thinking they are “healed”. They are harmed psychologically if the experience drops them into depression and dispair. They are harmed spiritually if they are turned away from God and His word because of such a sham.
Does God heal today? Absolutely. In His time, through His means. Sometimes through natural means, sometimes supernatural. “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:14-15).
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I am very happy that he is okay also. That was a very stressful week for my wife and I as we waited to get him looked at. We had a lot of people praying.
Yes I believe that God heals. Though I know someone that would probably be in better health if they would have went to the doctor instead of waiting for God to heal them.
It reminds me of a joke. It’s an old one.
A man was on his rooftop during a flood. He prayed for God to miraculously save him from the flood. A few minutes later a man come by in a boat and asked the man if he needed help. The man on the roof said he didn’t need help because God would miraculously save him from the flood. This scenario played out several times more. Finally a helicopter came over and they dropped a ladder. The man refused. Eventually the man drowned. In Heaven the man asked God why he didn’t save him from the flood. God said I sent you several boats and a helicopter.
My wife told me that while her mother was dying of cancer that her mom had people to pray for her. She said it bothered her mom when she didn’t get healed. She couldn’t understand it.
What’s also sad is that when you warn people about these scam artist’s they lash out at you. they say stuff like “you don’t understand the anointing”, “you don’t understand the Holy Ghost” (even though they treat the Holy Spirit like He is some mystical force), etc…
Sometimes I think what is the point of even trying??? They won’t listen until God shows them anyways. But I guess I could probably plant a seed. That is what happened with me and Todd B.
Matthew 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
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The Pilgrim:
A very good post, and a very needed reminder. I think too many are too quick to judge or determine that false teachers are simply misled, or ignorant, and if we pray for them and God opens their eyes, well, they could turn from doing harm to God’s kingdom to doing good. But as you have rightly pointed out, sheep and wolves are two entirely different animals. They don’t morph and change one into another. And I believe the key to our prayer focus is identification. We need to be able to distinguish between a sheep who has been following the wrong shepherd (or who is lost and separated from the flock), and a wolf. We need to understand what Jesus was saying when He chose this analogy. If we don’t, we not only wind up in error ourselves, but as you have well said, the serioius warning we should be shouting out (loudly and persistently) against the wolves is diminished by misplaced “love”, which merely allows the wolves to move that much closer to his prey.
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My hat’s off to The Pilgrim and other discernment ministries. I would probably get discouraged very quickly doing what you do. : )
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shane:
You said: “Sometimes I think what is the point of even trying??? They won’t listen until God shows them anyways. But I guess I could probably plant a seed.” I’ve felt that way many times. Until I came to the realization that I am not responsible for what others do, only what I do. God told Ezekiel to speak His word to Israel (Ezek. 2) whether they listen to him or not (in other words, say what I tell you to say to them, whether they listen or not isn’t your problem). Your reference to planting a seed is good. One plants, another waters, but God gives the growth. So as we would naturally like very much to see the fruit of our efforts, more important than that is being faithful to continue to preach His word, in season and out of season. I’ve heard it asked too many times: “how many people have you led to the Lord?”, as if numbers and results were a reflection of one’s obedience to the Lord. My thought is always: “How many people did Noah lead to repentance over his 120 years of preaching righteousness?”. So it’s clear we don’t do the saving, but we are to proclaim Who does.
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Look, be careful of what your mouth is saying about those in ministry: some may be shams, but some are not. Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Be careful that you are not speaking against the Lord’s Anointed.
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Carol,
Thanks for stopping by. Sadly, the verse you use about speaking against the Lord’s anointed has been taken completely out of context. It does not pertain to pastors and modern-day ministers. Specifically, it was dealing with King Saul when David could have killed him, but did not do so.
I agree that we must be careful about what we say; however, it does not preclude taking a stand against those who mock the Saviour and the testimony of true believers. There are only two masters – God or Satan. There is no in-between. If God is the Master, then a person will look, act, and sound like the One who has saved him from the depths of sin.
The Desert Pastor
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Carol,I like to post the word of God a lot because I am afraid some arn’t reading your bibles. Get in there and study, study, study!!!
1Ti 6:3 If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
1Ti 6:4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
1Ti 6:5 wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, SUPPOSING THAT GODLINESS IS A WAY OF GAIN.
( AND THEY TEACH THINGS THEY SHOULDN’T FOR FILTHY LUCRE’S SAKE)
1Ti 6:6 BUT GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN
1Ti 6:7 for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out;
1Ti 6:8 but having food and covering we shall be therewith content.
1Ti 6:9 But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition.
1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
CAN YOU SEE IT, READ THIS;Jud 1:4 For there are certain men crept in privily, even they who were of old written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness(THAT MEANS THEY TURN GODS GRACE INTO WANTONESS), and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.AND
2Pe 2:2 And many shall follow their lascivious (WANTONESS)doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of.
2Pe 2:3 And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not. MERCHANDISE, YOUR THEIR BASE, THEIR BANK CHECK,
AND THE LOVE OF MONEY AND THINGS OF THE WORLD. THEIR OF THE DEVIL; 2Ti 2:25 in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,
2Ti 2:26 and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive BY HIM UNTO HIS WILL.
NOT YOUR FREE WILL, ITS DEAD FOR A REASON,SIN AND IS UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE DEVIL! REPENT.PLEAD FOR MERCY THAT ONLY COMES FROM GOD.
DON’T YOU GET IT? ITS NOT ABOUT YOU, ITS ABOUT THEM
THE ONLY THING THAT HAS CHANGED IN THIS MODERN WORLD IS THE CLOTHES PEOPLE WEAR. INSIDE IS DEAD MENS BONES, IN SIDE THEY NEED THE WORK OF GOD AND HIS SPIRIT THROUGH THE WORK OF HIS SON.REPENT
1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Oh great testing is coming and it doesn’t take prophesing or a rocket scientist to see it.
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This post seems to be about not just obvious wolves/enemies, but wolves in sheep’s clothing. I do believe that this covers more than the false TV preacher/entertainers and false prophets, but politicians, lobbyists, and Zionists that have remade government back into the religious institution of the Roman republic. Christians need to wake up to the fact that we are in a full time spiritual war with them people that is leading to physical salvery. We are now serfs being taxed on our own labor and land, one step away from slaves.
I am not a Calvinist who believes that we all have a predetermined spiritual destiny, but I have come to believe that there are people so arrogant, evil and corrupt that they are beyond the point of redemption while still living. It is of their own free will. and these people seem to have full knowledge and understanding that they have chosen or were chosen for a path that they believe will raise them to a god like level, and we are at war spiritual with them. Some have no care for others, and in fact celebrate the “cremation of care”, and wish to anihilate others.
I do not know if praying for these people by Christians in the spirit of love is a waste of effort, but it may be a sign of having a poor sense of priorities if given too much attention, and do not believe it is required. I cannot see harm in it, unless it is done at the expense of the Christians who are struggling to live Godly lives in peace and freedom.
However, the point I would like to make is that praying for “wolves”/enemies to repent and change their ways out of Christian love is one thing, enabling and supporting the wolves and wolves in sheep’s clothing is completely another. I do feel that we have not taken the warnings of the Bible and men like Martin Luther seriously enough concerning the evil in the world, and we have invited the wolves to share our land, assets, even weapons, and given them the benefit of the doubt, at tremendous expense to the point that the wolves have taken over and our families and freedom are at stake.
The importance of our freedom to choose to be Christians seems to have been taken far too much for granted. Our choices could become extremely limited if we cannot band together and push back against the “wolves” spiritually, financialy, legally, and peacefully. I believe out prayers need to be directed for our own survival, and exposing & removing the wolves from power and representation before they gain any more ground.
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Carol,
Your assertion that we should not “speak against the Lord’s Anointed” might have some relevance if the people I’m sure you support were, in fact, anointed. However, people like Paula, Creflo, Kenny and Benny are no more anointed than Fred Flintstone. They are, in in all actuality, heretical sons of the devil. If they were true men of God, they would not have a problem with anyone searching the Scriptures daily to find out if what they say is true (see Acts 17:11).
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This article reminds me of the Merry Melodies Episode I watched (when I was a kid…), where the Coyote wanted a sheep from the flock where a hulking but dumb sheepdog stood guard. All his attempts failed until alas, he struck upon a brilliant idea: dress up like a sheep himself. This he did, and instead of beating the coyote to a pulp as before, the sheepdog grabbed the “sheep” up and said, “Hey you’re not supposed to be here, you could get hurt…” Or something to that fact anyway, and proceeded to throw the “sheep” back into the flock not knowing that the “sheep” was in fact a coyote in sheep’s clothing. Isn’t this what the pastors of the church are guilty of? Not only are the guardians of the flock letting their guard down, but they are also responsible for putting the “wolves” there in the first place. God will judge them harshly, but if we see a wolf prowling amongst the sheep, we will be held just as responsible as the wolf itself if we don’t warn the sheep of the danger. Say you stood by and watch a man beating up a child and did nothing because you didn’t want to be judgmental? Would this be right? No of course not. You would probably be held accountable for standing by and allowing it. So goes the church and the Christian’s responsibility to stand up and cry, “Wolf!” with all your might. Don’t wait for someone else to do it, for in doing so, it will be too late.
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revivalandreformation:
“…but if we see a wolf prowling amongst the sheep, we will be held just as responsible as the wolf itself if we don’t warn the sheep of the danger. Say you stood by and watch a man beating up a child and did nothing because you didn’t want to be judgmental? Would this be right? No of course not. You would probably be held accountable for standing by and allowing it.”
Well said!
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Amen! Why are the sheep so silent?
It also reminds me of people who are in love with the “republic” as a form of government claiming the poor analogy that in a democracy two wolves and a sheep could be deciding what is for dinner. They don’t go on to the fact that in a republic, the only difference is it would take just one wolf to decide the same thing.
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I think that there is also a danger when warning the sheep of the wolves, we must also teach them what to do, or they will either run around smacking into each other in panic, or they will soon forget what we said and go back to where the danger is lurking. Sheep have very short memories apparently. It used to bug me when I was in the Prosperity movement, when I would read where we are referred to as sheep. Sheep are dumb! Sheep are notorious for getting into trouble and if it weren’t for the shepherd being on the ball, all the sheep would soon be hanging in the window of the local wolf’s butcher shop. What is God trying to tell us here, I am very offended! Now I realize after stubbing my proud toes until they bled spiritually, that yes I am as dumb as a sheep. I am also terribly and embarrassingly dependant on God for my very existence. Embarrassing because I am a man, and a rather big chap at that, and for me to say if it wasn’t for God, I would be long gone by now, doesn’t exactly do wonders for the ego. Well God is working and I am growing and I realize that sheep need direction or they will soon become lost. So be it. God will take care of the wolves and He will use them in the way he sees fit. If they are there to judge the dumb sheep then great, if He decides to remove them from the earth, then great as well, either way He receives glory and I will be about my Father’s business.
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Great article. I looked this up cause this is what came to me in my spirit today that no where in the Bible it says to pray for wolves, so I thought I would do a search on it. It is definetly worth thinking about and praying about.
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Wow the comments were as good as the article!
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Thank you all for the insight.
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Hey great article, thought I had read this one a while back but I must be thinking of another article. Good word.
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Excellent…loved the article and the comments. Very insightful. Thanks! Keep up the good work. GOD Bless!
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Great Blog! I wish I had written it myself. It irritates me no end, when pastors pussy foot around naming names. (Good Ole Boy mentality)
The apostate preachers and leaders are wolves in sheep’s clothing. There should be on a public list of rogues, the false teachers clearly named! It should be shown exactly where they deviate from the Word of God. This policy was good enough for the Apostle Paul, why not now?
Conventional Wisdom
The conventional wisdom of not naming names goes like this.
“I want to preach the authentic word of God so well and thoroughly that the sheep will recognize a phony right away!’
How well does this work?
If it worked at all, the sheep would not be following a bunch of ‘Superstars,’ would they!
Superstars abound! ‘Christian Radio and TV’ are full of them. Pastors are often quick to name some of the more outlandish superstars but they refrain from mentioning others who are more subtle but none the less still damaging to the body of Christ. Pastors do not even mention the ‘Emerging Church, or Contemplative Prayer, Centering Prayer, Mystical Practices’!
The sheep willing follow false teachers, thinking that these Superstars are legitimate followers of Jesus Christ. The sheep become agitated when anyone shows these Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing in the proper light, the light of scripture.
The sheep don’t want anyone to upset their Idol Worship! Nothing upsets the sheep more than when their favorite Superstar is revealed as Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing!
They just don’t want to hear it!
People believe what they want to believe, even in the face of enormous opposing evidence! It cannot be repeated often enough, the sheep must be warned, and warned often!
Conventional wisdom continues; “If I warn the flock about every false teacher out there, I’d spend all my time doing that and not preaching the word!”
I am well aware that the Pastor’s job is not easy. Sheep have a tendency to stray, they must be warned about the ‘Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing’!
Completely omitting the naming of names is not doing the sheep any good. They are sheep! Sheep get themselves into trouble regularly. They must be warned about false teachers, false religions, and heresy within the church itself.
Sheep are easily distracted. Jesus did not pay us much of a compliment by calling us ‘Sheep’! People do the same thing that sheep do. Good thing He loves sheep, huh!
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This was right on! I have had every straw man thrown at me when trying to defend the truth. It is as you say: an excuse for those who want to cling to their teachers to not have to look at the truth. Thank you. Glad to know I am not the only one who thinks like this. God bless you!
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Very good….When I saw the title I thought; OH NO It’s Walter to me…When I first met him that is exactly the subject discussed. I had wanted to pray for a wolf that God had expressed to me was true and Walter came back telling me I was off the Wall. It is funny now but I was rather shocked. Since then I have learned a lot and see just how deceived that basic christianity really is.
I am glad ya’ll are speaking out as it is a scary thing with so many wolves out there and the sheep taking it all in.
Thanks,
Lee
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From my upbringing on a farm I know of a phenomenon where a domestic dog could “go bad” for various reasons and start to attack and bite sheep as a kind of entertainment.This can be a problem for farms near cities, where city dogs not being adequately supervised wander about and end up in the mischief of “worrying” sheep on farms.They don’t just pick on one and bite it and eventually kill and start eating it (which might be understood as a hunting instinct if they are hungry).They go from sheep to sheep biting and often killing masses of them, far more than they could ever eat. Dogs with this syndrome often form packs to do this mischief, usually at night, but sometimes at day.The very first dog that I ever called “mine” was called “Tip”.Unfortunately Dad found him on an occasion chasing sheep all on his own.He had chased sheep separate from proper training, which meant that he was spoiled from any further effort of proper training.The consequence was that Dad shot my dog Tip, which is sad, but that is the pragmatics of farm life and dealing with a dog that was spoiled from the necessary job of herding sheep safely.In most countries animals that bite or injure people are killed.The exception might be countries where animals are worshipped as deities, such as India (worship rats and cows, etc.) In the Old Covenant (Old Testament) era false prophets and false teachers would be stoned to death or killed with a sword (if guns had been invented they might have been shot).Eg. the true prophet Elijah killed the prophets of the false God Baal:
Capital punishment for various sins seems to have been ended when Jesus was confronted with a person caught in adultery, and he asserted “whoever is without sin cast the first stone”.Then he asserted to the adulterer “go and sin no more”.God wants people to repent of their sins. If they are killed then it denies them the opportunity.Note: the Bible asserts the woman was wilfully participating in adultery, otherwise it would have been called rape, so she was genuinely guilty of serious sin.
Bad dogs get killed, and people fulfilling the Biblical metaphor of “wolf” are causing much more serious harm than biting and maiming literal sheep.People practicing the Biblical metaphor “wolf” are causing Christians to be led astray towards the intention they lose their salvation and another side effect that many unbelievers will not be saved. It is interesting to ponder the journey of how a Christian could become a “wolf” to cause serious harm towards eternal damnation.Many of these “wolf” offenders appear to have started as authentic believers, and somehow went bad, so that is a warning to us all to avoid any attitude or action that could lead towards going bad.Learning “spiritual techniques” and “secret information” for novelties that attract and entertain crowds to feed pride seems to be a common path of corruption. Usually God arranges circumstances to flush defects out of us, but you can resist God by minimising scripture and willingly participate in deception.Anyone who works to expose deception is doing the church a tremendous service. In reading the Bible over and over continuously I think the key for safety is understanding and following a concept called “the fear of the Lord”. If you have sufficient fear of the Lord, then you will be secure from harm.If you have insufficient fear of the Lord, then you are at risk of falling away, or even worse becoming a “wolf” who attacks real Christian believers through a disguise of “Christian ministry”, hence the phrase “wolf in sheeps clothing”. The concept of “the Fear of the Lord” is so important that I put as many references I could find on one web page, and the volume of mentions proves its importance – see http://seeker3k.wordpress.com/the-fear-of-the-lord For example John Crowder is a “wolf in sheeps clothing” causing serious harm in churches.It is interesting to note that he and others who promote the same perversions often emphasise “fear” as being something to overcome in regards to removing your inhibitions to participate in their clownish blasphemies and flesh ticklings from the devil. People usually have a natural reluctance to participate in John Crowder type foolishness, because it is so similar to mental illness / drunkenness / drug taking. People are being encouraged to “be an idiot for Jesus”.I suppose that would be appropriate if you are following a false Christ called “IdiotJesus” who is presented as an object of worship through false teaching (false teaching that misrepresents the true Jesus Christ who saves from sin). John Crowder is a “wolf” causing serious harm in the church by encouraging people to mock God, to mock the true Jesus Christ, to mock the Bible, and to mock the Holy Spirit. He is the Holy Spirit, not the drunk spirit. John Crowder is following the drunk spirit, which is just a demonic entity to lead people astray, a type of spiritual fornication by playing with the devil’s minions, when you should be following the counsel of the Holy Spirit by following correct interpretation of the written text the Holy Bible (which the Holy Spirit authored by guiding its contributing writers). Sadly, unbelievers are often better at spotting “wolves in sheeps clothing” than are believers, because believers are often silenced with devices like “don’t judge”, “don’t speak against God’s anointed”, “don’t criticise them unless you are praying for them”, “it’s a work of the Holy Spirit so don’t criticize it”, etc.Unbelievers may not be duped with those devices.They just discern from the obvious manifestations of immorality – sexual immorality, loving money, pride, lying, mad behaviour, obvious use of mind control / hypnotism technique, etc. Benny Hinn is another example of a “wolf in sheeps clothing”. “Wolves in sheeps clothing” should be named publicly along with the evidence to support the citing.They are not Christian brethren, they are “wolves in sheeps clothing” so discerners of them are not “accusers of the brethren” (Rev 12:10).It is probably a waste of time praying for “wolves”, just like the real dogs that bite real sheep cannot be retrained.They have tasted blood and their only destiny is destruction. I think John Crowder and Benny Hinn are irredeemable.If they ever read this opinion they could respond by trying to repent of their madness, but I don’t think God will let them. God may have already handed them over to a strong delusion for their persistent evil practices in the face of warnings given against them for many years.
Being handed over to a strong delusion by God means you would never be able to repent because you are trapped in the delusion. No one could “pray you out of it”. Do you fear God sufficiently to avoid practices and beliefs that lead to falling away, to avoid becoming a “wolf” to harm true Christians, etc.? You can learn to fear God by just reading the Bible more regularly to be continually reminded of the truth to follow, the way to live, and the dangers to avoid. Follow God’s counsel carefully to avoid danger. God’s counsel is available in the Bible written text.False ministers usually discourage literal interpretation of Bible written text (where the context indicates literal interpretation should be used) and instead emphasise direct contact with “the spirit” through paranormal encounters, voices, visions, manifestation experiences, etc.In so doing they invite guidance from evil spirits because their method of seeking information is bypassing the method God has primarily intended – through correct interpretation of Bible written text:
Don’t fear men ahead of fearing God:
Don’t fear death ahead of fearing God:
Rev 20:12-15 1 Chronicles 29:11
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I have most thoroughly enjoyed reading the above passages, along with the comments. I have no biblical background, other than having gone to church as a young boy. I strayed from the Bible, and consequently, found myself in grave circumstances. During this period, I came across a book called ” Letters From God and His Christ”.. which I picked up and read. I felt moved enough that I repented, as these “letters” rang of the truth of what the bible teaches. The man, who purported to have “personal” contact with the Lord Jesus Christ, claims to be His Prophet, for this day and age. I followed and involved myself in this group, watching as those who came to “taste” of the teaching were “cast out”..due to “disobediance” or not choosing the “flock” over their families, job, ect. I gave money, time, and effort to help further this group, being told that even if I was not ” one of the 144,000″, I was still able to be allowed into heaven. It was during this time, last year, I came across a lady, who was seeking more of the Word of the Lord, and, being one of those ” of the flock”, felt it was necessary to lead her into the “letters”. Her english is not good, and understanding this, I spent time repeating to her what I ( and others in the “flock”) had been taught, from on-line bible studies. I told the “prophet” that I was sharing the “letters” with a “person” from another country, and was told..” Wonderful !!”.. this went on , my sharing, for several weeks, with my spending a lot of time with this person. I prayed on this, very much, whether or not to share the letters, and I have to admit, that I did not hear from the Lord, ” NO”… so I felt it was “ok”. Well, later on, after having spent many hours online with this person, a lady, I began to fall inlove with her heart, as it was definately one whom the Lord had deep roots in. She was raised Greek Orthodox, and I , a Baptist. I felt that several ” truths” had been given to her from the “letters” ..and was anxious to have her become a “member of the flock”. In as much, I was told later, by the “prophet” that I was to “depart” from this person. I was sad, but I obeyed. I left her, and gave her a letter stating that I was being told to depart, and that I had to obey, after all, this was coming straight ” from the Lord”…(via his prophet). I asked if some other men in the flock, (those who have been singled out to be of the 144,000, ) would assist this lady in learning more of the “letters”, and I was told, ” oh yes, don’t worry,”. This lady and I commuicated on skype all the time, and after about two weeks of no contact with her, I had seen on facebook where she had contacted “the prophet” and asked for even “crumbs” because she was a “beggar” seeking the Truth. He accepted her friend request , but has had no contact with her, ever., not one word. I was surprised, because I was under the understanding that the word of the Lord was free to all. I then asked this lady a question, ” how were the online bible studies going” .. believing that she had received material via e-mail from one or two of the men who are “leaders” in this flock. She told me that she had received nothing. Not one note or word of encouragement or anything. This I found hard to believe. I had been assured that “she” would be allowed the opportunity to be able to learn, even if it meant “private tutoring” . I told her that I did not think this was right. To pick and choose who received “His Message” , if in fact it was His Message,( Jesus Christ, in talking with His prophet). I then felt that irregardless, being single, and her being single, I fell in love with her, and even the distance being across continents, we could still ” be together, if the Lord willed it to be so”. I asked her to marry me, and she accepted. I asked her to not say anything to anyone in the flock, (which was no problem, she had only contact from a few of the women, and that was on facebook alone). I did not say anything of my intentions about this to “the prophet”.
to continue, (sorry) , I picked her up from the airport, and we said our vows in front of the Lord Jesus Christ, asking for His Blessing, in this union of a man and a woman. That He is the Head of this house. Well, to make a long story short, I introduced her as my wife, at the next bible study, (which was at my house, the next day), I received a letter via the prophet saying I had stolen from the Lord, and was guilty of disobediance. I was removed ” from the flock” for 7 days, and was told not to contact “the prophet” as he was not allowed to talk with me, for 7 days, the day after I received ” the letter” saying ” my house stood next to destruction”.. for what it was that I had done, I went and sent money to one of the orphanages in India which the “ministry” supports. Later on, I was told that I had been ” cast out” because I had failed to obey a direct command from the Lord, ( and all his “letters” say, ” thus says the Lord” ).. and that I had stolen tithes from the Lord. It was not until many months later, that my wife pointed out to me that I HAD sent tithes, and that the “letter” was “unfounded” as I was called a thief, and disobedient. Since then, I have been reading in the Bible, and felt led by the Lord to have verses revealing to me that this man is indeed a false prophet. He is claiming he is going to destroy cities and states in the name of God, as God is going to give (this man) all of His power, to use as he feels necessary. I believe this man is a true “false prophet”, as in Revelation it says that there are only 3 men who will be able to call down fire from heaven, and one of those is the “false prophet”., the other two are Elijah and Moses, and they are at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. I have not spoken out, because this man has now followers internationally, and has destroyed many marriages, as well as blessing some others… how does one go about , warning people, of this heresy.? the site is known as “trumpet call of god”…and is available to anyone to read, but is cleverly crafted so that no one can trace the letters back to this man, or any in the flock. I believe I have been ” had” by this false prophet, in more ways than one, but I only seek Jesus Christ, and not the words of men to live by. ok. Thanks for reading this and if you want to contact me, please feel free to do so, as I have nothing to hide. Blessings in His Most Holy Name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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Very good and interesting topic.
The first question purposed is, “Should we pray for wolves in sheep’s clothing?”
Jesus said, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matt. 7:15)
Jesus also said, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16)
And Paul said, “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29).
These three verses indicate there are at least three kinds of wolves we should beware of. First the false prophet (those that teach). Second those that we meet during our journey through this world (any unbeliever). Third, those that may appear to be part of the church but not believers (have other motives for church membership, rather than being a servant of Jesus).
Now should we pray for one, two, or all of these types of wolves? 1 Timothy 2:1 teaches we should, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,” Does “all” mean all here?
Now with that said should we only limit our actions to just prayer. Most definably not. So what does the bible say we do? We are told by Paul in Titus 3:10 “A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; “
How should we approach this person? Matthew 18: “15Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother. 16But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be to you as an heathen man and a publican.”
OK, this verse says, “your brother” (true believer). But could not the one you suspect as being a wolf in sheep’s clothing actually be a true believe, just ignorant of the truth of scripture. Or there is even the possibility the accuser could be in error. By using this Biblical process you are using scriptural checks and balances.
If the person is a pastor/leader of a congregation, and you are attending/member of the congregation, and in your heart of hearts believe they are a wolf in sheep clothing, you may have to walk away alone. For it says in Philippians 2:12b-13 “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure”.
So should we pray for the person we view as a wolf? Yes, just as we would pray for any other lost soul. In the prayer we must also ask for forgiveness and wisdom if we are the one in error.
Should we just stand around and do nothing? No. No we must always confront sin using biblical teachings as our guidelines.
YSIJC
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Actually, there are lots of cases of wolves turning to the truth. Jim Baker came to the real Christ. An entire cultic group The Worldwide Church of God turned to the real Christ in the late 1900s. Many Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons in actual theological teaching positions have come to Christ. It also says in the Bible to specifically pray for all men (this includes false teachers) (1 Timothy 2:1). And any examination of early church history will reveal the same perception that we are to pray for false teachers. For example, Ignatius a disciple of John the Apostle says though it is difficult for these false teachers to repent, we should pray for them because Jesus has power over this (Ign. Smyrn. 4:1; also cf. Ign. Smyrn. 5:3). This is a man that was personally taught by the apostle John and sealed his faith with his life as a martyr. Also, keep in mind that Paul was responsible for killing Christians, and most likely speaking out to others about the fallacy of Christianity. His conversion may even have been a response of prayer. As an ordained minister, I agree with Ignatius and strongly advise people to pray for false teachers.
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RAK,
With all due respect, I am not convinced Jim Bakker has been saved by God’s grace. He claims to have ‘prophesied’ 9-11 {you can read it here-http://slaughteringthesheep.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/jim-bakker-and-cindy-jacobs-claim-they-prophesied-911/}. I encourage you to read this article from John MacArthur on restoring fallen pastors- http://www.gty.org/resources/articles/A256/should-fallen-pastors-be-restored
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This is SO right!
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Well stated article with Scripture. I am of the same mind.
Personal enemies we are to pray for and forgive. We don’t see this with wolves. Nor do we see Jesus praying for them in John 17 for example or in 2John or Gal. 1. Nor are we commanded to personally contact them, btw. Public teachers get public scrutiny.
As to Jim Bakker, he’s back to his same tactics: new wife at his side, a new tv show, and a new multi-million dollar Heritage USA called “Morningstar”.
I’d love to know the names of LDS and JW leaders (not lay leaders, but “pastors” and such, if you will) who got saved and where they are now doctrinally and church-wise.
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Hello Pilgrim:
Good article, which provides much to consider. In addition to your article, Jeremiah chapter 23 warns that God is against false prophets. As such, there is no fellowship between God and those who teach falsely–none whatsoever.
God’s warnings against false prophets and false teachers carry over into the New Testament, which you covered thoroughly. The Bible is specific, in that false teachers:
— pretend to be true (Matthew 7:22-23)
–- teach corruption (2 Peter 2:10-22)
–- pervert grace (Galatians 1:6-8)
–- love money (Romans 16:17-18)
–- deny Jesus Christ (2 Peter 2:1)
–- resist the truth (2 Timothy 3:8)
–- love fables (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
–- are destitute of the truth (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
–- are unstable and cunningly deceptive (1 Timothy 1:6-7; Ephesians 4:14)
–- are full of lust (2 Peter 2:12-19)
I will be sure to share your article with others.
God bless,
Bud Press, Research Consultant
Christian Research Service
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RAK,
Your comment regarding Jim Baker is presumptuous at best. JIm now runs his television ministry from the grounds of Morningstar ministries which is led by none other than the false prophet Rick Joyner. His son, Jay Baker, suns a church out of a bar and he is gay affirming. Jim has affirmed his son, and Jay teaches being a homosexual is not a sin.
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Reblogged this on DiscernIt and commented:
A very good article and worth reading the comments. Thank you DefCon
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I have had so many on my IHOP blog write in, shaking their spiritual finger at me – chastising me about throwing stones(!)
I have only replied that I cannot stand back and say nothing when I see impending doom. And that’s doom if I don’t warn others about what I personally know about IHOP – about the false teachers there and about the mind control that takes place.
If I don’t say anything, I’ll be the one to blame. I don’t want anyone else’s family destroyed like mine was. It took a miracle to undo the IHOP damage. That being said, this article is right on.
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So have the popes been the “vicar of Christ” ….. or frauds ?
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Frauds!
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Interesting viewpoint, and you present a good case. We certainly must call them out and expose them (being careful that their wrong doctrines are such that qualify them as wolves, such as the ones you named). I don’t believe it is wrong to pray for God to grant them repentance – after all, some of these wolves may simply be deceived and believe their doctrines, having been indoctrinated themselves without the Spirit to guide them. For a short time I listened to a couple of them, but the Spirit of God gently corrected me.
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I agree with this article. Look at what God has said in the past about some:
“Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not listen when they call to Me because of their disaster.
Jer 11:14
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As much as it pains me to do so, we must pray for the “wolves”. Does anyone here purport to have the ability to know who God intends to save and damn? Look at the apostle Paul. If anyone asked the church to pray for him whilst he was unsaved, many would most likely shake their heads. We must pray for all of humanity as a whole and singularly for this brings God glory and keeps us humble in His sight.
As for Jer. 11.14, please don’t take Scripture out of context. God was speaking to the cities around Judah, not for present day apostate leaders.
I had people praying for me for my salvation. I was quite apostate in my thinking and imagine if those who were interceding for me thought this way?
Remember what God said Ezek 22, where God looked for someone to intercede on the people’s behalf, but found none.
I have a neighbor who’s a Catholic. He’s also dying of pancreatic cancer. I have approached him three times about his eternity and every-time he has told me he’s fine. Should I leave him alone, because after all he is a sinner who has rebelled against the Law of God. Or should I continue to pray and intercede on his behalf?
I will continue to pray for those who mislead the church. I will continue to pray for the church. And I will continue to pray for anyone God lays on my heart.
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Excellently written with points well made. Thank you.
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