Wolves in Sheeps Clothing

As we witness today, rather than speak the Word of the Lord, false prophets would deliver messages that originated in their own hearts and minds

By Jim Stockstill

February 20, 2020

To quote Chris Rosenbrough, “False teachers and false prophets have been and will always continue to be a very serious threat to the Church and to every baptized Christian. In today’s postmodern society it is not considered politically correct to speak this way because people wrongly believe that everyone who claims to be a Christian is a Christian, regardless of what they believe, teach, or confess. Yet, Yeshua warns us in his Sermon on the Mount about false teachers and false prophets, and describes them as wolves in sheep’s clothing and not as harmless people who should be ignored—or worse—tolerated.”¹

As directed by the Lord, for the last few years, I have not watched or listened to broadcast news nor read articles or publications from secular or Christian sources. Following the prophetic word, the Lord gave me on “warmed-up leftovers” and the false prophetic words that are so prevalent today, my son asked me to watch this short clip from Perry Stone. https://youtu.be/aH_f9eICGcs² According to Luke, “dad this guy sounds like the words you have been sharing on prophecy.” Personally, I do not know this minister but I agree with his sentiments as they are supported by Scripture (Yeshua HaMashiach, Apostle Paul, etc.) and similar to what Holy Spirit has been speaking to me.

As the Body of Christ moves into the year of “fire” It’s a Minute Before Midnight; Holy Spirit is grieved with the carnality and erroneous prophesies that are inundating many non-denominational Churches. We should heed what Yeshua said about prophets, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15–20)

Paul went on to clarify this remarkable gift and how prophets/prophetesses are to operate (1 Corinthians 14:29-33) in home and/or church gatherings. The feel good “prophetic words” that please the flesh but do nothing for the spirit are loathsome and grieve Holy Spirit. Unvarnished prophetic truth from the Lord is intended for correction, instruction, guidance and confirmation – it is not intended to elevate the prophet or prophetess. Sadly, often to achieve an agenda, many shepherds welcome the feel-good, goose bump, everything is wonderful prophetic words that are soothing, pacifying, and often associated with prosperity. With much of what we hear is counterfeit, misleading, and often deceitful, their lofty words rarely give true Holy Spirit guidance for the individual or assembly and are commonly forgotten when the reality of tests, trials, and tribulation (John 16:33) confronts the believer within hours or days. On the other hand, are there true uplifting and encouraging prophetic words given today? – absolutely. Nevertheless, as the Israelites stoned, ridiculed, and mocked the prophets in the Old Testament, sheep today rarely hear (or want) prophesies as spoken by Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and so many others.

With “itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3), countless sheep prefer to hear about the goodness, compassion and mercy of our Heavenly Father but shy away from prophetic words that include; sin, conviction, repentance, and humility, or that nonbelievers must be “born-again” (John 3:7). The Lord is a loving Father and has all of those characteristics (Exodus 34:6) yet He desires (Psalms 51:6) that we follow His example and walk on the pathway of righteousness.

The primary difference between men like Jeremiah – a true prophet of God – and false prophets was their source of information. As we witness today, rather than speak the Word of the Lord, false prophets would deliver messages that originated in their own hearts and minds. “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hope. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord’” (Jeremiah 23:16). God will always distance Himself from false prophets: “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied” (Jeremiah 23:21).

Another difference between true prophets and false prophets in the Bible is motivation. True prophets are motivated by loyalty to God above all else, whereas false prophets are motived by self-interest and a desire to be popular among the people (1 Kings 22:13–14). While Jeremiah foretold the grim truth of coming desolation upon Jerusalem, the false prophets promised peace (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11). Naturally, the people of Judah, and many sheep today, preferred the pleasant messages of the false prophets. It is hard to imagine, but quoting Isaiah 30:10, the Israelites said, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies”.

Lastly, as we witness with endless “telethons”, tried and established messages of “robbing God” and schemes to fleece the sheep, often false prophets were hired for payment or spoke their messages for financial gain: “Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, ‘Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us’” (Micah 3:11).³

As we face dark days and the increasing manifestation of evil, may we pray Holy Spirit would give us discernment and to know those that are true shepherds and genuine sheep among us. May the Lord bless you with wisdom, guidance, and His divine protection. Selah

Blessings,

Joseph “Jim” Stockstill 
The Unknown Prophet in Texas
“National War Council” – Chairman, Formation Committee
Dallas Metroplex

war.council@yahoo.com
PayPal.Me/warcouncil

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God…”
II Corinthians 10:4

Text Credits:

1. Chris Rosenbrough, “The Mark of a False Prophet: They Draw Away Disciples After Themselves,” Higher Things, retrieved February 24, 2020. https://higherthings.org/articles/catechesis/markofafalseteacher/
2. Bro. Leonard The TruthSeeker, “Truth Files: Perry Stone Calls out Brian Carn to Repent,” YouTube, April 5, 2016. https://youtu.be/aH_f9eICGcs
3. Got Questions, “What does the Bible say about false prophets?,” Got Questions, retrieved February 24, 2020. https://www.gotquestions.org/false-prophets.html

Image Credit:

1. Courtesy of Higher Things.org

Tests, Trials and Tribulation

Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Psalm 34:17-18: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Romans 5:3: “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.”

Romans 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

James 1:2-8: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind…”

James 1:12: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

1 Peter 1:6-7: “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 4:12: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

1 Peter 5:10: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”