As Paul says farewell to the Ephesian elders, he exhorts them as follows: "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28). F. B. Meyer comments, "The Christian worker must not neglect his own soul. He must take heed to himself, as well as to the flock." We must wake up and watch out for the wolves.

Wolves are destructive. Paul further explains to the elders in Ephesus, "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:29). Peter warns, "But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed" (2 Peter 2:1-2).

Wolves are deceptive. Jesus warns, "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. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them" (Matthew 7:15-20). Francis Dixon explains, "Today, although we need to be concerned about the evil forces which are at work outside the Church, we should be particularly concerned about those which are at work inside the Church; and because there are many false prophets who are doing the work of the Enemy." Paul warns, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works" (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Did you see the picture of the wolf standing on a platform addressing many sheep? He said, "Once elected, I will be vegetarian!" You need spiritual discernment lest you fall prey to this deception.

Wolves are defective. Jesus exhorts His followers, "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues" (Matthew 10:16-17). Vance Havner observes, "Our Lord sent His disciples out as sheep among wolves, now the wolves are being invited into the sheepfold." These wolves are defective in relation to truth. They do not love and obey the truth. Shepherds take heed.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.